Points are only added or subtracted based on your first choice.
I'm assuming I will get this point, and it'll carry over to 2017...when I apply for a point, and unit draw in February 2017, for my hunt in fall 2017, will that second point be applicable for that 2017 hunt, or will I only be able to apply for a unit requiring one point(using the point I'll be given this year? In other words, is a point awarded in a given year only able to be used for an application for the following year, or can it be applied for a unit draw in the same year it's awarded?
I'm still trying to understand all of this, so my question may be totally confusing. I'm really just trying to figure out what units I will be able to apply for to hunt in fall 2017
First year applying you choose PP or if you select a unit and don't draw a tag, you'll earn 1 point after the draw.
Second year applying you'll have 1 PP: if you choose PP or don't draw a tag, you'll earn your 2nd PP after the draw.
Third year applying you'll have 2PP going into the draw.
So if an area that you want to hunt, takes two points next year, in 2018, if you have applied in 2016, and 2017, and have accrued two points, you will have a good chance to draw that tag. But nothing is certain given point creep, tag allocations, and the shifting of applicants as point creep worsens.
To your last question, no you cannot draw a tag and get a point.
A point is only awarded if you apply for a point or, you apply for a draw unit and are unsuccessful in the draw.
You can only be awarded, at maximum, 1 point per species per year.
If you are successful in drawing a tag, then all your points go away for that species and you start the next year at zero points for that species.
1. First choice, 1PP unit 2. Second choice, 1PP unit, if first choice is a no go 3. Third choice, 1PP unit, if second choice is a no go 4. OTC unit
Does that sound about right?
Thanks for the input guys. I'm going solo, and want to prepare as much as possible, as early as possible.
For second choice unit, you need to look at units that were able to be drawn as a second choice. Same goes for third and fourth choices.
It's very important to plan how you gonna play the PP game if you want to hunt each and every year.
Not sure I'm understanding what my options would be. I wanna say there were between 15 and 20 1PP either sex units(which is what I'm focusing on), so if none of those were able to be drawn as second choice, I'm guessing if my first choice isn't drawn then my only option will be OTC?
Vids's Link
http://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/Hunting/BigGame/Statistics/Elk/2015ElkDrawRecap.pdf
For example, hunt code EE050O1A is drawn out at 2nd choice, and there are a few others too.
I don't see any available as a third choice or lower except for ones that will be really tough to find elk in without private property permission. (As far as I know, I don't know those units well though)
Those 15-20 units you mention that are available with 0-1 points are all gone at first choice, they are not available when the draw starts looking at peoples second choices.
Hope that helps.
My advice would be stick to the 0 to 2 point areas vs OTC as the pressure will be somewhat controlled.
That being said, OTC can be zero pressure and incredible hunting one year and crowded, poor another.
