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A hunter punches their deer tag.

Application Season

From understanding types of draws and building a strategy, to state-specific advice and a tour of Hunt Research tools, learn how to navigate application season.

Draws and Applications 101

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License vs. Tag vs. Permit

Duration 01:32

In some states, there may not be a difference between these concepts. In other states, the terms aren’t interchangeable at all. Learn the general differences between hunting licenses, tags, and permits.

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What’s a Draw?

Duration 02:20

The concept of a draw arose, essentially, when demand outpaced supply. In areas where hunter interest exceeds available resources, you must participate in a draw. Get the details from Huntin’ Fool here.

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What’s an Application?

Duration 02:10

To participate in a draw, you generally need to create an account with the appropriate state agency and submit an application. Learn more here.

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Paying for Applications

Duration 02:51

As with most things, each state handles application fees differently. Understand which states require you to pay upfront, learn about general non-refundable costs, and get tips on your form of payment.

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Random and Bonus Point Draws

Duration 13:30

There are four types of drawing systems: random, bonus points, preference points, and blended draws. Here, learn about random draws and bonus point draws, as well as which states use which systems.

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Preference Point and Blended Draws

Duration 07:17

There are four types of drawing systems: random, bonus points, preference points, and blended draws. Here, learn about preference point draws and blended draws, as well as which states use which systems.

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Point Creep and Wasting Points

Duration 03:59

If you spend any amount of time participating in application season, you’re going to run into the concepts of point creep and wasting points. Understand what these concepts mean and how to contextualize them to specific situations.

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Common Draw Misunderstandings

Duration 05:01

Huntin’ Fool shares the most common misconceptions they hear about points and draw odds. Listen in so you can avoid these misunderstandings.

Learn the Basics

Just stepping into the application season landscape? Review these starter resources to get a lay of the land.

Building an Application Strategy

01:01:38

Learn how to use onX Hunt Research Tools to build an application strategy in this full-length Masterclass. This walkthrough covers everything from setting your residency and points to filtering hunts, reading draw odds, and using maps and unit data to apply with confidence.

State Overviews

Every state is different and draw processes change year to year. These breakdowns give you the high-level info you need to plan a season that takes you where you want to go.

We’ll be updating these as information rolls in.

Hunt Research Tools icon.
How To Use Hunt Research Tools

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Hunt Research Tools | Overview

Duration 06:40

See how Hunt Research Tools helps you cut through the noise and make smarter application season decisions. This overview shows how all the pieces fit together so you can go from “where do I start?” to a clear game plan.

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Hunt Research Tools | Demo

Duration 07:35

Using Arizona elk as our example, we show you how Hunt Research Tools quickly narrows large lists of potential hunts into the few that actually work for your goals. You’ll see how to use filters, understand draw odds, and factor in details like access.

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Hunt Research Tools | Demo

Duration 07:35

Using Arizona elk as our example, we show you how Hunt Research Tools quickly narrows large lists of potential hunts into the few that actually work for your goals. You’ll see how to use filters, understand draw odds, and factor in details like access.

Draw Strategies by Pursuit

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