So I just had a quick question about buying preference points. (I’m from New Jersey and don’t know about the other states). So I know that in Wyoming you can buy points without applying for draw tags. Is this true of other states? If so which ones? I know that New Mexico and Idaho wouldn’t because of the randomness of their systems, but what about other states?
Question about buying preference points
- Thread starter Csimonds
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HappyCamper
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Each state varies and some can be complex. If you use this link you can click on each individual state with an easy to understand rundown on draw systems!
https://www.huntinfool.com/states
https://www.huntinfool.com/states
Preciate it brother
Bullshot
Well-known member
Dive into the way draws are run, nonresident quotas, recent or proposed changes to each state’s system, licence trends, odds, fees, years to draw, and the cost-benefit of accumulating points for a given state/species. Do not simply buy into what the states themselves tell you. Easy example is Wyoming moose/sheep/mountain goat. Oh hell, I’ll save you the time - don’t bother.
NCdeerHunter1959
New member
thanks for that link. I still don't understand the points system. I have already applied for, and was drawn for my first ever antelope hunt in Wyoming, without any points. was I just super lucky?
brushcreek
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it depends on what unit you applied for. you may have applied for a unit with almost no public land that no one really wants, or you could have hit the jackpot with a great unit.
NCdeerHunter1959
New member
It was probably the first option. Unit 26.
T Chris
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Look on YouTube at Randy’s videos explaining each state draw. They are pretty comprehensive.
jpc01101
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26 is an ok unit if you have private land to hunt on, if not then it could be tough.
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You can also buy points in Colorado, you have to purchase a "qualifying" hunting license like a small game or turkey license, habitat stamp. CO will be making changes to their draw system in 2028 where the tag quotas for some of the premium units that require lots of PP to draw will be split in half and then half the draw will be PP and half the draw will be random with the ability to accrue Bonus points, which supposedly give you a better chance to draw in the bonus point draw the next time you apply, but it is still a random draw and someone with no bonus points could draw and you with your one bonus point might not. At least that's the way I understand it. Clear as mud?
Wasurveyor
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It’s something you need to dive into if you’re going to really get into it. There all a little different and things change. Honestly, atleast you will have a chance at tags with the states starting to change the systems to give the low points holders a chance.
Zim
Well-known member
Beware there are plenty of states that are more than happy to sell you points you will never get to use due to their depleted NR quotas. Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Maine & Wyoming sheep/moose come to mind. You missed the boat by about 25 years.
Zim
Well-known member
LOL, All I can say is I feel lucky I jumped in full force in 1996. Got to ride the paper application train for about 5 years before all the social media & internet applicant numbers exploded. Drew more than my share of slammer tags every year while I was fit. Then was able to stretch my points in preference point systems to get one OIL hunt/year up to the present. Now have just 4 remaining, but I'm now old w/heart failure. So 4 may be all I can handle anyway.
To the OP….
I’ve only been in the point game for about 3ish years. I’ve never hunted western big game, but want to.
Here’s my measly two cents.
You can take a few different routes.
Route 1. F—- the point game. Just go on guided hunts in maybe AK or NM every four years or so. Be done.
Route 2. Point game. Spend the same money accruing points in numerous states hoping and or strategizing against state bureaucracies and natural environmental challenges (winter kills / wolf introduction) in a frustrating effort to DIY, cause you know, it feels good to take a trophy off public land. And surely waiting 10yrs for that coveted tag will nearly guarantee you that trophy. (Sarcasm there).
Route 3. Both routes together.
Route 4. Screw it all. Keep the cash.
I’ve only been in the point game for about 3ish years. I’ve never hunted western big game, but want to.
Here’s my measly two cents.
You can take a few different routes.
Route 1. F—- the point game. Just go on guided hunts in maybe AK or NM every four years or so. Be done.
Route 2. Point game. Spend the same money accruing points in numerous states hoping and or strategizing against state bureaucracies and natural environmental challenges (winter kills / wolf introduction) in a frustrating effort to DIY, cause you know, it feels good to take a trophy off public land. And surely waiting 10yrs for that coveted tag will nearly guarantee you that trophy. (Sarcasm there).
Route 3. Both routes together.
Route 4. Screw it all. Keep the cash.
WapitiBob
Well-known member
OP was last seen in Feb.
See…. He took Route 4
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