⚠ Idaho hunters: The first 2027 non-resident deer & elk application window opens December 5–15, 2026 — that's coming up fast. Don't miss it.

Preference points = highest points draw first  |  Bonus points = extra random entries  |  No points = random draw, equal odds every year

⚠ Idaho December deadline: The first 2027 non-resident deer & elk application window opens December 5–15, 2026 — just weeks away. If you want an Idaho elk tag for 2027 this is your first shot. Don't miss it.

🎯 Colorado 2028 warning — this is your last full year: Colorado's draw system changes in 2028 to a 50/50 model. If you're sitting on 5–15 preference points, 2027 is your best and last chance to burn them under the current system before the change makes top units even harder to draw.

Don't want to wait 10–25 years?

Skip the draw — buy a landowner tag and hunt this season

Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, and Utah all have transferable landowner tag programs that bypass the draw system entirely. Connect with landowners selling elk, mule deer, antelope, and more — and hunt premium western units this fall without a single preference point.

What is a preference point in hunting?

A preference point is a credit you earn each year you apply for a limited entry big game tag without drawing one. In states with true preference point systems — like Colorado and Wyoming — hunters with the most accumulated points draw tags first. The more points you have, the better your chances, and eventually enough points virtually guarantees you a tag. Points are accumulated by applying annually through the state wildlife agency, even in years you don't intend to hunt, to build your total for future draws.

What is the difference between a preference point and a bonus point?

Preference points and bonus points work very differently. In a preference point system (Colorado, Wyoming), tags are awarded to applicants with the most points first — it's a ranked system where enough points eventually guarantees a tag. In a bonus point system (Arizona, Nevada, Utah), each point adds additional entries to a random lottery draw, improving your odds without guaranteeing anything. More bonus points means better odds, but even the highest point holder could theoretically lose the draw to a zero-point applicant every year. Understanding which system a state uses is critical for planning your long-term hunting strategy.

Can I lose my preference points?

Yes — most states have rules that cause point forfeiture under certain conditions. In Colorado, if you don't apply for or hold a license for a species at least once within 10 consecutive years, you lose all accumulated preference points for that species. Simply applying for a preference point (without purchasing a license) keeps your file active. Wyoming and other states have similar rules. Always check the specific regulations for each state annually, and don't let years go by without at least purchasing a point to keep your account active.

How many preference points do I need to draw an elk tag?

It depends heavily on the state and specific unit. In Colorado, general elk units often draw at 0–3 points, but premium trophy units can require 15–20+ points for non-residents. Wyoming general elk licenses draw at 4–7 points in most units, with premium areas near Yellowstone requiring 10–15+ years. Utah limited entry elk units can take 10–20+ years. Montana general elk combination licenses typically require just 2–3 points. New Mexico has no point system — equal odds in a random draw every year regardless of history. Working with an outfitter familiar with current draw odds is the best way to identify which units are realistically within your point range.

Which western state is easiest to draw an elk tag in?

For non-residents looking to draw quickly, Wyoming, Montana, and New Mexico offer the best near-term odds. Wyoming has multiple units that draw at 0–1 preference points for non-residents — making it the fastest path to a quality elk tag without a long wait. Montana general elk combination licenses typically require just 2–3 points. New Mexico resets to equal odds every year with no point system, making it excellent as an annual application. Colorado's OTC archery elk tags are available with no draw at all. Idaho changed its system in 2026 to a random draw for non-residents, giving all applicants equal odds annually.

What states have over-the-counter elk tags with no draw required?

As of 2026, Colorado is the primary western state offering over-the-counter archery elk tags statewide for both residents and non-residents — no draw, no application deadline, purchase anytime before the season. Oregon offers OTC general season tags in many units. Idaho has some OTC opportunities in certain backcountry zones. Montana offers general combination licenses that can be purchased over the counter in some situations, though non-resident availability is limited. Wyoming offers general elk licenses in some units that draw at 0 preference points, making them effectively accessible without significant wait time.

What is the best multi-state preference point strategy for western elk hunting?

The most effective multi-state strategy is to apply in every state every year starting as early as possible, while using no-point states for actual annual hunting. Build preference points in Colorado and Wyoming simultaneously — both are true preference point states where patience eventually guarantees a tag. Apply in Utah, Arizona, and Nevada annually for bonus points in their lottery systems. Use New Mexico and Idaho as your annual hunting states while points accumulate elsewhere, since both give equal odds each year. Hunt Colorado OTC archery elk every fall while waiting for your limited entry tag to come through. This approach lets you hunt quality elk annually while building toward premium units over time.

How does Colorado's draw system change in 2028 affect me?

Colorado is transitioning in 2028 from its current pure preference point system to a 50/50 model where half the limited licenses go to the top preference point holders and the other half go to a random draw among all applicants. For hunters with significant points, this means the top units will become harder to draw — licenses for top point holders will be cut in half, driving up the required points even further. For hunters with 5 or fewer points, the 2028 change actually creates a small advantage through the random component. If you're sitting on 8–15 points in a top Colorado unit, seriously consider burning those points on the next-best available unit in 2026 or 2027 before the change takes effect.

Should I buy a landowner tag instead of waiting in the draw system?

For many hunters the answer is yes — especially if you want to hunt a premium unit within the next few years rather than waiting 10–25 years through the public draw. Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, and Utah all have transferable landowner tag programs that give immediate access to the exact units most hunters spend years waiting to draw. Colorado elk landowner tags typically sell for $2,500–$5,000, while top New Mexico and Utah elk tags can run $8,000–$20,000+. Compared to spending 15–20 years accumulating preference points while applying annually, a landowner tag is often the faster and more reliable path to hunting a world-class elk unit — especially for hunters later in life who don't have decades to wait.

Do preference points transfer between states?

No — preference and bonus points are state-specific and do not transfer between states under any circumstances. Points accumulated in Colorado only work in Colorado, Wyoming points only in Wyoming, and so on. This is why serious western hunters apply in multiple states simultaneously, building points in each state's independent system. If you move to a different state, your non-resident points in your old home state remain in your account — they don't reset, but your residency status changes which can affect your draw odds and tag allocations significantly.

How do I apply for a preference point if I'm not planning to hunt this year?

In most western states you can purchase a preference point directly through the state wildlife agency's online portal without applying for a specific hunt or tag. In Colorado, this is done through CPW's CPWShop.com — you purchase a preference point for $10 per species. Wyoming allows point-only applications through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Utah, Arizona, and Nevada all have similar point-only application options. The deadline for point-only applications usually matches the regular draw deadline for each state. Always purchase points before the draw deadline or you'll miss an entire year of accumulation.

What is the best way to find out how many points I need to draw a specific unit?

The most reliable sources for current draw odds and point requirements are the official state wildlife agency publications (Colorado Outdoors Annual Preference Point Issue, Wyoming Game and Fish draw statistics, etc.), which publish the last point at which each unit was drawn each year. Third-party services like HuntAtlas, Huntin Fool, and GoHunt also provide detailed draw odds and unit-by-unit analysis based on the latest available data. Your outfitter is also an excellent resource — experienced western outfitters track draw odds closely and can advise you on which units are realistically within your current point range versus which ones require years of additional accumulation.