Preference points

[Mfowl]

So what about narrowing it down between species? You would have to apply for deer or elk or OIL but could apply in the various categories for each species. I don't think a single category would fly with the hunting masses. It would be all quality tags and OIL. No one would be in doe or cow draws. You could still ghost point the species you are not in on and WDFU would maintain their revenue stream.

[WAcoueshunter]

If you limit each person to a single application every year, the total number of applications goes way down which drastically improves your odds of drawing a tag. 

It drastically improves your odds of drawing a single, particular tag, but not just drawing a tag.  Odds of drawing "a" tag stay the same...same number of applicants and same number of tags across the whole system.  Put another way, odds of drawing the Entiat rifle tag (assuming that's your one choice) goes up.  Odds of drawing a primo tag altogether (quality deer, elk, OIL) will more or less stay the same. 

It also makes your existing points way more valuable.

True for that one particular tag you're after.  But not true for every other species for which you're no longer accruing BP's.  You're falling behind in those other draws, assuming you even get to keep your points at all. 

[bobcat]

It's the number of people applying that affects the odds, not the number of applications. Unless you're a person who only applies for one thing, instead of every possible permit that's available to you.

I'm not necessarily against limiting the number of applications, or number of choices we have on each application. I'm just saying it's not the magic solution to improving draw odds for everyone. If draw odds somehow become better for certain people, then odds also must get worse for other people. 

[Bob33]

Wyoming Bill Would Remove 75% – 25% Preference Point System For “Big 5”

https://cowboystatedaily.com/2023/01/17/bill-would-remove-75-25-preference-point-system-for-big-5-trophy-game-species/

[buglebrush]

I give up trying to explain the math, and it's sad because if people would actually understand what the current system is doing they'd be appalled! I'm curious how many of you have Gohunt?  Do you know the actual odds in Washington?  Even for those with higher than average points?  They are absolutely abysmal! 

[M_ray]

It's the number of people applying that affects the odds, not the number of applications. Unless you're a person who only applies for one thing, instead of every possible permit that's available to you.

I'm not necessarily against limiting the number of applications, or number of choices we have on each application. I'm just saying it's not the magic solution to improving draw odds for everyone. If draw odds somehow become better for certain people, then odds also must get worse for other people.

🤦🏻‍♂️

[bobcat]

I'll say this. I'd be more than happy if they'd restrict us to only applying for one of the OIL species. Since I've already drawn sheep, and don't apply for mountain goat, it would sure help my odds if there were a lot less people applying for moose. Maybe then my 27 points would get me a moose tag. But what about the other people who have max points for all three? It wouldn't help their odds any.

As to the deer and elk, again, eliminate the general season, and make it all draw only. That's the best solution to the failing point system when it comes to deer and elk.

[idahohuntr]

People keep saying WDFW won't give up the $$ from app sales and that WDFW will never go away from a point system...If a good portion of folks truly are willing to kill points and make WA a random draw...I think you've got the right commission to tackle the issue.

One phone call to Lorna should do it...just explain that points systems systemically discriminate against new hunters which disproportionately impacts females, minorities, and youth hunters...and the beneficiaries are mostly older white males who've got a long tradition of hunting.

I'm not joking...I seriously think a half-a$$ ambitious person or group could get a 5-4 vote to end points in WA.

[Stein]

I say we go full tilt.  Get rid of points in 5 years, until then you can sell or gift points to anyone.

[huntnphool]

There is some interesting math going on in this thread...................

 

[huntnphool]

I say we go full tilt.  Get rid of points in 5 years, until then you can sell or gift points to anyone.

 Again…

https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,214387.msg2854669.html#msg2854669

 

[trophyhunt]

As far as going full permit only and dropping the regular season, keep that on the east side please, we are fine on the west.

[vandeman17]

I give up trying to explain the math, and it's sad because if people would actually understand what the current system is doing they'd be appalled! I'm curious how many of you have Gohunt?  Do you know the actual odds in Washington?  Even for those with higher than average points?  They are absolutely abysmal!

Agreed and that has been my point all along with regard to the higher end tag. When the difference between 1 point and 20 points means you have a .1% chance at 1 point and 1% at 20, we need to examine our mentality that points are REALLY giving us better odds when both scenarios mean that you are at worst going to not get drawn 99 times out of 100.

[hunter399]

As far as going full permit only and dropping the regular season, keep that on the east side please, we are fine on the west.

I'm not sure what. East side season your referring too.
You don't want my two cents.
Things that need to go!
Multiseason tags gone statewide.
All doe/ cow tags-OTC/permit gone statewide.
Including moose cow tags.
Choose which side of state you hunt deer.
GMU with the lowest harvest rates for deer/elk, permit hunt only/ or APR applied.
1 black bear can only be harvested per year,East side of the mountains.

Maybe I'll write our "NEW" Commission and ask for these.
Since your so worried about the West.
What's the worst they could say is no.
Our new Commission is all about polical view,and "conservation".
What ever that definition of conservation is today.
Oh ya my list is a lot longer of things to ask for.
That just the tip of the berg.

[Mtnwalker]

All I can say is be careful what you wish for. When we ask for our seasons to be shortened, when we ask for our system to go to controlled tags only where they get to decide what the quota is (see current quality elk tag #'s), when we ask for our opportunities to be lessened because we're willing to fall on the sword for the thing we love, and then it has no effect because they still refuse to manage our resource in a responsible manner then what?

In a normally functioning western hunting state all of these things would be a no-brainer. In WA, I'm not so sure anymore. The ability to go buy your license at the store and have a deer camp with your family and friends every year just might be the last good thing about this state. When we voluntarily give that up only to realize it didn't make a bit of difference and now we've gone full-on California style, it may be too late to get any of it back...