Deer/Elk tips for NR

Utah hunt newbie here from Las Vegas.

I'm looking to expand my draw opportunities next year into Utah to spread the opportunities that I get tags. Looking at the map Pine Valley/Panguitch Lake/Zion all seem to have decent deer harvest odds with around 50% success.

Also seems nearly impossible to get a tag without at least 2 preference points so basically 1 Utah deer rifle tag every 3 years.

In Utah it says "For general-season buck deer permits, you will earn a preference point if your drawing application is unsuccessful or if you don't obtain a permit for your first choice." and

"If you draw a permit, you will typically forfeit your preference points for that species. However, you will not forfeit your general-season deer preference points unless you draw your first choice."

So is the best strategy to put in for very difficult units (eg Plateau, Thousand Lake) in Utah as first choice so you always land your second choice and build up preference points?

Am I reading this correctly? Any other tips?

Yes, you have the "loophole" pretty much stated correctly on deer. It's rumored that the loophole is going to be examined this year and could possibly go away next year.

For elk, look for cow/spike opportunities with a bow on some limited entry units or rifle spike tags on some limited entry units.

Ya this seemed pretty obvious to me being a complete newbie reading the Utah points system. How long has it been going on that if you don't draw your first choice you still get a preference point and keep all your preference points even if you draw your second choice?

Some guys must have max points and draw every year. Searching old threads seems there was talk about changing it since 2014. Seems only fair if you draw anything you lose all your preference points like Nevada. If you don't like it and only want your first choice then don't put in for a second choice...

Looking at last years applicants only 1300 Utah residents and 170 applied for Thousand Lakes so guess it must not be that obvious

The loophole does not always work, sometimes you end up not drawing anything. But ya, it should be draw anything lose your points. but hey, this is Tardville, we got lots of money making gimmicks that make no sense.