State gives hunters more time to snag bonus points
Montana hunters in the race for the tags they want now have more time to buy points that better their odds.
Starting this month, people who didn’t apply for bonus points during this year’s big-game drawings or who are new to hunting can snag the point until Sept. 30 that helps in next year’s drawing.
“Just think of areas where we have 10,000 people putting in for 120 tags — it’s really competitive,” said Hank Worsech, the state’s licensing bureau chief.
When people apply for their big-game tags, they can also apply for the point. If they miss out on the animal of their pick that year, they’re awarded the point that improves their chances next time they enter the drawing.
Worsech said the new state law means if someone missed the deadline to apply for a bonus point, “which happens,” they can still get those points so they don’t fall behind.
The change at Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks was set up by House Bill 623, introduced by Rep. Kerry White, R-Bozeman, during the 2017 Legislature.
“It helps everybody — residents and nonresidents,” Worsech said. “You’ll get some people that will complain, but more people will be able to get the points. This is about giving people better opportunities.”
On the state’s side, the bill’s fiscal note also estimates the extended time to buy points will bring in an additional $411,000 a year to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
Brad Borden of the Flathead Valley said he’s been hunting since he was capable of holding a gun, “so probably about 53 years.”
Borden said he applies for Montana tags and a point each year.
“The only opposition I have to the change is that loyal people who put in every year, it gets everybody a chance to get their bonus point even if they don’t have the loyalty to the system,” Borden said. “The state opening up for a longer period cuts those loyal guys’ odds.”
He said the people with points commit to spending a lot of money each year, “but it will eventually pay off.”
Borden said he also applies for the chance for tags and a bonus point in Arizona for $153, Utah for $65, Nevada for $145 each year.
He said as long as the state charges people more when they come in for a point past deadline, he’s OK with the rule change.
“I get it. It’s a revenue generator and that probably will help,” Borden said. “As long as they charge people enough to make them think, I’m in favor.”
The fee to purchase a bonus point without applying for a license is $15 per species for residents; nonresident fees are $25 per species except for moose, sheep and goat, which are $75.
Hunters can also buy the point for animals they haven’t applied for a special license before.
Mac Minard, the executive director of Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, said the legislation also ensures any bonus points built up over the years won’t expire.
Minard said that addition gives hunters more flexibility in how and when to use their points. If a hunter misses a season, they’ll still be able to compete with others for their ideal tags the following year.
“In the past, if a hunter bought a bonus point year one, year two, and then they might have been shipped overseas in year three or out of the area or unable to hunt, they would lose all their bonus points prior to that,” he said.
Minard said the law doesn’t provide greater opportunity to gain bonus points because a hunter can’t apply for and purchase bonus points in the same year.
To purchase bonus points, go to fwp.mt.gov, buy a license or go to any license provider.
Reporter Katheryn Houghton may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at khoughton@dailyinterlake.com.