TRW joint committee to take up preference to bonus point issue

Meh, I don't feel sorry for myself because I have 20+ points for several species in a few states.

That's a choice, I could have hunted some great units more often but decided not to. It's not the fault of changing systems, not the fault of allocations changing, not because more people are applying, it's on me.

Anyone that believed point systems, allocations, animal populations, etc. etc. would never change was living in fantasyland.
When did I complain or feel sorry for myself. I was just stating an example of “change”.

I made choices too. As I said, I was pursuing a certain unit and made a “choice”to play with the change that was dealt and switched to another unit. No differently than when populations/quality change in a particular area.

As I said in my post ALL states have/are changing!
 
What was he buying? A point. That is how points work.
He bought a preference point not a bonus point and that is the issue. The website talks about preference points dozens of times and no where does it say a thing about bonus points. It goes into detail on explaining how preference points work, you can't just change them from preference to bonus after 3 decades unless you offer a refund.
 
He bought a preference point not a bonus point and that is the issue. The website talks about preference points dozens of times and no where does it say a thing about bonus points. It goes into detail on explaining how preference points work, you can't just change them from preference to bonus after 3 decades unless you offer a refund.
They can drop the whole point program and about your only recourse is to sing the blues.
 
I've done better in random draws. I've drawn only 2 really good tags on a preference system in 42 years. Drew a few more OK tags on preference in AZ.

A vast majority of my best tags were all random including M

I've done better in random draws. I've drawn only 2 really good tags on a preference system in 42 years. Drew a few more OK tags on preference in AZ.

A vast majority of my best tags were all random including MSG.
Sorry I said anything.
 
Sorry I said anything.
I think it's great you've done better with preference points, I just haven't experienced the same thing.

In order of my good tags and where I've drawn them:

1. Random tags
2. Bonus points (hard to quantify, I may have just got lucky)
3. Preference points
 
I am totally opposite from Buzz. I’ve been fortunate to draw MANY pref/bonus pt tags in CO, NV, WY, UT, and even SD and Alaska. I’ve only drawn a very few nonres random tags in the same states in my lifetime.

Some of my luck has been figuring out strategies to draw great units that others often overlook! It often takes a lot of time, knowledge, and good ole fashion good luck to be successful drawing great tags!
I'm in the same boat. between my three sons and myself, we submit about 175-200 applications every year. With the exception of NM, which is random only, we have never pulled a random out-of-state tag. Granted, not too many states have true random tags any more - NM, ID, 50% in AZ, 25% in WY come to mind off the top of my head.

Although in NM we have been blessed and pulled numerous great tags.

There is no one system that will make everyone happy. It is good that we can all pick and choose which systems we want to participate in and which one's we don't and we can have different strategies for each system.

.............now back to the difficult decision - do I modify my WY elk application before the May 8th deadline. The new regs kinda threw a wrench into what I was previously planning :unsure:
 
Fair enough. They shouldn't make a change without a refund because this is what they sold for 3 decades:

WY Preference Point Language

Agreed on that?
I do not agree. I think it is perfectly fine to make a change to the system after 3 decades. I guarantee that no one expected demand to increase like it has and supply decrease like it has over the last 3 decades.

Watching what has happened over those 3 decades and then deciding a change is needed is exactly what I want the legislature and the G&F to do. I believe converting peoples PP's into BP's is more than adequate compensation if this change happens.
 
I think it’s hilarious that Buzz brags on how he’s drawn more great random tags. What are the only species in Wyo that res can apply for with pref pts?

How many sheep and moose tags in Wyo have you drawn Buzz over your hunting career? I would say each one of those is high demand special tags! How many sheep, moose, and mtn goat tags have you drawn in Montana that also has a pt system? I also believe Buzz drew a Nevada desert sheep tag wit a pt system.
 
I do not agree. I think it is perfectly fine to make a change to the system after 3 decades. I guarantee that no one expected demand to increase like it has and supply decrease like it has over the last 3 decades.

Watching what has happened over those 3 decades and then deciding a change is needed is exactly what I want the legislature and the G&F to do. I believe converting peoples PP's into BP's is more than adequate compensation if this change happens.
How many points do you and your family have? Have you already waited in line and got tags? Are you a resident or non-resident? All these answers shape your point of view. It is okay to have different points of view.

Mine are shaped based on having a lot of preference points that I believe were sold to me to hold my place in line. Wyoming says about the same on their website:
"Wyoming, preference points rank applicant pools. "

Sure things can change but I am just saying they shouldn't, it is just not fair to those who played by the rules for decades. They already have the random 25% in the system. I am just not sure the system is truly broken, it Iis working as designed. There are just not enough sheep tags available to non residents to make this big change to screw over those who waited 25 years for a tag, no one is going to draw then. Everyone in Colorado with a lot of points are complaining about their bonus point system and folks with few points drawing and they want to change to preference
 
Where does it say they last forever or guarantee a tag?
I said they shouldn't. It is plain not fair. Why does everyone want to change everything? What is your main reason for wanting change? Residents don't have points for most species. Residents have 25% random on the big 2 and random on everything else. Non-res have so few sheep tags, why make a change? Really curious for the reasons why.
 
