I will still put in this year, but much less optimistic since they made the change to allowing multiple areas within each category. Draw odds really fell off after that change.

So I'm putting in for the draw this year for the first time, not sure which ones yet but a few of them. Up until this past year I never knew Texas had draw hunts. I've chalked up my chances to hunt anywhere this year to zero since I don't have any Loyalty points. Any idea on how many years down the road it might take to draw? My goal is to put in for the areas with mid to higher success rate.

Question about the loyalty points: If you get drawn for a hunt but can't make it due to scheduling conflicts do you still retain your loyalty points for that hunt?

Question about the loyalty points: If you get drawn for a hunt but can't make it due to scheduling conflicts do you still retain your loyalty points for that hunt?

If you can't make a hunt then do everyone else a favor and don't enter it.

If you can't make a hunt then do everyone else a favor and don't enter it.

Ponied up my annual donation.

things come up between now and then. Last yr I was drawn for Brazos bend and the day before the hunt I had truck problems and had to have some suspension parts replaced. There was no way for me to make the hunt while my truck was in the shop.

If you get drawn, you lose all points in that category.

SapperTitan, that's completely understandable. There's nothing you can do about that but if you can see problems this early in the game then my suggestion is to not enter. Especially if there are no standby positions available. I went on a hunt at Lake Brownwood and a guy hunted the afternoon and then the next morning and left. I thought "you selfish prick", there are a ton of people that would have loved to have used that spot and be a part of this hunt. IDK, I guess it's just a sore topic for me.

I agree if you know you won't be attending the hunt you shouldn't apply. I think people apply for hunts they don't want hoping they won't get drawn and will get loyalty points in that case I don't agree with it.

The state could easily remedy this situation by giving the option for folks to just purchase loyalty points for years where they don't have the time to hunt due to work, illness, other plans, etc.

There are LOTS of things that could be done to enhance the revenue stream and Texas Hunters access to the Lottery System...those long suggested ideas have a snowballs chance in hades chance of every happening though 'cause the Poobahs in Austin don't want it to happen that way...just like the Legislature conveniently robs the Dedicated TPW Funds anytime they want to... instead of funding everyday stuff they are supposed to fund Out the General Fund that is supposed to be the source of $$'s for the States everyday expenses & projects & bills due OUTSIDE of the TPW Park System's Budgets and Dedicated Funding . And don't get me started on the Rainy Day Fund that's sitting there unused and getting bigger by the day that is supposed to cover the unusual non repetitive or emergency funds needed for storm damage et al...but hasn't been touched in years for anything except to brag about.

Hate to sound a grumpy old stinker with an agenda but I AM a grumpy old stinker when Texas politicians play with the Citizens of Texas's money like they were free poker chips to waste at a Vegas Casino and the Citizens are sheep to be sheared every year for the Lege's latest whims.
JMHO & YMMV
Ron

There are LOTS of things that could be done to enhance the revenue stream and Texas Hunters access to the Lottery System...those long suggested ideas have a snowballs chance in hades chance of every happening though 'cause the Poobahs in Austin don't want it to happen that way...just like the Legislature conveniently robs the Dedicated TPW Funds anytime they want to... instead of funding everyday stuff they are supposed to fund Out the General Fund that is supposed to be the source of $$'s for the States everyday expenses & projects & bills due OUTSIDE of the TPW Park System's Budgets and Dedicated Funding . And don't get me started on the Rainy Day Fund that's sitting there unused and getting bigger by the day that is supposed to cover the unusal non repetitve or emergency funds needed for storm damage et al...but hasn't been touched in years for anything except to brag about.

Hate to sound a grumpy old stinker with an agenda but I AM a grumpy old stinker when Texas politicians play with the Citizens of Texas's money like they were free poker chips to waste at a Vegas Casino and the Citizens are sheep to be sheared evey year for the Lege's latest whims.
JMHO & YMMV
Ron

I want to say thank you for this post. I am new to deer hunting and would of missed some deadlines without it. I have shot one buck (this feb) and might of gotten hooked. Really wanted to apply for the archery draws, but I literally just got a bow and do not think I am knowledgeable enough to use it this year.