I'm planning on applying for a Wyoming elk tag in 2020. I currently have 6 preference points and am planning on purchasing another later this year. While I've been to Wyoming numerous times, I've never hunted there. With 7 points can I draw a good limited entry hunt unit or do I need to accumulate a few more? I tried the Members Research Section with little luck. It would need to be an outfitted hunt since I'm clueless to where to find game and I can't afford to burn points on an area void of elk or overrun with hunters by going DIY. Do I hunt private ground, National Forest or Wilderness? How do I get the most bang for my buck? I want to spend my points wisely since this will likely be my only chance to hunt Wyoming. Can anyone here point me in a good starting direction?
Ready to cash in preference points
- Thread starter Fttpow
- Start date
Great place to start. https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Hunting/Hunt-Planner
There is a ton of information there and after the draw for 2019 you can get an idea on what you might be able to draw in 2020.
There is a ton of information there and after the draw for 2019 you can get an idea on what you might be able to draw in 2020.
RICMIC
Veteran member
Spend some time on the WY website as ZPOOCH suggested. I love the MRS, but it can't cover all the units in the state, and I feel that it focuses too much on the "trophy" areas that most of us will never draw. You can get a tag with your points in many of the green chip areas, but don't cut too close to the draw points needed or you may be shut out in 2020. Look through the statistics draw odds, and every area that is a 100% draw with 4 to 6 pts. Then research those units. You could even share your points with another who has none, and draw a GENERAL tag. The MRS lists these tags as marginal, but I have been 100% successful on three guided WY hunts in GENERAL areas, and all three were 6X6 bulls. Many of the outfitters are booked two years in advance, so I suggest you start now, and get to a point where you can contact some outfitters before spring.
RICMIC
Veteran member
The bull in my avatar photo was shot in the Gros Ventre Wilderness of WY in 2013 on a GENERAL tag.
Due to a very early winter (2+ feet on Sept. 25th), it was a tough hunt. All six hunters in camp had chances at bulls, but only two of us tagged out. Some was luck, but much was because of conditioning and shooting ability. Just because you have a guide doesn't mean it will be easy.
Due to a very early winter (2+ feet on Sept. 25th), it was a tough hunt. All six hunters in camp had chances at bulls, but only two of us tagged out. Some was luck, but much was because of conditioning and shooting ability. Just because you have a guide doesn't mean it will be easy.