Why Arizona Bonus Points Never Cross Species

It's a common, utterly frustrating scenario: you've been diligently applying for years, building up a respectable stash of bonus points for Arizona elk, only to realize that those hard-earned points mean absolutely nothing when you decide you want to try for a mule deer tag. This isn't just a minor inconvenience; it can be a real punch to the gut, especially for those new to Arizona's complex draw system or hunters coming from states where points might be more universal. This guide is here to unravel the mystery and explain in detail why your Arizona bonus points are, by design, strictly species-specific, and what that means for your long-term hunting strategy.

Understanding Arizona's Bonus Point System Fundamentals

Arizona's hunting draw system can feel like a labyrinth at first glance, but at its heart lies a bonus point system designed to reward consistent applicants and increase their chances of drawing a tag for highly sought-after species. However, it's crucial to grasp that this system operates with a very distinct philosophy: each species is managed, and thus applied for, in its own separate universe.

The Core Purpose of Bonus Points

The primary reason Arizona established a bonus point system was to create a fair and transparent method for allocating a finite number of coveted hunting tags among a growing number of enthusiastic applicants. Imagine a scenario where every single applicant had an equal chance, year after year. For popular species like elk or bighorn sheep, drawing a tag would be a pure lottery, making long-term planning almost impossible and severely dampening the spirits of dedicated hunters. Bonus points offer a way to incrementally improve your odds over time, acknowledging the investment of effort and patience you put into the application process.

These points act as weighted entries into the draw. The more points you accumulate for a specific species, the more "tickets" you effectively have in the hat when that species' tags are allocated. It's a system built on loyalty and persistence. For many of us, it provides a glimmer of hope that our turn will eventually come, especially for those truly exceptional hunts that only a lucky few ever experience. It's this promise of an eventual draw that keeps many hunters returning to the application portal each year, even when the odds feel stacked against them. The system essentially manages the immense demand for limited opportunities, ensuring that those who commit to the process are eventually rewarded.

How Bonus Points Are Earned in Arizona

Earning bonus points in Arizona is a multi-faceted process, not just a simple matter of applying. While consistent application is certainly the backbone of point accumulation, there are other avenues to boost your tally, each designed to encourage participation or ethical behavior.

The most straightforward way to earn a point for a specific species is by applying for a hunt for that species and failing to draw a tag. If you apply for an elk tag, and don't draw, you receive an elk bonus point. Simple enough, right? This process repeats every year you apply and don't draw, adding one point to your cumulative total for that specific animal. You can even choose to apply for a "point guard" option where you essentially apply only for the point, without selecting any hunt choices. This is a fantastic option for those years when you know you can't commit to a hunt but want to keep building your point equity. In fact, you can even elect to Buying an Arizona Point Without Applying to Hunt if your schedule doesn't allow for a full hunt application, ensuring your point streak continues without interruption.

Beyond the annual application, Arizona offers a few special opportunities to earn permanent bonus points. Completing an approved Hunter Education course earns you one permanent bonus point, which is a fantastic head start for any new hunter. Likewise, passing the Ethically Hunting Arizona course also grants a permanent bonus point, encouraging responsible and ethical hunting practices in the field. These permanent points are a one-time addition, but they represent a significant boost to your overall point total and are an excellent way to jumpstart your draw odds. It’s important to understand that while these points are earned generally, they are then added to the point bank of each species you apply for, giving you an advantage across the board within the species-specific system. So, while you earn the education point once, it applies to your elk points, your deer points, your antelope points, and so on, once you begin applying for those respective species.

Finally, there's the Arizona Loyalty Point, a nod to long-term dedication. This point is awarded when you've applied for a hunt or purchased a bonus point for at least five consecutive years for a specific species. It's a testament to your commitment and serves as a powerful incentive to maintain your application streak. We'll dive deeper into this point later, but it underscores the agency's commitment to rewarding consistent participation.

The Species-Specific Nature of Arizona Bonus Points

This is where the rubber meets the road and often causes the most confusion and frustration for hunters. Unlike some other western states, Arizona's bonus point system is fiercely independent by species. Your hard-won elk points will never transfer or contribute to your chances of drawing a deer tag, an antelope tag, or any other species. Each animal exists in its own distinct draw pool, with its own separate point totals.

Why Each Species Stands Alone

The rationale behind Arizona's species-specific point system is deeply rooted in wildlife management principles, biological realities, and the unique challenges of conservation in a diverse landscape. Essentially, each big game species in Arizona is managed as a separate population, with distinct objectives, habitat requirements, and harvest quotas.

