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Exciting Trophy Hunt Details

Guaranteed Combo Elk and Deer License and Tags Details

Every Hunter Booking With Ford Creek Outfitters Enjoys Guaranteed Combo Elk and Deer Kill Tags

100% of our Trophy Hunters received their Combo Elk / Deer Licenses 2012 thru 2023.

We are experts in helping you do the same for your 2024, 2025, and 2026 Trophy Hunt.

Book as soon as possible to receive the same results in 2024 and beyond.

Important: It is possible for your outfitter to buy you your first nonresident Preference Point up to December 31st.
This will be spent in March of your hunt year when you buy 2 more at the time of licensing.

  • Ford Creek Outfitters will buy you your first of three Preference Points using our Credit Card.
  • Ford Creek Outfitters will handle every aspect of your licensing online.
  • We will get your credit card details to purchase your Licenses, Kill Tags, and 2 Preference Points.
  • We will email each of our booked hunters a link to the online PREFERENCE POINT WORKSHEET AND HUNTERS REGISTRATION FORM.
  • We request that you promptly fill out the online Preference Point Worksheet and click the “SUBMIT” button right away.
  • We use this info to apply for all licenses and Preference Points at the time of licensing in March of your hunt year.

If You Are A 2024 Hunter

  • 2024 Big Game Combination Elk and Deer Licenses and Kill Tags open up for sale starting March 1st, 2024, and conclude April 1st, 2024 at 11:45 P.M. MST.
  • Preference Points cost $100 each. Your outfitter will buy you (2) more PP which are compulsory for each hunter to purchase.

If You Are A 2025 Hunter

  • We will spend your 2024 PP in March of 2025 at the time of licensing.
  • Hunters receive their licenses by U.S. Mail in June of your hunt year.
  • Nonresident Youth Big Game Combo Licenses are 1/2 the price of Nonresident Adults. These Licenses are unlimited and do not need Preference Points. Ages 12 through 17.

Wolf Licenses
$50 Each in Augusta or online

 

How To Book Your Hunt and Secure Your Dates

  • We require a $1,000 deposit from each hunter. If paying by check, please mail your deposit to the address listed below.
  • We would also like to receive an email or phone call from you before you mail your deposit to us to secure your hunt dates on the phone. This will ensure that the hunt dates you want are available. We will email or mail each hunter a receipt after each payment to keep excellent records.
  • We welcome Visa and MC payments. A 3% fee is added to credit card payments on the 2nd, 3rd, and balance installments. We pay the fees on your first deposit if you use a cc.
  • A 5% resort fee will be applied to each hunter’s ending balance on June 1st. It covers Forest Service fees, Montana Bed Tax, Local Taxes, Hunter Angler Defense Fund, etc. We pay these taxes and fees on your behalf to the proper agencies throughout the year.
  • All deposits are fully non-refundable under every situation … no exceptions.
  • If paying by check, please make your deposits to: Ford Creek Outfitters or Travis Barker.
  • Travis Barker is your Licensed Montana Outfitter who handles day-to-day arrangements and so on.

The address to mail your payments to:

Ford Creek Outfitters
P.O. Box 329
Augusta, Montana 59410

406-562-3672 Ford Creek Land Line-No Texts
406-781-9333 Travis’ Mobile / Text
travis@fordcreek.com is excellent for correspondence and questions.

 

