PD,
Non-Resident quota is 2300 deer licenses this year. At one point a few years ago, I was told by MFW&P there was about 12000 people applying for those. The whole MT preference point and drawing process is somewhat convoluted. It is very difficult to calculate what your odds are. Just because you have the points, it doesn't mean you will ever be gauranteed a tag. You simply get another chance at one with each additional preference point. For example, if 12000 people apply, and all of them have 2 preference points (plus the current years draw) everyone will have 3 chances in the hat, so to speak. In this example, everybody has the same odds, about 1 in 5. However, that is never the case, people have different numbers of points so your chances will be a little better with more points. Your odds with 1 preference point will probably be 1 in 3 or 1 in 4, I'd estimate. Some people like this system, and others don't. You could theoretically draw a tag every year if you're lucky, or you could never draw a tag. In some states (CO for one, WI bear is another) you are gauranteed a tag with a given number of preference points. However, without a specific amount, you have no chance at a tag.
