Do Preference Points Carry Over Year To Year In My State?

Understanding Preference Points

Preference points are used in many elk draw hunts to determine the order of preference for available licenses. In states where preference points do not carry over, hunters must start from the beginning each year, even if they had preference points the previous year. For example, in Arizona, preference points reset to zero at the beginning of each year. In contrast, Colorado allows hunters to accumulate points, and a hunter can use their points in the following year to improve their chances of drawing an elk license.

Accumulating Preference Points

To accumulate preference points, hunters must apply for an elk license in a state where preference points are carried over. In Colorado, for example, the number of points accumulated is dependent on the hunter’s success in drawing an elk license. If a hunter does not draw an elk license, they receive one point, which can be used in the following year. Hunters can continue to accumulate points each year until they reach a level that gives them a higher preference for drawing an elk license.

Tips for Maximizing Preference Points

To maximize preference points, hunters should carefully consider their application strategy. In states where points carry over, hunters may want to apply for a lower-priority unit or a different species to accumulate points. For example, in Colorado, applying for a deer license in a low-priority unit can help a hunter accumulate points while still giving them a chance to hunt elk in a higher-priority unit. By carefully planning their application strategy, hunters can increase their chances of drawing an elk license.