About Your Hunt

  •  For hunters flying to Montana fly into Great Falls (GTF). Plan to arrive at the ranch at 3:00 p.m.
  • Rent a 4-wheel drive unit.
  • On days you hunt by vehicle you will use your vehicle in most instances.
  • You will drive to specific areas, park, and walk slowly on foot.
  • We may use company vehicles along with your vehicle.
  • We will use our vehicles to transport your game back to the ranch for cutting and freezing.
  • We supply saddle horses when departing from the Ranch to hunting destinations available from the cabins.
  • For hunters who are in pretty good shape, we sometimes walk right from the cabins, rather than ride horses.
  • All meals are provided each day starting with breakfast at 5:00 a.m.
  • We provide you with a trail lunch, extensive snacks and fruit, then dinner after dark.
  • We describe the hunting area as “open country with scattered timber”.
  • We attempt to provide hunters with excellent advice for safety and success.
  • The hunting area from the Ranch location is enormous and is located in the Lewis and Clark National Forest.
  • We do not hunt private property. 7 large drainages are the focus of our hunting area—they are open-mouthed and point north and east toward the Sun River Game Range.
  • This is a migration hunt for elk and rutting deer.
  • Our areas are Hunting Units 422 and 424.
  • Our area offers a good chance for intercepting good numbers (sometimes hundreds in one group) of elk when the weather is cold and snowy.
  • Most hunters drive so you will take all meat, capes, and antlers with you on your departure day.
  • We do not ship anything that is left at the ranch to hunters if you forget it.
  • We bone out, wrap, and freeze every game animal you shoot. Game shot on the 6th day of your hunt may not be cut, frozen, and wrapped due to insufficient time to get it all done.
  • Your meat will go with you when you leave.
  • We do not pay for any shipping in any situation. Any and all shipping expenses are your responsibility.
  • We do not loan rifles. Bring 2 in case one breaks.
  • A cell phone is recommended to be carried with each hunter. Enter 406-562-3672 which is the Ford Creek Ranch Office. You might be able to call if needed.
  • Handguns are not needed for any reason. Please leave them at home. You cannot take them out on your horse.
  • The elevation at the Ranch is 5,000′. Most hunting is between 5,000′ and 7,300′.
  • Warm and/or windy weather may result in marginal hunting success.
  • We want snow and relatively cold weather for good hunting (+10 to + 25 and calm skies are best).
  • You cannot check your rifle at the Ranch. We keep the area quiet.
  • Trophies are shot in close proximity to your cabins in some situations. 
 
 

Availability of Hunts and Guides

Ford Creek Trophy Outfitters
Augusta, Montana
Celebrating 49 Years Of Excellence
1975 – 2024

Scroll Down and Find The Year You Want, Then See Date / Guide Availability.

Every Hunter Booking With Ford Creek Outfitters Enjoys Guaranteed Combo Elk and Deer Kill Tags

A Brilliant Resolution 2023-2024-2025 TROPHY BROCHURE Is Available For You To View Here: TROPHY BROCHURE

  • Every hunter who directs us to buy you your 2024 Preference Point Before December 31st, 2024 will assure themselves 2025 Kill Tags!
  • Every hunter who books with us before December 31st, 2024 can buy 2 more Preference Points in March 2025!!
  • You will essentially guarantee yourself your 2025 Licenses and Kill Tags because you will have 3 Preference Points
  • Rifle Trophy Hunts Listed Below are Combination Hunts for Bulls and Bucks (6 Full Days of Hunting)
  • Full Service Only — No Drop Camps Available

FALL 2024 HUNTS


2024 Availability As Of Today — Please Call or Text Travis (406-781-9333), or Email (travis@fordcreek.com) To Secure Your Dates
Each Rifle Hunt Starts With (7) Pro Guides. (1) Guide Can Guide 1, 2, or 3 Hunters With Ease.
(4) Hunters In Your Group Take (2) Guides.

{ 1 } Guide for { 1 } Hunter @ $9,900 per hunter
{ 1 } Guide for { 2 } Hunters @ $7,700 per hunter
{ 1 } Guide for { 3 } Hunters @ $7,000 per hunter

120 Square Miles + or – Available ~ 1/2 by Horse 1/2 by Truck
Hunters can opt for all horse or all truck as you like.

Rifle Hunt #1 Oct 26 thru Oct 31 – NO AVAILABILITY

Rifle Hunt # 2 Nov 2 thru Nov 7 – NO AVAILABILITY

Rifle Hunt # 3 Nov 10 thru Nov 15 – NO AVAILABILITY

Rifle Hunt # 4 Nov 18 thru Nov 23 – NO AVAILABILITY

Rifle Hunt # 5 Nov 25 thru Nov 30 – NO AVAILABILITY


FALL 2025 HUNTS


2025 — Check Current Availability — Please Call or Text Travis (406-781-9333), or Email (travis@fordcreek.com) To Secure Your Dates
Each Rifle Hunt Starts With (7) Pro Guides. (1) Guide Can Guide 1, 2, or 3 Hunters With Ease.
(4) Hunters In Your Group Take (2) Guides

