Second Choice confusion.. ???

[The Yeti]

Do you have to apply for second choice (F, G, or H only)? The regs also say "do not apply for a second choice if you do not wish to purchase the license, once picked the license cannot be issued again"

I'm confused. Do you pick a 2nd choice as a backup in case you do not get drawn for your primary zone?

[Powerstroke]

The second choice is for people who want to get drawn this year. Say you choose "A" for your first choice and "F" for your second. If you do not get drawn for "A", but do get drawn for "F", then you were awarded a tag and your preference points drop to "0" again. It doesn't matter if you buy the tag, you were drawn and therefore awarded one. That tag is now no longer available to someone else if you choose not to buy it.

The note by the DNR is for people who want to get a difficult lottery tag like popular zones and periods. If you want to hunt zone "A" and are willing to wait 3 years to get it, then you should not choose a second choice. Select "A" as your primary with no second choice. If you do not get drawn then you will gain a preference point for next year.

Also, choosing a second choice gets you in on the lottery drawing for that second zone rather than taking your chances waiting for a surplus permit sold to the public.

[Borch]

Quote:

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Do you have to apply for second choice (F, G, or H only)? The regs also say "do not apply for a second choice if you do not wish to purchase the license, once picked the license cannot be issued again"

I'm confused. Do you pick a 2nd choice as a backup in case you do not get drawn for your primary zone?

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You are not required to apply for a 2nd Choice. However, if you do and you are drawn for your 2nd choice you do not accumulate preference points. Even if you choose not to use the 2nd choice option. Something to consider if you're trying to build up preference point for earlier seasons.

[Scott M]

You can look at which zones didn't use up all permits to see if you might have a chance at a surplus tag. Surplus tags are nice because you don't lose any preference points.

[xedge2002]

The other option you have if you don't get drawn, is any permit area with over 50 permits, you can buy an archery tag. That is if you have a bow and want a good challenge. I was gonna do it this last spring but never had the time . But if I don't get drawn for gun season this year I will be out with my bow!