How many points do you and your family have? Have you already waited in line and got tags? Are you a resident or non-resident? All these answers shape your point of view. It is okay to have different points of view.
Agreed.
Mine are shaped based on having a lot of preference points that I believe were sold to me to hold my place in line. Wyoming says about the same on their website:
"Wyoming, preference points rank applicant pools. "
Understood, I just don't see it that way. I see it as PP's were purchased in order to give you Preference in a draw conducted under a PP system. There should have been an understanding on everyone's part that if a PP draw went away those point would be useless to them. PP's aren't place holders, they are Points to give you Preference under a PP system. No more, no less. Now some folks think it should be switched to a Bonus Point System. Converting PP's to BP's is a fair compromise in my mind. Understand that you don't agree with my thoughts.
Sure things can change but I am just saying they shouldn't, it is just not fair to those who played by the rules for decades. They already have the random 25% in the system. I am just not sure the system is truly broken, it Iis working as designed. There are just not enough sheep tags available to non residents to make this big change to screw over those who waited 25 years for a tag, no one is going to draw then. Everyone in Colorado with a lot of points are complaining about their bonus point system and folks with few points drawing and they want to change to preference
Currently the 25% random is all but gone in sheep and moose for NR's. Maybe that's fine, maybe it's not. I don't know. I'm also not convinced that switching to BP's is going to cure more problems than it will create for some folks. I do think that in the long term for hunters as a whole, not just me or folks that have been in the system for decades, a BP system change would be more practical than what exists now.
 
I don't have any skin in the moose/sheep points issue since I never started down that road years ago. But I understand both sides of the argument. However, for the NR side of the issue, with so few of tags available will switching really solve anything? The odds are so outrageous with either current system or BP system.

But "IF" they change to a BP system, I would encourage them to do a squared or cubed BP system to give more than just a few extra chances for those that have already put a lot of time/money into the system. Just my $0.02.
 
.............now back to the difficult decision - do I modify my WY elk application before the May 8th deadline. The new regs kinda threw a wrench into what I was previously planning :unsure:
Swing for the fences on elk in Wyo. If you strike out, get yourself a pocket full of those unlimited tags and go hunt the Mule Creek Ranch. (No relation)
 
Agreed.

Understood, I just don't see it that way. I see it as PP's were purchased in order to give you Preference in a draw conducted under a PP system. There should have been an understanding on everyone's part that if a PP draw went away those point would be useless to them. PP's aren't place holders, they are Points to give you Preference under a PP system. No more, no less. Now some folks think it should be switched to a Bonus Point System. Converting PP's to BP's is a fair compromise in my mind. Understand that you don't agree with my thoughts.

Currently the 25% random is all but gone in sheep and moose for NR's. Maybe that's fine, maybe it's not. I don't know. I'm also not convinced that switching to BP's is going to cure more problems than it will create for some folks. I do think that in the long term for hunters as a whole, not just me or folks that have been in the system for decades, a BP system change would be more practical than what exists now.
When you are charging $100-150 per point for a preference point for 15+ years, I just don't see why people (myself included) should have understood that the system would go away in 25 years. I don't know, I know I am bias based on my stockpiling points and planning, but this just doesn't sit well. I think Utah's system would be a good compromise if you want to change something. I just think with so few tags it doesn't make much sense to change anything now. Residents can do what residents want to do with their 90%, no problem there but they were only paying $7 per point so they are in a different boat.
 
Mine are shaped based on having a lot of preference points that I believe were sold to me to hold my place in line. Wyoming says about the same on their website:
"Wyoming, preference points rank applicant pools. "

They still rank applicant pools; the whole point of "points". The issue is fewer tags are being handed out so it's taking longer for your pool to get to the front. You're getting exactly what you paid for and they continue to do exactly what they were designed to do.
 
I said they shouldn't. It is plain not fair. Why does everyone want to change everything? What is your main reason for wanting change? Residents don't have points for most species. Residents have 25% random on the big 2 and random on everything else. Non-res have so few sheep tags, why make a change? Really curious for the reasons why.
For residents I don't want change. I've drawn my sheep and moose tag under the current system. If random went to 50% or they changed to BP that would increase my future chances, but I'm fine leaving it just like it is.

For NR, there are no random tags( 1 moose, 0 sheep this year) and to sustain their point money, which is garbage IMO and should have never happened, NR need to know they have some kind of chance to draw even if remote.

Exactly how many m/s points do you have?
 
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For residents I don't want change. I've drawn my sheep and moose tag under the current system. If random went to 50% or they changed to BP that would increase my future chances, but I'm fine leaving it just like it is.

For NR, there are no random tags( 1 moose, 0 sheep this year) and to sustain their point money, which is garbage IMO and should have never happened, NR need to know they have some kind of chance to draw enough if remote.

Exactly how many m/s points do you have?
23 sheep and moose points and I am in my 40s.

I just don't understand the big push to change it. Maybe going from 75/25 to 50/50 would be reasonable.
 
23 sheep and moose points and I am in my 40s.

I just don't understand the big push to change it. Maybe going from 75/25 to 50/50 would be reasonable.
Follow the money. Over $3.5M reasons to change it.

Preference point revenue would most likely drastically decrease if there is no chance for a NR to draw a moose or sheep tag without being in the upper echelon of the applicants with near max points.

Why would any NR buy a moose and sheep preference point for $150 each if it was impossible to draw a tag in three or four of their lifetimes under the current system? Might as well take a match and burn your three $100 bills…

Changing to bonus points gives the department a way to keep the NR point buyers in the system without tanking their point revenue.

