Looks like Nevada is starting to hit the credit cards. Just checked my account, and had the dreaded PIW "kiss of death" charges. Best of luck to everyone else!
Posts: 48 | Location: nevada, usa | Registered: December 06, 2003
Nothing here yet. I had high hopes too. For both Desert and California bighorns I had 82 chances in the barrel this year, so to speak, due to their squaring of bonus points.
Posts: 1133 | Location: Colorado | Registered: November 20, 2003
What other states square sheep points? I would like to see Washington do that. Currently they square deer, elk, bear, turkey, and mountain goat. Why not reward those who have been the most dedicated by increasing their odds???
Posts: 95 | Location: Clarkston, WA | Registered: November 21, 2003
Nevada is the only state squaring the bonus points for sheep currently. I'd sure like to have Washington do it too! I'm at max points there as I was a resident when that program started thus have stuck with it even though the odds in Washington are so daunting.
Posts: 1133 | Location: Colorado | Registered: November 20, 2003
I'm sure we would all agree that it is much easier to support multipliers on a bonus point system, or a preference point system, when you have maximum points. The difficulty is in balancing how much advantage or preference to give those with the most points, without giving too little to the rest of the pool. Leaning too far one way or the other either does not adequately reward loyalty/commitment/dedication, or discourages recruitment of future applicants. We have to consider all aspects of each individual drawing process. Is it a bonus or preference system? Is there multipliers? Is there a pass percentage? If so, how much? What is the nonresident allocation? Is there a guide requirement, and what percentage of the nonres allocation is that? Are all choices considered before the next application is drawn? Or is your first choice essentially your only? Do you have to buy a license, and do you have to front the money for tag fees? How much are the fees? Online vs paper? These are "some" of the considerations. Each state has created their own system with some form of combining these aspects. In my (admittedly biased) opinion, the bonus point system with multipliers, is the most fair and reasonable process. While those who apply every year have a great advantage, it is not so great that new or future applicants are eliminated. Every year people with less than max points do draw. On the surface, the preference point systems seem to also accomplish this, unless the pass percentage is too high. If you combine having to front the money, guide requirements, too small of nonresident allocation, unreasonable tag fees etc... it eliminates many of the wrong people from participating, and discourages new recruitment. The recent trends in Wyoming, Arizona, New Mexico, and the complete joke that is Oregon, are all contributing to the demise of hunting as we know it, and how it should be. I no longer get to participate in Washington's sheep drawing, but if I did, or my kid's wanted to someday participate, I would hope that there was a fair drawing system in place, with reasonable fees for everyone.
