Elk or Deer Preference Points for Your Kids

[ttewes]

Hey Guys,

Do your kids need to have a hunter education number to have preference points purchased for them? Are there any states where I can start purchasing points for my kids, even if they are too young to have passed hunter education? This might be a ridiculous question, but the thought of my kids having 10+ points when they can start getting out west is really appealing! Any ideas on the regulations?

 

[provoflyfisher]

Your kids will need to pass hunters safety before they can apply. My 11 year old just passed his and will be able to build point in Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona and Nevada. His 12th birthday is too late in the year to hunt, but in these states he can start building points. New Mexico has no age limit to hunt, but you need to pass hunters safety to apply.

 

[ttewes]

Thanks provo. I was thinking that was the case, but didn't know for sure.

 

[WY ME]

Here's the ruling in WY:

A youth applicant wanting to purchase preference points only must be at least eleven (11) years old at the time of submitting an application and must be at least twelve (12) years old by December 31 of that year.

No mention of a hunter safety class requirement.

 

[dan maule]

My understanding of Wyoming's law is Hunter safety certificates are only checked in the field while hunting. The child can accumulate all the preference points they want without Hunter safety but must have it before they go hunting.

 

[lang]

I'll always be great full that my dad bought me some points well before I had a clue. I didn't even realize it until I applied years later and discovered I had 5 points when I thought I had 0.

 

[ttewes]

Lang,

That is awesome! What a great gift (and some good planning). That is basically what I want to do for my kids. Maybe get them to 7 or 8 points and then do a group hunt with them (I should have 15 or 16 by then so that would help the average). Hopefully it all works out that way.

 

[NWLEGENDS]

in wa state the child needs a wild ID number... get em a fishing licence at age 2

 

[lostriverproductions]

In WY you don't need a hunters ED certificate or number to buy preference points, just have to be 12 years old by the end of the year that you are buying points in. I plan to start doing this in a couple years when my son is old enough. Also WY preference points are as follows $30 antelope,$40 deer,$50 elk. But for kids they are only $10,$10,$10

 

[Cjmunday]

Great planning. I started mine as soon as I could, but in Colorado you have to have a hunters safety as well before points can be drawn for. But just think, even if that's the case and you start your draws for the hard to draw tags like premium elk, moose, sheep or goats, the kids will still be in their prime when they actually get to hunt these critters, and man will they be greatful.