Preference Points
Each time you apply for a managed hunt and are not drawn, you earn one preference point. The next time you apply, your name will be entered into the drawing once for the current application year and once for each preference point that you have earned. If you’re not drawn again, you’ll earn another preference point that will be added to your points and can be used the next time you apply.
You will continue to accumulate preference points — one for each unsuccessful application year — until you are drawn. When you are drawn for a hunt, your preference points zero out, and the process starts again for future drawings.
You do not have to apply for a managed hunt every year to keep your points. Your points are valid for your lifetime, until you are drawn for a managed hunt, whether you enter the drawing each year or not. The system will remember how many points you have and will store them until the next time you apply.
Always use the same Conservation ID number on applications
Some hunters may have more than one Conservation ID number. Preference points are stored by Conservation ID number, so be sure you use the same number each year you apply for a managed hunt. If applying, print your confirmation page or write down your application confirmation number and save it for future reference.
Hunters with preference points have better odds
Your odds of being drawn will increase as you accumulate preference points, and hunters with preference points will have a statistical advantage.
However, luck still plays an important role in the drawing. It’s possible that someone with no points will be drawn over someone who has preference points, because the draw is random.
Hunting party preference points are averaged
A hunting party’s preference points are averaged for each draw. For example, if the individual preference points of four hunters are 0, 5, 5, and 6, their averaged preference points for the draw is 4. That party is entered into the drawing 4 times, to reflect the party's averaged preference points.
Likewise, if an individual enters the drawing alone and has 4 preference points, this individual will have the same odds of being drawn as a party with a preference point average of 4.