First, though, in case you missed my columns on this subject, here is an overview of why it's important to get your Arizona Hunter Education Bonus Point. For starters, the point you get by completing this state's Hunter Education Course is a permanent bonus point in your big game drawings, meaning you won't lose it, as you do other points, if you fail to apply for five consecutive years. Second, it gives you yet another chance to earn a low random number in the drawings, thereby increasing your chances of success. Finally, and perhaps most important, it may allow you to participate in a special drawing that many hunters don't understand. In each bull elk unit statewide and all antlered deer units north of the Colorado River, the state reserves a maximum of 10 percent of the permits for applicants with the highest number of bonus points. Since other hunters have done everything possible to earn bonus points, including attending a Hunter Education Course, you cannot ever get in this special drawing without earning your own education point.
And there's more to this story.... In certain circumstances, this drawing can eliminate any chance for non-participating non-residents to draw certain permits. Let me explain. Let's say there is an elk unit with 20 total permits, which means........(continued)
