Lottery Night Date
6:00pm Wednesday July 16, 2025
Location
Zoom Meeting
Meeting URL: TBA
Meeting ID: TBA
Password: TBA
Zoom link will be sent to all successful applicants in mid-July. Those that don’t want to zoom in can send to Bork a complete list of all DHAs in order of preference, and Bork will plug you into the first open DHA on your list.
Once submitted we can not change your first two choices so that you can avoid Lottery. If you do join via Zoom, you can pick whatever DHA you want, even if it’s not on your list. You are NOT locked into your first two choices if you are there to speak for yourself. If you are not logged into Zoom or have another individual vote as your proxy (must have informed us ahead of time) and all of your DHAs are full when your number comes up, we will simply opt you out of public land, and you will only be allowed to hunt private lands (with permission) within any of the DHAs.
Returning Hunters
Following the application deadline, the ABA will sort all returning hunters that have successfully completed all steps in the application process. Hunters will be sorted by their first choice DHA (Designated Hunting Area) that they made within their online application. Hunters choosing DHAs where the number of spaces available is greater than the number of applicants will automatically be placed within their first choice DHA. These hunters will not be required to attend the Lottery.
Those hunters choosing as their fist choice a DHA where demand exceeds supply will be required to participate in the Lottery process. At the Lottery, all hunters will be publicly placed in a random drawing. DHAs will be assigned to hunters based upon the random drawing. Should a hunter not be present and their first choice is still available, the hunter will automatically be placed there. Should the hunter not be present and their first choice is already full, the ABA will look at the hunter’s second choice DHA. If that is also full, the ABA will go down the hunter’s list of DHAs and place them in the first available DHA. If the hunter has not provided enough DHAs, or all are full, the hunter will be opted out and only allowed to hunt private lands with any of the DHAs. Once all of the DHAs are full, the Lottery will close. Unplaced hunters will receive preference point for next year’s Lottery.
New Hunters
Individuals that did not hunt in the previous year’s hunt are considered new hunters. Returning hunters get first choice of the DHAs at the Lottery. After these individuals have been placed, there will be a second Lottery for all new hunters. All new hunters (hunters not placed in the previous year’s hunt) are required to attend the Lottery, or send a Proxy in their place. If a new hunter isn’t present, and all of their DHA choices have been filled, they will be opted out and only permitted to hunt private lands within any of the DHAs. Once all of the DHAs are full, the Lottery will close. Unplaced hunters will receive preference point for next year’s Lottery.
Proxy Voting
Hunters who are unable to attend are encouraged to have another hunter or individual attend and vote as a Proxy. The ABA will only accept Proxy votes if the Proxy has a signed letter stating that the Proxy (by name) is authorized to choose on their behalf. If you don’t have anyone that will be able to attend, please contact us to serve as your Proxy. You just need to rank ALL of the DHAs in order of your preference. We will assign you to the highest available DHA on your list.
Any questions, please contact us.
