The Wyoming mule deer and antelope application deadline is June 1 and results will be posted by early July so you’ll have plenty of time to get prepared – and psyched – for these hunts.
We highly, highly recommend you consider applying. Whether you are already sitting on a couple great tags/hunts for this fall or about to hit the panic button over the thought of not having a tag in your pocket, this is a draw you do not want to miss.
Here is why.
How the Draw Is Conducted
Wyoming uses an extremely complex but fair draw system that includes preference points as well as a random element. This is the best of both worlds as points-based draws are very predictable but those with a nominal number of preference points still have the chance at drawing a great tag.
Non-resident tag allotments for deer and antelope are split between the Regular (60 percent of the non-resident quota) and Special (40 percent of the non-resident quota) for each unit. The only difference between the two tags is the price, with the Special costing approximately twice as much. Within the Regular and Special draws the tags are split with 75 percent of available tags going to whomever applies with the most points and 25 percent allocated randomly among all applicants who did not draw out of the highest-points pool. Typically, applicants willing to pay for the higher priced Special tag will have better odds in the random as well as require less points to guarantee a draw through the predictable, points-based side of the draw.
Exceptions to this statement do exist. It sounds complicated, until you dive in and get a good look at the big picture. For clarification on individual units, please reach out to your TAGS consultant.
Party Applications
I personally endorse Wyoming’s party application system and wish other points-based states would adopt a similar process. Up to six applicants can apply as a party and preference points are averaged among the group. So for example, a group of three applicants applies as a party, Applicant 1 has two points, Applicant 2 has four points and Applicant 3 has zero points, for a total of 6 points. Total points are divided by the number of applicants and this group would enter the draw at a 2-point level.
Consultants Tip: If you have kids or grandkids, purchase points in preparation to split them down the road. By planning ahead, you can help a kid to hunt a primo area right away and provide the experience we all want for the youth hunters in our families.
Minimum Age to Apply
A youth can apply for a Wyoming deer or antelope tag if they are 11 years of age but will turn 12 before the season starts. Wyoming offers a youth tag option, although it does not offer special season dates or draw odds.
Weapon Choice
The bulk of all tags in Wyoming are rifle tags but can be hunted during the archery season by purchasing a $75 archery endorsement. It should also be noted that crossbows are legal to use throughout the archery season. This is a great option as the September archery season can be phenomenal for hunting deer and antelope.
Mule Deer
Mule deer can be found across the state of Wyoming, but the trophy quality and style of hunt will vary greatly from one area to the next. The Cowboy State abounds with hunt options for those seeking a mature muley buck that is a representative trophy of the species. These hunts are typically action-packed and take place on large, private landholdings. Trophy hunters should consider the horseback/wall-tent style hunts found in the western regions of the state. If trophy bucks are the goal but you want to take horses/wall-tents out of the equation, consider private ranches or limited-entry draw areas that have solid track records of producing the quality you are after. These two options will offer the use of pickups/UTVs for transportation.
Managing expectations versus point status can be difficult but your consultant at TAGS will be able to assist in matching you with the right unit, outfitter and hunt dates because we all know these three factors are pivotal to success and overall enjoyment of the hunt.
Antelope
Wyoming boasts the largest antelope population, most B&C entries each year and readily available tags. These three facts make it a no-brainer. You should apply for an antelope tag in Wyoming or at minimum build up points. Great hunts that offer 100-percent draw odds with zero points are available here. These hunts will typically produce representative trophies with the occasional big buck being taken. For those after a trophy buck (80+ inches), you need to be in the right area. I can assure you WTA TAGS constantly keeps a finger on the pulse of Wyoming antelope production. When utilizing our services, you can be assured you will have maximized draw odds in an area that aligns with your personal goals for the hunt.
An antelope hunt in Wyoming is the perfect option for youth hunters or a person new to our great sport and they come at a price point that is much more affordable than many other big-game species.
Final Thoughts
Do not miss another year of applying and building points in the great state of Wyoming. This is a foundation state that should be a pillar of every hunter’s application portfolio. That’s how much we like this state and the opportunities it offers hunters.
Give WTA TAGS a call today if you would like assistance applying in the Wyoming draw, building valuable preference points or maximizing your current preference points.
TAGS can be reached at 1-800-755-8247