{ 1 } Guide for { 1 } Hunter @ $9,900 per hunter
{ 1 } Guide for { 2 } Hunters @ $7,700 per hunter
{ 1 } Guide for { 3 } Hunters @ $7,000 per hunter

120 Square Miles + or – Available ~ 1/2 by Horse 1/2 by Truck
Hunters can opt for all horse or all truck as you like

Rifle Hunt # 1 Oct 25 thru Oct 30 – HUNTS AVAILABLE

Rifle Hunt # 2 Nov 1 thru Nov 6 LIMITED HUNTS AVAILABLE

Rifle Hunt # 3 Nov 9 thru Nov 14 – HUNTS AVAILABLE

Rifle Hunt # 4 Nov 17 thru Nov 22 – HUNTS AVAILABLE

Rifle Hunt # 5 Nov 24 thru Nov 29 – HUNTS AVAILABLE


FALL 2026 HUNTS


2026 — Availability As Of Today — Please Call or Text Travis (406-781-9333), or Email (travis@fordcreek.com) To Secure Your Dates
Each Rifle Hunt Starts With (7) Pro Guides. (1) Guide Can Guide 1, 2, or 3 Hunters With Ease.
(4) Hunters In Your Group Take (2) Guides

{ 1 } Guide for { 1 } Hunter @ $9,900 per hunter
{ 1 } Guide for { 2 } Hunters @ $7,700 per hunter
{ 1 } Guide for { 3 } Hunters @ $7,000 per hunter

120 Square Miles + or – Available ~ 1/2 by Horse 1/2 by Truck
Hunters can opt for all horse or all truck as you like

Rifle Hunt # 1 Oct 24 thru Oct 29 – HUNTS AVAILABLE

Rifle Hunt # 2 Oct 31 thru Nov 5 – HUNTS AVAILABLE

Rifle Hunt # 3 Nov 8 thru Nov 13 – HUNTS AVAILABLE

Rifle Hunt # 4 Nov 16 thru Nov 21 – LIMITED HUNTS AVAILABLE

Rifle Hunt # 5 Nov 23 thru Nov 28 – HUNTS AVAILABLE

    •  

Preference Point Worksheet and Hunters Registration Form

Ford Creek Outfitters – Preference Point Work Sheet – This Is Your Ticket To Guaranteed Elk and Deer Kill Tags

  • As Your Licensed Outfitter We Have The Ability To Buy You (2) Preference Points In One Year At The Time We Book You In March Of Your Hunt Year.
  • Every Hunter Will Need (3) Preference Points To Draw In March Of Your Hunt Year.
  • We Buy Every Hunter Their First Preference Point With Our Credit Card.

December 31st is The Deadline For Us To Buy You Your First Preference Point, So Please Call Or Text Travis (406-781-9333), or Email (travis@fordcreek.com) Right Away.

If You Are Intending To Book A Hunt and Would Like Us To Buy You Your First Preference Point Please Click On The “Preference Point Worksheet and Hunters Registration Form” Button Below, Fill Out The Online Form, And “Submit” It Right Away.

 

Please Call Or Text Travis (406-781-9333), or Email (travis@fordcreek.com) with any Questions On Date Availability and to Give Us Your Credit Card Number If You Are Newly Booking.

Hunter education is required for anyone born after January 1, 1985, or hunter apprenticeship for anyone 10 or older.

To purchase or apply for a Montana hunting license, any person born after January 1, 1985, must provide proof of having successfully completed a hunter education course issued by Montana, any other U. S. state, or any Canadian province. If the applicant has taken a Hunters Education Course, forward the Certificate of proof with the hunting application or upload a scan through the online form.