As suggested previously by others 75/25 or 50/50 preference to random tags seems like a fair compromise…

Horniac
 
I think it’s hilarious that Buzz brags on how he’s drawn more great random tags. What are the only species in Wyo that res can apply for with pref pts?

How many sheep and moose tags in Wyo have you drawn Buzz over your hunting career? I would say each one of those is high demand special tags! How many sheep, moose, and mtn goat tags have you drawn in Montana that also has a pt system? I also believe Buzz drew a Nevada desert sheep tag wit a pt system.
Here you go Sebastian, I'll give you the list.

Montana:
-Mountain goat 1998 no point system
-moose 1995 no point system
-missouri breaks rifle bull points 12 points
-missouri break rifle bull elk drew a random with 1 point
-LQ deer 12 points
-a few dozen pronghorn all random

Alaska;
-Bull muskox random

New Mexico:
-pronghorn random
-oryx random

Arizona
-desert sheep random
-3 rifle bull elk points
-2 rifle bull elk random
-3 late coues deer points
-3 late coues deer random

WY:
-24+ pronghorn all random
-1 LQ deer random
-6 LQ bull elk random
-dozens of type 6 and 4 cow permits random
-Sheep 20ish points
-1st bull moose points 17
-2nd bull moose, 1 point random

CO:
-mule deer points

States that I have a metric chit ton of points that I've never drawn:

UT 26 years
NV 24 years
Montana max sheep, 19 moose and goat.
CO sheep 3+19, elk, deer, pronghorn 5-15 points

So, yeah, random has treated me way better and like I said, I've drawn 2 tags with preference points and a few with bonus points.
 
Yeah, only been purchasing points for 26 years.
Yes at $7 a point so you have put in a whopping $364 for both sheep and moose while I have put in $2800 in half that time. Quite the difference.
I don't want to move to Wyoming I just want to hunt it a couple of times before I die.
So who is entitled here the resident who doesn't give two s--ts about the non residents or the money and time they have invested, or just hunters who want to experience Wyoming and the great hunting it offers
 
Yes at $7 a point so you have put in a whopping $364 for both sheep and moose while I have put in $2800 in half that time. Quite the difference.
I don't want to move to Wyoming I just want to hunt it a couple of times before I die.
So who is entitled here the resident who doesn't give two s--ts about the non residents or the money and time they have invested, or just hunters who want to experience Wyoming and the great hunting it offers
Guys like you are the very reason many Residents don't give 2 chits about NR's.

You treat Wyoming like your playground a couple times while here hunting, then bail the second you get what you want out of the State.

I care much more about the wildlife here and the Resident hunters that work on behalf of access, wildlife, hunting, fishing, trapping, etc.

The easiest thing I do for wildlife in other States is a cut a check for NR licenses, points, etc.

Also, I think you need to reevaluate your math. You said you have 15 points for deer, elk, and pronghorn...50-40-30=120 120x15=1800.

Should have been applying for tags if you don't like paying for points...that's a YOU problem.
 
Good on the math you forgot the moose and sheep points I put in for years before realizing that I would never draw in my lifetime.

Also you assume a lot, you know nothing about me, or what I do. You know what they say about assuming
 
Follow the money. Over $3.5M reasons to change it.

Preference point revenue would most likely drastically decrease if there is no chance for a NR to draw a moose or sheep tag without being in the upper echelon of the applicants with near max points.
We have been told for years, including in the 90/10 push, that non resident preference point money doesn't matter. It can be replaced easily. It is a non-issue, a drop in the bucket.
 
We have been told for years, including in the 90/10 push, that non resident preference point money doesn't matter. It can be replaced easily. It is a non-issue, a drop in the bucket.
It can be, don't overplay your hand.

Bump NR deer, elk, pronghorn tags $100 each, antlerless tags $50 each.
 
Good on the math you forgot the moose and sheep points I put in for years before realizing that I would never draw in my lifetime.

Also you assume a lot, you know nothing about me, or what I do. You know what they say about assuming
You got some of those sheep and moose points for $7 even as a NR.
 
It can be, don't overplay your hand.

Bump NR deer, elk, pronghorn tags $100 each, antlerless tags $50 each.
What? I agreed with you. I am sure the price increase on special last year already covered it.
 
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They still rank applicant pools; the whole point of "points". The issue is fewer tags are being handed out so it's taking longer for your pool to get to the front. You're getting exactly what you paid for and they continue to do exactly what they were designed to do.
Okay, we all know that. The question is if they change to bonus points from preference points, do I get "exactly what I paid for" or not?
 
Again I have no skin in the moose/sheep point issue but I can sympathize with both sides. The younger/new guys have zero chance. The older guys have spent a LOT of time/money over the years. Approximately 20 - 30 years ago states started to implement these PP systems because some people were drawing tags repeatedly while others sat on the sidelines years in a row. Back then we thought PP systems would fix this - they didn't. BUT, guys got started into them with an understanding of what they were investing in and they made a choice to play the game or not based on that understanding. Back then it was "thought" that these would be long term solutions and people bought into them. Now 20/30 years later we are finding out that PP systems aren't working and in order to make them work for the new guys the rug needs to get pulled out from under the old guys. We can debate forever on the fairness of this.
The trend recently is that ALL states are dealing with this and will be required to make changes. I think rather than dig heels in and say "stay with the current system" is a losing battle because it gives ZERO chance to new guys. I think we need to think of creative ways to appease both sides.

