R657-5-37B. Preference Point System.

(1) Preference points are used in the big game and antlerless drawings to ensure that applicants who are unsuccessful in the drawing will have first preference in the next year's drawing.

(2)(a) A preference point is awarded for:

(i) each valid unsuccessful application of the first-choice hunt when applying for a general buck deer permit; or

(ii) each valid unsuccessful application when applying for an antlerless deer, antlerless elk, or doe pronghorn permit; or

(iii) each valid application when applying only for a preference point in the big game or antlerless drawing.

(b) Preference points are awarded by species for:

(i) general buck deer;

(ii) antlerless deer;

(iii) antlerless elk; and

(iv) doe pronghorn.

(3)(a) A person may not apply in the drawing for both a preference point and permit for the species listed in (2)(b).

(b) A person may not apply for a preference point if that person is ineligible to apply for a permit.

(c) Preference points shall not be used when obtaining remaining permits after the big game or antlerless drawing.

(4) Preference points are forfeited if a person obtains a general buck deer, antlerless deer, antlerless elk or doe pronghorn permit through the drawing.

(5)(a) Preference points are not transferable.

(b) Preference points shall only be applied to the big game and antlerless drawing.

(6) Preference points are averaged and rounded down when two or more applicants apply together on a group application.

(7)(a) Preference points are tracked using social security numbers or division-issued hunter identification numbers.

(b) The division shall retain copies of paper applications for three years prior to the current big game and antlerless drawings for the purpose of researching preference point records.

(c) The division shall retain copies of electronic applications from 2000 to the current big game drawing for the purpose of researching preference point records.

(d) Any requests for researching an applicant's preference point records must be requested within the time frames provided in Subsection (b) and (c).

(e) Any preference points on the division's records shall not be researched beyond the time frames provided in Subsection (b) and (c).

(f) The division may eliminate any preference points earned that are obtained by fraud or misrepresentation.