Point Creep reality check - Colorado (non-Big 3)

[loggerchas]

The 5 units I focus on for deer/elk/antelope tend toward marginal/low-point units where area knowledge is required to overcome herd numbers and topography/ownership challenges. In looking at the draw stats for 2019, I saw in my 3 favorite units what has traditionally taken 1+ point to draw for a buck tag (as an example) - this year was easily drawn with 0 and a couple of units even had tags drawn as 2nd choice. Also noted that some hunters obviously were burning points putting in with 5+ points in units traditionally 1 point max. Even a few leftover tags for these units showed up. (Sure wish more doe deer tags were "B" licenses!!!!)

Even better news was that youth applications were up greatly in 3 of the 5 units! In a unexpected twist - NR applications were down significantly in 3 units also.

How did "point creep" affect units you are familiar with? Did mid/higher-tier units show significant creep? R/NR both? Was it the craptastrophe that many predicted?

No GMU numbers please - just your general observations.

 

[5MilesBack]

Everything I track even down to 1 point units went up for elk.

 

[wannakillabigbull]

Every unit I track for deer, elk and pronghorn went up. Some moreso than others.

 

[MallardSX2]

Every unit went up my .5 point or more. One unit went up three points.

They need to implement taking prefrence points for 2nd choice and leftover tags to fix this issue.

 

[dacd4134]

Can one of you guys help me understand something?

Why do the draw stats show less than 100% success rate for point levels above the "Drawn Out" level? For example if a unit drew out at 30% of 1 point apps, why wouldn't the 2 point apps be 100%? In one instance I'm looking at, the actual 2 point rate is ~84%, and even the 3 point rate is ~72%.

 

[MallardSX2]

Because of the witchcraft Colorado magic!

 

[loggerchas]

My guess is it has to do either with R/NR allocations/thresholds or different points among members of a group application.

 

[jmcd22]

A resident drew out with 15+ point for a unit and hunt type that can be drawn with 0 or 1 as a resident. They either got tired of waiting or they made a booboo on the application. We applied knowing we wouldnt draw until next year. Total points to draw stayed the same but the percentage for us increased this year over last year. Hopefully that holds true for next year too.

 

[jmann28]

The unit I drew with 2 points in 2014, took 5 to draw this year. Maybe next year with 6 I'll draw it again.

 

[dacd4134]

A resident drew out with 15+ point for a unit and hunt type that can be drawn with 0 or 1 as a resident. They either got tired of waiting or they made a booboo on the application. We applied knowing we wouldnt draw until next year. Total points to draw stayed the same but the percentage for us increased this year over last year. Hopefully that holds true for next year too.

Same. The unit above had a Non-Res draw at 22 points.

 

[DFloTN]

A resident drew out with 15+ point for a unit and hunt type that can be drawn with 0 or 1 as a resident. They either got tired of waiting or they made a booboo on the application. We applied knowing we wouldnt draw until next year. Total points to draw stayed the same but the percentage for us increased this year over last year. Hopefully that holds true for next year too.

Same. The unit above had a Non-Res draw at 22 points.

I guess "friends don't let friends drink and apply" isn't really a thing, is it? Our unit took 2 as a NR and somebody burned 14 on it. Maybe a dad/son trip?

 

[30338]

Every unit went up my .5 point or more. One unit went up three points.

They need to implement taking prefrence points for 2nd choice and leftover tags to fix this issue.

NO thanks on preference points for 2nd choice. That would cost them revenue as well so it likely would never happen.

 

[5MilesBack]

NO thanks on preference points for 2nd choice. That would cost them revenue as well so it likely would never happen.

How would that cost them revenue..........they're already selling 2nd choice tags, so it's a wash.

 

[30338]

Well let's say I have 3 points for deer and apply for my favorite unit that takes 3-4 points. As a backup, I currently apply for a unit that has leftover tags usually. So this year, I got another point and drew the 2nd choice tag for something to do. If my points were used on that 2nd choice I would for sure not do it. So in my opinion, it would lose them revenue on lower quality units. Who knows in the end.

 

[realunlucky]

Well let's say I have 3 points for deer and apply for my favorite unit that takes 3-4 points. As a backup, I currently apply for a unit that has leftover tags usually. So this year, I got another point and drew the 2nd choice tag for something to do. If my points were used on that 2nd choice I would for sure not do it. So in my opinion, it would lose them revenue on lower quality units. Who knows in the end.

So you would just sit out a hunting season? I'd guess the second draw could be epic

Sent from my moto z3 using Tapatalk

 

[30338]

If they were going to take all of my points for a second choice tag, I'd happily pass on hunting if I couldn't draw the unit I was saving points for. Think about it. A guy has 20 deer points and can't draw his first choice. He wants to hunt a throw away unit for low odds bucks with a second choice tag. Would you burn 20 points to just hunt a trash unit? Makes no difference to me. I've got my deer strategy down quite well and point creep has been a non issue for me.

 

[ShakeDown]

Then your second choice just becomes another quality hunt, like in AZ.

 

[Bigjay73]

Only 1 person with zero points did not draw my first choice deer tag. I'm that lucky person lol. Oh well, had to be somebody. In my unit there were actually less people who put in for it 1st choice, but for the first time, a couple people put on for it with 1 point, it's been a 0 point only unit. . May be a trend starting, I hope not.

 

[MuleyFever]

My deer ML unit that I hunt was up about 20% on draw odds with 0 points with less tags issued this year.

The elk unit I drew had min points go up one.

 

[oldgoat]

I think people are just burning their points this year causing the creep, especially non residents! At least that's what I hope! No more super cheap points since you have to buy the qualifying license. I'd probably sit out some seasons if they start burning my points for second choice.