Maybe the systems are different for R and for NR?

Maybe its 50/50 between PP/BP?

Maybe the BP system cubes the number of points (some states square or cube points)

Maybe for NR where there is zero random sheep tags, maybe some units are PP while others are BP. Maybe the BP and PP units swap every other year?
 
He bought a preference point not a bonus point and that is the issue. The website talks about preference points dozens of times and no where does it say a thing about bonus points. It goes into detail on explaining how preference points work, you can't just change them from preference to bonus after 3 decades unless you offer a refund.
It’s Not Fair. Sing it…..https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUYaosyR4bE
 
As suggested previously by others 75/25 or 50/50 preference to random tags seems like a fair compromise…

Horniac
The current system is 75/25 which creates 1 random moose tag and no random sheep for NR.
So who is entitled here the resident who doesn't give two s--ts about the non residents or the money and time they have invested, or just hunters who want to experience Wyoming and the great hunting it offers
This is where things go south. You're not describing most residents.
 
All I know for sure is there are allot of people that will never get to hunt moose or bighorn sheep in the west or any of the big 5 so any tag issued to non residents is a privilege beyond what you guys arguing about your entitlement seem to comprehend.
 
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I hate to break the news Buzz but your 1 random LQ deer, 6 random LQ bull, and 24+ LQ antelope tags is horrible for how many years you have been a Wyoming resident!

How many random mtn goat tags have you drawn in your lifetime in Wyo in the random draw?

I would be furious if I lived as a resident in a state like Wyo and I had only drawn 1 LQ deer and 6 LQ bulls tags in nearly a lifetime of applying and hunting!

You are also doing something wrong if you haven't drawn any tags in UT or NV in 24+ years of applying! It sounds like you haven't drawn any Colo tags? Holy smokes you must not be too terribly serious about hunting Colo?
 
Debatable I guess. Depends how many points you have. Everyone in Colorado with lots of points want to change it from bonus to preference....

You only need 2 bonus points to have better odds at a low random number vs 1 preference point. There is no scenario where I'd prefer preference points to bonus points.
 
I hate to break the news Buzz but your 1 random LQ deer, 6 random LQ bull, and 24+ LQ antelope tags is horrible for how many years you have been a Wyoming resident!

How many random mtn goat tags have you drawn in your lifetime in Wyo in the random draw?

I would be furious if I lived as a resident in a state like Wyo and I had only drawn 1 LQ deer and 6 LQ bulls tags in nearly a lifetime of applying and hunting!

You are also doing something wrong if you haven't drawn any tags in UT or NV in 24+ years of applying! It sounds like you haven't drawn any Colo tags? Holy smokes you must not be too terribly serious about hunting Colo?
Statistics must be as hard on you as third grade was....

Reading comprehension isn't your strong suit either.
 
Preference points systems are based on the thought that everyone waits their turn and gets a tag in some reasonable portion of their life. Just for argument, let's call that 50 years. A 14 year old kid starting out should be able to draw while young enough and healthy, let's call that 65. If point pools turn over due to old age and death, not drawing tags, and people are locked out of most of the tags for life, it's more like a ponzi scheme. First in on the new system are an exclusive club. There are no perfect draw rules, but you really need to look ok at demand. Random and bonus systems are fairer for really high demand hunts and preference is fairer for hunts that turn over in a reasonable time period, assuring nobody gets drawn twice before all get the tag once.
 
Not for sheep, moose and goat. A bonus point it is and it is under debate.
I remember back in 2011 I was able to sneak in and grab a non-resident second season G17 tag with only two preference points. Shouldn't have even been eligible to draw with less than the minimum 3 preference points, but nobody wanted to hunt that unit back then. Now the odds are about 1/50 in the bonus!!!
 
There's a way around all this nonsense about points. If you don't like applying, changing systems, book a hunt and go.

I wanted to hunt sheep and mountain goats and decided a long time ago, in the 80's, to play the draw game and/or pay for them. My goal was, I wanted at least one bighorn, one thinhorn, and one goat. No matter what it took I was going to get at least one of each before I retired.

I jumped on a dall hunt that ended up with a B&C Ram with one of, if not the best, outfitters in AK. A few years later drew goat. Many years later drew desert and eventually rocky.

If I was wrapped up around the axle as some of the guys posting about WY, I would just be paying for hunts and going. Exactly what my plan was if I didn't get lucky in state draws.

There is no question that if I still didn't draw a tag, I would have hunts booked right now, I was going one way or another.

My suggestion, is if a person is that upset over a changing system, book a hunt, get off your duff, and get after it. Nobody cares you can't draw a tag or that your wait is decades long. If you really want to hunt, make it happen.
 
There's a way around all this nonsense about points. If you don't like applying, changing systems, book a hunt and go.

I wanted to hunt sheep and mountain goats and decided a long time ago, in the 80's, to play the draw game and/or pay for them. My goal was, I wanted at least one bighorn, one thinhorn, and one goat. No matter what it took I was going to get at least one of each before I retired.

I jumped on a dall hunt that ended up with a B&C Ram with one of, if not the best, outfitters in AK. A few years later drew goat. Many years later drew desert and eventually rocky.

