When you’re ready to jump into the exciting world of Kansas deer hunting, knowing the exact timing for snagging those preference points is super important. Trust me, getting this right can make all the difference in landing that dream whitetail tag. It’s not just about showing up with your Hunting Boots and a good Hunting Pack. it’s about playing the long game with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks KDWP system. If you’re a non-resident, or even a resident looking for specific firearm permits, understanding this system is your secret weapon. You see, Kansas uses a true preference point system for whitetail deer, meaning those with the most points get first dibs on the coveted tags. So, consistently buying points is a smart move if you’re serious about hunting this amazing state. We’re going to break down everything you need to know, from key dates and costs to a step-by-step guide on how to buy them, and even some common mistakes to steer clear of. By the end of this, you’ll be set to strategize your way to a fantastic Kansas hunt!
Understanding Kansas Preference Points: The Basics
Let’s talk about what these “preference points” actually are and why they matter so much for hunting in Kansas. Think of them as a loyalty program for hunters. Each year you apply for a deer permit in the limited draw and are unsuccessful, or if you simply choose to purchase a preference point instead of applying for a tag, you earn one point., These points essentially build up your seniority in the draw system. Kansas operates on a true preference point system, especially for whitetail deer permits.,, This means that when it comes time for the draw, applicants with the highest number of accumulated preference points get their tags before those with fewer points.,,
Why is this a big deal? Well, for non-residents, and even for residents eyeing specific firearm either-species/either-sex deer permits, the demand for tags can be really high in some of the top-tier units. Having those preference points significantly increases your odds of drawing a tag in the unit you really want. Without them, you’re essentially starting from scratch each year, relying purely on luck in a system designed to reward consistency. It’s definitely a long-term strategy, but if you’re planning multiple hunts in Kansas, or aiming for a trophy-class area, these points are invaluable. Just a heads-up: while preference points are key for whitetail, they don’t apply to mule deer. For mule deer, you generally need to draw a whitetail tag first, and then you’ll be entered into a separate, random draw for a mule deer stamp.,,, So, if you’re specifically after a mule deer, the path is a little different, but still often starts with that whitetail permit. Having a good pair of Hunting Binoculars can help you scout those areas, whether you’re after whitetail or mule deer.
The Golden Window: When to Purchase Kansas Preference Points
Alright, this is where the rubber meets the road! Knowing when to buy your Kansas preference points is absolutely critical, because if you miss the window, you’re out of luck for the year. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks KDWP has specific application periods, and you can only purchase preference points during these times.,
For non-resident deer permits, the application period, which is also when you can purchase a preference point, typically runs from April 1st to April 25th.,, That’s a pretty tight window, so mark your calendar, set reminders, and make sure you’re ready! When to Buy Insurance for Your New Car: Your Ultimate Guide
For resident firearm either-species/either-sex deer permits, the application period, and your chance to grab a point, is usually from May 13th to June 13th.,
It’s important to remember that these dates are for the current year’s draw, and if you’re just buying a point, it’ll count towards a future drawing., Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can just buy a point whenever you feel like it. The KDWP is pretty strict about these deadlines.,
My advice? As soon as the KDWP announces the official dates for the upcoming year, put them into your digital calendar, set multiple alarms, and maybe even write them on a physical Hunting Calendar you see every day. Missing this deadline means waiting another entire year to even begin building your point total, and that’s a tough pill to swallow when you’re itching to hunt. You’ll apply online through the Go Outdoors Kansas website or by phone. So, no excuses, get those dates locked down!
How to Buy Kansas Preference Points for Deer Hunting: A Step-by-Step Guide
Purchasing Kansas preference points might seem a bit daunting at first, especially if you’re new to the KDWP system. But don’t sweat it, I’ll walk you through the process step-by-step so you can get those points locked in. You’ll be doing all of this on the official KDWP website, gooutdoorskansas.com. When to Buy an iPad: Your Ultimate Guide to Smart Shopping
Step 1: Head to the KDWP Website and Log In
First things first, open your browser and go to www.gooutdoorskansas.com.,,, This is the official portal for licenses, permits, and preference points. If you already have an account, great! Just log in using your credentials. If you’re new to the system, you’ll need to create an account. This usually involves providing some personal information like your date of birth, last name, and the last four digits of your social security number.
