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DEADLINE – Montana & Wyoming – Points Only

Eric Pawlak
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  • Eric Pawlak

Montana and Wyoming have opened up their “Point Only” application period for 2018. During this time applicants can purchase preference/bonus points for all species in each state. These points are becoming more valuable – especially considering that general elk and mule deer tags, in both states, now require points to guarantee a draw – keep reading:

The 2018 spring application season marked a difficult year for hunters who expected to draw general elk tags in both Montana and Wyoming. Draw success for hunters with zero points in Montana dropped to 73.4% in 2018 from nearly 100% in 2017. Wyoming’s general elk tags, in the special category, required applicants to have more than one preference point to achieve 100% draw success. These numbers do not lie, preference points will probably be mandatory to guarantee a draw for these elk tags going forward.

The Montana “Point Only” deadline is Sept.30 and Wyoming’s “Point Only” deadline is Oct. 31.

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If you are interested in applying, or would like further information, contact WTA TAGS at 1-800-755-TAGS(8247) or click the red button below. 

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In the Jungle for Ocellated Turkeys: A Hunt Like No Other

In the Jungle for Ocellated Turkeys: A Hunt Like No Other

Everything about the ocellated turkey is different from what hunters expect when they think about turkeys—from where they live, to what they look like, to where you hunt them. Even if they may not look or act like a conventional turkey, they are still a coveted species for anyone wanting to complete their World Turkey Slam. Often, they are the last turkey that hunters tackle when shooting for a slam, but there’s no reason to wait. Go now and experience a turkey-hunting adventure like no other!

Adventure is the keyword here. A hunt for ocellated turkeys takes you into the wild jungles of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, amid the ruins of the Mayan civilization and a world where jaguars still roam. Even though the camp is remote, getting there isn’t particularly difficult, dangerous, or challenging. It does take some time, but a flight from your nearest airport will have you in Merida, Mexico in just a few hours. Your representative will meet you there and transport you to Campeche, a beautiful, safe, and historic city set on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. After a comfortable night’s rest at one of the hotels hand-selected by WTA’s professional staff of consultants, you’ll be picked up the next morning for a journey into the jungle via a modern, air-conditioned van, followed by an open-air Jeep ride for the final few miles.

Nearly hidden under the jungle’s canopy, the camp is a curious mix of modern and traditional. The heavy-duty, screened wall tents are lifted off the jungle floor on wooden platforms. A generator provides ample energy to power electronics, including overhead lighting and the welcome relief of air conditioning. And yes, there is Starlink, although I suggest unplugging completely to fully experience life off-grid and away from the hustle of modern life. Camp is set along a meandering stream, complete with a swimming hole where you can spend the hot, humid midday hours cooling in the creek.

Camp and country aside, the real reason to travel deep into the Yucatan is to experience a turkey hunt like no other. In addition to checking off the species to complete a Slam, the ocellated sports some of the most beautiful plumage in the bird world. Looking more like a peacock than a traditional turkey, the male ocellated is plumed in a gorgeous array of purple and blue feathers that seem to change colors at different angles in the sun’s rays. In strut, the tips of the fan show what look like a series of eyes, lending the bird its name, which is derived from the Latin word for “little eye.” Its head is also like no other bird, with a sky blue color punctuated by orange warts and, in large toms, crowned by a pronounced crest. The ocellated turkey makes a striking mount, and the camp staff works to ensure the best care and transport of your turkey.

While the ocellated turkey does have a distinct call, it’s not like the deep gobble turkey hunters are most familiar with. Instead, the male ocellated, known locally as the macho, sends out a rolling chorus of notes that increase in both speed and volume, not unlike the sound of a two-stroke motorcycle struggling to start somewhere deep in the jungle.

Hunters used to calling turkeys into shotgun range will also be surprised to know that’s not common practice here. It can happen, but most ocellated turkeys are taken from the roost, after following a local guide on a hike through the pitch-black just before sunrise. No matter how far into the thick cover you go, your guide will walk you to the exact tree where the macho resides, and, before the turkey flushes, instruct you about when and where to shoot. If the hunter does his or her job, the ocellated tag is notched and a bucket-list bird hunt is achieved before the sun even rises for the day.