A student must be at least 10 years old to register for Montana’s hunter education courses. Students ages 10-11 can take the course and hunt as an apprentice but will not be fully certified until the year they turn 12. Youth who have completed hunter education and will turn 12 years of age by January 16 of the license year may purchase or apply for licenses and hunt after August 15 of the license year.

Sign up for a hunter education course here: HUNTER EDUCATION

Travel and Rescue Insurance

The Montana Outfitters and Guides Association has teamed up with two great companies to provide our Montana hunters with Travel and Rescue Insurance.

SIGNATURE TRAVEL INSURANCE℠
IMG®, a worldwide leader in global benefits and travel insurance, has created the industry’s most complete product, tailor-made for the adventurous traveler. Signature Travel Insurance℠ is the perfect add-on to your Global Rescue membership, providing coverage against a variety of unexpected expenses while you’re traveling, and giving you the added comfort of knowing the actual value of your trip is protected if something goes wrong.

GLOBAL RESCUE PRIOR
Medical and security emergencies happen. When they do, rely on Global Rescue, the world’s leading membership organization providing integrated medical, security, travel risk and crisis response services to our travelers worldwide. Without a Global Rescue membership, an emergency evacuation could cost you more than $100,000. That’s why over 1 million members trust Global Rescue to get them home when the worst happens. Don’t travel without Global Rescue.

Learn more here: TRAVELERS INSURANCE


Elk Population and Distribution

My conversation with Montana Fish and Game lead biologist on 1-22-2024 rendered these firm statistics.

  • Total of 3,562 total elk in our 120 square mile elk hunting areas. Our cabins are in the middle. In short … we have 2 excellent areas.
  • Our elk area 422 has 1,339 and our elk area 424 has 2,223.
  • The number of bulls per 100 cows exceeds what the Montana Fish and Game considers optimal by quite a margin.

 

Average Antler B&C Scores by Age

Bull Elk 1 year old – spike
2 year old – 4 x 5 or 5 x 5 240 B&C
3 year old – 5 x 5 270 B&C
4 year old – 6 x 6 310 B&C
5 year old – 6 x 6 325 B&C
6 year old – 6 x 6 350 B&C
7 year old – 6 x 6 360 B&C
8 year old – 7 x 7 375 B&C
9 year old – 7 x 7 375 to 390

The largest Elk we have ever shot scored 398 B&C. 
We have shot many that went into the book.

Mule Deer 1 year old – fork horn
2 year old – 2 x 3 not much to score
3 year old – 4 x 4 120 B&C
4 year old – 4 x 4 150 B&C
5 year old – 4 x 4 162 B&C
6 year old – 4 x 4 175 B&C
7 year old – 4 x 4 175 to 185 or more
8 year old – 4 x 4 180 to 220

The largest Mule Deer we have ever shot scored 220 B&C. We have shot many that went into the bottom of the book.

Whitetails 4 year olds in our area are super nice and score 150 points.
5 year olds or more score 150 or more points and super good looking.


Ford Creek Extensive Hunting Area

Ford Creek Outfitters Trophy Area consists of 120 square miles. All of our hunting area is east of the Continental Divide in Montana. The size of our hunting territory is pretty impressive, (approx. 77,000 acres) of Lewis and Clark National Forest. Our area encompasses a portion of the West and South borders of the Sun River Elk Range in area 424. We hunt from our headquarters at Ford Creek Guest Ranch.

Half of our hunting area is accessible by horseback and foot, the remaining area is accessible by vehicle. For hunters who would like to stand hunt rather than still hunt our seasoned guides can take you to “pinch points” on horseback and tie your horse a short distance away or vehicle. We’ll situate you in a comfortable ambush spot, where historically our hunters have had great success for both deer and elk. This works great for those hunters who prefer not to walk a lot.

The Ford Creek Lodge and cabin’s base camp is at 5,000’ and the highest elevation we will be hunting at is 7,300’.

Our Forest Service concession of our permitted area is on file with the Rocky Mountain Ranger District In Choteau, Montana, and the Montana Board of Outfitters in Helena, Montana.

