Several permits are not filled simply because a ram of suitable trophy quality was not found. Often, these permit holders return to purchase a subsequent permit at auction. More than once, a successful bidder has re-donated a permit back to the Foundation to be resold at record prices. Residents of wild sheep states and provinces have questioned that by allowing a special permit for auction to a nonresident, the residents have lost one opportunity to hunt that year. This is not true.
Any permit made available is over and above the already allocated hunting licenses.
In fact, the auction permit programs have actually increased the chance of drawing sheep permits in most states. Introduced populations of wild sheep, made possible by permit auction funds increase herds and open new hunting areas. All the states with special permits have authorized a higher number of hunting licenses to their residents. All convention attendees are invited to visit with the agency personnel to review hunting opportunities, regulations, or discuss the various projects these permits have funded. Interested buyers may also attend a special presentation by each agency, scheduled during the convention.