STATE: Wyoming
Application Deadline: June 1st 2020
Species: Mule Deer, Pronghorn Antelope
Minimum Age To Apply: 12 (Applicants can apply when they are 11 as long as they turn 12 before hunting)
Draw System: Tags in Wyoming are issued through a fairly predictable, preference point, draw style system that contains a random element. This meets the best of both worlds, as those who need to plan hunts can do so, and those looking to “get lucky” always have a chance. Tags for most hunts are split with 75% of the tags being awarded to applicants with the most preference points and the remaining 25% going randomly to all other applicants regardless of preference point status.
Special VS Regular: In Wyoming, 40% of the non-resident tag quota, by unit, will be reserved for those applicants applying for the Special License (deer- $662/ antelope $614). Furthermore, 60% of the non-resident tag quota, by unit, will be reserved for those applicants applying for Regular License (deer- $374/ antelope $326). Other than the difference in price and drawing odds, these tags – Special vs. Regular – are exactly the same. Typically, those willing to pay for the higher priced Special tag will have better odds of drawing, but check your draw odds tables or contact a WTA TAGS Consultant – we’re happy to help.
Party Applications: Wyoming accepts party applications with a maximum number of six, and non-residents are not allowed to apply with residents. Preference points will be divided by the number of applicants in the group and entered into the draw with that exact number. For example, four applicants with a combined preference point total of 10, will be entered into the draw with 2.5 preference points.
2019/2020 Winter Impact
Portions of Wyoming can be susceptible to extreme winters. For this reason WTA TAGS closely monitors winter range conditions and overall herd health. Much of the state experienced a very normal winter resulting in little to no winter kill outside of a few select areas. Couple the above statement with the current range conditions and it is safe to say that overall deer and antelope recruitment numbers will be strong in 2020.
2020 Mule Deer Outlook
As a whole, Wyoming has a plethora of options when it comes to mule deer hunts. Trophy hunters need to stick to known “big deer” producing areas which include, but are not limited to, Region G, Region H, and Units 87, 89, 101, 102, 128. Certain aforementioned areas are still good but have dipped down in quality over the last decade. Regions G and H are in great shape this spring and continue to offer non-resident hunters the greatest opportunity at a giant buck from the Cowboy State without max points. We expect Region G to take eight points to guarantee a draw and Region H to take four points to guarantee a draw. Also, one must remember that 25% of the available tags within these regions will be allocated randomly, so an applicant with zero points still has a chance. For those looking for a slightly less demanding hunt that still maintains strong trophy potential do not overlook units 87 and 89. Both of these units are taking approximately 11 to 12 points to draw, but again, random tags are available. If you do not have preference points, but wish to pursue trophy bucks, you must have the south central and southeastern portion of the state on your radar. These areas consists of large private ranches, many of which have been under outfitter control for years and have been managed with the goal of producing big deer. These ranches are typically not limited to rifle hunting. Phenomenal archery and crossbow hunting opportunities also exist in the month of September before the rifle season begins.
Hunters that are not overly concerned with trophy size and simply desire a great hunting experience for a representative trophy are in luck as Wyoming is filled with opportunity style hunts. DIY style hunters should look at the central and western portions of the state as access here is much better. Hunter crowding is to be expected so plan to walk into areas or hunt during the weekday or later into the season. Those looking to go guided should focus on the large private ranches as these areas tend to have phenomenal game numbers and experience very little hunter pressure. The ability to add an antelope to your deer hunt also makes this one of the most appealing hunts in the West. These outfitted hunts do book up fast thus 2020 might not be an option, but it is the perfect time to begin planning a trip for 2021.
2020 Antelope Outlook
Wyoming can be classified as the undisputed heavyweight champion when it comes to, not only boasting the highest tag allotments for antelope, but for also producing the largest number of record book trophies each year. A big antelope buck can come from almost any unit in Wyoming but if you have a goal of taking a buck scoring high 70’s+ you need to be in a unit that consistently produces bucks of this caliber. Generally speaking applicants will need four or more preference points to get into units where this is a realistic chance. Applicants with eight or more points have a very high chance of harvesting an 80+ inch buck. For those of you with no points a big buck is not out of questions. WTA TAGS has several hunt offerings that take place in easy to draw areas that consistently produce trophy caliber bucks.
If trophy size is not a high priority and a great experience with an opportunity at a representative trophy is your goal the possibilities are almost endless. Many of the easy to draw units are dominated by private land that will require you to hunt with an outfitter. Easy to draw units that are primarily public land do experience hunter crowding, this factor coupled with routine problems that follow are to be expected in these areas. Units and hunt options will vary greatly, speaking with a WTA TAGS Consultant can be key to ensure you are placed into the right unit with the right outfitter to have the experience you seek.
Concluding Thoughts
Here at WTA TAGS we do consider Wyoming to be a must apply state for hunters that have mule deer and, especially big antelope, on their radar. Due to Wyoming’s complex application system and sheer number of hunt options that exist it can be daunting for new applicants as well as applicants that are sitting on preference points with no idea how to best utilize said points. WTA TAGS is here to help. We are fully staffed and poised to assist clients in all facets of the application and hunt finding process. For assistance, please reach out to our professional Consulting team by phone at 1-800-755-TAGS(8247) or through email. Best of luck in the upcoming draw!
