Arizona Preference point question

sandhillhunter

Active Member
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What exactly is required for nonresidents to acquire points for the Mule deer rifle draw? It will be at least 2 years before I can actually hunt, so I don't want to put in for the draw, but would like to accumulate points.

The way I understand it, I have to buy a nonresident general hunting license (approx. $120) and pay the draw fee ($6), then the tag is charged when I actually draw a tag. Is that correct?
 
You will have to buy a non resident hunting liscense, Then you can either put in for just a bonus point for the price of the draw fee, or you can put in for a real tag with a slight chance to get drawn
 
Yes, you only have to buy the license and pay a $5 fee to gain the bonus point. It also only costs $5 to put in for the draw, so why not put in? In addition, don't let that license go to waste if you don't draw. Our fall bear and lion (kill one please)tags are OTC. Use a bear or lion hunt to scout!
 
Keep in mind now that the really hard to draw hunts, like early rifle bull elk, late Kiabab or strip buck deer, sheep, and antelope are virtually on a true preference system for nonresidents now, and you are too far behind the game now if you are just starting to have any chance of drawing those tags anytime in the next 40 years unless they change the rules again. Of course there is still lots of other good hunting in AZ, and it is likely they will change the rules again.
 
Sounds good.

Next question:

What is the difference between general hunting license class G and F? I didn't see the definitions in the proclamation. Online PDF stuff can be hard to follow.
 
A G license is the "General hunt only" license. Good for both big and small game animals. The F is the "Combination hunt and fish" license witch also includes a trout stamp. If you don't plan on fishing I would only the buy the G license if I were you.

Also,
Arizona does not have a preference point system but rather a bonus point system. There is currently some speculation as to whether the harder to draw hunts that have been listed above, will in fact become preference points due to the cap and the sheer numbers of NR's applying for these tags. It could be but only time will tell.

Many people will say to apply for the less popular hunts because you can still shoot a real trophy. While I believe the trophy is the eye of each individual hunter, I would not go this route if I was a NR. Check the record books and you will see there is a big difference between the quality units and the rest. If I was a NR I would look at Arizona as strictly a Trophy state. Only apply for the very best hunts in our state and apply for other states if you want opportunity. These trophy units are managed different than the rest of the units. They are managed for an older age class and high male to female ratios. In the other units it is more dificult for bulls/bucks to grow older because of all the hunts and tags they issue. they are not managed for quality. Sure, there are some decent bulls in each unit but there is a difference and don't be fooled.

New Mexico has very comparable units to our less popular hunts. A couple are even close to par with our best units. Their odds are almost always better and they don't have a bonus point or preference point system. This means each year every NR has the same chance of drawing. You could even buy landowner tags and go as often as you can afford and not even have to wait on the luck of the draw.

I have noticed many people on various forums trying to push the NR's out to the less popular units. Typically NR come to Arizona to hunt the REALLY BIG bulls and bucks. People who guide and outfit would rather have the do-it-your-selfer's apply for less popular hunts. This way their clients have a better chance of drawing. Stick with the high quality high demand units. Look at it the same you way you invest for your retirement. Just keep putting the money in as you go, don't think about it, and eventually it will be there. You never know you might beat the odds and draw even sooner.

Good luck on whatever you decide
John
 
There is also another way to get some extra points, You can take the Arizona Hunters Safety course, This will earn you one extra point for the rest of your life, You will also receive a loyalty point after you put in for so many consecutive years.
 
Why is it everyone thinks this new system will definitly screw the non-resident? It hasn't happened yet, and might not. I was given information from someone in the draw department that it will not work like everyone says it will. Now, if it does happen like that, AZ will HAVE to change to a preference point, or change the way the draw for non-residents is. As mentioned above, only time will tell. So, quit telling non-residents they will not draw for "40" years if they are just now starting.

P.S. Just because a unit is not in the record books does not mean there are not record bucks there. I know of two 180 class bucks and one 200 class buck that were all taken in 2005 in units that can be easily drawn as a second choice by many.
 
Call the DWR and ask what percentage of tags are given to non-residents who have the highest number of bonus points. After these tags are given out find out how many tags are left. Sremim there will be no tags left in the premium units, because the nonres quota will already be filled. That is what everyone is talking about.

T
 
I read, I understand that you called, but you didn't ask the right questions. Because I have also called and after prodding and changing the questions, they will conceed that yes it is all true. I think someone is telling them not to come right out and say or it will affect application numbers or something. They will also avoid the answer by referring to the entire states and not addressing the premium units directly and "oh yeah maybe in the north it will be a little harder", but overall it won't be like that.

T
 

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