Consider the vast differences between an elk, a mule deer, and a bighorn sheep. Elk populations thrive in the high country, like the Mogollon Rim and White Mountains, requiring extensive forested areas and ample water. Mule deer are found across a wider range of habitats, from the Kaibab Plateau to the desert foothills, but their population dynamics and migration patterns are entirely different from elk. Bighorn sheep, particularly the desert bighorn, inhabit incredibly rugged, arid mountain ranges, often in small, isolated herds. Managing these populations effectively means addressing their individual needs, which includes setting specific tag numbers, season dates, and hunting units based on species-specific data.

If points were universal, it would create an imbalance in the draw system, potentially leading to a concentration of applicants for certain species with high point totals, while leaving other species with fewer dedicated applicants. By keeping points separate, Arizona Game and Fish can more precisely manage harvest pressure for each species, ensuring that tag allocation aligns with population objectives. This segregated system allows the state to allocate a certain number of elk tags, for example, based solely on elk population health, hunter demand for elk, and available elk habitat, without those decisions being skewed by someone's accumulated points for, say, an antelope hunt. It’s about tailoring management strategies to the unique circumstances of each animal, rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach that simply wouldn't work across Arizona's incredible diversity of big game.

Implications for Multi-Species Hunters

For those of us with dreams of hunting multiple species across Arizona's breathtaking landscapes, the species-specific point system presents a unique set of challenges and strategic considerations. It's not simply a matter of accumulating points; it's about making conscious decisions on which points to pursue and how to balance those pursuits.

If you're someone who dreams of a trophy bull elk, a desert mule deer, and a pronghorn antelope, you'll quickly realize you're playing three (or more!) entirely separate games. Each year you apply, you're building points for each individual species you apply for. This means if you want to seriously chase a premium elk tag, you need to commit to building elk points. If you then decide you also want to hunt mule deer, you'll be starting from scratch on your mule deer points, regardless of how many elk points you've accumulated. There's no crossover, no shared pool.

This reality often forces hunters to prioritize. Do you focus all your energy and application fees on building a formidable stack of points for one dream species, knowing it might take a decade or more to draw? Or do you spread your applications across multiple species, building points more slowly for each, hoping to draw an "easier" tag sooner but potentially delaying that trophy hunt indefinitely? For example, if you consistently apply for elk and deer, you'll be building points for both, but the rate of accumulation for each will depend on how many years you've applied for that specific animal. This is where tools like GoHunt's draw odds data become invaluable, helping you understand the realistic timeline for different species and units, allowing you to make informed decisions about where to focus your limited resources. The implications are clear: choose your species wisely, understand the commitment each requires, and manage your expectations accordingly. There is no shortcut, and those elk points, as precious as they are, will do nothing to help you chase a Coues deer.

Arizona's Draw Cycles and Point Allocation

Understanding Arizona's draw cycles is fundamental to any successful hunting strategy, especially when it comes to accumulating and utilizing bonus points. The state doesn't have a single, monolithic draw; instead, it breaks the application period into two distinct cycles, each with its own set of species and deadlines.

The February and June Application Deadlines

Arizona's draw system operates on two major application cycles: one in February and another in June. Missing these deadlines isn't just a missed opportunity to draw a tag; it's a missed opportunity to earn a bonus point, which can significantly impact your long-term strategy.

The February deadline typically covers some of the most sought-after species, including elk and antelope. This is the big one for many hunters, the one that can lead to those once-in-a-lifetime experiences. If you're chasing a coveted bull elk tag on the Mogollon Rim or a speed goat on the grasslands, marking this deadline on your calendar in permanent ink is absolutely critical. Missing it means you lose a year's worth of point accumulation for these species, setting you back further in the long game. For instance, knowing The Arizona Elk and Antelope Application Deadline is crucial for anyone dreaming of these hunts.

The June deadline, on the other hand, is dedicated to deer (both mule deer and Coues deer), bighorn sheep, and bison. While these hunts might not always carry the same overwhelming demand as elk, they represent incredible opportunities for different types of experiences. The challenge of glassing for a Coues deer in the Sky Islands, or the sheer scale of a bison hunt, are unique and rewarding. Again, being acutely aware of When Arizona Deer Applications Close and the deadlines for other species in this cycle is paramount to maintaining your point standing and advancing your chances.

