Wyoming Elk Hunting

[Joday]

We have a group of 5-7 hunter looking to go elk hunting in WY in 2014. This will be our first year even applying. What are the odds of us getting drawn?

We are experienced elk hunters and have been going to CO for many years, but the state has gotten ridiculous with their nonresident license costs so we want to try WY if we can get drawn. What areas should we apply for that have a decent chance of getting drawn while also having a decent elk herd? We aren't afraid of rugged terrain and working for it.

Any tips and info would be appreciated. Thanks!

[ctdad]

Is Wyoming cheaper than Colorado? I realize this isn't helpful to you but I really thought Colorado was still one of the cheapest western states elk tags?

[Madison COunty]

I thought Wyoming non res was around $650 (more than Colorado).

[cnelk]

I did a bit of research and I found this info from about a year ago.
If you're looking to save some money on elk tags, Wyoming probably isnt the best option

Arizona
Cost for Non-Residents - $595
Non-residents must purchase a hunting license to apply, which is an additional cost of $151.25. A bonus point may be purchased for the cost of the non-resident hunting license, plus an application fee of $7.50.
Over The Counter Options - There are extremely limited OTC tags available in some units, but the elk population densities are very low in these units and many hunters do not consider them worth pursuing.
Preference/Bonus Points - Preference points may be purchased July 1 – September 30.
Applications Due - February 8th, 2013
Draw results are posted in April
Website - www.azgfd.com

Colorado
Cost for Non-Residents - $351-$586
Over The Counter Options - There are abundant over the counter tags available in many units, especially during the archery season.
Preference/Bonus Points
Optional preference points cost $25. Applicants that wish to purchase only a preference point must also pay up front for the price a tag, which will be refunded when draw lottery closes in June.
Accumulated preference points will expire if the applicant does not apply for a license or purchase a preference point over a period of 5 years.
Applications Due - April 2nd, 2013
Draw results are posted in June
Website - wildlife.state.co.us

Idaho
Cost for Non-Residents - $416.75
Non-residents must also pay an additional application fee of $154.75.
Over The Counter Options - There are several over the counter opportunities available, as well as a number of first come-first serve leftover tags, which go on sale in August.
Preference/Bonus Points - No bonus or preference point system.
Applications Due - June 5th, 2013
Draw results are posted in July
Website - fishandgame.idaho.gov

Montana
Cost for Non-Residents - $897 (Deer/Elk Combo License)
Over The Counter Options - There no over the counter tags for non-residents, however residents can purchase leftover licenses, which go on sale in August.
Preference/Bonus Points - You can only receive a bonus point if you apply for a license. There is no “point only” system.
If an applicant does not apply for a license or purchase a bonus point for 3 consecutive years then all the applicant’s previous points will expire.
Applications Due - March 15th, 2013
Draw results are posted in April
Website - fwp.mt.gov

Nevada
Cost for Non-Residents - $1,200
Non-residents must also purchase a general hunting license to apply, which is an additional cost of $142.
Over The Counter Options - None
Preference/Bonus Points - A bonus point may be purchased for $15, but also requires the purchase of a general hunting license ($142).
Applications Due - Mid-April, 2013 (Exact date TBA)
Draw results are posted in June
Website - www.ndow.org

New Mexico
Cost for Non-Residents - $354 – $789
Non-residents must also purchase a general hunting license to apply, which is an additional cost of $65. However, the license fee is refundable if a tag is not drawn.
Over The Counter Options - None
Preference/Bonus Points - None
Applications Due - March 20th, 2013
Draw results are posted in June
Website - wildlife.state.nm.us

Oregon
Cost for Non-Residents - $500.50
Non-residents must also purchase a general hunting license to apply, which is an additional cost of $140.50.
Over The Counter Options - Over the counter tags are available in many units.
Preference/Bonus Points - A preference point may be purchased for $8, but also requires the purchase of a general hunting license ($140.40).
Applications Due - May 15th, 2013
Draw results are posted in June
Website - www.dfw.state.or.us

