"Nonresident hunters, starting in 2006, will be able to purchase bonus points for elk, deer and antelope permits. Previously, bonus points were offered for moose and sheep only. In fact, they were mandatory, meaning that hunters who applied for one of those species in the drawing were automatically charged for the cost of a bonus point ($100 and $75 respectively). The difference with the new bonus point system is that hunters may choose whether they want to buy a bonus point for elk, deer or antelope. Also, hunters have the option of not applying at all, but still buying a bonus point for one of these three species.
"For those unfamiliar with bonus points, the way they work is that they reward unsuccessful applicants by giving their applications additional `weight' in each subsequent drawing, either by adding a bonus point each year or using some other formula to improve the hunter's likelihood of being drawn. When a new bonus point system is created, it is obviously important to get involved right away, as those who do so will be at the front of the pack, ahead of those who wait a year or more to begin accumulating points.
"Wyoming's new system goes into effect this year, with 2007 being the first year that accumulated points will affect the drawing. Only one preference point can be purchased for each species annually. Preference points for elk will cost $50, deer $40 and antelope $30 each. Based on current demand, preference points will likely be most helpful in the near term (four or five years) for helping nonresident hunters draw elk permits and perhaps deer permits."
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