If I was wrapped up around the axle as some of the guys posting about WY, I would just be paying for hunts and going. Exactly what my plan was if I didn't get lucky in state draws.

There is no question that if I still didn't draw a tag, I would have hunts booked right now, I was going one way or another.

My suggestion, is if a person is that upset over a changing system, book a hunt, get off your duff, and get after it. Nobody cares you can't draw a tag or that your wait is decades long. If you really want to hunt, make it happen.

I agree completely with this, it is why I have killed 2 sheep. Hopefully I will draw a tag someday but don't plan on it stopping me from hunting sheep.

Might stop me on Mountain goat though, rather go hunt Ibex.

Things change, and you have to adjust, that's all there is to it.
 
Changing from a preference point system to bonus points will not improve anyone's odds of drawing a sheep or moose license in their lifetime. In fact it will greatly reduce top point tiers of securing a tag. Check the Nevada resident desert sheep data: in 2023 those with 0&1 points drew the same number of tags as those with 29,30&31 points: ZERO TAGS DRAWN!! Changing Wyoming's draw will only redistribute the tags across the point totals in a bell shaped curve.
Squaring or cubing the points does nothing statistically to improve your odds because EVERYONE'S application is squared or cubed.
Once big game draw odds drop below 10% (most of the Big 3 are less than 3%) there are too many applicants to cycle through the system. With a preference system is becomes once in a lifetime for the guys in front of the line. In a bonus point or random system, a guy could statistically go a lifetime without drawing.
We could take months to create a new drawing system, but the fact of the matter is the majority of hunters today will NEVER draw a sheep or moose tag!
Unless sheep and moose populations recover to their levels when these point systems were created (HIGHLY UNLIKELY), securing a tag will only become more difficult.
 
Changing from a preference point system to bonus points will not improve anyone's odds of drawing a sheep or moose license in their lifetime. In fact it will greatly reduce top point tiers of securing a tag. Check the Nevada resident desert sheep data: in 2023 those with 0&1 points drew the same number of tags as those with 29,30&31 points: ZERO TAGS DRAWN!! Changing Wyoming's draw will only redistribute the tags across the point totals in a bell shaped curve.
Squaring or cubing the points does nothing statistically to improve your odds because EVERYONE'S application is squared or cubed.
Once big game draw odds drop below 10% (most of the Big 3 are less than 3%) there are too many applicants to cycle through the system. With a preference system is becomes once in a lifetime for the guys in front of the line. In a bonus point or random system, a guy could statistically go a lifetime without drawing.
We could take months to create a new drawing system, but the fact of the matter is the majority of hunters today will NEVER draw a sheep or moose tag!
Unless sheep and moose populations recover to their levels when these point systems were created (HIGHLY UNLIKELY), securing a tag will only become more difficult.

I doubt WY is going to get rid of the 75/25 max point/random portion of the draw should they go to bonus points.
 
Although I have no skin in the WY sheep/moose PP issue, I am very interested in this topic. Times are changing and we are starting to see these types of issues/changes happening in other states at a faster and faster rate every year. I do enjoy hearing different perspectives and opinions (yes they can get a little heated - LOL).

My question is - What is the process for this? Per the OP, the TRW committee will be discussing in May. What happens after that? Is there public comment period after they come up with a proposed solution? What are the steps?
 
Although I have no skin in the WY sheep/moose PP issue, I am very interested in this topic. Times are changing and we are starting to see these types of issues/changes happening in other states at a faster and faster rate every year. I do enjoy hearing different perspectives and opinions (yes they can get a little heated - LOL).

My question is - What is the process for this? Per the OP, the TRW committee will be discussing in May. What happens after that? Is there public comment period after they come up with a proposed solution? What are the steps?
There is public comment at TRW, actually may be the most important public input.

There is obviously public input at the Legislature, which is where the bill goes if the TRW sponsors it. If it passes here, the Commission promulgates any rules that may be needed. Again, public input on that.
 
My senator who is the chairman of TRW was very open to my discussion about moving to 50/50 split on random and preference.
I doubt WY is going to get rid of the 75/25 max point/random portion of the draw should they go to bonus points.
 
My senator who is the chairman of TRW was very open to my discussion about moving to 50/50 split on random and preference.
My point was, with the 75/25 intact your assumptions about bonus points are wrong.
Max point holders will draw 75% of the licenses and everybody in the random will have increased odds based on their points.
 
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The order of taking the preference vs random/bonus tags is important for hunts with few tags. The 75:25 split in WY is really almost all preference to nonresidents going for moose and sheep because they take the preference tags first and there are not enough tags to give one to random in most all hunts. The 50:50 split in UT it really almost all bonus for nonresident OIL because they take the bonus tag first and most hunts only have one tag. There has never been a nonresident sheep tag put in preference status. The top pool is only dropping through attrition, old age and death.
 
The order of taking the preference vs random/bonus tags is important for hunts with few tags. The 75:25 split in WY is really almost all preference to nonresidents going for moose and sheep because they take the preference tags first and there are not enough tags to give one to random in most all hunts. The 50:50 split in UT it really almost all bonus for nonresident OIL because they take the bonus tag first and most hunts only have one tag. There has never been a nonresident sheep tag put in preference status. The top pool is only dropping through attrition, old age and death.
You have it backwards for Utah. Most OIL hunts in Utah only issue one tag and it is usually issued in the random draw. Many times a greenhorn with no points draws while bonus point holders are passed by the random applicant. This sucks as when they only have 1 permit offered which is the case with all NR Desert and RM sheep it always goes random. In the past there was 2 permits offered on the San Rafael North and 1 went random and the other to the high bonus point holders. This hunt went away for NR when the herd declined. Now it’s all random so hardly worthwhile in Utah to even purchase a bonus point as everything is random unless there are two or more permits.
 
