Wyoming's draw system for big game hunts and all the information you need to know to help you prepare to apply. If you're considering applying in Wyoming, this article is for you
Wyoming offers outstanding big game hunting with opportunities for elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, antelope, bighorn sheep, and more. The state's diverse terrain, from the mountainous ranges of the Rockies to the expansive prairies, provides a range of hunting experiences. Managed by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD), hunting is regulated through a combination of draw and over-the-counter (OTC) tags, depending on the species; however, in general, most tags will need to be drawn. The state's varied climate and landscapes make for challenging and rewarding hunts set in some of the most picturesque country in the lower 48. Before applying, it's essential to thoroughly understand Wyoming's draw and point system. By carefully planning and strategically managing your applications, you can enhance your chances of securing a tag and enjoy more frequent hunting opportunities in the Cowboy State.
Be sure to check out our Application Strategy articles to learn in-depth research and application tips when it comes time to apply in Wyoming.
The nonresident deer, elk, antelope, and bighorn sheep draw works on a modified preference point system where 75% of the licenses are allocated to applicants with the most preference points, and the other 25% are randomly allocated. The Wyoming preference point system is a true preference point system, meaning that the licenses for any given hunt are allocated to the applicants with the most points who apply. Basically, they work from the top, down.
After the preference point licenses are allocated, all unsuccessful applicants have a chance in the random draw. There is no weight given to the number of points you have in the random draw. For example, an applicant with 10 points and an applicant with one point have the same odds in the random draw.
A random drawing system without points is used for mountain goat and bison tags. There are no points available for resident deer, elk, and antelope — all drawings are random.
The Wyoming special draw and the regular draw are separate pools of licenses. The difference between the special and regular licenses is that the cost of the special license is higher than the regular license. The potential benefit to the special draw is better odds of drawing a license because fewer applicants are typically willing to pay the extra cost. This is not always the case. Review GOHUNT’s Draw Odds to see if the added cost is worth it.
To revisit the license split, 60% go to the regular draw and 40% go to the special draw. Within both the regular and special draw, 75% of the licenses go to high point holders for each hunt and 25% are random.
Nonresidents are limited to approximately 15% of the total number of tags for elk, approximately 20% of the total number of deer and antelope tags, and 10% of the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, Shiras moose, mountain goat, and bison tags. Nonresidents are only competing against other nonresidents in the draw and do not need to also worry about resident applicants.
Applicants have three choices when they apply: first, second, and third. Every applicant's first choice is considered before moving to any applicant's second or third choice. In essence, to draw a hunt as a second or third choice, there must be licenses remaining after every applicant's first choice has been considered. Your preference points will only be purged if you draw your first choice.
Groups can apply for only deer, elk, and antelope with a maximum party size of six. Residents and nonresidents cannot apply together. The party application will average the number of preference points to the actual decimal for the entire group (applies to nonresident party applications).
Party applications have their preference points averaged out to the fourth decimal point. For example, a party application of three hunters with seven, five, and two preference points will go into the draw with 4.6666 points. Wyoming will allocate licenses over the hunt quota to cover a party application, so there is no decrease in odds for a group application. For instance, if there is only one license remaining in the draw and a group application with three people is selected for that license, WGFD will over-allocate and grant all three members of the group a license.
Learn more information about hunting applications, draw systems, hunt regulations, tag allocations, and more in our State Profile sections:
This article was originally published on October 17, 2024, and has been updated with more information.
