I was at the local sporting goods store picking up the "Big Game Digest" in Colorado 15 years ago. I remember opening it up and all I saw were a few pictures of elk, deer and moose. I then saw a bunch of hunt codes and said... "what the hell is all this?" That moment really transpired into the embarking of a new venture for myself and western hunting. I ended up getting an over the counter tag for a bull elk and went on a guided hunt with my uncle. It was a dream come true. I will never forget the 4 hour horse ride into camp, the wall tent, the wood burning stove, and the pine trees glistening with fresh snow.
The trip, although unsuccessful was the beginning of many new adventures, and to this day, it was part of what started East 2 West Hunts. If you are just starting to dabble into potentially applying out west, you're in for a fork in the road. Either you are going to enjoy the process or tolerate it (possibly hate it). If you've already been involved with applications, you know what I am talking about.
Here are a few things to note about applications and some things to consider "Tips" when applying. Let's begin with the basics.
What are preference points?
Preference points in the context of big game hunting typically refer to a system used by some wildlife management agencies to allocate limited hunting permits or tags. These points are awarded to hunters who apply for permits but are unsuccessful in drawing one. The idea is to give hunters who have been unsuccessful in previous draws a better chance of obtaining a permit in the future.
Here's how preference points generally work:
Application Process:
Hunters apply for specific hunting permits or tags for a particular species or area.
The number of available permits is often limited due to conservation efforts to manage wildlife populations.
Draw Process:
A random draw or lottery is conducted to allocate the limited permits among the applicants.
Applicants who are successful in the draw receive a permit for that hunting season.
Preference Points:
Unsuccessful applicants are awarded preference points.
The more preference points a hunter has, the higher their chances of being selected in future draws.
It provides an advantage to those who have been applying for a more extended period without success.
Future Draws:
When the next draw occurs, preference points are factored into the selection process.
Those with more preference points have a better chance of being selected.
Resetting Points:
Some systems may reset or partially reset preference points for hunters who are successful in obtaining a permit. This is to balance opportunities and prevent a small group of hunters from accumulating too many points over time. A good example would be Arizona. They have a system where the applicant collects "Bonus Points" but the top point holders will get their points to work as preference points in their "Bonus Pass" of the draw. Then, if you apply for 5 years in a row, you get a loyalty point. In the event you draw, you would still keep the loyalty point for the following years draw. Interesting right? Or maybe confusing? Yes, confusing....
Preference points are a way to balance the allocation of hunting opportunities among applicants and promote fairness in the distribution of limited permits. It also encourages hunters to stay engaged in the application process, even if they are unsuccessful in the initial draw, as their chances improve with each application. Keep in mind that the specific details of preference point systems can vary between different states and regions.
There are also bonus points. So what exactly are bonus points because aren't they the same as preference points?
Bonus points, similar to preference points, are a concept used in some big game hunting systems, particularly in the context of limited-entry or controlled hunts. These systems are designed to provide additional opportunities for hunters who have been unsuccessful in obtaining permits in the past.
Here's how bonus points generally work:
Application Process:
Hunters apply for specific limited-entry or controlled hunt permits or tags.
The number of available permits is limited to manage and conserve wildlife populations.
Draw Process:
A random draw or lottery is conducted to allocate the limited permits among the applicants.
Successful applicants receive a permit for the designated hunting season.
Bonus Points:
Unsuccessful applicants are awarded bonus points.
Unlike preference points, bonus points don't necessarily guarantee success in future draws, but they provide additional chances.
Accumulation:
Bonus points are usually accumulated over time for each unsuccessful application.
The more bonus points a hunter has, the more entries they have in subsequent draws, increasing their odds of being selected.
Equal Opportunity:
The bonus point system aims to give hunters who have been unsuccessful in previous draws an enhanced chance of getting selected in the future without completely guaranteeing success. It's a way to balance opportunities among applicants.
Resetting Points:
Some systems may reset or partially reset bonus points for hunters who are successful in obtaining a permit. This is done to prevent a small group of hunters from accumulating an overwhelming number of bonus points over time.
Bonus points are a means of acknowledging a hunter's persistence and providing them with an increased probability of success in future draws. They contribute to a fair and equitable distribution of limited permits while still introducing an element of chance in the draw process. The specifics of bonus point systems can vary between different states and wildlife management agencies.
Whew! That was a lot! However, we aren't done yet! Now, let's discuss random draw states.
What is a random draw state?
This is where a state does not have points (preference or bonus) and will utilize a random drawing of your name instead. Your odds each year are purely based on how many tags are allotted for the specific area and species. Then, the only thing that matters is how many other people apply for the same thing as you. Divide the number of people applying for the particular tag allotment and you can do the math on what to expect. New Mexico, Alaska, and Idaho are all good states to note as random draw opportunities.
I like to take all this information and then put together a basic template or plan on how to organize things for a hunter. Here are things to think about.
Research and Planning:
Research the specific state's hunting regulations and draw system. Each state has its own rules and deadlines.
Understand the different hunt units, species availability, and tag quotas.
Hunt Preferences:
Identify your preferred hunting units and species. Consider factors such as terrain, accessibility, and success rates.
Application Strategies:
Consider applying for hunts with higher odds of success or less competition.
Explore different types of hunts (archery, muzzleloader, rifle) to increase your chances.
Preference Points:
If the state uses preference points, understand how they work and accumulate over time.
Determine whether it's more strategic to build points or apply for a chance each year.
Bonus Points:
If the state uses bonus points, know how they affect your chances and whether there are any limitations on their use.
Multiple Species and Seasons:
Some states offer multi-species or multi-season tags. Explore these options to increase your opportunities.
Plan B and C:
Have backup plans in case you are unsuccessful in the draw for your first-choice hunt.
Consider over-the-counter or general season tags as alternatives.
Deadline Awareness:
Be aware of application deadlines and submit your applications well in advance.
Double-check all application details to avoid disqualification.
Understand Point Systems:
If a state uses a preference point system, understand how points are allocated and whether there are any point-capping rules.
Learn from Experience:
Keep track of your experiences, whether successful or not, to inform future application strategies.
Evaluate and adjust your approach based on your outcomes.
Remember that hunting regulations and draw systems can change, so always refer to the latest information provided by the state wildlife agency.
Lastly, if you do not want to deal with the systems, or you would like professional assistance, you know who to call. The real thought about the process will be tied to your time. How much time do you want to allocate to figuring out all the processes and what is your time worth? If you are interested in getting straight to the source and gaining some leverage for yourself, please reach out for all of your tag application and hunt planning needs.