Step 2: Navigate to “Limited Draw Applications”
Once you’re logged into your personal account page, look for a section called “Limited Draw Applications.”,, This is your gateway to all things related to the special draws, including where you purchase preference points. It might be clearly visible on your dashboard or under a “Licenses & Permits” menu.,
Step 3: Select the Appropriate Deer Application
Inside the “Limited Draw Applications” section, you’ll see different options. For preference points, you’ll want to select either “Nonresident Whitetail Deer Application” or “Resident Deer – Either Species/Sex Deer Firearm Application,” depending on your residency and what you’re aiming for.,
Step 4: Choose the “Apply for Points Only” Option
Once you’ve selected the correct application type, you’ll be presented with choices. Look for an option that explicitly states “Apply for Points only.”,, This is crucial! Make sure you don’t accidentally apply for a permit if your intention is just to accrue a point. Remember, if you apply for a tag and are unsuccessful, you’ll automatically get a preference point, but this “points only” option is for when you know you’re not hunting this year and just want to build your point bank.,
Step 5: Review and Complete Your Payment
After selecting the “Apply for Points only” option, you’ll likely have a chance to review your selection. Double-check everything to make sure it’s correct. Then, proceed to the payment section. You’ll enter your credit card information and billing address, just like any online purchase. There will be an internet convenience fee added to the cost of the preference point., When to Buy Holiday Flights: Your Ultimate Guide to Scoring the Best Deals
Step 6: Confirmation
Once your payment is processed, you should receive a confirmation that your purchase has been completed. It’s a good idea to save this confirmation, either by printing it or keeping a digital copy, just for your records. You can also typically check your preference point total on your KDWP account page after the transaction.
And that’s it! You’ve successfully purchased a Kansas preference point. Building your point totals year after year with this method will get you closer to that dream hunt. And while you’re at it, maybe check out some Deer Calls or a new Tree Stand to get ready for when your points pay off!
The Cost of Success: Kansas Preference Point Fees
Let’s talk money, because investing in preference points means knowing what you’re getting into financially. The cost of a Kansas preference point isn’t too bad, especially when you think about the potential payoff of drawing a highly sought-after tag.
For non-residents, a preference point costs $27.50.,,, This fee is typically non-refundable and includes an application fee component., It’s important to know that this is just for the point. If you eventually apply for and draw a deer permit, you’ll have to pay the full permit fee, which for non-residents is significantly higher – often around $442.50 to $477.50 for a whitetail deer permit.,,, Plus, you’ll need to purchase a non-resident hunting license, which is around $127.50 for adults 16 and over or $42.50 for junior hunters 15 and younger., The good news? You don’t need to buy the full hunting license just to purchase a preference point. When to Buy a High Chair for Your Baby: Your Ultimate Guide
For residents, the cost for a preference point is much lower, at $12.50.,
You’ll also encounter a small internet convenience fee when purchasing online.,,
Is it worth the investment? Absolutely, if you’re committed to hunting Kansas. Think of it as a strategic investment in your future hunting opportunities. If you’re after a specific trophy unit or simply want to maximize your chances in a state known for its excellent deer hunting, consistently buying these points is the way to go. Consider it part of your long-term Hunting Budgeting plan. While you’re waiting for your points to accumulate, you might even consider picking up some Hunting Books to refine your skills or learn more about deer behavior. The fees might seem like a bit much upfront when combined with the actual tag cost, but many hunters agree that the quality of the Kansas hunting experience makes it a worthwhile endeavor.
Building Your Strategy: Maximizing Your Preference Points
So, you’re buying preference points, which is great! But just having them isn’t enough. you need a strategy to make them really count. Kansas is a true preference point state for whitetail deer, meaning the person with the most points gets the tag first.,, This makes planning your application even more critical. When’s the Best Time to Snag Those New Golf Clubs? Your Ultimate Guide!
1. Know Your Target Unit and Its Draw Odds:
This is probably the most important part of your strategy. You need to research past draw odds for the specific hunting units you’re interested in. The KDWP usually publishes this information, and many hunting resources like GOHUNT also offer detailed draw odds. Look at how many points it took for non-residents or residents, if that’s you to draw a tag in your preferred unit for both archery and firearm seasons. Some units are much harder to draw than others. For example, some units might take 4-5 points, while others might be a sure thing with just one or two.
