Here is my take on this year's deer draw on the Arizona Strip.
This year, assuming there are 75 tags that are going to be authorized for Unit 13B here is what I think will happen.
Under the 20% bonus point pool pass rule, that means that those sportsmen, resident or non-resident alike are in the draw for tags number 1-15 (20% x 75 =15.
However, state law dictates that non-residents are limited to a maximum of 10% of the tags in any unit, therefore only 7.5, or 7, because the number is rounded DOWN,can be issued to them.
BUT THIS YEAR, the 5%-5% rule came into play. That rule says that only 5% of the tags (3.5 tags rounded DOWN to 3) can be issued to non-residents in the bonus point pass draw, while the other up to 5% (4 tags) CAN be distributed in the second or general draw.
So here is how the current bonus point pools are, according to the AZGFD.
There are 136 non-residents with 19 bonus points, and 4 AZ resident with 19 points.
Those with 18 bonus points include just 10 Arizona residents.
Arizona residents whose number is 32 have 17 bonus points.
So I have some hypothesis about how the tags will be distributed this year.
Because of the 5% limitation on the bonus point pass, non residents with max points, and I think there are 136 in that pool-will get 3 tags while Arizona residents will get 12 tags in the max bonus point draw.
However, I feel that those 4 Arizona residents with the max, or 19 bonus points, may or may not apply for a tag this year.
Therefore computer will drop down into the 18 bonus point pool for residents, and once again, there MIGHT be some of those guys who apply only for a bonus point this year, and NOT a tag!
So I think that SOME of the 32 Arizona residents who have 17 bonus points will be drawn to fill out those 12 mandated tags.
WHEW!
Of course there will be 4 tags available to any non-resident who applies for a tag in the second draw.
Course they will be competing with the THOUSANDS of Arizona residents who are also applying for a 13B tag.
Guess we'll just have to wait and see IF non-residents end up with the maximum number of tags they can draw by state law on the Strip; 7.
Hope this answers the question of how I think the tags will be distributed this year.
By the way, I have 17 points, so come heck or high water, I WILL DRAW A STRIP TAG by the time I am 69 years old! LOL
I'd normally say GOOD LUCK to everyone out there, but since you are competing against me for the remaining 60 tags, all I can say, is I've paid my dues with a decade and a half of applications (Plus Loyalty and Hunter Education bonus points) so I need to draw a tag! LOL
However--good luck--I can see the rainbow at the end of the tunnel, I just have to remain patient...and live another 3 years!
Don Martin
Arizona Wildlife Outfitters