MDWFP explains how draw-hunt bonus points work

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks says hunters who apply for a draw hunt and are not selected earn a bonus point for that hunt type. MDWFP says each species and hunt type keeps its own bonus points, so deer and turkey draws are separate, and deer gun and deer archery draws are separate as well. Points earned for one draw cannot be used for another.

MDWFP says bonus points increase the number of entries in a draw. Everyone starts with one entry, and each bonus point adds one more entry. A hunter with five bonus points, for example, would have six entries in that draw. The agency says a hunter’s bonus points for that specific draw reset to zero if selected.

MDWFP also says bonus points are different from preference points. Bonus points raise a hunter’s chances while still giving every applicant a chance to draw any hunt. Preference points work differently because they prioritize applicants with the most points, so higher totals carry more weight over time. The agency says hunters can check their bonus points through the draw system.

Source: Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.