Wyoming hunt-first timers

[brettm1983]

Let me first say thank you for all the answers I've already found by looking other posts. Me and a group of three others are looking to go give it a try. My question is 0 pp or I guess 1 if I buy it, what is the best way to go about picking units. I've seen some people say put the hardest one to draw 1st then the preferred after that. Any insight on which units to put in for(not looking for secret spots). Just a little help from some fellow hunters who have done this before. Thank you in advance for the help.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

If I were going to Wyoming for the first time (and none of the party has experience there too), I would probably buy your point after the draw. I would also apply for type 6 tags..(doe/fawn) as they are inexpensive and usually pretty easy to draw (require no points). Easy to hunt and you can learn a lot too.

 

[Hilltop]

Keep in mind, most areas that can be drawn with 0-1 points will have very limited access. The areas with good public access are in demand so require 2+ points to draw. Like CC said above, get your feet wet with a couple doe tags in an area and start buying points if you want to shoot a buck.

 

[HighPlainsHunter]

Good advice on hunting does your first year. Great way to get your feet wet.

 

[brettm1983]

Thanks for the advice. The point system is confusing. It seems like you can only buy 1extra point and then you earn for each tag purchased the following year. Is this correct or can you buy more your first time?

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

You can only buy one point per year per species.

 

[brettm1983]

Ok that's easy enough.

 

[Hilltop]

Thanks for the advice. The point system is confusing. It seems like you can only buy 1extra point and then you earn for each tag purchased the following year. Is this correct or can you buy more your first time?

You can't buy "extra" points. You can either buy a point only or choose to buy a point at the time you apply. If you draw, that point fee is refunded. Points purchased in 2019, can't be used towards the 2019 draw. You will be applying in 2019 with zero points unless you purchased a point in 2018. If you buy a point this year, you will have 1 point towards the 2020 draw. Hope this helps you understand the system. It is fairly easy and straight forward as far as western systems go but learning it through the verbiage they use can be confusing.

 

[go_deep]

If time and money are on your side, I'd have everyone apply for 2 doe antelope tags, and a doe deer tag in close proximity to each other in a good area, along with applying for a type 1 antelope tag, you just might be the lucky ones that draw the random tags. Then go hunt whatever tags you draw, start buying points this year, and you'll be able to draw a descent tag in 1-3 years depending on point creep.

 

[LCH]

You won't be able to buy a point at application time this year, not that it would have helped this year anyway.. you'll need to log on and purchase one later in the summer.

Go deep has good advice I think, apply for a good access unit 1st choice with decent random odds, if you get lucky go hunt, if not buy your point and try again next year. Doe hunts are fun as well.

Research the AccessYes programs thoroughly, my favorite unit has very little public land but good walk in areas.

Consider ponying up the extra cash for the special draw also. Some good units with good odds if'n you're willing to pay.

 

[Prerylyon]

The doe hunt is a blast! I did it in a lousy NE unit last fall drawn as 2nd choice; it was hard, I got one DIY, and its still a heck of a good time. [emoji6]

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

 

[Rich M]

Good advice on hunting does your first year. Great way to get your feet wet.

I disagree - in 2017, had to pass up perhaps the largest buck we saw scouting due to NOT having a buck tag. He was 25 yards away - had run by at 300 3x and looked like they might go for a 4th pass - I ran up, hot positioned, and they did. Shot 2 antlerless, had one herd go by, and saw at least 6 bucks I could have shot if I had the tag.

Gt whatever tag you want - they aren't that hard to hunt, just dealing with competitive jokers who mess things up is tough in 0 point units.

 

[HighPlainsHunter]

I disagree - in 2017, had to pass up perhaps the largest buck we saw scouting due to NOT having a buck tag. He was 25 yards away - had run by at 300 3x and looked like they might go for a 4th pass - I ran up, hot positioned, and they did. Shot 2 antlerless, had one herd go by, and saw at least 6 bucks I could have shot if I had the tag.

Gt whatever tag you want - they aren't that hard to hunt, just dealing with competitive jokers who mess things up is tough in 0 point units.

Hunting does is still a great way to get your feet wet. True statement, even if you disagree.

 

[Yell Co AR Hunter]

I would not even have to have a tag to enjoy Wyoming. Just being out there and seeing the antelope gets me excited. There are some good units you have a good chance of drawing a doe tag. I have hunted a 0 point unit and there is a reason they are that way. Antelope will run when they see you at 2,000 to 1,500 yards. If I ever hunt one of those units again I will sit one spot and hope to wait one out.

 

[wy-tex]

I would advise on doe tags too. Get as many as you can and once filled do some fishing and bird hunting. I would pick an area with good number of tags and close to other activities like fishing or bird hunting.

 

[Rich M]

Hunting does is still a great way to get your feet wet. True statement, even if you disagree.

It is still bad advice IMO. No way I'd go just on a doe tag.

 

[go_deep]

It is still bad advice IMO. No way I'd go just on a doe tag.

See post #9

It's great advice to go hunt with whatever tags you can draw. Rather be out doe hunting, than sitting at home being a crab a$$.

 

[HighPlainsHunter]

It is still bad advice IMO. No way I'd go just on a doe tag.

So you think pretty much everyone in this thread is giving bad advice but you are the only one giving good advice? LOL

You don't need to measure horns to have a successful and enjoyable hunt. Sad that you seem to be more focused on horns than having a good time as the 2 are not in any way related to each other.

If you really want a fun does challenge but want to focus on horns have a contest for who can shoot the doe with the biggest horns with the guys you are hunting with. A few of them actually have some decent ones and it can be a challenge to find them much like locating a nice buck. Interesting twist that antelope offer.

I would gladly go hunting with just a doe or cow tag anytime. I just love going hunting, especially for antelope.

 

[MichiganDIYHunter]

I hunted centeral Wyoming for the first time in 2018. With zero preference points I paid the extra for the special draw and drew a deer tag. I had a great hunt, seen hundreds of deer and passed on a lot of nice bucks. I ended up killing a nice 145? deer right before dark on day 1. It was a great time, and I?m looking forward to going back again this fall and hopfully harvesting something bigger. Tons of opportunity in the general areas, as long as you do your research and find those hard to access areas. Even in the heavily pressured units it doesn?t compare to the pressure in Michigan. A very relaxing hunt. Goodluck

 

[Roundball]

well said Mi. hunter:I'm from ohio and we have as much pressure as anyone! Nice deer! I'm going to try something like that with my M. L.I'd like to bowhunt antelope & elk. Wy. has great hunting especially pronghorns.