Many details of the new system had not been decided at press time, but the Commission has directed staff to develop a bonus point system based on the system currently used in Nevada, where hunters gain one point for each year they apply, plus the square of the total of yearly points previously awarded. For example, in 2006, each unsuccessful applicant in the Idaho drawing will receive one point. In 2007, unsuccessful applicants will have two points (one plus 12); in year three, five points (one plus 22); and in year four, 10 points (one plus 32).
Commissioners believe that the rapid accumulation of bonus points will quickly reward hunters who apply for most deer and elk controlled hunts, where the number of applications exceeds the number of permits by up to four or five to one. In hunts where the number of applications far exceeds the number of permits, gains will take longer to become apparent. That's particularly true for sheep and mountain goat hunts, as well as for the most desirable trophy deer and elk hunts where applications exceed permits by 200 to one.
Although details of the newly-adopted bonus point system will not be announced until March, the Commission indicated that the Idaho system will likely apply to nearly all controlled hunts for big game animals; will require hunters to purchase a non-refundable license to apply; and will allow hunters to purchase a bonus point in lieu of applying for a hunt. Hunters successful in obtaining a permit will lose their accumulated bonus points for that species, and will likely be excluded from applying for another permit for the same species for at least one year, including deer........(continued)
