Antelope draw forecast in near future?

[Yell Co AR Hunter]

I just reviewed the draw results for 2025. This was the first time I looked it over. I was shocked by what I saw. A unit I drew in 2017 took less than 1 PP to draw. In 2025 took 6 PP for 100%. I knew the unit was down when I hunted it in 2020. I am thinking that the reduction of tags in that unit and other units around the State is a compounding affect on all antelope tags. Do you think the Wyoming Game and Fish had a crystal ball? Was the reduced tag numbers a factor in the huge increase in special draw application price. So I am thinking everyone needs to be praying for the health of the whole State herd.
It is crazy to think a person will possibly need 6 or 7 or more points to hunt a unit with limited access. I figure the game of looking for a low PP unit and making the best of it days are long gone. Can anyone talk me off the edge or maybe just go ahead and push me off.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I don't know why the big price increase, but IMHO it is just $$$$, no crystal ball.

You really have to be careful in choosing the Special Draw. There are units that actually take more point than the regular points draw. You need to look at the history of the both draws in the unit you want to hunt.

 

[Yell Co AR Hunter]

I am thinking there are so many point holders it makes it almost impossible to predict the out come of any unit. I have been talking some to a WY resident and he has not drawn an antelope tag in 15 years. I explained to him he needs to apply in some units that have more than a small handful of tags. He wants to hunt close to his home.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I love to hunt antelope. I have hunted Wyoming since 1980. The last time I drew an antelope tag was 6 years ago. The unit I usually hunt requires 8 points this year. The tags were cut in half after the terrible winter 4 years (?) ago and there have never been doe/fawn tags since then. I will probably be able to draw it 1 more time in my lifetime (I'll be 84 next month). The same goes for deer too.