Bonus Points vs Preference Points

The short answer — one puts you in line, the other gives you better odds

Bonus points and preference points both reward consistency, but they don’t work the same way. Preference points create a line—if you have enough, you draw. Bonus points don’t guarantee anything—they just increase your chances. Understanding that difference is what keeps you from wasting years in the wrong system.

How preference points actually work

In a preference point system, tags go to the hunters with the most points first. Once the tags are gone, that’s it. If you don’t have enough points to reach the cutoff, you won’t draw. It’s predictable, but it also means you’re competing directly against everyone ahead of you.

This is why point creep hits hard in these states. As more people build points, the number required to draw keeps increasing.

How bonus points actually work

Bonus point systems don’t create a line. Instead, they give you more chances in the draw. The more points you have, the better your odds—but you can still get beat by someone with fewer points.

Some states also reserve a portion of tags for high point holders, but most tags are still distributed randomly.

Why this difference matters

In a preference system, you can plan more clearly. You know roughly how many points it will take to draw a unit. The downside is that wait times can get long, and if point creep kicks in, it can push your timeline even further out.

In a bonus system, you always have a chance, even with low points. But there’s no guarantee, even if you’ve been applying for years. It’s less predictable, but sometimes faster if you get lucky.

Where each system shows up

Preference systems are common in states like Colorado and Wyoming. Bonus systems are used in states like Arizona and Nevada. Utah mixes both with a hybrid system, which adds another layer.

Knowing which system you’re in should change how you approach it.

How to use both the right way

The best strategy is to use both systems together. In preference states, you’re building toward a known goal. In bonus states, you’re staying in the game every year with a chance to draw early.

That balance gives you both consistency and upside.

Where people go wrong

A lot of hunters treat bonus points like preference points and expect a guaranteed result after enough years. Others misunderstand preference systems and chase units they’ll never realistically draw.

Some just keep building points without ever deciding when to use them.

Final thought

Points only work if you understand how they function. If you treat every system the same, you’ll waste time. If you use them the right way, they become one of your biggest advantages.