Draw Regulation Issue/Question

[Deer_Hunter]

I am planning on hunting under a General White Tail licence this year, but also wanted to 999 my Antlered Whitetail special licence to increase my priority only.

I was/am 99% this can be done and that applying for a priority only increase does NOT preclude you from buying a general tag as you are not “drawn” for the special licence.

However because I have OCD I wanted to be sure – so phoned the helpful RELM help line.

After a lot of confusion on their end and them going to “check” the rules several times – they told me that the 999 would prevent me from purchasing a general white tail tag!

I was/am surprised and skeptical.

I am pretty sure they are wrong but of course quite confused presently

Does anyone here do this? Do a priority only increase on Antlered White tail AND buy a general licence

Please help a confused Deer_Hunter out!

*

[elkslayer132]

I do that every year for WT you are ok

[Austin]

I know one year I put in for my father in law - 999 his antlerless elk. Him not getting drawn (was only in to build priority), eliminated his ability to put in for a landowners elk tag... I know it's kinda different from your scenario but thought to share

[mulecrazy]

you can absolutely buy a general tag still. only if you purchase the antlered WT draw tag can you not purchase the general tag.

[Deer_Hunter]

Thank you for the replies

Looks like people do 999 the antlered WT and then buy general tags so hopefully this works for me.

I cannot believe that the RELM help line gave me the wrong answer on what I assume is a fairly basic question.

Going to phone tomorrow and ask to speak with a manager about this - not trying to get anyone in trouble but at the end of the day we are paying for this service and this is not good value for money with advise like I received.

I'm sure it will do nothing but raise my blood pressure but anyways work is slow this time of year

Again if anyone else uses this draw strategy please let me know

[Lefty-Canuck]

Originally Posted by Deer_Hunter

Thank you for the replies

Looks like people do 999 the antlered WT and then buy general tags so hopefully this works for me.

I cannot believe that the RELM help line gave me the wrong answer on what I assume is a fairly basic question.

Going to phone tomorrow and ask to speak with a manager about this - not trying to get anyone in trouble but at the end of the day we are paying for this service and this is not good value for money with advise like I received.

I'm sure it will do nothing but raise my blood pressure but anyways work is slow this time of year

Again if anyone else uses this draw strategy please let me know

Call Fish and wildlife for regulation info...the RELM folks seem to be mostly admin, likely shouldn’t be answering many regulation/licensing questions.

LC

[DiabeticKripple]

Yup 999 away and enjoy your over the counter resident tags.

Only if you are actually drawn, you cannot purchase the resident OTC tags.

[Grump]

Agreed with all the above. you can build priority and still hunt general.