The reason for these split deadlines lies in the sheer volume of applications and the varying management timelines for different species. By segmenting the draw, the Arizona Game and Fish Department can process applications more efficiently, manage their resources better, and align draw results with the upcoming hunting seasons for each animal. For hunters, it means you need to be organized and disciplined, potentially planning two distinct application periods each year if you intend to pursue multiple species.

How the Bonus Point Pass Works

Once the application deadlines pass and the dust settles, Arizona's draw system goes to work, and a critical component of that process is the "Bonus Point Pass." This isn't just some abstract term; it's a very real mechanism that directly impacts how tags are allocated and how your accumulated points are utilized. Understanding this pass is essential to comprehending the full weight of the species-specific point system.

In Arizona, 20% of all available tags for each species are allocated through what's called the "Bonus Point Pass." This pass is specifically designed to reward those hunters who have accumulated the most points for a given species. Essentially, the system takes all the applicants for a particular species, sorts them by the number of bonus points they possess, starting with the highest point holders. The top 20% of tags are then awarded to these applicants. It's a true advantage for the dedicated few who have committed years, even decades, to building their point totals. How the Arizona Bonus Point Pass Allocates Tags explains this mechanism in detail, highlighting its importance for high-demand tags.

Here's the critical connection to our discussion: this Bonus Point Pass operates entirely within the confines of each individual species. Your 15 elk points will put you in a very strong position for an elk tag in the Bonus Point Pass for elk. However, those same 15 points offer absolutely zero leverage in the Bonus Point Pass for mule deer, or antelope, or bighorn sheep. If you have zero mule deer points, you won't even be considered in the mule deer Bonus Point Pass, regardless of your elk point total. Your entry into that mule deer pass is based solely on your mule deer points.

This distinct separation ensures that the integrity of the species-specific management strategy is maintained. It prevents someone who has, for instance, been building bighorn sheep points for 20 years from suddenly having a massively unfair advantage in the elk draw if their bighorn points were allowed to transfer. Each species draw is its own self-contained event, from point accumulation to the actual allocation of tags. This is where researching draw odds through platforms like GoHunt becomes incredibly powerful. You can see how many points it actually takes to draw in the Bonus Point Pass for various units and species, helping you manage your expectations and refine your application strategy. Without understanding this fundamental principle, you might spend years chasing points in one category, only to find yourself starting from scratch when a different, equally enticing opportunity arises.

The Strategy of Building Points for Different Species

Navigating Arizona's species-specific bonus point system requires a thoughtful, long-term strategy, especially if you harbor ambitions of hunting more than one big game animal. It's not just about applying; it's about strategic application and understanding the commitment each pursuit demands.

Prioritizing Desired Hunts

Given that your bonus points don't cross species lines, a critical first step in Arizona's draw system is to honestly assess your hunting priorities. This isn't always easy, as many of us dream of a grand slam, but resources—time, money, and emotional investment—are finite.

For many hunters, a bull elk hunt in Arizona is the pinnacle. The draw odds for prime units are notoriously long, often requiring a decade or more of consistent point accumulation. If an Arizona elk hunt is truly your "holy grail," then prioritizing elk points above all else might be the most effective strategy. This means dedicating your primary application efforts (and the associated license and application fees) to elk each year. You might opt to apply for a point guard for elk in years you can't hunt, simply to keep building that point total. The mental shift here is significant: you're playing a multi-year, possibly multi-decade, game for that one specific species.

However, if your passion is for the challenging "gray ghosts" of the desert, the Coues deer, your strategy will differ. While still requiring points for the best units, the timeline is often shorter than for premier elk tags. You might prioritize building Coues deer points, perhaps applying for less competitive elk tags or simply buying an elk point each year to keep a minimal foot in that door, without heavily investing your highest draw choices there.

Consider a hypothetical hunter, Sarah, who dreams of both a Kaibab mule deer and a White Mountains elk. She might decide that the elk hunt is her top priority. So, each February, she puts in for elk, aiming for a high-demand unit. In June, when the deer draw opens, she has a choice: does she dedicate her second application to mule deer, knowing she'll be starting from zero points there, or does she just buy a mule deer point to slowly build equity without diluting her focus on elk? The decision hinges on her patience, her budget, and how soon she wants to be hunting any big game. This prioritization process is deeply personal and dictates how you'll approach each draw cycle for years to come.

