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Permit Application Tips for Nonresidents

Permit drawing choices


  • Your first choice is required, second and third choices are optional. If you have only one choice do not repeat the choice as a second and third option.
  • Your second or third choices will only be considered if there is a quota remaining or if the quota is unlimited and allows second or third choice applicants.
  • Your best chance to use your second or third choice is if you choose a hunting district where drawing odds are 100% or unlimited and allow second or third choices.

Bonus/Preference Points

Preference Points increase the likelihood of obtaining a combination license and only apply towards combination license packages.

  • Preference points essentially move you ahead in line.
  • For instance, a person with three preference points is in front of the person with two, and so on.
  • Beginning this year, 75 percent of all combination licenses awarded via the drawing will be issued to hunters with preference points.
  • All preference points accumulate over time until you obtain a combination license.
  • If you wish to participate in the Preference Point program for your combination license, make sure to check "YES" on the Preference Point question and include the $50 Preference Point fee.
  • Preference points are lost if they are not used for 2 consecutive years.

Check your odds of drawing a permit.

Here are the deer and elk hunting district maps that show the general drawing statistics for deer and elk permits.

Apply after February 16

Start your hunting plans early, but hold off on submitting deer and elk permit applications until sometime after February 16. Why? There are many hunting districts with 'pending' quotas that won't be finalized by the FWP Commission until February 16. If you are interested in applying for one of the pending hunting districts, check back here after the February 16 meeting, make your choices and then submit your application.

Licensing Requirements

Want to know more? See our Licensing Requirements for information on hunter and bowhunter education, youth hunter requirements, landowner prefence and duplicate certificates.