WV Hunter - All deer tags in Colorado, and many other western states, are issued through a lottery drawing. Colorado awards a preference point to unsuccessful applicants. Preference is given for issuing tags to those with maximum points, guaranteeing that if you continue to apply yearly (and live long enough) you will eventually draw the tag of your choice.

Some other states use bonus points. Bonus points are similar to preference points. The major difference is that only a portion of the tags are set aside for those with max points, the remainder going into an open draw. Each preference point gives you an additional chance in the drawing. In this system everyone has a chance of drawing, even with no points. The bonus points raise your odds the same way buying more tickets in the lotto would.