Below are the Montana township and range of Ford Creek Outfitters Forest Service permitted concession.

TownshipRange
T 18 N R 9 W Sec. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 16, 17, 18
T 18 N R 10 WSec. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
T 19 N R 9 WAll Sections
T 19 N R 10 WAll Sections
T 19 N R 11 WSec. 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 24
T 20 N R 9 WAll Sections
T 20 N R 10 WSec. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
T 21 N R 10 WSec. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36
T 21 N R 9 WSec. 30, 31
T 22 N R 9 WSec. 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36
T 22 N R 10 WSec. 23, 24, 25, 26, 36
T 21 N R 9 W Sec. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 33, 34, 35, 36
T 20 N R 9 WSec. 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36
T 20 N R 10 WSec. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 35, 36
T 19 N R 10 WSec. 1, 12
T 19 N R 9 WSec. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24
T 18 N R 8 WSec. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 34, 35, 36
T 17 N R 7 WSec. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

For hunters who would like to Stand Hunt rather than Still Hunt, we can take you to “pinch points” on horseback or truck, tie your horse a short distance away, situate you in a comfortable ambush spot with historically great success and have you wait for bulls and bucks to come right to you. This works great for any hunter who prefers not to walk a lot.

  • The size of our hunting territory is pretty impressive.
  • We hunt from our headquarters at Ford Creek Guest Ranch.
  • Our area is approximately 120 square miles + or – (approx. 77,000 acres) of Lewis and Clark National Forest.
  • Our area encompasses part of the west and south borders of the Sun River Elk Range in area 424
  • 5,000′ at the cabins, 7,300′ highest hunting area.
 

Gear Suggestions

Bolt action – Lever action – Pump action rifles are all fine to bring on this hunt,  just practice a lot—and find the time to practice at the range.
Shooting “minute of elk” in the field is what it takes.

You Must Have These Items

  • Montana Elk / Deer Combo License/Tags
  • Montana Hunting Regulations – Every Hunter must read the entire set of Montana Hunting Regulations and understand them.
  • Proof Of Sex must be left on every animal you shoot.
  • Headlamp (LED) – you really need this anytime it is dark outside to prevent eye injuries and help prevent falls around the ranch and riding horses!
  • One Rifle – very familiar and dependable – 20 rounds of ammo – Fire 200 rounds before you arrive.
  • Small First Aid Kit – adequate inclusions for cuts, falls, and painkillers.
  • Hunter Orange Vest (State Law) – 400+ square inches of orange – broken camo is fine – orange hat or gloves not mandatory.
  • Sleeping Bag to lay out on your bed in your cabin – Toilet Paper in a small Ziploc for your day pack.
  • Day Pack – (2) High Flame Lighters – Water Proof Matches – Fire Starter – these 3 items are very important.
  • Bottled Water – Bath Towel – We don’t supply them.

Optional Inclusions—Don’t Feel Obligated To Bring All Of These Items

ADVENTURE TRAVEL INSURANCE POLICY – This Comes At The Highest Recommendation – We Don’t Refund Money For Any Insurable Reason

Extra Car Keys – Drivers License – Cash – Credit Cards – Gun Case Key – Airline Tickets – Vehicle Rental Confirmation – Car Registration and New Tabs – Meat Trailer – Prescription Medicines – Ibuprofen – Eye Drops – Diabetic Supplies – Cold Sore Med – Clear Safety Glasses for Riding Horses – Extra Eye Glasses – Extra Contacts – Chap Stick – Sunscreen – Neosporin – Hearing Aid Batteries – Leg Cramp Pills – Altitude Sickness Meds called ACETAZOLAMIDE brand name “Diamox”- Quality Binoculars – Bino Lens Covers – Coat Hangers for your cabin – (2) Small Flashlights – Extra Batteries – AAA and AA and 123 – CPAP Machine – 15′ Extension Cord for CPAP – Auto Insurance Card – Removable Scope Covers – Rifle Sling – Favorite Sleeping Pillow – Compact Shooting Sticks – (2) Hankies for lens wiping – Lense Cleaning Solution – (1) Extra Rifle – Liquor – Light Slip On Camp Shoes – Many Meat Coolers or Chest Freezer – Pack Boots – Winter Coat – very small folding mirror for your day pack – Insulated Pants – Warm Winter Hat with ear flaps – Gloves / Mittens – Box Charcoal Hand Warmers – Small Insulated Sitting Pad – Wool or Fleece Shirts – Long Underwear tops and bottoms – Socks – Electric Boot Dryer – Para Cord – On-X program for your phone – Razor Knife – Cell Phone + Charger Cord – 100′ Extension Cord for diesel vehicle – Snow Broom for snowy vehicle clean off – Diesel Fuel Conditioner – (2) Tire Chains – Bungees for Chains – Bore Snake – Elec Tape – (1) Box Per Person of Gallon Ziplocs for your Lunch Bag each day – Lots of fresh clothes – There is no laundry for hunters at the ranch.

