Montana Moose, Sheep, Goat, Bison Application Strategy
Montana Moose, Sheep, Goat, Bison Application Strategy  
Podcast: Drawn West
Published On: Thu Apr 30 2026
Description: Did you know there are over-the-counter Bighorn Sheep tags in the lower 48? We dive in to that and more in this episode!Montana runs a squared bonus point system, which means you always have a chance no matter how many points you have — but the odds climb very differently depending on the species. Moose points actually build toward something real. Sheep is closer to a lifetime lottery ticket. Goat and bison sit somewhere in between. Before you decide whether to apply, you need to know which of these is actually worth your time and money.This episode breaks down all four species — what the draw odds look like at every point level for both residents and non-residents, why Montana's tag prices are surprisingly affordable compared to Wyoming, and how to think about whether building points here beats saving up for a guided hunt somewhere else.What we cover:• How Montana's squared bonus point system works — and why you always have a shot even with one point• The only five units offering unlimited bighorn sheep tags, the harvest quota system, and why success rates sit at just 2–7%• Why Montana moose odds actually climb to meaningful percentages — and what that means for your long-term strategy• Rocky Mountain goat draw odds for non-residents vs. residents, and why this is one of the best resident opportunities in any state we've covered• Montana's Yellowstone-corridor bison hunt: no point system, pure lottery, and what a quarter-to-half percent draw odds really means• Why the same bison herd costs $1,250 to apply for in Montana vs. $6,000 in WyomingHit subscribe and leave us a five-star review — and get on the Drawn West newsletter at getdrawnwest.com so you never miss another deadline like this one.Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter.Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveaway updates.Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletterLooking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle![HowComedy Can Help Save Hunting] FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest00:00 Montana Once-in-a-Lifetime Overview& May 1st Deadline02:08 Tag Costs, Refund Policy & HowMontana's Hybrid System Works04:13 Squared Bonus Points Explained: WhyYou Always Have a Chance05:13 When to Apply vs. When to BuyPoints Only07:26 Montana Bighorn Sheep: Best in theLower 48 — But Declining Tags10:00 The Over-the-Counter Sheep Hunt:What the Success Rates Actually Say13:00 Top Trophy Units & Non-ResidentDraw Odds by Point Level16:35 Resident Bighorn Sheep Odds: ADifferent Story Entirely18:00 Montana Moose Breakdown:Population, Harvest & Trophy Quality20:08 Moose Draw Odds: Why This SpeciesIs Worth Playing the Long Game23:39 Rocky Mountain Goat: Best ResidentOdds We've Seen in This Series25:40 Resident Goat Odds at Max Points —Legitimately Exciting26:30 Montana Bison Hunt: YellowstoneMigration, No Points, Pure Lottery29:00 Should You Apply? Brian's PersonalTake on All Four Species