Spoony
FNG
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2022
- Messages
- 67
Like some others here, I apply to almost all western states, every year, for all big game species, trying to either amass a pile preference/bonus points or get lucky. It takes a great deal of money, effort, and dedication to understand the nuances for each states draw requirements, to avoid missing application deadlines and to protect those points. And it is a stressful game. It is a game where it is not difficult to lose your points. A simple act like missing consecutive applications can cause your points to vanish in a big expensive heart breaking cloud of smoke. I recently lost all of my AZ elk points to a simple oversite. I am now 46 years old and do not have enough time to accrue the points I once had and still be able to do a good packout. Poof, dream AZ elk hunt gone for good, just like that.
This year a buddy and I decided to apply as a group to a premier super-secret AZ elk unit for a once in a life archery elk hunt. We applied, he filled out the application like we have done before, life was good, until the results came out. He called me to tell me he screwed up and accidently applied for a cow tag. We now have 2 cow tags in a killer unit and 0 points. I want to be clear that we share equal responsibility with this mistake. If my points were important, I could have spent 2 minutes to verify the application was correct. The previous year I had purchased PointGuard Plus which is valid for 3 draw cycles. I instinctively assumed for years 1 draw cycle = 1 year. I paid dearly for this mistake.
PointGuard Plus is a program you can buy into that allows you to be able to return a tag and points restored for any reason for all eligible big game species for 3 draw cycles. It is important to understand what a draw cycle is and isn't, because Arizona Game and Fish does not explicitly tell you. There are 3 "big game" draw cycles in 1 year that deduct from your allotment of 3 draw cycles. Essentially, PointGuard Plus is good for 1 year only. Remember this if nothing else.
Is AZ Game and Fish intentionally vague to scam people from their earned points to combat point creep? Are they intentionally vague to avoid the regulations associated with making PointGuard look like an insurance policy? Who knows, but I do know it would be easy for AZ to clarify PointGuard Plus is an annual program rather than using some underdefined draw cycle concept. At a minimum, AZ should try their hardest to clarify common misconceptions and misunderstandings with the programs they offer. We are dedicated to them and their animals, they need to return the favor.
It's been on my mind, this is how I chose to deal with it, sorry for all the words, and I sincerely hope someone reads this and this information prevents someone from losing their coveted AZ points.
Few lessons learned to protect your points (and additional tips). Please correct me if I am wrong, as I am sure you will.
Draw cycle deadlines are:
Winter (~Feb) Draw Cycle: Elk, Antelope
Summer (~Jun) Draw Cycle: Turkey, Sheep, Deer, Bison, Javelina
Fall (~Oct) Draw Cycle: Turkey, Bison, Javelina, Bear
This year a buddy and I decided to apply as a group to a premier super-secret AZ elk unit for a once in a life archery elk hunt. We applied, he filled out the application like we have done before, life was good, until the results came out. He called me to tell me he screwed up and accidently applied for a cow tag. We now have 2 cow tags in a killer unit and 0 points. I want to be clear that we share equal responsibility with this mistake. If my points were important, I could have spent 2 minutes to verify the application was correct. The previous year I had purchased PointGuard Plus which is valid for 3 draw cycles. I instinctively assumed for years 1 draw cycle = 1 year. I paid dearly for this mistake.
PointGuard Plus is a program you can buy into that allows you to be able to return a tag and points restored for any reason for all eligible big game species for 3 draw cycles. It is important to understand what a draw cycle is and isn't, because Arizona Game and Fish does not explicitly tell you. There are 3 "big game" draw cycles in 1 year that deduct from your allotment of 3 draw cycles. Essentially, PointGuard Plus is good for 1 year only. Remember this if nothing else.
Is AZ Game and Fish intentionally vague to scam people from their earned points to combat point creep? Are they intentionally vague to avoid the regulations associated with making PointGuard look like an insurance policy? Who knows, but I do know it would be easy for AZ to clarify PointGuard Plus is an annual program rather than using some underdefined draw cycle concept. At a minimum, AZ should try their hardest to clarify common misconceptions and misunderstandings with the programs they offer. We are dedicated to them and their animals, they need to return the favor.
It's been on my mind, this is how I chose to deal with it, sorry for all the words, and I sincerely hope someone reads this and this information prevents someone from losing their coveted AZ points.
Few lessons learned to protect your points (and additional tips). Please correct me if I am wrong, as I am sure you will.
- PointGuard Plus is good for 1 year (or 3 "big game" draw cycles).
- PointGuard Plus can be purchased after you fill out an application, up to the draw cycle deadline.
- A draw cycle will be removed from your PointGuard Plus allotment of 3 draw cycles, regardless if you apply in that draw cycle or not.
- Use AI to develop intelligent questions and call those fish and game departments until you understand everything. Those people at the game depts are usually helpful, informative, and well trained.
- Double check those applications for the correct units, hunt dates, type of weapon, species and sex.
- Check that application your buddy filled out, no matter how good he is at killing big animals. Mistakes are made easily. Spend 10 seconds to have him text a photo of the application, it's that easy.
- Don't be me, apply early, seriously. Nothing sucks more than to apply late on the day of the deadline to realize the deadline is at 5 pm, not at midnight like you assumed, and now you only have 15 minutes to apply (watch out for New Mexico). This is an easy way to make terrible mistakes.
- Use GoHunt to export the draw deadlines into your work and personal calendar. Never miss another deadline, your points depend on it in some states. (Nevada, Montana, Colorado and Utah want your points)
- Apply, apply, apply. Luck has happened to me.
- Set aside a secret bank account that you use only for big game applications, and don't tell your wife about it. She won't understand.
- Make your complaints heard. They serve us.
Draw cycle deadlines are:
Winter (~Feb) Draw Cycle: Elk, Antelope
Summer (~Jun) Draw Cycle: Turkey, Sheep, Deer, Bison, Javelina
Fall (~Oct) Draw Cycle: Turkey, Bison, Javelina, Bear
enough to draw a desert bighorn sheep tag at the same time. Pure dumb luck!
