You have probably heard the rumors swirling about how the state of Wyoming has severely cut its non-resident tag quota and about the winter of 2022–2023 decimating its big game populations. All of this chatter may have you questioning your application strategy in Wyoming. WTA TAGS still strongly recommends staying the course in Wyoming, and here’s why.
Let’s start off with the non-resident tag quotas being reduced from 20% to 10%. This is only accurate for its moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and bison tags. The non-resident elk quota remains at 16% and deer and antelope allocations stayed steady at 20%. While this is not good news for non-residents hoping to draw moose, sheep, mountain goat, or bison tags, Wyoming is still one of the most generous states for non-resident tag allocations for elk, deer, and antelope. So make sure you are applying and/or building valuable preference points. You can still purchase preference points in Wyoming until October 31.
Next, let’s talk about the winter kill. Last winter was hard, no doubt, but only in sections of Wyoming. Wyoming is a very large state with a lot of diversity. The western and southwestern portions of the state did experience a big winter and this hunting season will tell the full story. Furthermore, this is nothing new for these parts of the state, and if it was as hard on the antelope and deer as some prognosticators predict, it will recover. On the bright side, the majority of the state experienced great winter moisture and we are fully expecting a superb hunting season. The moisture has helped the herd and it should be a banner year for horn growth in most of the state!
Again, our advice is to not be distracted by the negative. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. Wyoming is still one of, if not the best state, for big game hunting opportunities. Remember, Wyoming’s point-only period is open until October 31. Call WTA TAGS today at 1-800-755-8247 to get your Wyoming preference points .