If you weigh 230 or more you may have limitations on horse travel in some instances even if you are a world-class cowboy. Let us know about your weight long before you arrive.

You will be hunting in the Lewis and Clark National Forest and it is as much Wilderness as the Wilderness is.

Weather can change frequently in October and November.

Each hunter must shoot their own game. Absolutely no shooting for other hunters in your party!

Every Hunter must read the entire set of Montana Hunting Regs and understand the regs.

Sex ID must be left on all game. If you cut it off, your entire trophy and meat may be confiscated.

Asking your guide to “not tell Travis” is grounds for immediate expulsions from camp with no return of any monies.

 

Suggested Cartridges and Bullets

{257 cal} 110 to 120 grain 

{6.5 cal} 130 to 140 grain

{270 cal} 130 to 160 grain 

{280 / 7 Mags} 140 to 175 grain

{30-06 / 300 Mags} 165 to 200 grain

{325 / 8mm Mags} 200 grain 

{338-06 / 338 Mags} 185 to 300 grain

{35 Whelan / 35 Mags} 200 to 250 grain

{9.3 x 62} 250 to 286 grain

{375 Mags} 250 to 300 grain

Suggested Rifle Zero Point – My suggestion for hunters using a scope that “does not” have an elevation turret that can be used for accurizing the hit point way out there is to site in your rifle dead on at 200 to 225 yards.

Be sure to have your stock length shorter than you think because you will have winter clothes on.

 

Driving Instructions To Cabins / Motel

Directions To Ford Creek Cabins:
Just ask your phone for driving instructions to “Ford Creek Outfitters and Guest Ranch” in Augusta, Montana. Or click on the Google Maps link here: CABINS on GOOGLE MAPS

Directions To Wagons West Motel in Augusta:
Just ask your phone for driving instructions to “Wagons West Motel & RV Park” in Augusta, Montana. Or click on the Google Maps link here: MOTEL on GOOGLE MAPS

 

Motel Reservations

Just ask your phone to call “Wagons West Motel & RV Park” in Augusta, Montana.
Website link: WAGONS WEST MOTEL 
Phone: 1-877-562-3322

 

Ford Creek Outfitters Contact Information

Your Host and Montana Licensed Outfitter:
Travis Barker #26177, Insured

Website:  www.fordcreek.com
Email:  travis@fordcreek.com

Mailing Address:
Ford Creek Outfitters
c/o Travis Barker
P.O. Box 329
Augusta, Montana 59410

Phones:
Ford Creek Outfitters Lodge Office: 406-562-3672
Travis Barker’s Cell: 406-781-9333

Physical Location of Lodge:
GPS Coordinates N47′ 24’55.66″ W112′ 41’28.11

Members of:
Montana Outfitters and Guides Association
Montana Professional Wilderness Outfitters Association
Life Member Montana Trappers Association
Life Member Safari Club International
Life Member National Rifle Association

The information you provide in the application form above is used by Ford Creek Outfitters to buy you your preference point for your Montana Big Game combo hunting license for 2024. (Please note: The Montana Fish and Game asks us for each of these details when applying for your PREFERENCE POINT).