Are Bonus Points Available In My State’s Elk Draw System?

What are Bonus Points?

Bonus points are additional entries in a state’s elk draw system that give applicants a better chance of getting a tag. The number of bonus points awarded varies by state, but in Wyoming, for example, applicants can earn up to 10 bonus points for each unsuccessful application, up to a maximum of 25 points. In Colorado, applicants can earn up to 3 bonus points for each unsuccessful application. Bonus points can be earned for each year an applicant does not get selected for the draw.

Earning Bonus Points

To earn bonus points, applicants typically need to submit an unsuccessful application for the draw. The number of bonus points awarded is often based on the number of years the applicant has been applying without getting selected. For example, in Oregon, applicants earn 1 bonus point for each year they apply without getting a tag, up to a maximum of 12 points. In Montana, applicants earn 1 bonus point for each year they apply without getting a tag, up to a maximum of 15 points.

Using Bonus Points

Applicants can use their bonus points to increase their chances of getting a tag in the draw. In many states, bonus points are used to determine the order of selection for the draw. The more bonus points an applicant has, the higher their priority is in the draw. For example, in Idaho, applicants with bonus points are awarded a higher priority in the draw than those without bonus points.