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RAC approves changes to sportsman’s-draw rules; allows purchase of points after sportsman permits and group applications
Summary
The Northern RAC voted unanimously to approve housekeeping and clarifying changes to the sportsman's draw rules, including allowing winners of sportsman's permits to purchase bonus points for once‑in‑a‑lifetime species, standardized start‑date rollovers, and permitting group applications for the statewide mule deer sportsman's unit.
The Northern Regional Advisory Council unanimously recommended approval of proposed changes to the sportsman's draw rules to allow several administrative clarifications: winners of certain sportsman's permits would be allowed to purchase bonus points for once‑in‑a‑lifetime species, start dates that fall on Sundays would shift to the following day, and group applications would be permitted for the statewide mule deer sportsman's hunt.
Wendy, a Division staff presenter, told the RAC the changes address coding and fairness issues in the application system. She said the proposed change would allow an applicant who draws a sportsman's permit to continue purchasing a point for a once‑in‑a‑lifetime species (for example, a moose point) even though the applicant is ineligible to apply for that species in the same year they hold the sportsman's tag. The rule change would not allow that person to apply for the once‑in‑a‑lifetime hunt in the same year; it only allows purchase of the bonus point to maintain queue status for future years.
The presentation also included a simplification for fixed start dates: if an August 1 or September 1 start date falls on a Sunday, the start date would automatically roll forward or backward (August 1 → August 2; September 1 → August 31) to avoid Sunday starts. Wendy said the change prevents ad hoc date shifts every seven years when calendars shift.
RAC discussion touched on fairness for long‑time applicants. "Some people have been applying for 20 years and waiting for that... tag," said Brandon Zendel, a RAC member, arguing the change preserves applicants’ long‑term point investment. Another RAC member noted the recommendation originated from a specific case in which a hunter drew a sportsman's permit and then discovered they were blocked from applying for a once‑in‑a‑lifetime species; the board had asked the division to review the rule.
Public comment on this item was limited; the division reported one member of the public who "strongly agreed" with the recommendation. After discussion, Brandon Zendel moved to approve the division's recommendations as presented; Steve Sorensen seconded. The RAC voted unanimously to approve the changes.
Decision vs. discussion: the RAC issued a formal recommendation (motion, second, recorded vote) supporting the division’s proposed amendments. The transcript does not show final Wildlife Board adoption.
Ending: The council recorded the unanimous vote and proceeded to the next agenda item.