Once the World Slam celebration wears off, many other activities keep hunters busy in the jungle. First and foremost, there are several exotic bird species available to hunt on a trophy-fee basis. Great currasow and crested guan are the top two birds that hunters target after taking their ocellated turkey. Like the ocellated, both birds are sought after for their beautiful and unique plumage, making distinctive additions to your trophy room. Other hunting opportunities include the coatimundi, lowland paca, and collard peccary.

While Mexico may not be on the minds of all hunters, for that certain adventurous kind of person, a hunt in the jungle is a must-do trip. The brightly plumed ocellated turkey is much more than just a checked box on the way to a World Slam. It provides a unique reason to get with the professionals at WTA and plan a hunt at their exclusive camp deep in the Yucatan. They manage the details and make traveling to Mexico a safe, easy, and memorable event.

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Spring Thunder on the Plains: Kansas Turkey Hunting Made Simple

Spring Thunder on the Plains: Kansas Turkey Hunting Made Simple

Few Spring experiences rival the sound of a hard-gobbling tom echoing across the Kansas prairie. As winter gives way to warming mornings and longer days, Kansas comes alive with opportunity for turkey hunters who are willing to plan ahead. With strong Rio Grande turkey populations, abundant private land, and a well-managed season structure, Kansas remains one of the most reliable Spring turkey destinations in the country.

Kansas offers a straightforward, yet thoughtfully designed Spring turkey season. For 2026, Youth/Disabled Season runs from April 1–14, followed by Archery-Only Season from April 6–14, which is an exciting window for close-range encounters when gobblers are aggressive and responsive. The Regular Season, which allows both firearms and archery, opens April 15 and runs through May 31.

While the hunting itself is accessible, the permitting process requires attention, especially for nonresidents. Kansas turkey draw applications for nonresidents must be submitted by February 13, 2026.

Missing the February deadline is the most common reason hunters lose the opportunity to hunt Kansas in the Spring. Between busy schedules and multiple state regulations, it’s easy to overlook the application. This is where WTA TAGS plays a critical role.

WTA TAGS simplifies the application process and removes the guesswork. We handle the Kansas turkey application on your behalf—tracking deadlines, submitting applications correctly, and communicating results clearly. Instead of navigating state systems and regulations, you can focus on planning your hunt and enjoying the season ahead, confident that the logistics are handled professionally.

For hunters looking to elevate the experience, WTA TAGS also offers excellent outfitted turkey hunts on private land. These opportunities feature thousands of acres of exclusive ground, true Rio Grande turkeys, and flexible hunting styles ranging from ground-blind ambushes to classic run-and-gun tactics. Lodging is often first class, with comfortable rooms, hot showers, and hearty meals waiting at the end of the day. Group sizes are kept small, creating a more personal and high-quality hunt.

Because nonresident tags must be drawn, these hunts require planning. WTA TAGS can assist with both the application process and connect you with the right outfitter once a tag is secured. It’s a seamless path from paperwork to the field.

Kansas turkey hunting rewards preparation. With clearly defined seasons and a firm February 13 application deadline, the hunters who plan early are the ones listening to gobbles come April. WTA TAGS is here to make sure you’re one of them—applied, prepared, and ready when Spring thunder rolls across the Plains. If you would like to book a well-vetted Rio turkey hunt in Kansas for this Spring, call us ASAP at 1-800-755-8247.

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From Sweepstakes Win to First Mountain Lion: Our Utah Adventure

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We never win anything. So, when we bought 10 sweepstakes tickets from WTA on a whim (ironically, after Joe had already booked a mountain lion hunt in Wyoming), we figured it was just a donation to a good cause. Then came the call that changed everything.

Joe was at the office when an unknown number kept calling. After rejecting it once, he answered the second call, thinking it was related to work. The caller mentioned he was from WTA, but Joe cut him off, thinking it was a sales pitch. “No, no, I’m not interested, thank you, have a good day,” and hung up.

Then came the text with a photo of their computer screen showing our ticket purchase. That’s when it hit us. We won! Joe called back immediately, and if anyone heard that recording, well, let’s just say you got unfiltered Wisconsin enthusiasm, complete with colorful language. We couldn’t believe it. We’d actually won!

Watch the Video of Joe’s Name Being Chosen The Perfect Transfer

Since Joe had already booked a Wyoming lion hunt and had previously taken a mountain lion in Colorado, we decided to transfer the winning hunt to Ashley. As hunters who live off venison, bear meat from our northern Wisconsin property, and beef from Ashley’s parents’ farm, this was a chance to add something completely new to our experience.

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