Multi-State Preference Point/Bonus Point questions

[NDMuliejunkie]

Hey All,

I hope i have this question in a relative talk forum. Like I said in my intro not long ago I am new to western hunting and have some questions about earning points in several states. I purchased the MRS book a month ago and find myself looking through it none stop.

The questions I have that aren't that clear to me are, and they are many, can I purchase point with out actually applying for Unit or hunt type? What type of fees are associated? And how long would I be able to retain points if unused? I am interested at this time in Wyoming, colorado, montana, and arizona- likely just for sheep in AZ I have family in very close proximity to sheep.

Thanks for any relies in advance to a very lengthy question.

 

[HuskyMusky]

Every state is different, many are similar to other states systems.

WY- you can buy just points after the draws end.

 

[dirtytough]

Most states you can apply for just points. But with most draws being fairly tough odds it worth applying for the actual tag every year in bonus point states. AZ, MT, and even Wy since 25% of tags go in the random draw. Colorado you have to front the tag fees even if just applying for points. MT I only apply for OIL species and its $50 for a point and $20 for the application fee.

Also if you are applying in AZ for sheep you have to buy a license which is $160 a year. It's worth the other $15 per species to apply for deer elk and pronghorn.

 

[Musket Man]

Wyoming you can just buy points in July. $50 elk, $40, deer, $30 antelope. Colorado you have to actually apply and front the full amount for the tag. There is a code for just a point but you still have to apply and send the money. The point costs $50 or so now. Montana I dont think is worth getting points in. I would hunt the General tags you dont need points for. I dont know about AZ. I think you have to buy a license for around $150 plus some other fees but Im not sure on that. Im not sure that is worth it just to apply for sheep with the draw odds but that is for you to decide.

 

[RICMIC]

As far as how long unused points are good for; In WY, you only have 2 years before you lose them unless you buy more points or buy a big game tag (whether you use points for it or not). In CO you have 10 years. BEWARE though that these rules are subject to change and if you ever decide to just let your points ride you do need to pay attention to the state rules every year.

 

[Zim]

ND, Be aware every state with a point system will eventually come hunting for you. They will sell you their points at a premium, then when you get close to drawing will "change" their system, grossly cheapening your points. I know that your thinkin.........They can't and wouldn't do that. It's illegal bait-n-switch business. Well I have a surprise for you. Yes they can and will. They write a piece of paper that prevents them from being litigated. But you try it and see what happens.

With Arizona now sold out, in my opinion is Colorado is the next most ripe to be raping. Preference point systems don't get them enough young guy's money. Other states will follow, until all preference tags are a thing of the past. Then they will move towards converting many of those tags to auction, thus further lowering your odds, like Utah. Sad but real future.

States that currently have 50/50 preference/bonus tag splits with take your coin for ten years then "change" their system to 25/75 then 10/90 then down to leaving just one tag for the most invested max point guys and make the rest bonus. That way they can steal the most money.

And then they wonder why poaching is increasing. Go figure.

 

[NDHunter]

This question was on a different forum and here is what I wrote, copy and pasted:

Wyoming- Preference point system. Can buy points only. $50 for elk. $40 for deer. $30 for antelope. Can get into some good units for 2-5 points depending on each specie.

Arizona- Have to buy a $150 license to get into the game. Then costs $15 to apply for each species after that. Tags are tough to draw for the most part. Antelope tags are basically once in a lifetime. Depends on deer. Elk is 5-30 year draw depending on what you're going for.

Nevada- Bonus point system. Have to buy a $140 license to get into the points game. Then it is $15-20 to apply for each species. Can get some good archery tags for 3-6 points. Antelope maybe 5-15 points depending on what you apply for. Archery isn't too bad to draw. Elk is basically once in a lifetime. 10+ points to draw and if you draw and shoot an elk, you have to wait 10 years til you can even apply again.

Utah- Hybrid bonus and preference point system. I think it is $60 or $80 for the license and then I believe $10 to apply for each specie. Very tough tags to draw. Not that great of quality antelope for 15 year draw. Elk quality is great and maybe 10-20 year draw depending on what you apply for. Deer is tough to draw as well.

Colorado- Preference points. Buy a $60 license and then I think it is mostly free to get points for deer, elk and antelope. Tons and tons of options for both deer and elk in the 1-10 point range. Can easily hunt there every 2-3 years. Antelope is mostly a tougher draw for units with public land.

New Mexico- Straight up random draw. Have low non resident quotas and so tags are tough to draw.

Montana- A bit of a messed up system. Can build points but it isn't worth it unless you hunt there every year with the general tag. The general tag is a damn good tag though and you can get that every year. They've even had leftovers the past few years.

 

[NDMuliejunkie]

Thanks you everybody. Good info.

My initial thought was similar to what NDhunter stated. Apply for tags/points in states like Wyoming and colorado. For a special well planned in advanced hunt and take advantage of Montana's good and generous general/OTC tags and close proximity to ND for a more every year or spur of the moment type experience.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[mallardsx2]

Kind of a depressing topic. I recon I will keep on sending for points though. But once I get 6 for every species in every state im going to start drawing. I aint waiting no 20 years to shoot an animal only to wait until year 19 and get hosed....