2. Play the Long Game – Consistency is Key:
Since Kansas is a preference point system, accumulating points steadily year after year is how you move up the ladder. If you know you want to hunt Kansas in, say, five years, start buying that point now. Don’t miss a year, because those points add up, and that seniority is everything. Remember, points will be purged if you fail to make at least one application or purchase one point within five consecutive years.,, So, staying consistent is non-negotiable!
3. When to Apply for a Tag vs. Just Buying a Point:
This is the big question every year. If you have, let’s say, 3 points, and the draw odds for your dream unit typically require 4 points, you might decide to just buy another point this year to hit that 4-point mark for next year’s draw. Conversely, if you’re at 4 points and the odds show that 3 points had a good chance in your chosen unit last year, it might be time to apply for that tag. It’s a calculated risk based on the historical data.
4. Understand Group Applications:
If you’re planning a hunt with buddies, you can apply as a group in Kansas, typically up to five applicants.,, Here’s the catch: your group enters the draw with the lowest preference point total of any member in the group.,,, So, if you have 5 points and your friend has 0, your group will go into the draw with 0 points. This means it’s usually best to apply with people who have similar point totals, or make sure the lowest point total in your group is still competitive for your target unit.
5. Consider Your Weapon Choice:
Draw odds can also vary significantly based on your weapon choice archery, muzzleloader, or firearm., Make sure you factor this into your research. If one weapon type has much better odds for your desired unit, it might be worth considering that option. When to buy flights to europe
By carefully planning and consistently building your points, you’re not just hoping for luck. you’re actively increasing your chances of a successful Kansas deer hunt. In the meantime, you can always improve your scouting game with a new Wildlife Camera to monitor activity in potential hunting areas.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Kansas Preference Points
nobody wants to mess up their hunting plans, especially when you’re investing time and money. When it comes to Kansas preference points, there are a few common pitfalls that hunters sometimes stumble into. Let’s make sure you avoid them!
1. Missing the Deadline:
This is probably the biggest and most disheartening mistake. As we talked about, there are specific, non-negotiable application periods for residents and non-residents to either apply for a tag or purchase a preference point., If you miss that window April 1st to April 25th for non-residents, May 13th to June 13th for residents to purchase points, you simply cannot get a point for that year. No exceptions, no second chances until the next year rolls around. Set multiple reminders and get it done early!
2. Not Understanding the “True Preference” System:
Kansas uses a true preference point system for whitetail deer., This means the person with the most points always gets drawn before someone with fewer points, assuming there are enough tags. Some other states use a “bonus point” system, where points give you more chances in a random draw, but don’t guarantee a tag based on point totals alone. Don’t confuse the two. Knowing it’s a true preference system in Kansas for whitetail means every point genuinely increases your standing in the queue. When to Buy Daffodil Bulbs: Your Ultimate Guide to Cheerful Spring Blooms
3. Buying Points for the Wrong Species or misunderstanding Mule Deer:
Kansas preference points are specifically for whitetail deer permits.,, There’s no preference point system for mule deer. To even have a chance at a mule deer stamp, you generally need to successfully draw a whitetail deer permit first, and then you’re entered into a separate, random draw for a limited number of mule deer stamps.,,, So, if your ultimate goal is a mule deer, understand that the preference points you’re building are for the prerequisite whitetail tag, not directly for the mule deer itself.
4. Forgetting to Apply for a Tag When You Have Enough Points:
This might sound silly, but it happens! You spend years building up points, and then when you finally have enough for your dream unit, you either forget to apply during the main draw period or make a mistake on the application. Remember, purchasing a preference point and applying for a permit are often two different actions within the same application window. When it’s time to cash in those points, make sure you’re applying for the actual permit.
5. Not Checking Your Point Total:
It’s a good idea to periodically check your preference point total on your KDWP account. This helps you track your progress and ensures there haven’t been any system errors. You can find this information by logging into your account on gooutdoorskansas.com and looking for a “My Preference Points” section.
By being aware of these common mistakes, you can navigate the Kansas preference point system smoothly and effectively, bringing you one step closer to your next great hunt. And always make sure you’ve got your Hunting Backpacks filled with essentials, so you’re ready when that tag comes through!
What States Can You Buy Preference Points In? Brief Comparison
It’s natural to wonder about other states that use preference points, especially if you’re building a multi-state hunting strategy. While our focus here is Kansas, it’s helpful to see how it fits into the broader picture of Western hunting. Many states use some form of a point system to allocate limited tags, though the exact mechanics can vary.
