Reading some posts here about the prefer points needed to draw a wyo moose tag makes me wonder if the random draw would be a better chance to draw. Some of the odds are not good but I like my chances better than spending a metic Ass ton of money on nonres points. The area I am thinking of takes 12 points to draw. I have seen some really good bulls in there while elk hunting. The random draw odds aren't bad from my point of view. Has anyone here used this strategy?
plan for wyoming moose
- Thread starter nebugle
- Start date
Umpqua Hunter
Veteran member
The problem being you still have to pay the $75 preference point fee when applying for moose. If I recall correctly that is not optional for moose.
birdhunter
Active Member
You don't just have to pay the $75 for the point. If you apply, you have to pay the full price of the tag. You will get all your money back except the $75 point fee.
kiddwinner
Active Member
Wow, Wyoming really sticks it to non residents! guess the wolf wasn't such a good idea when it comes to revenue!
Elkoholic307
Banned
You can go to Canada or Newfoundland but you still wouldn't get a moose from Wyoming. Maybe that's not important to you but it is for me. If you have the cash, I'd throw it down and hope for a random tag like you're talking about doing.
All you have to do is pony up for the price of the tag and the ap fee .you will get back the permit fee minus the app fee if unsuccesful. If I keep this up I should eventually draw. I like my chances. And if I don't draw oh well 12x75 is 900 bucks. I think the prefer fee is getting out of hand. It would be different if 4 or 5 would get it done but 20 is b.s. makes you wonder if we would be better off with a strictly random draw. Depending on your age you wont have enough lead left in your pencil to do it more than once in a lifetime anyway. Start buying points for your kids when they turn 12? What if who game and fish wipes the slate clean like they have for elk points? Where does your point money go then? Some areas take 20 years to draw plus 5 years before you can apply again what would be lost by once in a lifetime tags and a purely random draw??
I'm right there with you on your thinking that I need to be forking over the cash each year instead of only buying the point. The only problem with your thinking is the unit you want to draw takes 12 points. The same unit took 11 points last year and it will take 13 next year. By the time you draw on points its gonna take over 20 points to draw and me too. It is what it is but just be aware before you get in thinking you only need 12 points to draw.
HuskyMusky
Veteran member
hopefully hammering the predators and a few good years of that will help increase Moose numbers... and help reduce # of bonus pts required or at least slow point creep...
Alabama
Veteran member
It looks like to me if you are starting out just now, it is going to take 25+ years to draw even the mediocre units. Point creep from a combination of more applicants, cutting tag numbers because of wolf predation, and population fluctuations from tick and parasite loss seem to make the chances of drawing a preference tag slim at best. With that said if you really want a shiras moose: my advice is apply.
Here's an interesting article about the decline of moose populations in WY and MT.
http://billingsgazette.com/lifestyles/recreation/montana-wyoming-trying-to-understand-why-moose-populations-are-plummeting/article_cf1fcb02-9699-56d8-9b34-9b297fd4dc5f.html
Here's an interesting article about the decline of moose populations in WY and MT.
http://billingsgazette.com/lifestyles/recreation/montana-wyoming-trying-to-understand-why-moose-populations-are-plummeting/article_cf1fcb02-9699-56d8-9b34-9b297fd4dc5f.html
The bottom line is if you want to hunt, you have to apply. That is the reality today. Maybe you can draw a random tag or maybe you will eventually draw on points. If you don't apply, you can't draw. Idaho has pretty good odds because they make you choose one species. Don't make the mistake of thinking you haven't got a chance, so why spend the money. There is always a chance, and part of the fun is being in the game. A lot of the people ahead of you will draw, quit or die. You don't have to wait until they all draw to get a chance. Best of luck.
Tomcat has the right idea no chance of drawing if you don't apply its just a question of how. Another strategy is to apply in several States. This may not be an option for residents if you have your heart set on harvesting a moose in your home state. I like the draw quit or die quote that could apply to a lot of things!!
Alabama
Veteran member
I know some of you guys are set on a WY moose and I would love to get a shiras in the US. I was just curious if there are any pure shiras moose in Canada (BC or AB) or are they shiras/Canada moose hybrids?
Elkoholic307
Banned
I apply in other states too so I obviously look forward to drawing those tags. But, my goal has always been to get a good moose/sheep in my home state. Other stuff in different states would just be a bonus. The more the merrier, right?
Sundowners@5?
Member
Couple years ago in SW Alberta I saw a huge shiras while hunting in the foothills. Next year he was killed and ranks in the top 5 in SCI.
12 points going into WY this year so my application went in today. Good luck everyone
Hilltop
Veteran member
I am a non-resident and I am planning a cow moose hunt in Wyoming to cure the itch and then a bull hunt in Canada later in life if I still feel the need for the bull. You can get a cow tag with just a few points in some areas. Its an expensive cow tag but I am guessing that is what keeps the permit accessible with just a couple of points.
arwaterfowler
Active Member
I just got in the game for moose in Wyoming. I only have 2 points. I'd like folks advice, would you continue buying points or not?
shootbrownelk
Veteran member
arwaterfowler, how old are you?? You've got about 16 years to wait, either that or you get extremely lucky and get a tag in the Random drawing. Are you willing to invest that kind of money in points?
CoHiCntry
Veteran member
If you wait another 16 years your into it for $1350 in points. Then add on the $1400 tag which equals $2750. That's IF you draw and IF they don't raise tag fees, pref point fees, or both between now and then. I'm not sure what a Canadian moose hunt costs but that might be a less frustrating route... For the record, I dumped both sheep and moose points the last time they raised the pref point fee and I had more points than your sitting on. All depends on your perspective I suppose.