How did the Department change the system?

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How did the Department change the system?

Under the previous system, all applications for special deer permits were randomly drawn from the same pool, each weighted according to the number of points the applicant had accumulated from past drawings. The computer calculated these points and registered the hunter's preferences and then drew successful applications for all special deer hunts from the same pool. The same was true, under the previous system, for other permits.

WDFW now allows separate applications for specific categories of deer, elk, bighorn sheep, moose, and cougar permits. Specifically, hunters may purchase and submit separate applications for a variety of categories, to include:

Buck or bull permits
Antlerless permits
Second tag permits
Quality hunt permits
Youth hunt permits
Senior hunt permits
Disabled hunter permits
Master Hunter permits

WDFW then conducts a separate drawing for permits in each category.

This approach has several advantages over the previous system. First, it reduces the number of applicants in each drawing, thereby potentially improving hunters' odds of being selected. Also, those who are interested in more than one kind of hunt have a chance of being drawn for each of them.

Department managers are hopeful that these improvements will result in greater customer satisfaction and increase applications for special hunting permits. The additional revenue is intended for use in increasing hunter access to private property.

This plan was developed with broad public input and the strong support of the Department’s Game Management Advisory Council.