Kansas, as we’ve discussed, uses a true preference point system for whitetail deer, meaning the most points win.,, This is pretty straightforward.
Here’s a quick look at how some other popular hunting states handle their point systems:
- Iowa: Like Kansas, Iowa uses a true preference point system for deer, particularly for non-resident any-sex tags.,, The application period to buy points or apply for a tag is typically from the first week of May to the first week of June.,, You don’t need a hunting license just to purchase a preference point in Iowa, which is a nice perk.
- Utah: Utah uses both preference points for general season deer permits where most points get the tag and bonus points for limited-entry species where points give you more chances in a random draw.,, You can purchase points during their main big game application period, which usually opens in late March and closes in late April., However, to apply for tags or accrue points, you generally need a valid 365-day hunting or combination license.
- Wyoming: This state is popular for elk, deer, and antelope. Wyoming uses a preference point system, and most tags go to applicants with the highest points. You can actually purchase preference points in Wyoming without buying a hunting license, which is a significant advantage for those building points long-term. The application deadline for points is typically in late January.
- Colorado: Colorado is unique because it offers a lot of over-the-counter OTC elk tags, but also uses a preference point system for limited draw units and species., For preference points, you generally have to front the cost of the tag, even if you just want the point.
- Montana: Montana uses preference points for general licenses and bonus points for limited-entry hunts. You typically need to purchase a hunting license to apply or accrue points here.
- Oregon: Oregon utilizes a preference point system, with tags awarded to applicants with the highest points. To apply for tags or accrue points, you must purchase a non-resident hunting license.
- Arizona: You can build points in Arizona, though it can be more expensive.
- South Dakota: Preference points are available for purchase from September 15-December 15.
- Nebraska: You can also purchase preference points in Nebraska.
As you can see, each state has its own quirks! It’s super important to read the regulations for each state you’re interested in, as rules and deadlines can change. Having a State Specific Hunting Guide for each state you plan to hunt in can be a huge help. This way, you can tailor your point-building strategy to your specific goals and avoid any unexpected surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my Kansas preference points?
No, unfortunately, you cannot transfer Kansas preference points to another person. They are linked to your individual hunter profile and are non-transferable. This is pretty common across most state hunting point systems.
Do Kansas preference points expire?
Yes, Kansas preference points do have an expiration rule. They remain on file for five years from the last date a point was issued or purchased. If you fail to make at least one application for a permit or purchase one point within five consecutive years, all of your earned preference points will be reset to zero.,, So, you need to stay active in the system to keep them.
What’s the difference between a preference point and a bonus point?
This is a great question because states use these terms differently! In Kansas, for whitetail deer, it’s a preference point system. This means applicants with the most points automatically get a tag before those with fewer points. It’s a linear system: higher points mean a better chance.,,
A bonus point system, which some other states use, is a bit different. In a bonus point system, each point you have gives you additional entries into a random draw. So, if you have 5 bonus points, you get 6 entries into the draw your application plus 5 bonus entries, increasing your odds but not guaranteeing a tag based solely on your point total. Kansas uses preference points for whitetail deer and a random draw for mule deer.,,
How do I check how many preference points I have?
You can easily check your Kansas preference point total by logging into your KDWP account on the official Go Outdoors Kansas website www.gooutdoorskansas.com. Once logged in, look for a section like “My Preference Points” or “Limited Draw Applications” on your personal account page. It should clearly display your current point accumulation. When to Buy a New Mattress: Your Ultimate Guide to Better Sleep
Can non-residents buy Kansas preference points?
Absolutely! Non-residents are eligible to purchase Kansas preference points. In fact, for many non-residents, building up preference points is the most viable strategy to draw a coveted whitetail deer permit in the state. The application period for non-resident preference points typically runs from April 1st to April 25th.,, Remember, while you’ll need a hunting license to actually hunt or apply for a tag, you usually don’t need one just to purchase a preference point.
When do I apply for the actual deer tag in Kansas?
The application period for deer tags in Kansas coincides with the preference point purchase period. So, if you’re a non-resident, you’ll apply for your deer permit between April 1st and April 25th.,, If you have enough preference points and are ready to try for a tag, this is when you’d submit your application. If you don’t draw, you’ll automatically be awarded a preference point for the next year.,
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