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You have it backwards for Utah. Most OIL hunts in Utah only issue one tag and it is usually issued in the random draw. Many times a greenhorn with no points draws while bonus point holders are passed by the random applicant. This sucks as when they only have 1 permit offered which is the case with all NR Desert and RM sheep it always goes random. In the past there was 2 permits offered on the San Rafael North and 1 went random and the other to the high bonus point holders. This hunt went away for NR when the herd declined. Now it’s all random so hardly worthwhile in Utah to even purchase a bonus point as everything is random unless there are two or more permits.
Utah is 50% preference and 50% bonus. The poster said they go bonus if there is only 1 tag and as you both mentioned it could go to anyone and unlikely will go to the max points applicant.
 
Utah is 50% preference and 50% bonus. The poster said they go bonus if there is only 1 tag and as you both mentioned it could go to anyone and unlikely will go to the max points applicant.
Utah only has a bonus point for most hunts including all OIL Hunts. For General Deer only they use a preference point system.
 
Utah only has a bonus point for most hunts including all OIL Hunts. For General Deer only they use a preference point system.
That is definitely not true. Plenty of hunts use preference points but you need to have at least two available tags. If you are talking about Desert Bighorn then that is correct.
 
That is definitely not true. Plenty of hunts use preference points but you need to have at least two available tags. If you are talking about Desert Bighorn then that is correct.
Utah LE is about 49.99% preference. Not bonus points. But UDWR inappropriqtely calls them LE bonus points which leads to confusion and unproductive conversations (like the one above).
 
Utah LE is about 49.99% preference. Not bonus points. But UDWR inappropriqtely calls them LE bonus points which leads to confusion and unproductive conversations (like the one above).
Your trying to change how states operate their point systems is becoming ever more clear. Utah has NO PREFERENCE POINT system on any LE or OIL hunts. The only system they use a Preference point system is for General Buck deer. Trying to redefine and fantasize about how states should operate their drawing systems just exposes your Ignorance.

Question: When and why did the DWR establish a bonus and preference point system in Utah? What's the difference between the two?​

Answer: In Utah, we offer two different types of point systems: bonus point and preference point systems.

The bonus point drawing system was established in 1993 for our limited-entry and once-in-a-lifetime species: buck deer, bull elk, buck pronghorn, moose, bison, mountain goat, desert bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. We started noticing an increased interest in these quality hunts where we offered a lower number of permits.

In 2000, we added general-season buck deer to the permit drawing. Prior to 2000, these were an over-the-counter permit, but each year a few of the regions would sell out quickly. In response to public support for a more equitable system of distribution, general-season buck deer permits were placed in the drawing and a preference points system was associated for those hunters who did not draw a permit.
 
Your trying to change how states operate their point systems is becoming ever more clear. Utah has NO PREFERENCE POINT system on any LE or OIL hunts. The only system they use a Preference point system is for General Buck deer. Trying to redefine and fantasize about how states should operate their drawing systems just exposes your Ignorance.

Question: When and why did the DWR establish a bonus and preference point system in Utah? What's the difference between the two?​

Answer: In Utah, we offer two different types of point systems: bonus point and preference point systems.

The bonus point drawing system was established in 1993 for our limited-entry and once-in-a-lifetime species: buck deer, bull elk, buck pronghorn, moose, bison, mountain goat, desert bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. We started noticing an increased interest in these quality hunts where we offered a lower number of permits.
Better read the fine print! If more than 1 tag, they go preference.
 
Utah LE is about 49.99% preference. Not bonus points. But UDWR inappropriqtely calls them LE bonus points which leads to confusion and unproductive conversations (like the one above).

Do you know the difference between a bonus point and preference point ?
 
The half (about) of Utah LE permits that are called "regular permits" in the reports are awarded using simple bonus logic (aka weighted random- to the first power).

The half (about) of Utah LE permits that are called "bonus permits" are mis-named. They are not awarded via any type of bonus logic as the name implies. Instead, those tags are awarded via pure preference logic to the person with the most "bonus" points (mis-named).

Crazy Utard terminology. Probably related to the fact that they didn't want to re-use the term "preference point" that they already used for GEN deer.

Even crazier to think that the saturated/broken Utah LE preference system would be considered a model for WY.
 
The half (about) of Utah LE permits that are called "regular permits" in the reports are awarded using simple bonus logic (aka weighted random- to the first power).

The half (about) of Utah LE permits that are called "bonus permits" are mis-named. They are not awarded via any type of bonus logic as the name implies. Instead, those tags are awarded via pure preference logic to the person with the most "bonus" points (mis-named).

Crazy Utard terminology. Probably related to the fact that they didn't want to re-use the term "preference point" that they already used for GEN deer.

Even crazier to think that the saturated/broken Utah LE preference system would be considered a model for WY.

Everybody in the bonus side gets a random number for every point so they do in fact use "bonus logic."
 
States can "label" their points whatever they want. The important part is HOW they use them in the system.
 
