I have "max" non-resident points in Wyoming for mule deer and elk. My hunting partner, not a mule deer hunter, has "max" elk points. The original idea was to try to draw a coveted elk permit with him and I would wait to attempt a mule deer draw. However, he just found out that he will be attending a three month training next fall and we will not be hunting elk. Because of the change of plans, I am considering applying for a difficult mule deer unit. I want to rifle hunt but do not want to go guided, as required, in one of the wilderness areas. I live in Montana and have great hunting opportunities each year so I do not care if the draw odds are not terrific. Should I keep waiting and let the population and quality recover (read and heard lots of not-so-good reports)? If not, any thoughts or suggestions? Any help is appreciated and I can/will certainly reciprocate with MT hunt info. Good luck as you guys finish out this season. MTnsheds
Wyoming Mule Deer Question
- Thread starter MTnsheds
- Start date
Eberle
Veteran member
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
Hope you have better luck than I've had. Been applying for 90 for about 10 years and got one tag before PP were given. I have max pts and nothing. Seems like I remember less than 20% chance with max pts.
Musket Man
Veteran member
17% in reg draw and 21% in special draw and est. 35-29 points to draw in last years MRS. I would really like to hunt 90 but I dont have the patience to wait in that long of a line.
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
Dang! I better re-read the MRS, I thought 6 points and the Special Draw got you the tag for sure!
Umpqua Hunter
Veteran member
For Unit 90 non-resident draw with max points (8 points going into the 2014 draw):
2009 Regular License: 12 preference tags, 54 max point applicants = 22.2% draw
2010 Regular License: 14 preference tags, 35 max point applicants = 40.0% draw
2011 Regular License: 10 preference tags, 65 max point applicants = 15.4% draw
2012 Regular License: 8 preference tags, 47 max point applicants = 17.0% draw
2013 Regular License: 7 preference tags, 30 max point applicants = 23.3% draw
2009 Special License: 8 preference tags, 10 max point applicants = 80.0% draw
2010 Special License: 9 preference tags, 18 max point applicants = 50.0% draw
2011 Special License: 8 preference tags, 15 max point applicants = 53.3% draw
2012 Special License: 6 preference tags, 29 max point applicants = 20.7% draw
2013 Special License: 5 preference tags, 9 max point applicants = 55.6% draw
Going into the 2014 draw there are still 3013 non-resident applicants with max points so anything can happen.
2009 Regular License: 12 preference tags, 54 max point applicants = 22.2% draw
2010 Regular License: 14 preference tags, 35 max point applicants = 40.0% draw
2011 Regular License: 10 preference tags, 65 max point applicants = 15.4% draw
2012 Regular License: 8 preference tags, 47 max point applicants = 17.0% draw
2013 Regular License: 7 preference tags, 30 max point applicants = 23.3% draw
2009 Special License: 8 preference tags, 10 max point applicants = 80.0% draw
2010 Special License: 9 preference tags, 18 max point applicants = 50.0% draw
2011 Special License: 8 preference tags, 15 max point applicants = 53.3% draw
2012 Special License: 6 preference tags, 29 max point applicants = 20.7% draw
2013 Special License: 5 preference tags, 9 max point applicants = 55.6% draw
Going into the 2014 draw there are still 3013 non-resident applicants with max points so anything can happen.
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
The real problem (from an applicant standpoint) is the fewer tags each year. 2013 down about 40% since 2009.
Umpqua Hunter
Veteran member
Applying in the special pool will drastically improve your odds. Two to three years applying in that pool should statistically assure a tag. Personally, I'd like to hunt a unit on the down cycle in numbers of tags.
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
Musket Man
Veteran member
Its hard to argue with that! I think if I had max points I would stick with it but I only have 3 points and I would like to draw a tag with 4 or 5 points but I will see what happens the next year or 2.
libidilatimmy
Veteran member
After receiving advice from several of you (thank you and PM's sent) and hitting the research hard, I did apply for unit 90-1. I DREW THE TAG! I have several scouting trips planned and this tag is going to consume my time and effort. At the risk of hearing from the "how dare you ask crowd that always comments on this site", anyone have any advice? For those of you that drew MT tags, hit me up and I will see how I can help.
mattdeere
Active Member
Congratulations on a great tag! Good luck! Hunt hard and shoot straight is the only advice I can give you. Wish. I knew more about the area. What part of MT are you from?
woodtick
Veteran member
HAHA Sweet man congrats thats a good area for deer but can be very sporadic, we've hunted antelope in that country a few times definitely some potential for a great buck!!
