Montana’s nonresident elk draw is really two draws that happen at once. First you apply for a combination license, which gives you a general elk license. At the same time, you can apply for a special elk permit for a limited district. Each one has its own point system. Here is how to put it together.

Key dates (2026)

Step	2026 date
Applications open	March 1, 5 a.m. MST
Combination license and elk permit deadline	April 1, 11:45 p.m. MST
Combination and permit results	Mid-April
Elk B (antlerless) drawing deadline	June 1
Elk B results	Mid-June
Preference point purchase without applying	July 1 – December 31
Bonus point purchase without applying	July 1 – September 30

The 2027 dates have not been posted yet, but the April 1 deadline has been the same for years.

Step 1: Hunter education and prerequisites

If you were born after January 1, 1985, you must show proof of a hunter education course before you apply. You also need a conservation license ($10) and the base hunting license ($50). These are added when you apply and are not refundable.

Step 2: Pick your combination license

Nonresident combination (2026)	What’s included	Price
Elk Combination	General elk, upland bird, season fishing	$1,112
Big Game Combination	General elk, general deer, upland bird (not turkey), season fishing	$1,312
Deer Combination	General deer, upland bird, season fishing	$760

There is a 17,000-license quota for the Big Game Combination. You can apply for only one combination license a year. Reduced-price versions exist for youth, college students, Montana natives living out of state, and the Come Home to Hunt program for people with Montana family.

Step 3: Understand preference points

Preference points decide who gets the combination licenses.

• 75% of nonresident combination licenses go to the applicants with the most preference points.
• 25% are drawn at random among applicants without preference points. That gives first-time applicants a real chance.
• A point costs $100. Add it when you apply, or buy one between July 1 and December 31 if you are not applying.
• Your points are erased when you draw a combination license, or if you skip the next drawing.
• Outfitter clients can buy a second $100 point when they apply. A license drawn with it is valid only when hunting with a licensed outfitter.

Step 4: Add an elk permit if you want one

Some hunting districts, or certain seasons within them, need a special elk permit on top of your general elk license. The permit is not a second elk; it just lets you use your general license in that district or season.

• Application fee: $9, nonrefundable.
• Nonresidents must apply for a combination license at the same time.
• Bonus points: $20 per permit type when you apply, or $25 if you buy one from July 1 to September 30 without applying.
• Bonus points are squared. Three points become nine extra entries, plus your application, for ten chances. They count only for your first choice, and they reset when you draw it.

More on the general elk license vs. permits

Step 5: Consider an Elk B license

Elk B licenses are for antlerless elk. They are a second license, so you can take a cow in addition to your general elk. The drawing deadline is June 1 ($275 for nonresidents, including the drawing fee), and some districts sell them over the counter ($270).

What it costs to apply (nonresident example, 2026)

Item	Cost
Elk Combination	$1,112
Base hunting license	$50
Conservation license	$10
Application fee	$5
Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass (16+)	$7.50
Preference point (optional)	$100
Elk permit application (optional)	$9
Bonus point for the permit (optional)	$20

Refunds

If you draw and can’t go, you can return a nonresident combination license: 80% back if returned before August 1, and 50% after that until the season starts. Hardship refunds are available for a death or medical emergency (deadline December 1, 2026). Permit fees, the application fee, and prerequisite licenses are not refunded, and your preference points are not restored.

Point rules at a glance

• Two systems: Nonresident combination licenses (general elk) use preference points: 75% go to the most points and 25% are drawn at random from applicants with zero points. Elk permits and Elk B licenses use squared bonus points (points squared, plus 1, entries) in a random draw.
• Preference point cap: You can hold at most 3 preference points, so they never stack up past that.
• Bonus points only count when you buy one: Your bonus points are used only in a year you also buy a bonus point for that drawing.
• Nonresident share: By law nonresidents are limited to, but not guaranteed, 10% of elk permits.
• You lose your points if: Bonus points: you draw your first choice in a year you bought a bonus point (skipping years doesn’t cost you). Preference points: you draw a combination license, or hold points and skip the next combination drawing.
• Point only: Bonus point only July 1 – September 30 ($15 resident, $25 nonresident). Nonresident preference point only July 1 – December 31 ($100).

Full breakdown: how the draw works, with examples · check last year’s odds for every hunt

Didn’t draw?

• Surplus licenses: FWP posts any leftover combination licenses and permits shortly after each drawing.
• Elk B licenses: Apply by June 1 or buy over the counter where available.
• Build points: Buy a preference point July 1 – December 31.

Related: How Montana draw points work · Draw odds by unit · Montana Elk Hunting Guide · General elk license vs. permits · Season dates · Cost of a Montana elk hunt

Fees and dates are from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks for 2026. Always confirm in the current FWP regulations before you apply.