Hunting Tag Draw Odds Lookup

Preference points guarantee you will be drawn before applicants with fewer points - it is a queue system. Bonus points give you more entries in a random draw, improving your odds but never guaranteeing a tag. Some states use hybrid systems combining both approaches.

Montana, Idaho, and Colorado generally offer the best elk draw odds for non-residents, with success rates of 10-20% for general units. States like Arizona and Utah have lower overall odds but offer trophy-quality hunts. Wyoming has strict non-resident quotas making tags very difficult to draw.

Most states allow you to apply for points only (without selecting a hunt) if you want to build points without risking being drawn for a hunt you cannot attend. Some states offer bonus point programs where you can purchase points during the application period. Always check specific state regulations.

Once-in-a-lifetime species include moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and bison in most states. If you draw and harvest one of these species, you are typically ineligible to apply again. These tags have extremely low draw odds, often under 1%.

Applying in multiple states is a common strategy to maximize your chances of eventually drawing a quality tag. Consider the cost of points, your hunting goals, and the time investment. Some hunters focus on one or two states, while others maintain point balances in 5-10 states.

Draw results typically post 4-8 weeks after application deadlines. Wyoming results come in late May, Colorado in late May, Arizona in July/November (two draws), Utah in late April, and Montana in mid-April. Sign up for email notifications from each state wildlife agency.