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July 2, 2012
SALEM, Ore.—New this year, hunters that did not apply for a big game controlled hunt or purchase a point saver by May 15 may purchase preference points from July 1 –Nov. 30.
Hunters need to fill out the application found online at ODFW’s website and mail or fax it to ODFW Controlled Hunts, 3406 Cherry Ave NE, Salem OR 97303, fax 503-947-6113 or 503-947-6117. At this time, preference points cannot be purchased online, at license sales agents or by phone. The cost is still $8 and hunters also need an annual hunting license.
Points can be purchased for the following hunt series: buck deer (100 series), elk (200 series), controlled pronghorn antelope (400 series), antlerless deer (600 series), and spring black bear tags (700 series). Hunters that already purchased a 2012 preference point or applied for a 2012 controlled hunt cannot purchase another point saver for that series.
Preference points increase the odds that hunters will draw their big game tag of choice in a future year. Hunters that fail to draw their first choice tag gain a preference point for that year. Hunters that don’t want to apply for the tag drawing can purchase a point saver each year in each hunt series.
Before this year, these points had to be purchased by May 15, which is also the deadline to apply for a controlled hunt. ODFW is extending the sale period to help hunters avoid the May 15 rush and enable them to spread the cost of licenses throughout the year.
Some of Oregon’s big game hunts are limited entry, including almost all rifle hunting of deer and elk east of the Cascades, pronghorn antelope, and most spring bear hunts. Hunters accumulate preference points each time they purchase a preference point or fail to draw their first choice hunt tag, which increases their chances of drawing the tag in a future year. |
