Bonus Points Vs. Preference Points

Hunters applying for big game licenses in western states will undoubtedly run into the terms “bonus point” and “preference point”. A lot of folks think these terms are interchangeable, but they aren’t. Bonus points and preference points are very different and have very different impacts on how big game tags/licenses are drawn.

Let’s break down the two systems in hopes of shedding some light on how each helps determine who draws tags. For the sake of this article I’m going to use the word “tags” to mean licenses, hunt permits, etc.

Bonus Points

A bonus point typically increases the number of times your application is entered into a big game drawing. Points are usually accumulated in two ways, by failing to draw your first choice tag or by buying/applying only for a point.

In most states where a bonus point system is used, applications are assigned random, computer-generated numbers. Applications that are assigned the lowest random number draw the tags first. Let’s look at Nevada as an example to further understand how the bonus point system works.

Nevada has chosen to square your bonus points when an application is submitted. So, if you apply for elk in Nevada with 5 bonus points, the computer will generate 26 random numbers for your application - one number for the current year application and 25 numbers for your bonus points squared. The important thing to remember is that having the greatest number of points does not guarantee you will draw a tag, it simply means you have a better chance of being assigned a low random number in the drawing.

Take a look at the table below and pay particular attention to the statistics under unit group 221-223L. Only two tags were awarded for this hunt. One was drawn with 5 points and the other with 8 points despite the fact that there were 22 applicants with more than 8 points.  Now look across the board at all the hunts listed in the chart and you’ll see that the applicant with the most points drew a tag only three times - in units 203, 221-223E and 241-245E. On the other hand a total of seven tags went to people with zero points – in units 201-204, 203, 211-212, and 221-223E.

 

The purpose of a bonus point system is to provide a chance for folks with all numbers of bonus points to draw tags, even those with zero points. The chart shows pretty clearly that a true bonus point system is very much random and while having the most points sometimes helps, it doesn’t guarantee a tag!

Preference Points

Preference points are vastly different from bonus points. In a preference point system there are typically separate drawing pools for each point category and those in the highest point category would be drawn first. If there are any tags left after the first drawing, a second drawing is held for those in the next highest point category. This process continues until all tags have been awarded.  Points are typically accumulated by failing to draw your first choice tag or by buying/applying only for a point.

Preference point systems (over time) guarantee you a tag, provided you apply for the same species every year.  Preference point systems also leave the possibility - in popular hunt units - that people with very few (or zero) points will not have any chance at drawing tags.

Look at the chart below for an example of how preference points determine tag allocations. In this scenario there are 31 non-resident tags (yellow) available. Using the column on the right (under No. of Applicants) count the number of applicants beginning with the most points until all 31 licenses are awarded:  4+8+6+3+3+2 = 28. In this case all applicants with 7 points or more would draw tags. An additional three people from the 6 point category would also draw tags. Unfortunately, two people from the six point category will not draw nor would anyone with 5 points or fewer.

 

The purpose of a preference point system is to encourage folks to apply for the same species year in and year out. Doing so will eventually lead to your drawing the tag you desire.

Not all western states use the same systems for awarding tags, some use a combination of the bonus/preference point systems and a couple have no point system at all. Following is a breakdown of the system used in each state.

State	Bonus/Pref. Points
Arizona	Bonus
Colorado	Preference
Idaho	None
Iowa	Preference
Kansas	Preference
Montana	Bonus
Nevada	Bonus
New Mexico	None
Oregon	Preference for Deer, Elk, and Antelope
Utah	Bonus/Preference
Washington	Bonus
Wyoming	Preference

Utah uses bonus points for limited entry deer, premium limited entry deer, management buck deer, CWMU, and once-in-a-lifetime tags. Bull moose, bison and bighorn sheep tags are considered once-in-a-lifetime tags. Preference points are used for the northern region buck/bull combo and general season deer tags.  

Regardless of where you apply, if bonus or preference points are in play, it's important to maintain your points. Most states allow an applicant to miss a year or two (sometimes more) of applying for tags or  points only, without losing all the points you have accumulated. However, if you can't hunt a particular state, but can afford to at least buy/apply for a point, do it!

Hopefully I've shed some light on the difference between bonus and preference points and how they affect who draws tags. If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a line.

Bonus vs Preference Points