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Blog Posts > Wyoming Elk Hunting // 2021 Availability

Wyoming Elk Hunting // 2021 Availability

Erik Schell

| January 20, 2021

Erik Schell
January 20, 2021

Species: Elk

Wyoming continues to be a favorite among the team at WTA TAGS when it comes to hunting bull elk. This fact is largely due to the diverse hunting opportunities available, coupled with the fact that quality bulls can be harvested in almost every unit and herds are thriving in terms of overall population. Going into the 2021 season, nearly every elk herd is above the Wyoming Game and Fish objective for total population.

Elk tags in Wyoming are awarded through a very predictable, preference point system that contains a “random” element. This means, 75% of the available tags are awarded to applicants with the most points and the remaining 25% are awarded to all other applicants randomly, regardless of point status. The deadline to apply into the 2021 Wyoming elk draw is February 1, 2021.

Demand for quality elk hunts is currently at an all-time high, if you do not see a hunt that fits your priorities, please reach out to one of our professional consultants who will assist you to find the hunt of your dreams. For additional information regarding the high quality opportunities listed below, please contact the WTA TAGS office by phone 1.800.755.8247 or email tags@trophyadventures.com

Hunts Available To Applicants With 0 Preference Points

Classic Western Wyoming Elk Hunt – NO Preference Points Required

Dates: Archery – September 26-30 Rifle – October 2-6, 21-25 or 27-31, 2021

Do not miss this unique opportunity to hunt elk in Wyoming in 2021, you do not need preference points to book and draw odds will be near 100%. Western Wyoming offers some of the finest horseback style elk hunting available and this veteran outfitter is sure to deliver a great experience. Archery, crossbow and rifle hunts are available for the fall of 2021. Traditional wall-tent camps equipped with running hot water are utilized for all hunts.

Hunts Available To Applicants With 2-4 Preference Points

Southeastern Wyoming Private Ranch Elk Hunting

Dates: Rifle October 15-19, 2021

This portion of southeastern Wyoming is home to a thriving elk herd that is over double the state objective. The quality of bulls are excellent as well, with several bulls scoring 300″+ every year! This operation is relatively small, which means greater attention to detail and customer service. These are resident elk and do not migrate due to the quality feed and low hunting pressure. Bulls are often spotted from four-wheel drive vehicles, then your hunt will be carried out on foot.

Wyoming Backcountry Horseback Elk Hunt

Dates: Archery – September 5-11 or 12-18 Rifle October 24-30, 2021

This outfitter offers some of the finest wilderness elk hunts in western Wyoming. They hunt a mostly resident elk herd so they do not rely on heavy snows or migration to ensure success. The areas hunted have not been affected by wolves like some of the other units in the state. You can expect to be hunting bulls that will score in the 300″ category with some bulls being harvested every year exceeding 350″.

Hunts Available To Applicants With 5-8 Preference Points

Due to high demand, all available hunts within this point range are currently booked for 2021. If you are within this range you should consider applying into some of the state’s top units in an effort to win one of the randomly allocated tags.

Hunts Available To Applicants With 9+ Preference Points

High quality hunting options are readily available for those of you that currently possess 9 or more Wyoming elk preference points. Hunting options vary from late season wilderness hunts that target bulls migrating out of Yellowstone to chasing bugling bulls with archery equipment, as well as rifles, on the immense private ranches in the central portion of the state. The consulting team at WTA Tags understands the value of these points and will diligently work with you to ensure you have the experience you desire and utilize your points to the fullest extent. Please contact the WTA TAGS office by phone 1.800.755.8247 or email tags@trophyadventures.com if you’d like help getting applied or paired with an outfitter.

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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

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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Gould’s Turkey Hunting in Mexico’s Sierra Madres with Muy Grande Outfitters

Few places compare to Muy Grande’s ranch in Mexico’s Sierra Madres for chasing Gould’s turkey, the biggest of all wild turkeys, marked by the striking white tips on its tail fan. As a WTA consultant, I’ve seen their guides deliver consistently, making it a top destination for hunters working toward the World Turkey Slam. Add in rugged country and a proven outfitter, and it becomes an experience every turkey hunter should have.

Turkey season runs from early April through early May. You’ll typically fly into Phoenix, then catch a morning hop to Hermosillo, Mexico, arriving around 11:30 a.m. After customs, Sergio or Pedro will greet you with a cold drink and a van stocked with sandwiches for the scenic ride ahead. From Hermosillo’s 700 feet, you’ll climb through 5 hours of winding Sierra Madre roads to the ranch at 3,000 feet. The journey is half the fun—curves, vistas, and glimpses of the country you’ll be hunting. By about 7 p.m., you’ll be unpacking in your room. Open your window to the cool mountain air and let it lull you into one of the best nights of sleep you’ll ever experience.

The food is reason enough to make the trip. Muy Grande’s French chef has 20 years of experience with serving up everything from ribs to authentic Mexican dishes, hearty breakfasts, and appetizers. You’ll need the delicious calories for the long days in the open country chasing Toms. Mornings start early and you may spend up to two hours on ranch roads before reaching your spot. Dry mountains, steep valleys, and big country define the day. Want to call birds from a pop-up blind? They’ve got you covered. Prefer run-and-gun? This is prime terrain for it. With one-on-one guides, the hunt is tailored to your style.

The Gould’s turkey is the largest subspecies in North America, and in the field, they stand out as they strut down dusty trails, flashing their tall frames and bright white fan tips. They’re plentiful here. On my last trip, the group of five tagged six birds by the end of day one—some from blinds, others by stalking ridges. Gobbles echo through the canyons all morning, and the guides know every fold of the landscape and the flocks that roam it. The hunt package includes in-field transport, trophy care, lodging, meals, guide service, and a license waiting for you at camp—everything dialed in so you can focus solely on finding your big ol’ Tom.

Getting your bird back home is simple. The outfitter freezes it—whole or just the fan—and handles the paperwork. Flying back through Phoenix is smooth—customs deals with turkeys regularly. Just bring the address of a USDA-certified taxidermist and a sturdy suitcase big enough for your trophy.

The gear list for this trip is straightforward: good hiking boots, lightweight shirts, face mask, hat, gloves, and a jacket for the cool mornings. Days can hit 90° F in April, but the temp drops quickly at night, so pack for variety. After tagging out, you’ll head back to Hermosillo for a final night at the Fiesta Americana, a top-notch hotel, before flying home—though early successes can open the door to earlier flights.

Muy Grande is a place of raw beauty, from stone-fenced corrals to mountain views stretching for miles. Hermosillo itself might surprise you—not a rough frontier town, but a safe, vibrant city where families are out and about. If you’re looking for an authentic Gould’s turkey adventure in a spectacular setting with unmatched hospitality, this hunt should be on your wish list. Book through WTA and come chase the turkey that towers above the rest.

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Wyoming Elk Hunting // 2021 Availability

Hunts Available To Applicants With 0 Preference Points

Classic Western Wyoming Elk Hunt – NO Preference Points Required