Utah
Cost for Non-Residents - $393 – $1,505
Non-residents must also purchase a general hunting license to apply, which is an additional cost of $65.
Over The Counter Options - There are some over the counter tags for the general elk season, which go on sale in July.
Preference/Bonus Points - A bonus point may be purchased for $10, but also requires the purchase of a general hunting license ($65).
If an applicant does not apply for a license or purchase a bonus point for 3 consecutive years then all the applicant’s previous points will expire.
Applications Due - March 1st, 2013
Draw results are posted in May
Website - wildlife.utah.gov

Washington
Cost for Non-Residents - $497
Over The Counter Options - Washing does offer some over the counter tags to non-residents, via designated “eastern” and “western” tags.
Preference/Bonus Points - A bonus point is earned for each year that the applicant does not successfully draw a tag.
Applications Due - May 26th, 2013
Draw results are posted in June
Website - wdfw.wa.gov

Wyoming
Cost for Non-Residents - $641 – $1041
Included in these costs is a non-refundable application fee of $15, and a preference point fee of $50.
Over The Counter Options - There are no over the counter tags available to non-residents, but leftover licenses are offered on a first come-first serve basis in July.
Preference/Bonus Points - A preference point is earned for each year that the applicant does not successfully draw a tag.
Individuals that don’t apply for a tag may purchase a preference point for $50, from July-September.
If an applicant does not apply for a license or purchase a bonus point for 2 consecutive years then all the applicant’s previous points will expire.
Applications Due - January 31st, 2013
Draw results are posted in February

[Indian Summer]

If you scroll down a bit on this forum you'll see a thread called "Applications by State" Lots of good info including costs on there.

Colorado $589, Wyoming $577 Montana $809. Elk only

But... to draw that license (80% odds) called the Regular General, in Wyoming you'll need 1 preference point. You definitely will not draw it without a point. To guarantee the license with no points you'd need to apply for the Special General. That one will cost you $1057.

Also... if you do spring for the Special.... you can get a point as well. In WY you can enter up to three choices for a license. If you don't draw your first choice you gain a point. So you pick a hard or impossible unit for your first choice... and enter the General as your 2nd pick. Next year you'll have the point so it'll be cheaper.

NO... you cannot do that in the Regular drawing. You will not draw that tag as a 2nd choice so even with a point it has to be your #1 pick to get it.

Also... Wyoming has a Points Only period where you can go online and just buy a point for $50. That runs from July 1 to September 30.

The general license is good in any unit that does not require a limited draw permit. There are tons of them and they have great hunting. Places where you can expect quality elk and you can get away from pressure.

Welcome to our humble home! Keep in mind that you have to make 3 posts before you can send or receive PMs.

[Indian Summer]

Brad.... typing at the same time I was.

[Joday]

Is Wyoming cheaper than Colorado? I realize this isn't helpful to you but I really thought Colorado was still one of the cheapest western states elk tags?

No, CO is much more overall. We usually get Cow tags and then just 2-3 of us get Bull tags. In CO, Cow tags are now $460+ while Bull tags are $600+. That is not counting app fees and habitat stamps.

WY is $288 for Cow tags and $577 for Bull/Any Elk tags. For the Cow tags, it is significantly less.

[Joday]

If you scroll down a bit on this forum you'll see a thread called "Applications by State" Lots of good info including costs on there.

Colorado $589, Wyoming $577 Montana $809. Elk only

But... to draw that license (80% odds) called the Regular General, in Wyoming you'll need 1 preference point. You definitely will not draw it without a point. To guarantee the license with no points you'd need to apply for the Special General. That one will cost you $1057.

Also... if you do spring for the Special.... you can get a point as well. In WY you can enter up to three choices for a license. If you don't draw your first choice you gain a point. So you pick a hard or impossible unit for your first choice... and enter the General as your 2nd pick. Next year you'll have the point so it'll be cheaper.

NO... you cannot do that in the Regular drawing. You will not draw that tag as a 2nd choice so even with a point it has to be your #1 pick to get it.

Also... Wyoming has a Points Only period where you can go online and just buy a point for $50. That runs from July 1 to September 30.

