States That Use Hunting Draw Systems (And How They Actually Work)

The short answer — every state runs a draw, but not the same way

If you’re hunting out West, you’re dealing with a draw system. The process is similar everywhere, but how each state actually works is completely different. Some reward points, some are random, and some are shifting right now. That’s where people get caught off guard.

The core western draw states — where most hunters play

Colorado runs mostly on a preference point system. If you don’t draw your first choice, you build a point and move up in line. There’s also a secondary draw and leftover tags, which gives you extra chances. Colorado is always adjusting seasons and structure, so it’s a state you have to keep up with.

Wyoming is also preference point based, but with a split system. Most tags go to the highest point holders, while a smaller portion are randomly drawn. Wyoming also leans heavily into a pay-to-apply structure for non-residents, which changes how people budget and apply each year.

Arizona uses a bonus point system. Some tags go to max point holders, but most are random. Non-residents are capped, which makes it tougher. You build odds over time, but nothing is guaranteed.

Utah runs a hybrid system. Half the tags go to high point holders, the other half are random. That gives everyone a chance, but points still matter long term.

Nevada uses a bonus point system where your chances are squared each year you apply. Your odds improve faster over time, but like Arizona, there are no guarantees.

Idaho — one of the biggest recent changes

Idaho used to be one of the last states where non-residents could just log in and buy a tag. That’s no longer the case. Non-resident general season deer and elk tags are now issued through a draw instead of first-come sales. That means access is controlled now, and you have to apply and wait like other states.

But Idaho still doesn’t use preference or bonus points. It’s still a random system, just with limited entry for non-residents. That shift alone changed how people plan hunts across the West.

New Mexico — still simple and random

New Mexico is one of the simplest systems. No points, no preference. Every year is a clean slate. You apply, pick your hunts, and either draw or you don’t. It’s one of the best options for non-residents who want a shot without waiting years.

Montana — a mix of systems

Montana uses both preference points and bonus points depending on the species. Non-residents usually apply for combination licenses, which adds cost but also access. It’s a little more layered, but manageable once you understand it.

Other western states

California and Oregon use preference point systems. These are slower builds where you stack points over time.

Washington uses a bonus point system similar to Arizona. You gain more chances each year, but nothing is guaranteed.

Midwest and eastern draw states

Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota all use draw systems, mostly for non-resident deer and antelope tags.

Eastern elk states like Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and Pennsylvania are all random draws with very limited tags. These are more like lottery hunts than something you plan around.

The big shift happening right now

The biggest shift is access tightening. Idaho moving to a non-resident draw removed one of the last easy-entry options. At the same time, states like Wyoming continue leaning into pay-to-apply structures, which changes how many states hunters can realistically apply in each year.

What it all comes down to

Every draw system falls into three categories. Preference point states reward the highest point holders. Bonus point states increase your odds over time but don’t guarantee anything. Random draw states give everyone the same chance each year.

Idaho now sits in that random category for non-residents, but without the old ability to just buy a tag.

A smarter way to approach it

The best move is to spread your strategy across multiple systems. Use random states like Idaho and New Mexico to stay in the game every year. Build points in states like Wyoming and Colorado for future hunts. That way you’re not relying on one draw to decide whether you hunt.

Where people go wrong

Most hunters don’t adjust when systems change. Idaho is the perfect example—people still treat it like a tag they can just buy. Others focus too much on point states and end up waiting years without hunting.

Final thought

Draw systems aren’t complicated, but they are always changing. If you stay current and build a plan across states, you’ll keep hunting. If you don’t, you’ll spend more time applying than actually being in the field.