Over-the-Counter vs Draw Tags: How Hunting Licenses Work

Over-the-counter tags

An over-the-counter (OTC) license or tag is sold to anyone who qualifies, usually online or from a license vendor, without a lottery. Many whitetail, turkey and waterfowl hunts work this way, though seasons, units and nonresident rules still apply.

Draw, lottery and limited-quota tags

Where a species is scarce or a unit is popular, the state allocates tags through a draw. In our species research, read on each state agency's site, 17 states list elk only through a draw or limited permit (the other 8 with an elk season are not draw-only, though some licenses there may still need a draw); for moose it is 11 states draw-only against 1 with a general season, and for wild sheep 15 against 1. Rules change every year, and many states treat residents and nonresidents differently, so always read the current regulations.

Preference and bonus points

Many draw states award points for each year you apply without drawing. Depending on the state, points can guarantee a tag at a set level (preference points) or add chances (bonus points). Some states let you buy a point without applying for a hunt. Ask the agency how its system works before you count on a tag.

Landowner and outfitter-allocated tags

In some states, landowner programs issue tags or vouchers for hunting particular private land. The rules are specific to each state. If an outfitter offers a landowner tag, ask which state program issues it and confirm it on the agency site before you pay.

Reading a state's regulations

Every state publishes its hunting regulations and draw rules each year, usually as a web page and a printable booklet. Look for the nonresident section, the list of units or zones, the season dates for your weapon, and any mandatory hunter education. If two sources disagree, the agency's current booklet decides. Each of our state pages links the official agency.

Working with an outfitter on a draw

• Ask which units the outfitter can guide, and whether it holds the federal land permit for them.
• Ask whether it applies on your behalf, and what you must sign or pay before the draw.
• Ask what happens to your deposit if you do not draw.
• Put the application deadlines in your calendar: our draw deadlines page links each agency's draw page.