Understanding Big Game Lottery and Point System

The use of a draw system for hunting, often called a lottery or point system, varies from state to state.

Many states use this system for allocating limited hunting permits for certain species or areas to ensure sustainable management and to control the number of hunters.

Big game tags in each state follow the law of supply and demand and often states with large populations of whitetail deer or other game will have no limitations on the number of tags sold. This helps with herd management and while there might be some harvest restrictions per county or area, generally the license can be purchased over the counter. Some states will limit doe tags in order to allow for a healthy deer population and these can be purchased on a first come, first serve basis.

For those states with a limited population of animals that can be harvested, there are three general systems for obtaining a hunting tag: pure lotteries, bonus point systems, and preference point systems.

Lottery System

States that utilize a true lottery system offer hunting tags based on a random drawing.  As long as your application has been entered during the assigned period, is correct, and is valid, you will be entered into the lottery.  The odds of you drawing a tag are the same for all applicants. Some states that utilize a lottery system include Alaska and Idaho.

Bonus Point System

Bonus points can help in increasing a hunter’s probability of receiving a low draw number which results in better odds of drawing a tag, but, unlike a preference point, they do not provide any guarantee of drawing a tag after so many points are accumulated.

Most often hunters can purchase a bonus point or automatically receive a bonus point for an unsuccessful big game tag application. Arizona, Montana, and Nevada offer a bonus point system.  There is a chance of drawing a tag even with zero points but your odds become much better when you accumulate more points.  After a successful tag draw, your bonus point number goes back to zero.

Preference Point System

Preference points work in a similar way to bonus points, where you receive a point for each year you have not drawn a tag.  The main difference is tag allocation.  Tags are awarded based on the collected points and are guaranteed to those hunters who have accumulated the most points. Once you reach a certain number of points, you will successfully draw a tag. Allocation starts with the highest number of points and works down from there.

Some states that commonly use the preference point system are Colorado, Wyoming, and California.

Montana implemented a preference point system for Big Game Combination, Elk Combination, and Deer Combination Licenses. Preference points can be purchased for a non-refundable fee. Applicants may purchase only one preference point per license year.

California for example uses a Modified Preference Points system. Hunters earn points for each year they apply for a hunting tag and are not successful. Modified Preference Point System is different because tag quotas for each species are split into two portions: one portion is awarded by preference point drawings, and the other is awarded in draw-by-choice drawings.

If you are planning a big game hunt in the lottery or point system state you have to prepare a few years in advance, especially if you are hunting out-of-state. With the states offering a preference point system, you want to make sure you purchase the points each year you obtain a license. Generally, preference is also given to state residents, making it more difficult for non-residents to draw a tag. Montana allows only 10% of big game tags to be allocated to non-residents while Colorado allows 35% of all tags to be issued to non-residents.

Some states offer raffles or leftover tags for the ones that have not been claimed during the season. Take advantage of these opportunities and check the websites often.  This due diligence is guaranteed to help you secure a tag in your dream state for the hunt of a lifetime.

And if you want to hunt right away, consider neighboring states or a trip to Texas.  Many eastern states also have a larger population of deer and obtaining a license is as easy as a click of a mouse.