Worthless you say?
Hmm, let me be in max bonus point pool for all the species and see how many tags I draw!
Remember it is based on mathematical probabilities, not mathematical certainty!
Sure hunters draw with just one point. Why? Cause there are THOUSANDS of hunters in that pool. SOME ARE JUST GOING TO GET LUCKY!
But then look at those in the top of the pool each year and see how many of them draw.
Percentage wise, lots more folks at the top of the pool will draw.
I've got 15 for deer. I think as far as residents are concerned I'm now in the top 100 as far as bonus points are concerned.
Will I draw this year? Who knows, but I like my odds of getting a chance at getting a low number than a guy going in with just 1 point!
I have drawn just one mule deer tag in AZ the last 25 years cause all I have applied for is a 13B rifle tag.
Had a Strip tag a long time ago but brought home that tag unfilled. I know what I'm looking for.
When I draw, and I will, IF I live long enough, and don't see what I'm looking for, then I'll gladly bring back that tag unfilled and then start applying for a 12A West early tag and will shoot a fat forky!
Anyway, don't fool yourself.
The bonus point system isn't perfect, but at least AZ residents get a crack at at least 90% of the big game tags.
And that works for me!
Don Martin
Arizona Wildlife Outfitters
P.S. A little bird told me there might be some changes coming down the road regarding bonus points.
Anyone who attended last Friday's Commission meeting might have have been as surprised as I was to hear that a one-year waiting period is probably coming for a certain deer hunt in AZ. And no, its not any of the Strip tags....