The general license is good in any unit that does not require a limited draw permit. There are tons of them and they have great hunting. Places where you can expect quality elk and you can get away from pressure.

Welcome to our humble home! Keep in mind that you have to make 3 posts before you can send or receive PMs.

Thank you very much for the info! So what are your thoughts if we just want cow/antlerless tags this year? Since it is a brand new state, we were talking about just getting cow tags so we can at least get out there and see the terrain, get a feel for what the herds are doing, etc. It took us a few years to really pin down the elk in the area we hunted in CO, but once we figured it out we hit home runs every year. Our group has filled every single tag the last few years (that's usually 5 cows and 2 bulls - bull tags are OTC there). I personally have gotten a good bull and cow both for two years straight. So, we've done well the past couple years but it took time and work to get there. We're more than happy to do that again in WY, we just need to learn the new system and figure out the best way to get drawn so we can get out there.

With the increase license costs, plus all of the gas money (we're coming form Michigan...28 hour drive to our spot in CO), we thought WY would be worth checking out. Overall WY still has a good elk herd throughout the state, the tags are cheaper, and the drive is shorter.

Thanks again for the info, keep it coming!

[cnelk]

If its truly the money aspect in Colorado, it would be much cheaper to research units that offer E/S licenses.
There are many good opportunities to be had with 0 PP.

[dszymo]

I could be wrong but there is a possibility to draw a WY general tag through the random draw.

[Joday]

If its truly the money aspect in Colorado, it would be much cheaper to research units that offer E/S licenses.
There are many good opportunities to be had with 0 PP.

What is an E/S license? I can't seem to be able to find any info on it. I'm also struggling to find information on which units allow general hunting vs. only limited quota. Any pointers as to where I can look up this information?

[cnelk]

E/S = Either Sex

I realize the hunt codes are confusing! In the regs, there are pages that show OTC units. If a unit isnt OTC, it will be a draw unit.
Then research will need to be done on the statistics to see tag numbers and draw results.

here is a link to the Statistics page

http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/Big ... stics.aspx

Use the Minimum Pref Points needed, the Drawing Summaries / Hunt Recap Summaries

Here is a bit of a hint, there are some GREAT opportunities for E/S muzzleloader hunts!

[Indian Summer]

I could be wrong but there is a possibility to draw a WY general tag through the random draw.

Yes and no. There are 2 types of General Licenses. Regular and Special. Read my post above for more. You cannot draw the Regular General with out a point. With 1 point your odds are 80%. But you can and will draw the Special General with no points the first time you apply. Of course it costs more.

Click on this link: http://wgfd.wyo.gov/web2011/hunting-1001115.aspx

Then you can click on any region on the map for detail on the units within that region and see which ones are huntable on a General license.


Joday.... or anyone else interested in getting started in Wyoming or Montana on the right foot: If you want to really speed up your learning curve click on this next link. It's to my own business website which is hunt consulting for elk hunters. You can consider both outfitted or Do It Yourself (DIY) hunts. You can go on the internet and learn about gear selection, how to call, how to handle various hunt scenarios etc.... but this will offer you what you really want: Honey holes!

If you're interested you can PM me or use the email address on the home page. http://www.headinwest.net

[Indian Summer]

Remember, the deadline for Wyoming applications is January 31st.

[danarnold]

[quote="Indian Summer"]

But... to draw that license (80% odds) called the Regular General, in Wyoming you'll need 1 preference point. You definitely will not draw it without a point. To guarantee the license with no points you'd need to apply for the Special General. That one will cost you $1057.

Sorry but that's not true...I hunted Wy in 12 &13 with no points with a non res general tag, we put in as a party of 6, now i don't know if some of the others in the group had points but I defiantly didn't. I think it was the 6th year in a row that they were drawn? I admit I dont know the system at all and I'm not taking anything away from Indian Summer I'm sure he knows way more than I do on that subject but I didn't have points before applying in 12 ( I did add the point at checkout )
we hunted SE Wy DIY public land and were on bulls every day, filled 4 out of 6 tags. we already applied for 14

Good luck, I highly recommend it!

