MONTANA Big Game Draw 2026 | How NON-RESIDENTS Apply for Elk, Mule Deer & Pronghorn

Описание: I’m Matt Hartsky, and I founded Backbone Unlimited to help you Train Harder, Hunt Smarter and Never Settle.

With 34 years of Western big game hunting and 29 years as a professional strength, conditioning, and nutrition coach, I share the tactics, training, and mindset that lead to success—on the mountain and in life. This brand is about more than elk and mule deer. It’s about living with backbone in a world full of excuses—crushing limits and refusing to quit.

After losing my oldest son to suicide, I made it my mission to help anyone struggling with mental health and to build a community of hunters who push each other forward.

When you join Team Backbone, you get direct coaching from me, a private group of like-minded hunters, an exclusive monthly shirt, 20% off gear, giveaways, and member-only content to help you sharpen your edge.

Join us at BackboneUnlimited.com and let’s Train Harder, Hunt Smarter and Never Settle.

CHAPTERS:
0:00 – Welcome + What We’re Covering
0:59 – Why Montana Starts With a Combo License
1:23 – Big Game, Elk, & Deer Combo Options Explained
2:32 – What a Combo License Unlocks (General + LE)
3:47 – Preference vs Bonus Points Overview
5:15 – How Preference Points Work (Combo Licenses)
6:53 – How Bonus Points Work (LE Permits)
9:11 – Application Deadlines + Point Purchase Windows
10:16 – Cost, Refund Rules & Alternate List
11:53 – Strategy: Points, General Hunts & LE Permits
14:58 – Group Applications + Public Access Realities
17:59 – Step-by-Step Application Walkthrough
21:20 – Common Mistakes to Avoid
24:47 – Smart 2026 Montana Strategy (General + Points)
26:53 – Final Checklist
27:18 – TEAM BACKBONE CTA + Closing

In this Backbone Unlimited episode, Matt Hartsky breaks down how to apply for Montana big game tags as a non-resident—covering elk, mule deer, and pronghorn for the 2026 season. Montana is one of the most opportunity-rich states in the West, but it’s also one of the most confusing when it comes to understanding the difference between preference points, bonus points, combination licenses, and limited-entry permits. This episode explains exactly how Montana’s draw works so non-residents can plan smarter, avoid common mistakes, and make sense of one of the most complex systems in western big game hunting.

Matt walks through how to apply for the non-resident combination licenses—Big Game Combo, Elk Combo, and Deer Combo—and explains how each unlocks access to Montana’s general hunting seasons. You’ll learn how preference points control your odds for drawing those combo tags, while bonus points apply to special limited-entry units like the Breaks or the Elkhorns. The video also covers key dates, deadlines, and fees, as well as how to handle refunds, group applications, and the Alternate List for second-chance opportunities.

For anyone who’s struggled with Montana’s point system, this episode simplifies the math and strategy. Matt explains how the 75/25 split works for preference points, how squared bonus points affect limited-entry odds, and why consistency—buying your points every year—is the single most important habit for non-resident hunters who want to stay in the game long-term. You’ll also learn how to navigate MyFWP, how to apply online step by step, and how to double-check every part of your application to prevent costly errors.

Montana’s combination of vast public land, flexible general hunts, and world-class trophy potential makes it a cornerstone of any serious western hunting plan. Whether you’re building a long-term strategy to hunt elk in the Missouri Breaks or just looking for a general-season deer tag, this episode provides a complete, easy-to-understand roadmap for applying as a non-resident in 2026.

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