Balancing Draw Odds with Point Accumulation

One of the most nuanced aspects of Arizona's draw is finding the sweet spot between building points for long-shot trophy units and applying for units where you might actually draw a tag sooner. This balance is especially critical when you're managing species-specific points.

Let's take elk again. Everyone wants Unit 9, Unit 10, or Unit 23, units renowned for their trophy potential. But the draw odds for these units, especially for rifle tags, can be astronomically high, often requiring 15-20+ points for non-residents to even have a reasonable chance in the Bonus Point Pass. If you're a newer hunter with only a few elk points, continually applying for only these top-tier units means you'll accumulate points for a very long time without ever seeing an elk tag.

This is where a balanced strategy comes into play. You might decide to apply for a specific high-demand unit as your first choice, knowing it's a long shot but worth the application. However, for your second, third, or fourth choices, you could select units with significantly better draw odds, even if they're not known for producing the same caliber of trophy animals. This strategy allows you to maintain your pursuit of a trophy, while also increasing your chances of drawing an elk tag much sooner. Getting boots on the ground, even in a "lesser" unit, provides invaluable experience and the thrill of the hunt.

Tools like GoHunt are indispensable here. They provide detailed draw odds for every unit and every hunt code, allowing you to filter by weapon, season, and species. You can see historical data on how many points it took to draw in the Bonus Point Pass and the random pass. This intel empowers you to make data-driven decisions. For example, you might observe that a certain unit consistently awards tags in the random pass to hunters with far fewer points, making it a viable second or third choice. Or you might realize that while your pronghorn points are low, there's a specific late archery hunt with decent random odds that could get you into the field quicker. The goal is to avoid perpetually building points without ever drawing, while still keeping your eye on those dream tags for which you're diligently accumulating points year after year.

Understanding Once-in-a-Lifetime Species and Their Points

Arizona is home to a few truly iconic big game species that fall under a "once-in-a-lifetime" rule, meaning that if you're lucky enough to draw and harvest one, you typically won't be able to draw another tag for that specific species again in Arizona. This unique category has significant implications for point accumulation and strategy.

Arizona's Trophy Species and Unique Rules

When we talk about Arizona's once-in-a-lifetime species, we're primarily referring to bighorn sheep (both desert and Rocky Mountain varieties) and bison. These animals represent some of the most challenging and sought-after hunts in North America, and for good reason: their populations are limited, their habitats are often remote and rugged, and the tags are incredibly scarce. Arizona's Three Once-in-a-Lifetime Species delves into the details of these exceptional opportunities.

The "once-in-a-lifetime" rule is exactly what it sounds like. If you draw a bighorn sheep tag and successfully harvest a ram, your eligibility to draw another bighorn sheep tag in Arizona is essentially fulfilled. The same applies to bison. This is a critical distinction from other species like elk or deer, for which you can draw a tag year after year (if you're lucky enough).

The most immediate impact on your bonus points is that once you draw one of these tags, your accumulated bonus points for that specific species are typically "zeroed out" or essentially rendered inert for future draws of that animal. For example, if you've been building desert bighorn sheep points for 25 years and finally draw that dream tag, after you successfully hunt, those desert bighorn points are effectively gone. You won't start accumulating points for desert bighorn again, because you've already had your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. What Happens After You Take an Arizona Bighorn further clarifies this scenario, ensuring hunters understand the finality of drawing one of these tags.

It's vital to grasp that this "zeroing out" only applies to the specific once-in-a-lifetime species you've drawn. Your hard-earned elk points, mule deer points, or javelina points remain entirely unaffected. They continue to accumulate (or are available for use) in their respective species-specific draws, completely independent of your bighorn or bison success. This reinforces the core principle: points are not transferable, and their status is always tied directly to the individual species.

The Long-Term Play for Elite Tags

Given the once-in-a-lifetime nature and extreme scarcity of tags for species like bighorn sheep and bison, applying for these hunts represents the ultimate long-term play in Arizona's draw system. This isn't just about accumulating points; it's about a multi-decade commitment for many hunters.

Consider the dedication required to draw a desert bighorn tag. It's not uncommon for hunters to accumulate 20, 25, or even 30+ points over as many years before finally drawing. This means consistent application, year after year, paying the license and application fees, often selecting the "point guard" option to simply accrue the point without actively hunting. It's a testament to unwavering patience and a deep desire for a truly exceptional experience. The sheer length of time involved means that applicants are often planning for a hunt that might not happen until well into their future, requiring incredible foresight and steadfastness.

