2018 Colorado changes

[Fink]

http://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/BuyApply/7-Key-Changes-Limited-Lic-Apps.pdf

No more up front fees.. Previously, I was unwilling to put up the up front fees for MSG, when I had zero chance to draw for the first 3 years or whatever, and then basically no chance to draw after the first 3... But, with no up front fees, I think this changes things? With just an app fee, and the accumulation of points, this looks like a more doable form of a lottery ticket.
Any thoughts on what this will do to MSG odds? Still not worth it to get in?

 

[CoHiCntry]

You don't have to front the tag fee anymore but the draw odds are still long. This will only make it way, way worse. Every non-resident in your position and probably some residents too are going to jump in now flooding the application pools making it next to impossible to draw in your lifetime. Personally think it's a really bad idea for Colorado. Not sure why they did it knowing point creep is already out of control and this will only make it worse.

 

[mallardsx2]

Because they get more money. Thats why.

 

[CoHiCntry]

Because they get more money. Thats why.

How's that? Doubt there getting rich off of $3 application fees...

EDIT: Think I just answered my own question two posts down. Lol!

 

[JimP]

More people putting in for the tags results in quite a bit more money. It will surprise you when you look at the number of hunters that will apply for a tag now that you don't have to come up with the money up front.

When Utah went to post pay the applicants jump by a large number and it reflected it in the draw odd for that year and years after.

 

[CoHiCntry]

More people putting in for the tags results in quite a bit more money. It will surprise you when you look at the number of hunters that will apply for a tag now that you don't have to come up with the money up front.

No doubt there will be way more applications since you don't have to front the fees. I wasn't seeing how that was going to net them much money when it's like $3 to apply. What I forgot about though is the preference point fees involved if you didn't have a license the previous year. That has never applied to me since I have multiple tags every year. That must be their angle, get more non-residents to apply who don't hunt Colorado every year so they can collect the preference point fees???

 

[JimP]

Plus look at how much that issuing the refunds might cost them. Not the refund itself but the processing and mailing.

 

[Centennial]

I'm guessing CPW believes that the increase in application fees will outweigh the short-term interest in license fees that have to be refunded.
It's hard not to think that this is their solution to not getting the resident fee increases they wanted. I can her the discussion now "fine, don't give me the increases I want, ill flood the application pool and make it almost impossible for you to draw a license". Another data point that CPWs primary focus is income for self and not really hunters, wildlife, and certainly not residents of CO.

 

[JimP]

Their next move will be online copies of the guide books only. Then if you want a paper copy they will charge you for it.

It is coming down to money and the cost to do business.

 

[CODAK]

Still have to pay the 40$ per application unless you buy a nonresident/resident fishing/combo license....

 

[WapitiBob]

As mentioned, they do it because the processing fee is now based on the app fee, plus, there is no more processing fee on refunds. Wyoming looked at it and is now looking at adding that processing fee to the end user at application time. It's a $900,000 swing for Wyoming.

 

[Fink]

Still have to pay the 40$ per application unless you buy a nonresident/resident fishing/combo license....

This is true.. But, it's currently cheaper to buy the fishing license every year, than it is buy the points for just deer and elk... adding in MSG gives even more value to the fishing license I'll never use. (Of course, I'll never draw the MSG tags either, lol)

 

[CoHiCntry]

(Of course, I'll never draw the MSG tags either, lol)

Since it's a weighted pref. point structure instead of straight pref. point, you never know? At least you have a chance! After your three years of NO chance.

 

[ORIONTHEHUNTER]

Won't non residents also get charged the habitat stamp fee also?

 

[JimP]

You will get charged the habitat stamp fee along with the application fee in the draw at the time of the application.

I am not sure how they are going to handle or when they are going to charge the PP fee, perhaps after you don't draw or as soon as you apply just for a PP if you don't have the required license.

 

[Centennial]

Since it's a weighted pref. point structure instead of straight pref. point, you never know? At least you have a chance! After your three years of NO chance.

Very true, there is always hope with a weighted point system. But, the more people in the pool of weighted points, the more people that have a chance to draw which in turn, lowers your chance. I'm guessing that this change will certainly increase the number of people applying for SMG. 4 years from now, there is likely to be a ton of people in the draw that "have a chance" and the sheer numbers will/may skew the draw to that large pool. Guess we will find out. But yes, you at least have a chance...you just may not have the lifespan.

 

[CoHiCntry]

Very true, there is always hope with a weighted point system. But, the more people in the pool of weighted points, the more people that have a chance to draw which in turn, lowers your chance. I'm guessing that this change will certainly increase the number of people applying for SMG. 4 years from now, there is likely to be a ton of people in the draw that "have a chance" and the sheer numbers will/may skew the draw to that large pool. Guess we will find out. But yes, you at least have a chance...you just may not have the lifespan.

Wouldn't disagree with anything you said. Any time you make it easier to apply, the more that will apply, and the less everyone's chances of drawing are. I bet the effect isn't gonna be nearly as bad as when they decided to accept credit cards though. I'm glad I drew both sheep and moose already. Still waiting for mountain goat. Draw odds just get worse and worse all the time...

 

[ScottR]

HERE is a fairly comprehensive write up Dave put together.

 

[swampokie]

Thanks dave! Really summarizes the changes.

 

[NDHunter]

The big 3 odds just went down the toilet ( in 3 or 4 years). Really hoping I can hit the lottery on one of those tags before then but I doubt it...