How to draw without using points?

[cycloneshooter]

So here is a dumb question, how does one attempt to draw a lesser unit without using accumulated preference points? Do you leave the first choice blank and only fill in second choice?

Collecting points for a western Wyoming high country deer hunt in 17 or 18. Pretty 'green' in the realm of western hunting and have been tossing around the idea of trying to draw a lesser eastern Wyoming deer tag next season without using my points, in order to get a trial run in and maybe even get a deer. Size not important.

 

[Topgun 30-06]

There are two ways to do what you are asking. The first is to put in for the hardest units that you can't draw as a first choice in the PP Draw and then put down a Region that generally can be drawn with no or very few points as a second choice and pay for your PP at that time. You are not allowed to leave your first choice blank like you mentioned. You do need to be aware that if you do that method that you have a slim chance of drawing the first choice tag in the Random Draw you will also go into after the PP Draw and that would result in losing your points. The safe method is to buy a Region leftover tag in July and buy your PP in the 7/1-9/30 PP application period. That is what I do so I have no chance of losing my PPs, which is at 6 and I plan to burn them next year in Region G. That's the safe nethod and though the pickings are slim, at least you can go hunting and possibly start scouting the area you plan to hunt when you get enough PPs while you're out there for a year or two before it happens.

 

[cycloneshooter]

Thanks Topgun, that's what i was looking for.

We are planning to do the same thing. We are saving our points for G at a later date.
I am looking for some experience in a lesser area first. Practice packing, camping, glassing etc in an area that's not quite as demanding.
I am thinking about a region D or J tag then next year, as that is around where we hope to be antelope hunting.

 

[TadpoleTodd]

I've had the same question as Cyclone. I think I understand what you've said Topgun. My deal is similar. I don't have enough PP's to hunt the unit I'm looking at and would like to try and secure a cow tag for the next couple years to learn the area. Being only a percentage of 1st choice applicants drew a cow tag last fall, wouldn't I need to put the Type 4 cow tag down as 1st choice as well in order to have a shot at it? But then how does that affect my 5 PP's that I'm saving up for a Type 1 later on? Does that make sense what I'm asking? I've looked through the website and feel like I'm going in circles trying to get the nitty gritty on the PP system. If someone could shoot me a link where it's explained well that be great.

 

[JEandAsGuide]

I've had the same question as Cyclone. I think I understand what you've said Topgun. My deal is similar. I don't have enough PP's to hunt the unit I'm looking at and would like to try and secure a cow tag for the next couple years to learn the area. Being only a percentage of 1st choice applicants drew a cow tag last fall, wouldn't I need to put the Type 4 cow tag down as 1st choice as well in order to have a shot at it? But then how does that affect my 5 PP's that I'm saving up for a Type 1 later on? Does that make sense what I'm asking? I've looked through the website and feel like I'm going in circles trying to get the nitty gritty on the PP system. If someone could shoot me a link where it's explained well that be great.

I'm pretty sure you will lose your PP's if you apply for a Type 4 tag as first choice and draw it since it is a full price license. If I were you I would apply for the Type 1 first choice since this is the hunt you want anyway, even if you don't have enough points to draw. Then apply for a reduced price Type 6 or 7 tag in your unit (if available) and select the option to draw the tag even if unsuccessful in the Full Priced draw.

 

[ssliger]

You will lose PP's if you apply and draw the type 4 as your first choice.You can look thru the draw odds to see if it's feasible to draw the type 4 as a second choice. You can send me a pm of what you are planning, I'm pretty good at the WY game and fish website.

 

[TadpoleTodd]

Thanks for the PM...huge help to me.

 

[Topgun 30-06]

Good advice, as the type 4 tag is a full price where you would lose your PPs if you drew it as a first choice, unlike the 6 and 7 that don't even use PPs and are a straight random draw.

 

[TadpoleTodd]

Thanks all...I feel much better prepared to fill out the application next month.