How The Weighted Lottery Works
What species are covered by the
weighted lottery?
First lotteries for deer gun, muzzleloader deer, pronghorn, swan,
and spring and fall wild turkey.
How does the one-year grace period
affect an applicant's eligibility?
Previously, an applicant had to apply every year to maintain bonus points. Beginning in 2005 a one-year grace period was instituted that allows an applicant to miss a year without losing points; however, an applicant loses bonus points by failing to apply for two consecutive years.
How do bonus points accrue in the
weighted lottery?
An applicant unsuccessful in drawing his first choice permit in
the first lottery this year receives a bonus for next year's
lottery. See the following table: (Note that in years 2, 3,
and 4, the points are doubled; and, for years 5 and beyond, they
are cubed to increase the applicant's chances of drawing a
permit.)
|
Number of Times Applicant's Name Goes Into The Weighted Lottery |
||||||
| Year | Bonus points |
Multiplier | + | Current year's application |
= |
Total times |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (year 1) | 0 | - | + | 1 | = | 1 |
| (year 2) | 1 | x 2 | + | 1 | = | 3 |
| (year 3) | 2 | x 2 | + | 1 | = | 5 |
| (year 4) | 3 | x 2 | + | 1 | = | 7 |
| (year 5) | (43) or 64 | - | + | 1 | = | 65 |
| (year 6) | (53) or 125 | - | + | 1 | = | 126 |
In the previous example isn't the
applicant guaranteed a permit in year four or five?
No. There is no guarantee. The lottery is a random drawing. In
most cases when an applicant reaches this point he is likely to
draw a permit. However, for some tags, particularly antlered mule
deer and pronghorn, where demand for tags vastly exceeds supply,
many applicants have the same number of bonus points and thus, even
for those with many points, there is lots of competition.
Why do applications ask for a
social security number and do I have to give it?
Yes. State law passed by the 1999 North Dakota Legislative
Session requires social security number on all license applications
in order for the state to receive human services funding from the
federal government.
To keep track of my bonus points in the last few years I used the bonus-point-ID number issued by the department instead of my social security number. How do I keep from losing those points? Contact the department's licensing section and they will make sure to give you those points accrued under the previous number system.
If I receive a permit for my
second choice license do I lose my bonus points?
No, bonus points apply only to first choice in the first
lottery.
If I have bonus points and apply
with a party, how does this affect me?
On party applications the person with fewest points sets the level
for the entire application. Applicants with more bonus points than
others in the party have a better chance applying separately.
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