State: Wyoming

Wyoming Game and Fish Department

Wyoming Drawing Odds

Web address: http://gf.state.wy.us. On this website you can find all pertinent information including draw deadlines, fees, maps, regulations, draw odds, draw results, public access programs (walk-in areas, and Hunter Management Areas), etc.

The important dates for Wyoming applications for non-resident hunters are Jan. 1-31, the open application period for elk. Costs are $591 for a general elk and $1071 for Special elk. Also, reduced price cow/calf permits are an additional elk tag that can be applied for at a price of $302.

Public Land Wyoming Bull

Antelope and deer application periods are Jan. 1-March 15^th with antelope being $286 for a general tag and $586 for the special.

Deer tags run $326 for the general and $566 for the special license. Reduced price doe/fawn deer permits are also available at $48 each up to (2) permits available in the draw and another (2) available in the leftover license sale. There are also a few areas where a second whitetail buck deer permit can be purchased in the left-over license sale. Deer permits are either good for a specific limited quota area or a specific region that consists of a group of hunting units. Season dates vary by regions and also by individual area.

Antelope reduced price doe/fawn tags are $48/each. You can apply for up to (2)tags in the drawing and also buy another (2) starting in mid-July. Its also possible in some areas to purchase a second buck permit in some areas.

Sheep, Moose and Mountain Goat application dates are Jan. 1- Feb 28^th. Sheep tags are $2266, Moose, $1416, and Goat $2166. Sheep and Moose are subject to preference point system while goat is just a random draw.

Preference points: Application period July 1-Sept 30. Costs: Antelope: $30, Elk: $50, Deer: $40, Sheep: $100, and Moose: $75.

Special licenses -VS- General licenses:  Basically this is simply a tiered license fee structure for the same permits. There is a reserved number of permits put into the Special license pool which by theory should give non-resident hunters a higher chance of success in the draw if they are willing to pay the higher permit fee. However, that is not always the case. It would be a wise idea for the non-resident hunter to study the draw odds section found on the WYGF website.

Leftover licenses are available first come first serve for full price permits beginning July 7^th and reduced price permits beginning July 21^st.

In general, areas with mostly public land are harder to draw. However, most any hunting area in Wyoming has at least some accessible land, either public land or walk-in/HMA areas. By carefully researching areas, and using the WYG&F website, a hunter should have no problem finding an area with high draw success as well as a place to hunt.

The way I usually begin researching any hunting unit is to first consult a Delorme map of the state I’m interested in. I look for areas that offer the most public lands to start with. If I’m more interested in trophy sized animals, I’ll consult a Boone & Crockett record book to narrow the areas/counties I should research. Once I find an area that meets my criteria, I then research draw odds, the number of permits available, etc. Its difficult to find it all in any hunting unit…great access, B&C sized animals, and good draw odds. Settle for the criteria that will make your hunt enjoyable, and then just choose a hunting unit and apply.

For a first time non-resident hunter, I can’t think of a better state to hunt than Wyoming or a better species than Pronghorn. The permits in most areas are fairly easy to draw, additional doe/fawn tags can be purchased or drawn, and the weather is usually very nice in late September-early October. This makes things nice for traveling, camping, and also for just enjoying the outdoors. Plus, if you’re successful on your hunt, the fishing in Wyoming in the fall is excellent. On top of all that, there is no hunt that I can think of that is more relaxing and enjoyable than pronghorn hunting.