The financial aspect also plays a role. While the application fee for a point is modest, the cost of a non-resident Arizona hunting license combined with the application fees over decades adds up. Hunters commit to this knowing that the return on investment might be many years away, if it comes at all. And again, this entire commitment is solely for that one species. The 20+ years of bighorn points you've accumulated will not give you any advantage in the draw for a high-country elk hunt, nor will they help you secure an early archery deer tag.

This intense focus on a single, elite species highlights the true independence of Arizona's point system. Hunters who commit to the long-term play for bighorn or bison are making a very specific, isolated investment of their time and resources. They accept that this pursuit is a standalone endeavor, completely separate from their strategies for more frequently drawn species. It's a strategic choice to invest in the potential of one extraordinary hunt, knowing that it requires an unparalleled level of patience and that its success won't ripple out to benefit any other hunting aspirations.

Maximizing Your Arizona Point Strategy

With the understanding that Arizona's bonus points are strictly species-specific, the next logical step is to devise a strategy that maximizes your point-earning potential within these parameters. It's about being smart and proactive, rather than passively hoping for a lucky draw.

The Hunter Education and Ethics Course Points

One of the best ways to give yourself an immediate, permanent boost across multiple species is by leveraging the Hunter Education and Ethically Hunting Arizona courses. These aren't just about learning critical skills and responsible behavior; they're also a smart strategic move for your point accumulation.

When you successfully complete an Arizona Hunter Education course, you earn one permanent bonus point. This isn't just a one-time thing for one species; it's a point that becomes part of your overall application profile. The beauty of this permanent point is that it applies to each species you subsequently apply for. So, if you've completed your hunter education, when you apply for elk, you automatically start with one elk point. When you apply for deer, you start with one deer point, and so on. This is a foundational, one-time boost that automatically gives you a leg up in every species-specific draw you enter. The Permanent Arizona Point From Hunter Education details how to acquire this crucial point.

Similarly, completing the Ethically Hunting Arizona course also awards you another permanent bonus point, operating under the same principle. This means by completing both courses, you can effectively start with two bonus points for each species you apply for, right out of the gate, without ever having to be unsuccessful in a draw. Earning an Arizona Point From the Ethics Course provides all the information you need to take this valuable course. These points are invaluable because they accelerate your progression through the point system, potentially shaving years off your wait for high-demand tags. They are not transferable between species in the sense that one elk point won't help your deer application, but the source of the point (the education/ethics course) is a universal bonus that applies to each distinct species' point tally once you begin applying for that animal. For any serious Arizona hunter, especially those just starting, these courses are a no-brainer for both skill development and strategic point accumulation.

The Arizona Loyalty Point

Beyond the initial boost from education and ethics courses, Arizona also rewards unwavering dedication through the "Loyalty Point." This point system is designed to acknowledge and incentivize consistent participation in the draw for specific species, proving that sticking with it really does pay off.

The Arizona Loyalty Point is awarded for each species you apply for when you have applied for that species or purchased a bonus point for it for at least five consecutive years. So, if you've been applying for elk every year without a break for five years, you'll earn an additional, permanent loyalty point for elk. This point is then added to your accumulating species-specific total, further enhancing your draw odds. The Arizona Loyalty Point After Five Years outlines the specifics of this incentive.

The "consecutive" aspect is key here. If you skip a year for a particular species, that five-year clock resets, and you'll have to start building your streak again. This is why meticulous record-keeping or using a reliable draw application service like GoHunt is so important. You absolutely do not want to inadvertently miss a deadline and jeopardize your loyalty point progress. Does Missing a Year Reset an Arizona Loyalty Point? clarifies the implications of missing an application year. Imagine putting in four solid years for deer, only to forget the application deadline in the fifth year and lose your chance at that loyalty point – it's a gut punch that can be easily avoided with proper planning.

This loyalty point further underscores the species-specific nature of Arizona's system. You could have 10 consecutive years of applying for elk and earn an elk loyalty point, but if you've only applied for deer for three consecutive years, you won't have a deer loyalty point yet. Each species' loyalty streak is managed independently, reinforcing the idea that your commitment must be focused and consistent for each individual animal you wish to pursue. This system rewards the long game, pushing hunters to maintain their application habits year after year if they want to reap the full benefits of Arizona's draw.

Planning for the Future: Long-Term Point Management

Successful hunting in Arizona isn't just about the current year's draw; it's a marathon that requires meticulous long-term planning, especially when navigating the species-specific bonus point system. Smart hunters understand that every application is a step in a multi-year strategy.

