There is a lot of speculation as to how the "new" rules will affect the number of applicants this year.
Be interesting to see how it finally works out, but I really believe that those that have been in the system for for than five years will stay in.
The Internet application process was/is a joke. It let every person with a credit card and a $5 bill apply for premium big game tags, and while it makes a ton of money for the AZ G&F Dept., cuts down their paperwork, reduces manpower requirements for the draw, etc. it also created tremendously high odds on many hunts.
Besides, as has been brought out by several on this forum, it hasn't been too long ago that you had to apply by putting the money up front and sending in a paper application in Arizona.
The day that Nevada requires me to put up money up front, instead of the current Internet process where for $10 per species, I can apply for everything they offer, I'll have to re-evaluate what really are my priority species, and apply accordingly.
Anyway, good exchange of thoughts on all of this. Times are changing, but the good news is that the bulls and bucks are growing antlers like crazy here!
Those that draw tags this year in AZ will probably see some of the best antler growth in the last 10 years.
With archery elk tags having increased by over 1,400 this year, and deer tags increased in some areas (bad move I think, especially on the early hunt on the westside, Kaibab)and with the caps/quotas removed on everything but sheep, lots of non-residents going to get tags this year.
Good luck boys!
Don Martin