Understanding point systems and where non-residents have realistic chances
Every western big game hunter eventually confronts the draw system question: where should I apply, and how do points actually work? We've analyzed draw systems across all major hunting states to help you understand where your time and money are best invested. Some states reward patience with guaranteed eventual success. Others give newcomers a fair shot every year. Here's how to play the game strategically.
Best odds for first-time applicants
New Mexico uses a pure random draw with no preference or bonus points. Every applicant has the same odds regardless of how many times they've applied. This makes New Mexico the best state for non-residents who don't want to spend years building points before hunting.
OTC archery plus reasonable draw odds
Arizona uses bonus points that are squared in the draw, improving long-term applicants' odds without guaranteeing tags. OTC archery deer tags in many units let you hunt while building points. The system balances rewarding loyalty with giving newcomers a chance.
Controlled hunts are random, general is OTC
Idaho keeps things simple: controlled hunt permits use a random draw with no points, while general deer and elk tags are available over-the-counter in many units. You can hunt Idaho this year while applying for premium controlled hunts without penalty.
25% of tags go to random draw
Wyoming's unique 75/25 system gives 75% of tags to maximum point holders and 25% to random applicants. This means you can draw without max points, and it provides a realistic timeline for eventually reaching the front of the line. But miss 2 years and you lose everything.
General tags OTC, limited draw for premium
Montana uses bonus points squared for limited draw hunts (moose, sheep, goat, limited elk). General deer and elk tags are available to non-residents, though not OTC. The bonus system improves odds over time but doesn't guarantee anything.
OTC archery elk without entering the draw
Colorado's weighted preference point system means more points equal better odds, but you can bypass the system entirely with OTC archery elk tags. For rifle hunts in premium units, expect 5-15+ points depending on the area. Points cost $50/species/year for non-residents.
Patience is heavily rewarded
North Dakota cubes bonus points after 4 years, dramatically improving odds for patient applicants. With 5 points, you get 125 chances (5x5x5). The catch: all deer is lottery-only with no OTC option, even for residents.
Complex but transparent system
Utah uses both preference points (guaranteed eventual draw) and bonus points (improved odds) depending on the species and permit type. General deer uses preference points; limited entry uses bonus. The dual system causes confusion but is well-documented.
Balance of controlled and general opportunity
Oregon uses preference points for controlled hunts while offering general season deer and elk in many units. You can hunt western Oregon elk without entering the draw. Eastern Oregon premium units require years of points.
Trophy quality but brutal odds
Nevada caps non-resident tags at just 10% of the total, making draws extremely competitive. Bonus points are squared but the low allocation means even 10+ points may not draw for years. Trophy mule deer and elk justify the wait for some hunters.
Different goals call for different destinations. Here are our top recommendations by category.
Best for Newcomers
Pure random draw means your first application has the same odds as someone's twentieth. No points to build, no waiting room.
View New Mexico license detailsBest Hybrid System
The 75/25 split gives preference point holders a clear path to tags while still allowing newcomers to draw in the 25% random pool.
View Wyoming license detailsBest Hunt-While-You-Wait
OTC archery elk tags mean you can hunt Colorado elk THIS year while building preference points for premium rifle units.
View Colorado license detailsBest for Patient Hunters
Cubed bonus points after 4 years reward long-term commitment. Build points while hunting easier-draw states, then cash in.
View North Dakota license detailsAll the key metrics in one view. Scroll horizontally on mobile to see all columns.
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| NM New Mexico | Random | Standard | Limited | N/A | First-timers |
| AZ Arizona | Bonus (squared) | Standard | Archery deer | No | OTC + building points |
| ID Idaho | Random | Standard | Deer & elk | N/A | Hunting now |
| WY Wyoming | Preference (75/25) | Standard | Some pronghorn | Yes (2 years) | Realistic timeline |
| MT Montana | Bonus (squared) | Limited | Upland only | No | Premium species |
| CO Colorado | Preference (weighted) | Per unit | Archery elk | No | OTC archery hunters |
| ND North Dakota | Bonus (cubed) | Capped | None | No | Patient applicants |
| UT Utah | Both | Per species | General deer | No | Dedicated trophy hunters |
| OR Oregon | Preference | Standard | Western units | No | Pacific NW access |
| NV Nevada | Bonus (squared) | 10% max | None | No | Trophy quality |
In-depth breakdowns of our top recommendations with highlights and considerations.
New Mexico's pure random draw is increasingly rare in western hunting. No preference points, no bonus points, no advantage for veterans. First-time applicants have exactly the same odds as hunters who've applied for 20 years. This philosophy attracts hunters who don't want to commit to multi-decade point-building strategies.
Our Verdict
New Mexico is perfect for hunters who want a fair shot every year without the overhead of point systems. Apply for hard-to-draw tags here while building points elsewhere.
Wyoming's 75/25 system attempts to satisfy both camps: hunters who want guaranteed eventual success and those who want a chance without years of waiting. 75% of tags go to maximum point holders, providing a clear path forward. But 25% go to random applicants, meaning you might draw your first year.
Our Verdict
Wyoming works well if you're committed to the long game but want some chance of drawing early. Set calendar reminders to never miss an application year.
Colorado's OTC archery elk tags are a game-changer for non-residents. You can buy an elk tag right now, no draw required, and hunt millions of acres of public land. Meanwhile, apply for preference points in premium rifle units for future hunts. This dual approach lets you hunt immediately while building toward bucket-list opportunities.
Our Verdict
Colorado is the best state for non-residents who want to hunt elk this year. Buy an OTC archery tag, learn the state, and build preference points for premium rifle hunts down the road.
Preference points eventually guarantee a tag. You accumulate them until you have the maximum needed, then you draw. Bonus points only improve your odds but never guarantee anything. Think of preference as a waiting line (you'll get there eventually) and bonus as weighted lottery tickets (more tickets help, but no guarantees).
New Mexico (pure random, everyone has equal odds), Idaho (random for controlled hunts, OTC for general), and Arizona (OTC archery plus reasonable bonus point accumulation) offer the best paths for non-residents. Colorado's OTC archery elk lets you hunt immediately while building points.
It varies wildly by state and unit. Some Colorado units require 3-5 preference points, others require 15-20. Wyoming elk units range from 0 points to 10+ depending on location and weapon type. Research specific units before committing to a multi-year strategy.
Yes, diversifying your applications is smart strategy. Apply for random-draw tags in New Mexico and Arizona every year (no downside). Build points in preference states like Wyoming and Colorado. This hedges your bets and keeps multiple opportunities alive.
Most states let you keep points if you miss a year. The big exception is Wyoming, where missing 2 consecutive years means losing ALL accumulated points. Always check state-specific rules before skipping an application cycle.
It depends on your perspective. States with non-resident quotas (like Nevada's 10% cap) make drawing extremely difficult regardless of points. States like Colorado and Wyoming offer more realistic timelines. New Mexico and Idaho treat residents and non-residents more equally with their random systems.
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Smart hunters don't put all their eggs in one basket. Apply for random-draw tags in New Mexico and Idaho every year since there's no downside. Build preference points in Wyoming and Colorado for a guaranteed future tag. Take advantage of OTC opportunities in Arizona, Colorado, and Idaho to hunt while you wait. And be patient with bonus point states like Nevada and Montana where trophy quality justifies the long timelines. Diversify your applications, track your points carefully, and you'll have tags to hunt somewhere most years.
Managing licenses across multiple states gets complicated. Hunter Passport keeps all your credentials organized and accessible offline, whether you drew in one state or five.