The New "Point Guard Plus" Option from AZGFD | What Does It Mean?

Arizona Game and Fish Department releases new Point Guard Plus product for the Arizona big game draw. But what does it mean for us hunters?

Written By: Stephen Miller

A New product launched for Arizona Big Game Hunters

On May 4th, 2022 Arizona Game and Fish released a new product for big game hunters who plan on entering the Arizona draw consecutively. This new product is available in addition to the old point guard system that AZGFD previously offered, where $10 would cover one specie for one singular use, just in case something catastrophic happened and you could not make your hunt. You could relinquish your tag and gain all of your bonus points back.

The new "Point Guard Plus" option will cost $25 and will cover ALL species applied for on the next 3 consecutive draws. This is perfect if you're applying for multiple animals in one draw cycle (ie spring turkey, spring bear, spring bison, javelina). To my knowledge, there are only 3 species that are capable of overlapping within 3 consecutive draw cycles and those are turkey (fall/spring), javelina (Dec, Jan, Feb), and Bison (fall/spring). If someone was to draw two consecutive tags for a specie, and on the first tag you utilized point guard plus, you cannot relinquish your second tag for the same specie and you will lose your bonus points.

This is perfect for those that are applying for multiple species on each draw cycle. Ultimately you will save money. Previously you would have to purchase a $10 point guard option for every specie you put in for. Now you can pay $25 and be covered on ALL species for the next 3 draw cycles. I will give some examples below for use case scenarios.

Johnny applies for an early archery bull tag. He draws the tag on 11 bonus points and unfortunately breaks his leg in the summer and will not make his September archery bull tag. He uses his “Point Guard Plus” option that he purchased for $25 and gains his 11 bonus points back.

Fast forward to the next draw opportunity and Johnny applies for fall turkey. Johnny draws the tag on 5 bonus points and re-breaks his leg. Dammit Johnny, you klutz! Fortunately, Johnny is STILL covered by the point guard plus as this is only his second consecutive draw cycle and his $25 is still working for him.

Jump to the spring draw where good old Johnny has drawn yet another spring shotgun turkey tag on his recovered 5 bonus points. Mr. Johnny the adventurous breaks his leg yet again sky diving before his turkey hunt and will NOT be covered this time by Point Guard Plus and must forfeit his 5 turkey points.

Making sense yet? haha, I sure hope so!

All the while, whenever Johnny applied for any additional species in those draws mentioned those were also covered under the “Point Guard Plus” option that he paid for. If Johnny didn't draw, he simply gains a bonus point for next year's hunts. Here is a direct link to the Arizona Game & Fish website announcing the new product.