LAST EDITED ON Nov-19-16 AT 10:29PM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Nov-19-16 AT 09:46?PM (MST)
>I've heard discussions about this topic
>but I don't know what
>the RAC approved proposal is.
>
>Would someone please explain what the
>proposal is and how it
>differs from the current system.
>
>
>Signed,
>Confused Zeke
Currently, the General Unit Deer hunts are on a preference point draw system which evaluates/draws permits for each group of point holders separately beginning with the highest point group and it goes completely through each group from their first choices through their fifth choices before moving to the next lower point holder group. AND it removes points from each applicant ONLY if they draw their first choice, but adds a new point if they draw any of the other choices.
The proposal would evaluate/draw permits for ALL first choices beginning with the highest point holder group and moving on down the list of groups BEFORE evaluating ALL the second choices, then ALL the third choices and so forth. However, the kicker for most objections is that, under this proposal, if you draw ANY permit, regardless of the choice, you also lose ALL your points.
Basically, one of the reasons this proposal happened is that the Wildlife Board asked the DWR to come up with a solution to a "loophole" that allowed applicants to make a first choice that they were sure they wouldn't draw (Plateau, Thousand Lakes) and a second/third/etc. choice (or choices) for the unit (or units) they really wanted, all the while keeping their current points and adding a new one each year, thus remaining in a highly successful top point group year after year.
Obviously, those applicants who knew about this "loophole" and played it aren't real happy about this proposal as presented and have tried to stop or change it at the RAC"s so that the "loophole" remains. We'll see how that works out at the Wildlife Board meeting on Dec 1st.
Edited: To be fair to the Wildlife Board and the DWR, this proposal isn't just about the so-called "loophole", but also addresses the fairness of evaluating everyone's first choice before issuing permits for second choices and so on. Plus, we must keep in mind that this proposal also applies to antlerless, crane, swan, and grouse hunts also.