This is the biggest change to affect California deer hunters since zones and a drawing system were first established. Last year the Commission directed the DFG to start collecting points during last year's drawing in anticipation of a change.

In this hunter's opinion, the implementation of a Modified-Preference Point drawing system is the best option as it will reward hunters who continue to try for a tag, while not locking out junior hunters and new hunters who move to California.

While no system will make everyone happy — you just can't when there are fewer tags than the number of hunters who want them — this system will at least give unlucky hunters in the draw some hope for the future.

According to the Fish and Game, hunters will not see an increase in their tag application fees as a result of the new system this year. But with the state budget crisis, hang on to your wallet because you probably can expect to see a jump in the application fees in 2004.

For a summary of the new system, click on the link below.