explaination of the draw system!

[Roger L]

Can someone give me the definitive answer on how the CA draw system for premium tags works? As I understand it, only maximum point applicants go into the draw the first round. Then, for the few remaining tags in the random draw, everyone one else who applies is in that draw? I am 1 point short of the maximum on all species(My postman screwed me years ago because I was .17 cents short for flat rate postage!). What good do my maximum points do me in the random draw? If I understand this system correctly, I'm wasting my time and money and I should just apply for the best i can get with the points I have? Any light that can be shed on this would be greatly appreciated. The DFW is really not much help.
Thanks in advance,
Roger

 

[Calbuck]

The CA draw goes by first choice and amount of points. The tags are doled out until the preference quota is met. At that point the random tags are drawn, beginning with first choice and continuing until remaining tags are exhausted.
In my opinion, with one less than max, you need to do the math on number of applicants ahead of you vs. how long you're willing to wait for the tag. If you aren't willing to wait for that tag, look to your second best tag and determine that probability of drawing. Continue until you reach a decision. Personally I'd rather go for a not-so-glamorous unit and hunt every couple years rather than wait/waste a lifetime trying to draw one (most likely overhyped) hunt. That is the way I understand the CA draw to work and I may be wrong, but I don't think it's far off.

 

[B&C Blacktails]

Calbuck you pretty much nailed it. 10% goes to the random draw (everyone who put in for that tag from the front of the line to the back).

I'd recommend getting some buddies who may not have as many points as you do and apply in as a party to help spread the wealth. I do believe the max point deer hunts are overrated as there are some fantastic hunts that only take around 4-5 points to draw. For elk and pronghorn, I'll still put in but its pretty hopeless. I'm hoping to win a Tule elk tag. I have a buddy who is maxed out on every species in California and is just getting older and older. Good luck

 

[Roger L]

Thanks for the reply's. That is also the way I understand the draw in California.
I did go to the effort of calling the DFW and telling them what I think of this stupid system. Of course that did no good but I felt a little better. One thing I need to get clear, with 13 points does my name go in the hat for the random draw 13 times?
I have talked to a few buddies the last couple of years about a "Let's Make A Deal" set up. I burned up my elk and deer points in Nevada a few years ago (12 pts each) so I think that's the direction I'll go.
Thanks again!

 

[Never in Doubt]

Everyone has an equal chance in the random drawing, points do not matter.

With 13 points you have the same chance of drawing a random tag as someone with no points.

 

[QuazyQuinton]

Thanks for the reply's. That is also the way I understand the draw in California.
I did go to the effort of calling the DFW and telling them what I think of this stupid system. Of course that did no good but I felt a little better. One thing I need to get clear, with 13 points does my name go in the hat for the random draw 13 times?
I have talked to a few buddies the last couple of years about a "Let's Make A Deal" set up. I burned up my elk and deer points in Nevada a few years ago (12 pts each) so I think that's the direction I'll go.
Thanks again!

Curious why you think it's stupid. Sounds pretty much like a lot of other states.
QQ

 

[Calbuck]

The problem I see with the CA draw system is the fact that kids starting out will never have a chance in the point game. My son is 13 this year and will be hunting in CA for the first time. He's 13 points behind and there is no way for him to make up that difference. I prefer Nevada's system, where at least you have a chance no matter how many points you have.

 

[Roger L]

Curious why you think it's stupid. Sounds pretty much like a lot of other states.
QQ

See Calbuck's reply. Youngster's just starting out will be wasting their money on points, they have no chance other than the random draw. And I also agree with him on Nevada's system.

 

[BOHNTR]

I agree....our draw system is terrible for recruitment. I'd personally like to see it as a true BP system with no allotment to max holders.

 

[Roger L]

BOHNTR,
Yes, it is very frustrating to me. When I spoke to the person at the DFW I mentioned I'd like to see this on the agenda of the commission. But then I thought"how do you get it there, who's going to champion the cause, etc, etc". I don't quite understand why the various deer foundations don't take up the cause? Anyone who understands this system realizes its set up just to fleece everyone of their money with odds far below any you'd find in Las Vegas.
I don't know....very frustrating.