Wyoming is known for its wide range of deer and antelope tags. The state offers some of the most accessible deer and pronghorn antelope hunts you’ll find. It also boasts some of the most coveted trophy tags in the West. Whether you’re looking for a trophy hunt or simply looking for your first western hunt, Wyoming has a tag for you.
If you want to hunt whitetails, mule deer, or antelope this year, you must apply before the May 31 deadline. If you’re solely interested in purchasing preference points, you have until October 31, 2024.
How the Draw Works
Wyoming offers two deer and antelope hunting license classifications: Regular and Special tags. The primary distinction between the two is the price—the Special tags are more expensive. Generally, it’s easier to draw the more expensive Special tag. In terms of allocation, the Regular category receives 60% of the available tags while the Special category receives 40%. Within each category, 75% of the total tags are awarded to applicants with the most preference points, while the remaining 25% are randomly distributed among the remaining applicants who didn’t draw based on points. This system is one of my favorites—I can predictively draw based on my points, or I can apply for the most sought-after tag in the state and potentially draw one of the 25% of randomly allocated tags.
What’s New for 2024
There is a significant price change for Wyoming’s Special deer and antelope tags in 2024. The cost has increased from $650 to $1,215, while Regular licenses for both species remain under $400. This is a great time to look at the special draw. The steep price increase for the Special tag means that those willing to invest over $1,000 for a deer or antelope tag will have significantly higher odds of drawing areas with larger mature bucks and will have higher success rates. Conversely, it also means a drastic decrease in odds for those applying for the Regular draw.
2024 Antelope Forecast
We anticipate an excellent year for antelope hunting in Wyoming in 2024, given the current horn growth. The winter of 2023–2024 was mild, resulting in excellent conditions for ungulates. Populations are still down from their historical averages, due to a hard 2022–2023 winter, though the severity of its effects varies greatly from unit to unit. Southwestern units and some central units were most affected, a big reason that unit selection is so important when hunting in Wyoming! Hunters should communicate their expectations to TAGS consultants to ensure that you’re planning the right hunt for you. Apply in 2024 to capitalize on decreasing applications for the Special licenses and on superior horn growth.
2024 Mule Deer Forecast
Our level of optimism about antelope doesn’t carry over to mule deer. The eastern portion of the state is the shining jewel, specifically for those with 0–5 preference points. Here you’ll find expansive private ranches that manage off-take and allow bucks to reach their full potential. This area also provides the best deer/antelope combo hunts in the West. The limited quota areas of central Wyoming will always harbor a handful of big deer. If you’re sitting on 15+ points and don’t want to wait any longer, this is your best option. Western Wyoming’s flagship units of Regions G and H, as well as the southwestern corner, took the brunt of 2022–2023’s winter vengeance. These areas will continue to produce a limited number of trophy bucks, but numbers and age class are down. Mule deer would benefit from mild, consecutive winters in the coming years.
2024 Whitetail Forecast
Wyoming whitetail hunts are often overlooked—don’t make this mistake. Not only do the river bottoms and surrounding agricultural areas offer deer densities that are astounding, you can also expect bucks in the 125–140 class. September archery seasons and rifle hunts that coincide with the rut are available. Wyoming should be included as a bucket list whitetail destination for every sportsman.
If you’re considering a hunt for Wyoming antelope or deer, don’t hesitate to contact a TAGS consultant. The TAGS team has the boots-on-the-ground experience coupled with the most up-to-date draw data and the finest portfolio of outfitted hunts in the state. They will work to understand your goals and get you on the hunt that works best for you.
2024 is a great year to capitalize on a state with an abundance of trophy-quality animals and decreasing applications for Special tags. Give us a call today at 1-800-755-8247 and ask to speak to a TAGS consultant. Then get set for the deer or pronghorn hunt of a lifetime!
