Will my points expire if I don't apply? Loophole to keep existing points?

[El Serio]

I didn't apply for Nevada last year, if I don't this year will I lose my points? If I remember quickly they expire after 2 years on non application.

Due to a family situation that is unlikely to change, out of state hunting has become tough for me to pull off. I already let go of my Arizona points (5 per species) and it turned out to be a great decision. I have 6 for each i
of the main species in Nevada but hate to keep wasting a couple hundred dollars a year on something I probably won't be able to use. If I could keep them without buying a hunting license I might consider it, just in case. Is there a way to keep the points I have without buying a license?

For instance if I were to apply for a super hard draw unit but with no hunting license (no new points earned) would I keep my existing points?

 

[ScottR]

You can do points only, just costs you a license.

 

[Alabama]

A hunter’s bonus points revert to zero in a particular species category when they are successful at obtaining a tag or fails to apply for two consecutive years. Bonus points are not earned if an applicant requests and receives a hunting license refund.
You can also purchase bonus points without applying for a tag. This requires a non-refundable $10 application fee for each bonus point only application, and the purchase of a hunting license.
The big game tag draw process is administered by Kalkomey Enterprises, LLC. If you have questions about a tag or your online application, and need technical support please call 855-542-6369.

That's straight off the NDOW website. I don't think what you're talking about doing will satisfy the requirements. You can call to be sure though.

Nevada is definitely expensive to apply and hard to draw. From what everybody says, it's worth it when you do draw. If you're financially able I'd keep applying for points every other year. I'm on year 10 or 11 and I've drawn nothing so far, but I know that desert sheep tag and elk tag will come some day!

As for your AZ points, are you sure they are gone? I thought they didn't expire until after 10 years of not applying. Maybe less? I know I didn't apply for Pronghorn for 4 or 5 years and mine are still there.

 

[Steve O]

Arizona is after 5 years.

 

[El Serio]

That first paragraph gives me some hope. It sounds like an application keeps the points alive, not the accrual of additional points. If I apply, then ask for a license refund I believe I would only have to pay the app fee. I wouldn't get a new point but would keep my existing points. The only problem would be if I were to draw, but I'm not too worried about that happening in Nevada.

Thanks for the heads up about Arizona, I may still have points there after all.

 

[JimP]

Go on over to the Arizona G&F site and sign up for a Portal Account. Then you can look and see what points you have left and decide if you want to continue on with them.

 

[Gr8bawana]

On page 41 of the NV regulations it states " please be aware that an applicant will not be awarded any bonus if they obtain a refund for their hunting license".
It doesn't say an application will keep your existing points valid.
I think a phone call to NDOW is your best bet for a definitive answer.

 

[cking13]

Just applying for a point counts as an application right? That’s the way I read it, but want to be sure.

 

[Alabama]

Just applying for a point counts as an application right? That’s the way I read it, but want to be sure.

Yes sir. Been doing it for years for black bear and antelope.

 

[cking13]

Thank you!

 

[El Serio]

If anyone's interested, I called NDOW and confirmed that an application without license purchase does preserve existing points (but not earn any new points). For $28 in application fees I'll keep my deer and antelope points (unless I were to draw of course). I may just let the elk and sheep points expire.