[SGH31]

But... to draw that license (80% odds) called the Regular General, in Wyoming you'll need 1 preference point. You definitely will not draw it without a point. To guarantee the license with no points you'd need to apply for the Special General. That one will cost you $1057.

Sorry but that's not true...I hunted Wy in 12 &13 with no points with a non res general tag, we put in as a party of 6, now i don't know if some of the others in the group had points but I defiantly didn't. I think it was the 6th year in a row that they were drawn? I admit I dont know the system at all and I'm not taking anything away from Indian Summer I'm sure he knows way more than I do on that subject but I didn't have points before applying in 12 ( I did add the point at checkout )
we hunted SE Wy DIY public land and were on bulls every day, filled 4 out of 6 tags. we already applied for 14

Good luck, I highly recommend it!

You are right. I have drawn a regular gen tag twice and never bought a pp. I belive the odds this way are usually around 22 percent.

[dszymo]

75 percent of all NR tags go to highest point holders 25 percent go into a random pool draw, so you can draw a general tag without points.
straight from the Wyoming game and fish web site
"The preference point system is designed to improve an applicant’s odds of eventually drawing a license in a hard-todraw
hunt area. Preference points are utilized in conducting the resident and nonresident moose, resident and
nonresident full price bighorn sheep, nonresident elk, nonresident deer and nonresident antelope drawings. Seventyfive
percent (75%) of available licenses in each hunt area and license type will be allocated to the preference point
drawing. Applicants with the highest preference point ranking will receive priority in the preference point draw. The
remaining twenty-five percent (25%) of available licenses will be allocated in a random drawing regardless of preference
points. The random drawing is intended to provide everyone who applies a chance of drawing a license, regardless of
their preference point total.'

[Texasdan]

Doesn't Wyoming still have the "Non-residents will die if they enter the wilderness areas alone thereby they must have a resident guide" clause?

[Indian Summer]

Doesn't Wyoming still have the "Non-residents will die if they enter the wilderness areas alone thereby they must have a resident guide" clause?

yes. But they say you'll only die if you're hunting. You can go in there to fish, hike, or take pictures and it's perfectly legal. And yes: Other than booking with an outfitter if you know someone there who is a resident they can get a resident guide license and lead you to your death. Funny huh.... you and I might have 30 years of experience in the mountains but an 18 year old kid who just moved there from downtown Cleveland Ohio is sufficient to keep an eye on you. Sounds like you and I have the same opinion of that outdated monopolizing law!

[Indian Summer]

Here are the draw odds for elk licenses from 2013. General tag at the very bottom.

http://wgfd.wyo.gov/web2011/Departments ... 003809.pdf

[Texasdan]

Doesn't Wyoming still have the "Non-residents will die if they enter the wilderness areas alone thereby they must have a resident guide" clause?

yes. But they say you'll only die if you're hunting. You can go in there to fish, hike, or take pictures and it's perfectly legal. And yes: Other than booking with an outfitter if you know someone there who is a resident they can get a resident guide license and lead you to your death. Funny huh.... you and I might have 30 years of experience in the mountains but an 18 year old kid who just moved there from downtown Cleveland Ohio is sufficient to keep an eye on you. Sounds like you and I have the same opinion of that outdated monopolizing law!

Seriously. What a stupid rule. Just thinking about it makes me want to give myself a solid punch in the face.

Until it changes, I become friends with a wyoming resident or I hit a small scale lottery, fishing is all I'll be doing in wyoming. Which is ashame as wyoming is by far my favorite state in the mountain west.

Snowy range (medicine bow) will forever be special to me. The Tetons did it for me at 5 and continue to every year since.

If you're down for a long hike in the winds my next goal is to climb up to some unamed alpine lakes and find the Sasquatch... I mean goldens.

[Indian Summer]

You can hunt TONS of Wyoming that's not designated wilderness. Don't let that stop you.

I love the Virginian Hotel in Medicine Bow. Scotty the owner is a friend of the family. He used to kill some GIANT mulie bucks. Cut my teeth on western hunting in that area.