CA zone X9a

[BigSurArcher]

I think guys that have been putting in longer should get the tag, or a better chance anyways. I also like the 10% going to non max points.

What about the younger hunters that will never ever have a chance at a good tag unless they miraculously draw in the "random" pool? It's not their fault that they were born when they were. It's really gonna look stupid down the road when the only people getting tags are those with 25 or more points, and then everyone with 0-24 points have EQUAL odds for the random tag(s). How on earth is that fair? I think it should be a system like Nevada's where your number of points is multiplied by a set number and that's how many chances you get in the draw... that way the people who have applied the longest still have the best chance, but younger hunters or late-bloomers still have hope.

[Muleys 24/7]

What about the younger hunters that will never ever have a chance at a good tag unless they miraculously draw in the "random" pool? It's not their fault that they were born when they were. It's really gonna look stupid down the road when the only people getting tags are those with 25 or more points, and then everyone with 0-24 points have EQUAL odds for the random tag(s). How on earth is that fair? I think it should be a system like Nevada's where your number of points is multiplied by a set number and that's how many chances you get in the draw... that way the people who have applied the longest still have the best chance, but younger hunters or late-bloomers still have hope.

BigSurArcher, I have to agree with you being that I would be considered a younger hunter and you too, It would take me a LONG time to reach 25 points. I know Califorina Bighorn desert sheep and Elk will be even harder to draw with so few tags, for example my buddys dad has been putting in for bighorn desert sheep for many,many years without being drawn and now age is working against him.

[packer58]

BigSurArcher, you make a very good point about the young hunters that "came of age" after 2002. Those kids don't really have a realistic chance of drawing one of the better premium units for many years (or ever). Another thing to keep in mind is, if you have aquired a "modified preference point" every year you will be going into this years draw with 10 points, if for some reason you drop a year it effectively takes you out of the race until the number of first choice max point applicants is less than the number of available tags. California's point system sucks no dout, it's basicly one....maybe two premium hunts and it's over. (especially rifle hunts) Nevada's system is hands down better than California.

[Drhorsepower]

The problem with the system in California is that there are not enough tags vs the number of applicants so if you are not already in max pool you are unlikely to see a LE tag unless there is a drastic change in the number of tags,

Is that the points systems fault? it is a simple issue of supply not meeting demand. Everyone knows the odds going into it and you will have to take licks to get your shot. If they upped the tags, there wouldn't be a premium tag in the state. My opinion being a young guy myself and bigsur is of course I would like a shot at those tags like everyone else that has been putting in for 25 years, and I do just not as good of one, however if I was the guy putting in longer than I have been alive, I'd feel a little different, the purpose of points system is to get those people tags who have been dedicated and not to have the playing field even. I also wish the would allot 5 times the amount of tags but then I wouldnt have a good shot at a trophy.
My moms boyfriend has 20 something points in Colorado for elk and he's still not sure if he is going to draw a tag this year. He could buy an OTC tag in the same state but he has been taking his licks at a premium tag, I'd be a little hot if someone drew that tag with 1 point if I was him wouldn't you?

I don't know,back to Cali, I would rather build max points and knowing I have a shot in my lifetime at an elk or sheep than put in every year and having a slim to none shot by an exponential factor.

I also agree with giving younger generations hope however where do you draw that line? When I turned 18 I took responsibilities as an adult, should I have an unfair advantage of a 35 year old? The point of younger generation tags 12-(16,18) is to get them involved outdoors and hopefully they will catch the bug. If you apply after that I think you caught it!

Nevada has a great system also. They make their points exponential to keep things fair for the guys that have a ton of points, and still there are guys that have been putting in for over 20 years as resident and haven't drawn that elk tag. Even worse for sheep etc. it is like that every where you go not just California. One thing I like about non res in Cali that residents probalably don't like is I have the same shot at deer as you do I do have to pay alot more for a tag though.

Thanks bigsur for giving me another angle at it. Along with everyone else. I am young and hope to be in that 900+ for 12 tags group one day and am working on it, I hope to outlive 888! Hehe.

I think this is a great conversation, it is bringing different views into view which is always a good thing. More views around anything and you gain a clearer picture.

[H3Dad]

You will be chasing G39 even if you have max points but the pay off is huge if you draw. When you get down to it there are only a few units that you will wait a lifetime for. Most all other units will be drawn if you have max points. The downside is you may wait a lifetime to hunt the same quality of animals you can hunt in other states every year, with the exception of sheep or Tule elk. There are plently of great hunts to choose from that can easily be drawn. I just accumulate points for the best units and hope to draw in my lifetime and plan the same quality hunts or better hunts in other states that I can draw. California is just shot in the dark for a good hunt in their hardest draw units.

[Muleys 24/7]

The downside is you may wait a lifetime to hunt the same quality of animals you can hunt in other states every year, with the exception of sheep or Tule elk. There are plently of great hunts to choose from that can easily be drawn. I just accumulate points for the best units and hope to draw in my lifetime and plan the same quality hunts or better hunts in other states that I can draw. California is just shot in the dark for a good hunt in their hardest draw units.

10-4 on that

[Muleys 24/7]

One thing I like about non res in Cali that residents probalably don't like is I have the same shot at deer as you do I do have to pay alot more for a tag though.

I would feel the same if I was a non-res hunter to CA. We don't discriminate, and I guess it's some what fair in that aspect.

[okie77]

Our group drew x9a in 2010 we had been putting in as party of three and got drawn on the 4th attempt. Its different hunting than huntin d7 alot of open sage,unless you hunt the west side of 395, but there are some great bucks in the zone. We brought home 3 nice bucks. Started puttin in for a new zone last year,but probably goin to take a little longer due to the number of people in the group(6). Good luck and if you get drawn get maps and do some scouting you"ll see some awsome velevted bucks