Dont lose your Montana points like me

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Donjuan

WKR
Joined
May 19, 2019
Messages
323
I'll ask another dumb question....can you also buy a bonus point at the time of application?
 

Finch

WKR
Joined
Feb 12, 2014
Messages
1,292
Location
VA
@Erict @Crowmangler

So what is the final ruling on this, anyone figure it out? I was good until posts 39 & 40. I'll probably end up calling FWP but thought I'd ask.
 

Erict

WKR
Joined
Jun 28, 2020
Messages
590
Location
near Albany, NY
(This post edited/recomposed after speaking to Montana FWP Licensing on 9/10/21, who confirmed the basics of these scenarios. I have to hand it to Representative Berglee for the creative writing of this bill that all but ensures many more $$$ for the state due to deletion of accumulated preference points.)

For reference, House Bill 637 states: "The department shall delete the an applicant's accumulated preference points if the applicant...does not apply for a Class B-10 or Class B-11 license in consecutive years."

Sorry if this is confusing, but this is as simple as I could explain it:

NR DIY Scenario 1
2022- apply for license and pref point (but don't get drawn for license, so pref point carrys over to 2023)
2023- apply for pref point only (you didn't apply for a license in consecutive years, so you lose the 2022 pt)
2024- apply for license and pref point (you have 2 points - 2023/2024)

NR DIY Scenario 2
2022 - apply for
pref point only (this can only be done during July 1 - December 31* (their website incorrectly shows the old date of Sept 30.)
2023 - apply for pref point only (you didn't apply for a license in consecutive years, so you lose the 2022 pt)
2024 - apply for license and pref point (you have 2 points - 2023/2024)

NR DIY Scenario 3
2022- apply for license and pref point (but don't get drawn for license, so pref point carrys over to 2023)
2023- apply for license and pref point (but don't get drawn for license, so pref points carry over to 2024)
2024- apply for license and pref point (you have 3 points, the maximum allowed - 2022/2023/2024)

NR Outfitter Scenarios
2022 - apply for outfitter sponsored license and pref point and additional pref point (but don't get drawn)
2023 - apply for outfitter sponsored license and pref point (you have 3 points - 2022/2022/2023 and the maximum is 3 points, so spending an extra $100 in 2023 on that "4th" preference point" is a donation to the state)
Outfitter-sponsored applications allow purchase of an additional preference point per year. The bill included a "one time allowance" that basically guaranteed every outfitter-sponsored applicant got a license in 2021, regardless of preference points. Those who did so this year will, therefore, go in to next year's draw with a maximum of 2 preference points and compete with all other applicants with 2 points.
 
Last edited:

Finch

WKR
Joined
Feb 12, 2014
Messages
1,292
Location
VA
Yes, big dumpster fire. See post #43 which has been updated/edited since I spoke to Montana FWP today.
Thank you for updating and digging into this. When you say "apply for pref point" are you meaning during the application process I assume?

I'm interested in buying a pref point before Sept 30 2021. Then during the application process next year, if I don't apply for a license, I'll lose my PP that I had just purchased during the PP only purchase period in 2021? That doesn't seem right.
 

Erict

WKR
Joined
Jun 28, 2020
Messages
590
Location
near Albany, NY
Finch. You cannot apply for a preference point only during the open license application period. If you want a preference point during that time you must apply for a license. If you simply want a preference point then the dates are July 1 - DECEMBER 31 (it is no longer Sept 30, but as of today their website has not been updated to reflect all of the new changes). Also, if you apply for a license without also applying for a preference point then you CANNOT later apply for a preference point that license year.

Anyways, if you go to post #43 above and read Scenario 2 that is what you are asking. Yes, you lose 1 PP that way.

If you or anyone else disagrees then call Montana FWP Licensing and ask them yourselves. They have always answered in just a few rings and are always friendly and know their stuff.

I suspect that with demand increasing there will soon be a time where most applicants have 3 $100 preference points (the maximum allowed) or 0 preference points. This will lead to a change in draw odds because 75% of NR licenses go to those with preference points and 25% of NR license go to those with NO preference points. Those with 1 or 2 points will be in "no mans land" with no chance of being drawn.
 

TexDoc

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jun 8, 2021
Messages
160
Location
Republic of Texas
Man, this thread is exactly what I was looking for. I purchased my second BP today (one from 2020), I think I donated my PP because I bought it during the regular application period earlier this year but didn't apply for anything since my plan was to put in for a premium hunt unit in 2022. So I think I made a donation(?) on buying the pref point this year, and will need to buy one next year as I apply. I'm also pretty sure I HAVE to apply for a hunt next year or lose my BPs? Maybe I should just call FWP :)
 

Erict

WKR
Joined
Jun 28, 2020
Messages
590
Location
near Albany, NY
BONUS POINTS are not automatically "deleted" if you fail to purchase a license in consecutive years.
PREFERENCE POINTS are, but if you only applied for a PP this year you will carry it into next year.

HERE is the text of the actual regulation for BONUS POINTS.

PM me if I can clarify further. Good luck.
 

TexDoc

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jun 8, 2021
Messages
160
Location
Republic of Texas
BONUS POINTS are not automatically "deleted" if you fail to purchase a license in consecutive years.
PREFERENCE POINTS are, but if you only applied for a PP this year you will carry it into next year.

HERE is the text of the actual regulation for BONUS POINTS.

PM me if I can clarify further. Good luck.
Thank you! I hunt in NM and CO and have been gathering points in WY for the past 7 years...MT remains elusive. I think I just need to read the regs a few more times and call them when I have questions instead of reading articles and posts. I really appreciate your offer.
 
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