Utah had 5 total NR hunters who were awarded Desert Sheep. Not a single top point holder or even anyone with 20 points or greater was awarded a tag even though 12 applicants now have 29 points. Utah certainly does not utilize a preference point system in any way, shape or form when it comes to OIL units with only 1 tag. Believe me, I’m sitting on 27 and likely wasting my money as Desert sheep aren’t doing well in most units in Utah so only 1 tag in a few of their units is even ever issued to NR. A few years ago a greenhorn with Zero points drew.

IMG_0380.jpeg
 
Utah had 5 total NR hunters who were awarded Desert Sheep. Not a single top point holder or even anyone with 20 points or greater was awarded a tag even though 12 applicants now have 29 points. Utah certainly does not utilize a preference point system in any way, shape or form when it comes to OIL units with only 1 tag. Believe me, I’m sitting on 27 and likely wasting my money as Desert sheep aren’t doing well in most units in Utah so only 1 tag in a few of their units is even ever issued to NR. A few years ago a greenhorn with Zero points drew.

View attachment 143485
Look at the resident side and it is a very different situation. The bonus tags are actually preference tags and the the regular tags are actually bonus tags and it is working okay. Just not enough tags for non- res.
 
Utah had 5 total NR hunters who were awarded Desert Sheep. Not a single top point holder or even anyone with 20 points or greater was awarded a tag even though 12 applicants now have 29 points. Utah certainly does not utilize a preference point system in any way, shape or form when it comes to OIL units with only 1 tag. Believe me, I’m sitting on 27 and likely wasting my money as Desert sheep aren’t doing well in most units in Utah so only 1 tag in a few of their units is even ever issued to NR. A few years ago a greenhorn with Zero points drew.

View attachment 143485
As you were told above, the first NR tag available is assigned to be a "Regular Permit" (awarded bonus style).

IF there is another NR tag for that unit, it will be a "Bonus Permit" and it will be awarded preference style.

You're in Utah LE, so
"Regular Permit" = bonus
"Bonus Permit" = preference

And yes, due to limited NR tags, many hunts never get a preference tag. The high point holders watch this carefully so they know when/where to step in and exert their preference power.
 
Believe me, I’m sitting on 27 and likely wasting my money as Desert sheep aren’t doing well in most units in Utah so only 1 tag in a few of their units is even ever issued to NR.
Yes, if you're only looking at Utah LE ram, you won't see this play out on the NR side. Look at Utah LE elk and you'll see the Utah preference program in action for NRs.

The Utah preference program for NR Utah LE elk is alive and well. Completely saturated and broken. And it serves as a case study to the WY legislature if they are smart enough to learn from it.
 
I know there has been some discussion regarding a 50/50 split.
Here is an option:

How many people would be in favor of a 51/49 split for sheep and moose where 51% of the tags are drawn first based on a PP system. Then the other 49% are drawn based on random/BP system where points are either squared or cubed?

This would be a compromise from the current 75/25 but would at least put some tags available for the NR random/BP drawing.
The reason I say 51/49 is so in cases where there are odd number of tags available the extra tag would go to the PP draw. Yes there would be fewer tags going in the PP draw for guys that have already been "waiting in line" but they would in turn have better odds in the random/BP drawing if points were squared or cubed. And this would solve the problem of no tags available in the NR random draw. This example would put 11 NR ram tags in the PP draw and 5 NR ram tags in the random/BP draw.

Or maybe the ratio is 49/51 and the extra tag goes to the random/BP side? This would keep 5 NR tags in the PP draw and 11 NR in the random/BP draw.

Maybe a 51/49 split with squared points?
Or maybe a 49/51 split with cubed points?

Thoughts?

Or what do guys think about AZ system where the PP draw comes off the top and you can select multiple units?
 
I know there has been some discussion regarding a 50/50 split.
Here is an option:

How many people would be in favor of a 51/49 split for sheep and moose where 51% of the tags are drawn first based on a PP system. Then the other 49% are drawn based on random/BP system where points are either squared or cubed?

This would be a compromise from the current 75/25 but would at least put some tags available for the NR random/BP drawing.
The reason I say 51/49 is so in cases where there are odd number of tags available the extra tag would go to the PP draw. Yes there would be fewer tags going in the PP draw for guys that have already been "waiting in line" but they would in turn have better odds in the random/BP drawing if points were squared or cubed. And this would solve the problem of no tags available in the NR random draw. This example would put 11 NR ram tags in the PP draw and 5 NR ram tags in the random/BP draw.

Or maybe the ratio is 49/51 and the extra tag goes to the random/BP side? This would keep 5 NR tags in the PP draw and 11 NR in the random/BP draw.

Maybe a 51/49 split with squared points?
Or maybe a 49/51 split with cubed points?

Thoughts?

Or what do guys think about AZ system where the PP draw comes off the top and you can select multiple units?
Statute would read "50% of available licenses" so it would always round up.

The more it's complicated, the more the chance nothing will change or it will change for the worse. 50/50 from 75/25 by far the easiest way to go. And the most likely to pass.
 
Statute would read "50% of available licenses" so it would always round up.

The more it's complicated, the more the chance nothing will change or it will change for the worse. 50/50 from 75/25 by far the easiest way to go. And the most likely to pass.
Correct, the people wanting all these changes like to run their soup coolers about how to do it, but they aren't the ones that will be trying to explain it to the TRW or Commission. Both of which don't even really understand the current system, let along asking them to make meaningful change.

