PREFERENCE POINTS AND TAGS
How to Obtain a Non-Resident Tag in Wyoming
Hunting in Wyoming offers unparalleled opportunities for non-residents, but understanding the system is essential to maximize your chances. Below, we break down how Wyoming's preference point system, draw process, and demand reports work, along with key details to help you plan your application strategy effectively.
What Are Preference Points, and How Do They Work?
Preference points are a system designed to increase your chances of securing a hunting license in highly competitive areas. Here's how they work:
- Accumulate Points: Hunters earn one preference point each year they apply but don't draw a tag. You can also purchase points during the designated period (July 1–October 31).
- Species-Specific: Points are specific to each species (e.g., elk, deer, antelope) and cannot be transferred between species.
- Expiration: If you fail to purchase a point for two consecutive years, all accumulated points for that species are forfeited.
Cost of Preference Points (Non-Residents)
The costs listed below are accurate as of 2024. For the latest prices, visit the Wyoming Game & Fish Preference Points Page:
- Elk: $52
- Deer: $41
- Antelope: $31
- Moose and Bighorn Sheep: $150
- Youth Points: $10 for each species
Preference points are considered only during the initial drawing and for your first-choice application, meaning they increase your odds but don't guarantee success.
How the Draw Process Works
1. Preference Points
- Applicants with the most points have the highest chance of drawing a tag.
- Wyoming allocates 75% of tags to the preference point pool, while the remaining 25% are distributed randomly.
2. Quota Allocation
- Each hunt area and tag type (e.g., "Any Elk" or "Antlerless Elk") has a limited number of tags, known as the quota.
- Quotas are distributed based on demand and preference points.
3. Random Draw
- Hunters without preference points still have a chance in the random pool (25% of tags).
- Areas with lower demand often have better odds for hunters with no points.
Demand Report
Wyoming publishes demand reports detailing application data and success rates for each hunt area. These reports are essential for understanding your odds and planning your application strategy.
Key Report Columns Explained
- Hunt Area and Type: Identifies the specific area and type of tag (e.g., "Any Elk").
- Quota: Total tags available for the area and type.
- Preference Points: Number of points held by successful applicants.
- First Choice Applicants: Number of people who chose this hunt area as their first option.
- Success Odds: Percentage chance of drawing a tag based on preference points.
We primarily outfit in Region W for Elk and Region G for Deer. For these areas, you'll want to check the following reports in particular:
Key Reports to Check:
- Deer:
- Preference Points → Non Resident
- Preference Points → Non Resident Special
- Elk:
- Preference Points → Non Resident
- Preference Points → Non Resident Special
To better understand your odds for these areas, check out the latest demand reports:
Example: Using the Report
For Hunt Area 001, Any Elk:
- Quota: 5 tags available.
- 18 Preference Points: 2 applicants applied; both had 100% success.
- 16 Preference Points: 2 applicants applied; 50% succeeded.
- 15 or fewer points: 243 applicants applied; 0% success.
This tells you Hunt Area 001 is highly competitive, and applicants with fewer than 16 points are unlikely to draw a tag.
Application Deadlines
For 2025, the following are the application deadlines for different species in Wyoming:
| Species | Application Opens | Application Deadline | Fee (Nonresident) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elk (General) | January 2, 2025 | January 31, 2025 | $707 Regular / $1,283 Special |
| Deer | January 2, 2025 | May 31, 2025 | $389 Regular / $677 Special |
| Antelope | January 2, 2025 | May 31, 2025 | $341 Regular / $629 Special |
| Moose | January 2, 2025 | February 28, 2025 | $1,997 |
| Bighorn Sheep | January 2, 2025 | February 28, 2025 | $1,997 |
Other Important Dates
- Preference Point Purchase Period: July 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025
- Leftover License Sale: Starts after the main draw (exact date TBD)
Plan Your Hunt with Data
Prepare strategically, and you'll be one step closer to experiencing Wyoming's world-class hunting.
Summary of Links
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