South Dakota offers some of the best big game hunting opportunities in the Midwest, but certain licenses are limited and awarded through a lottery. To give hunters a fair chance over time, the state uses a preference point system. Understanding how this system works can greatly improve your odds of drawing a coveted tag for species such as pronghorn antelope, whitetail deer, and mule deer.
This guide breaks down what preference points are, how to earn them, how they improve draw odds, and how to plan your applications for future hunts.
What Is a Preference Point?
A preference point is a bonus point that increases your chances of drawing a limited hunting license in future years. The more points you have, the higher your priority in the draw.
Points give experienced applicants an advantage, but first time hunters still have a chance to draw because South Dakota reserves a percentage of licenses for all applicants.
Which Species Use the Preference Point System?
Preference points apply to the following big game categories:
- West River Deer
- East River Deer
- Black Hills Deer
- Muzzleloader Deer
- Mule Deer (Special Draw Units)
- Pronghorn Antelope
Small game and upland bird licenses do not require points.
How to Earn Preference Points
You can earn one preference point per year for each applicable big game season. Points are earned when:
- You apply for a license but are unsuccessful in the draw, or
- You purchase a preference point during the designated point purchase period without applying for the tag.
Points must be purchased annually. Missing a year does not erase your existing points, but you will not accumulate new ones unless you apply and fail or buy a point.
Point Purchase Rules
- Points can only be purchased during the official point purchase window.
- You must be eligible to hunt to buy a point.
- Points may be purchased even if you choose not to enter the draw that year.
This allows hunters to strategize and build points until they are ready to apply for a premium tag.
How Points Affect the Draw
The draw system works by giving priority to applicants with the highest number of points. Here is how it functions in practice:
- Applicants with the highest point totals are considered first.
- If tags remain, the system moves to the next point level.
- This continues until all tags are allocated.
- A small percentage of licenses are held for applicants who do not have points, ensuring that newcomers always have a chance to draw.
The more points you accumulate, the better your chances each year.
Point Use After Drawing a Tag
Once you successfully draw a license:
- Your points for that specific season reset to zero.
- Points you have for other species remain untouched.
For example, if you draw an antelope tag but do not draw a mule deer tag, you will keep your mule deer points but lose your antelope points.
When Preference Points Matter Most
Preference points are especially important for highly competitive hunts such as:
- Trophy mule deer units
- Pronghorn hunts in high demand units
- Limited entry firearms seasons
Some of these hunts may require many years of accumulated points before you draw a tag. Meanwhile, other hunts with higher harvest quotas and less competition can often be drawn with zero or one point.
How Many Points Do You Need?
The number of points needed varies each year depending on:
- Number of applicants
- Weather and herd conditions
- Tag quotas
- Hunter demand
Generally:
- Antelope: 1 to 4 points depending on unit
- West River Deer: Often zero or one point
- East River Deer: Usually low points
- Mule Deer Special Draw: Frequently requires several points
Checking historical draw statistics is the best way to plan long term.
Points Never Guarantee a Tag
Even with maximum points, you are not guaranteed to draw. However, your odds improve significantly compared to applicants with fewer or no points.
Planning Your Strategy
To make the most of the system, hunters often:
- Apply for easier units while building points for trophy units.
- Purchase preference points in years they cannot travel to hunt.
- Track annual draw trends to estimate when they will be able to draw a premium tag.
- Apply as a group to hunt with friends or family.
Group applications use the average point total of all applicants.
Final Thoughts
The South Dakota preference point system is designed to distribute big game hunting opportunities as fairly as possible. While it may take time to draw certain licenses, the system rewards long term commitment and smart planning. By understanding how preference points work and developing a strategy, you can maximize your chances of securing the hunts you want year after year.