But, 50/50 random/preference is without a doubt the easiest way to move forward. Squared bonus, cubed, all just noise.
 
Statute would read "50% of available licenses" so it would always round up.

The more it's complicated, the more the chance nothing will change or it will change for the worse. 50/50 from 75/25 by far the easiest way to go. And the most likely to pass.
Being greedy with 24 sheep point I would prefer points to be cubed in the random draw if the above happens.
 
As a NR any random chance for a tag is a pretty good opportunity if you ask me. Hornic nailed it that going to a bonus point component would keep those younger NR hunter dollars flowing in.
I think any point systems are dumb but that doesn’t mean I don’t buy some for choice species in states with hunt dates that don’t interfere with my current seasons
 
Az doesn't use preference points, at all, still.
Sorry - they use the term "bonus point" for their points but it is in reality a preference point since it gives preference to the highest point holder first and then on down the line, and not just additional chances in the drawing.
 
JM and Buzz
You guys make a good point. We all live eat and breath these different systems daily. But to explain them to a lawmaker who doesn't understand (or maybe doesn't even care too much) is confusing.

KISS - Keep It Short & Simple
 
Az doesn't use preference points, at all, still.

Incorrect. AZ absolutely has a PREFERENCE component to their system. Although they use the term "bonus points".

AZ calls their 20% 1/2 pass a "Bonus Pass", but in that pass they give the 20% tags out to max point holders. Thus, PREFERENCE logic (up to the 10% nr cap, 5/5 split). This preference part of the system is completely saturated and broken, just like Utah.

The preference component of the AZ system is another case study that the WY legislature should study before making the mistake of keeping ANY preference component to their system.

For all of these high demand tags, there cannot be any preference component of the system (on the NR side). MSG, as well as HD D/E/P. Preference systems don't work when saturated.
 
Look at the resident side and it is a very different situation. The bonus tags are actually preference tags and the the regular tags are actually bonus tags and it is working okay. Just not enough tags for non- res.
In other words, Utah uses a bonus/random system for all Sheep hunts. No preference at all for top point holders and rare that anyone with more than 20 points ever even draws a OIL tag. A few years ago a greenhorn drew with ZERO points and last year one applicant only had 4 points drew a Desert sheep. It’s not a preference AT ALL given to top point holders. Wyomings system isn’t broke, why change what has worked.
 
Statute would read "50% of available licenses" so it would always round up.
If that is the way they would write the language, then it would be important especially to NR's as to which half it went to.
If it read 50% to Preference Points, then this would put 11 NR ram tags in the PP draw and 5 NR ram tags in the random/BP draw.
If it read 50% to Random, then it would be just the opposite - 5 NR ram tags in the PP draw and 11 NR ram tags in the random/BP draw.

Just a small wording change could make a big impact on the NR sheep side of things. Probably not a deal breaker on the resident side.

In the end it will be up to the State of WY to decide. I'm assuming they wouldn't want to complicate things and have it different for NR's than for Residents.

Will be interesting to see how this develops.
 
Wyomings system isn’t broke, why change what has worked.
Incorrect. WY 90/10 for Big 5 completely broke M/S for NRs. And that is why the TRW committee is back to looking at this issue.
In other words, Utah uses a bonus/random system for all Sheep hunts.
Yes, if by "bonus/random system", you mean "preference/bonus system". And yes, for Rams & mountain goat, the preference tags ("bonus permits") have not happened at all in recent years. Only the regular permits (awarded simple bonus style) have been awarded. But when a 2nd NR permit is available for a Utah LE hunt code, it will be a "bonus permit" and awarded in % true preference style (just like CO, to the max point holder).

CO proved to us all why preference doesn't work for high demand tags. Yet, WY, UT & AZ still toy with maintaining some portion of a preference system. And then scratch their heads why they have tags that are 300 year tags.
 
Incorrect. WY 90/10 for Big 5 completely broke M/S for NRs. And that is why the TRW committee is back to looking at this issue.
No, the residents of Wyoming took back what was far too generous for decades and fixed it.

“And yes, for Rams & mountain goat, the preference tags ("bonus permits") have not happened at all in recent years. Only the regular permits (awarded simple bonus style) have been awarded. But when a 2nd NR permit is available for a Utah LE hunt code, it will be a "bonus permit"

Yes and it will likely stay that way unfortunately the rest of my life and probably yours as tag numbers continue going south. A bonus/random system just as Utah advertises and I’ve explained multiple times to those who don’t understand the system when it comes to Sheep hunting and many OIL permits for NR.
 
If that is the way they would write the language, then it would be important especially to NR's as to which half it went to.
If it read 50% to Preference Points, then this would put 11 NR ram tags in the PP draw and 5 NR ram tags in the random/BP draw.
If it read 50% to Random, then it would be just the opposite - 5 NR ram tags in the PP draw and 11 NR ram tags in the random/BP draw.

Just a small wording change could make a big impact on the NR sheep side of things. Probably not a deal breaker on the resident side.

In the end it will be up to the State of WY to decide. I'm assuming they wouldn't want to complicate things and have it different for NR's than for Residents.

Will be interesting to see how this develops.
It currently goes to PP. I should've known you didn't know that based on your ideas.
 

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