Utilizing Draw Odds Data for Informed Decisions

In the complex world of Arizona draws, hoping for the best simply isn't a strategy. To effectively manage your species-specific points and make informed decisions, you absolutely need to dive into the data. This means leveraging tools and resources that provide historical draw odds and application statistics.

Platforms like GoHunt provide comprehensive insights into Arizona's draw, breaking down success rates by unit, species, weapon type, and even point levels. This data is gold. For example, you can look at elk draw odds and see that while Unit 9 might take 20+ non-resident points to draw in the Bonus Point Pass, Unit 3A might have tags available in the random pass to hunters with fewer than 5 points. This kind of information is crucial for setting realistic expectations and adjusting your application strategy. If you have 5 elk points, continuously applying for Unit 9 as your first choice without any more attainable second or third choices is essentially donating your application fee to the state.

The iterative process of adjusting your application strategy means constantly evaluating the data. Did the draw odds for your chosen unit change significantly this year? Is hunter pressure increasing in a unit you've been targeting? Are there new units emerging with better random draw odds? By analyzing trends, you can decide whether to stick with your long-term trophy unit strategy, or pivot to a unit with better immediate prospects. Perhaps your mule deer points are only at 3, and while your dream unit requires 10+, GoHunt data shows that a less popular unit consistently gives out tags to 1-3 point holders. That might be the year you put in for that "easier" unit to get some actual deer hunting experience under your belt, rather than just perpetually accumulating points. This proactive approach, fueled by accurate data, is what separates the perpetually frustrated point-builders from the hunters who actually get to experience the thrill of the chase.

Considering Over-the-Counter Options

While building bonus points for draw-only species is a critical part of the Arizona hunting experience, it doesn't mean you have to sit on the sidelines for years waiting for a tag. Arizona offers a fantastic array of over-the-counter (OTC) hunting opportunities that can keep you active in the field and sharpen your skills without touching your coveted draw points.

The most prominent example of an OTC option is Arizona's expansive archery deer season. This season offers a tremendous opportunity to hunt both mule deer and Coues deer with an OTC tag. Arizona's Over-the-Counter Archery Deer Tag Explained dives deep into this option, highlighting its accessibility and the unique challenges it presents. The season is lengthy, often running for several months spread across the fall and winter, allowing for multiple outings. Arizona OTC Archery Deer Season Length confirms just how much opportunity there is. You simply purchase your hunting license and an OTC archery deer tag, and you're ready to hit the field. This is a perfect scenario for a hunter who is, for instance, building elk points but wants to hunt deer now without using up points in the draw system.

Similarly, Arizona's javelina hunts also offer fantastic OTC opportunities, particularly for archery. Javelina are incredibly fun to hunt, challenging, and provide an excellent way to experience the desert landscape. These opportunities allow hunters to stay engaged, learn the terrain, practice their skills, and bring home some meat, all while their bonus points for elk, antelope, or bighorn sheep continue to quietly accrue in the background. It's a strategic way to manage the waiting game inherent in a draw system. You don't have to choose between waiting for a draw tag and hunting; you can do both. These OTC hunts allow you to get out there, enjoy the incredible Arizona landscape, and keep your hunting passion alive, making the long wait for those high-point draw tags much more bearable.

Arizona Hunting Draw Point System Overview

Point Earning Method	Applies to All Species Annually (Yes/No)	Adds to Which Species' Point Total	Cumulative Impact	Reset/Loss Conditions
Annual Application (No Draw)	No (Per Species)	The species applied for	+1 point per year of unsuccessful application per species	None, continues to accumulate until tag is drawn (then points for that species cleared)
Hunter Education Course	Yes	Each species applied for	+1 permanent point to each species' starting total	One-time award, never lost
Ethically Hunting Arizona Course	Yes	Each species applied for	+1 permanent point to each species' starting total	One-time award, never lost
Arizona Loyalty Point	No (Per Species)	The species applied for	+1 permanent point after 5 consecutive years of application	Miss a year of application for that species, the 5-year clock resets
Drawing a "Once-in-a-Lifetime" Tag	N/A	The species drawn	Points for that species are essentially reset/fulfilled	Once drawn and harvested, points for that species are considered fulfilled/gone

Disclaimer

Please remember that hunting regulations, seasons, and draw systems are subject to change. Always consult the most current Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations booklet or website before making any hunting plans or applications. This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.