Picture credit to Brian Crady of Adrenaline Outdoor Adventures
Ah Wyoming, how amazing you are yet how complicated the draw process is. I get lots of questions every year on how the Wyoming draw works and I try to explain it in the simplest format possible to everyone. Yet, somehow, I see the conversation getting deep into the weeds every time there is another question towards a date, animal or weapon of choice.
Well, today I am going to go over a brief overview of the Wyoming Application Process. I will not go into dates, seasons, etc, because those are long gone for this year but that will be coming closer again in December. With that said, I just want to hit the basic points of their process because it is quite interesting. My goal is to have you thinking about Wyoming heading into next year because the fall will be here before we know it and hunts are going to be underway. Then application season begins and it will be here before we know it.
Wyoming Application Process
Wyoming is a ”Preference Point State“ This means that whomever has more points each year, will have preference over someone else with less points to draw a tag. So how do you get these so called points?
Points can be purchased by themselves annually from July to October. You simply just pay for the point and add it to the pot for next year. You can only accumulate 1 point per year per species so there is no way to game the system here.
Points can also be accumulated every year that you apply and don’t draw a tag. Let’s use an example... I am going in to try and hunt elk this year in unit 7. I have never applied before and I want to hunt elk this year or at least I think thats how it will be. However, I am applying for a unit that needs 6 points to draw and I have 0 points. Do you think I will draw a tag? Not likely... But, because I applied and I didn’t draw, Wyoming gives me a point! Now, next year, I go in there and do the same thing again. I don’t draw again and now I have 2 points! As you can see now, there is a pattern to this and how you can accumulate points. One thing to note for Wyoming is that you must pay all your fees up front. In the event that you are applying for elk, that could be $1283 paid up front to Wyoming. If you are not successful, you will get a refund for everything aside the processing and conservation stamp fees.
Now, here is where it gets complicated. How many tags are allocated out there and or how many are for non residents. Well, I am just going to use simple math for todays illustration. These are not exact numbers of actual tag amounts but more for illustration purposes.
Wyoming sets out 1,000 elk tags. Out of those 1,000 Elk tags, 15% of those tags will be for non-residents. Now, of those 15% or 150 tags, 75% of them go out to the top preference point holders and 25% of them go out in random odds. So, remember earlier where you read that it is a preference point state? Yup, totally took you down another path with random tags! So how do the random tags work? Well, once the process goes through the highest point holders, then everyone that didn’t draw gets tossed into the random draw and this is just like playing a raffle. Whoever gets their name picked out of a hat, gets the remaining tags.
Here is an illustration for you- I actually just wanted to show you my wonderful handwriting :)
Now, I am really going to take you for a loop. In the event you are applying for Elk, Wyoming states that there is a certain total amount of tags given out to non residents annually. I believe that number is 7,500 but there is current legislation that could change that number. However, with that said, if we only had 1,000 elk tags on the limited entry draw, that means that we have the remaining tags out there as general tags in the units.
General tags are still tags you must apply for but they have must easier draw odds to get a tag which means likely more hunters in the field. Nevertheless, getting a tag is a must to get into the field and this is the way to go for most hunters.
Adding another twist. There are 2 different types of tags you can apply for. Special or Regular. In the event that you want to draw a tag in Unit 7, you can apply under the regular tag option or the special tag option. Here is the kicker, they are the same tag. Essentially if you draw it, you will get the ability to hunt whatever animal you applied for with that unit 7 tag.
So what exactly is the difference?
Well, for example, if we were wanting to apply for elk, you would pay $707 for the ”regular” and $1283 under the “special” permit. The theory is that you will have less people applying in the higher priced special permit draw so therefore you will have better draw odds. You are paying for better draw odds, in theory....
If you were a client of mine, I would highly recommend applying in the special draw if your draw odds are within 2 points of one another. For example, let’s say you see that draw odds are 3 points to draw in the regular or 1 to draw in the special and you only have 1 point built up, I would recommend going with the special draw opportunity. This can be the difference of a client to be hunting for the year or sitting at home on the couch looking for over the counter tags.
One more thing to add. Wyoming has an interesting law where you cannot hunt in the wilderness as a non resident unless you are accompanied by a guide or a Wyoming resident that has to fill out paperwork essentially providing information that they will be helping you out on the hunt. It is an interesting requirement but I surely can understand the safety aspects for the wilderness. In any wilderness area, you cannot have anything with a wheel so essentially boots or stock are the only ways to get around. Plus, you have grizzlies in many units now to pay attention to and the guide aspect isn’t all too bad when you think about having some more protection and experience out there.
I hope this helps give a bit of clarity into a somewhat complicated process and rest assured, next year, there will be more changes before the application season begins.
Remember that at the end of 2020, you should already have an idea of what you would like to do in 2021 and if you have any tag application or hunt planning needs, do not hesitate to reach out.
Alex
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