Montana Elk Combination Tag Draw Odds/Refund?

[Kal-Elk]

My Google-fu has failed me on this, so I'm hoping to get more info and verify the following:

According to Montana's information (2019 Draw Statistics), a first-time, nonresident applicant for the Elk combination tag has a 55% (or 75% if they spring for the bonus point at time of application) chance of drawing the Elk Combination Tag.

This would be the only tag necessary to hunt in a general elk unit (322, to be exact), correct? I am NOT trying to draw a permit for a premium unit.

So if I drop the ~$900, and am in the 45%/25% that ISN'T drawn, am I out the 900 and SOL til next year? I see information about refunds, but what I've seen is only in reference to failing to draw an accompanying permit for a premium unit, which again I'm not trying to do.

Any guidance and information is greatly appreciated.

 

[Werty]

 

[Kal-Elk]

Ahh, refund it is then. Thank you!

@Kal-Elk Test 1

 

[agaugler]

We got into this situation last year. First time applying, did not draw a combo tag. Got the refund check fairly quickly. Then, we were able to scramble for a non resident general elk tag. There was such a demand, that the system crashed. Montana actually stepped up on this one and issued a tag to everyone who attempted to log in and buy one. Saved our hunting season for sure.