10-20 Year Application Strategy

[Sand Wrench]

I'm not trying to discourage you, but the numbers on Wyoming are pretty sobering. There are currently 208,681 nonresidents in Wyoming's preference point system. You said you started applying last year, which means there are 169,589 people with more points with you, and another 39,092 at your point level. Wyoming is currently issuing 4755 nonresident general tags per year, and about 3000 more limited entry tags. And remember, 25% of the tags are issued randomly, so some of them will get issued to people behind you in line. All of this to say, the chances of you drawing an elk tag in Wyoming with preference points in the next 10 years are about the same as Congress passing a balanced budget. You would be much better off submitting an application every year and trying to draw a tag in the random pool. There is still plenty of elk hunting opportunity in the west, but you have get your name in as many hats every year as you can reasonably afford. You've got a couple guided hunts booked, so I'm guessing you have the budget to apply in a few more states. With a 20 year horizon, Arizona is definitely worth it, but you've got to apply every year so that the combined draw odds give you a decent chance of drawing a tag in the random pass. Colorado, New Mexico, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana are all worth it. Utah, Nevada, California, Oregon and Washington are all pretty marginal. Good luck in Montana!

 

[bz_711]

It's a little depressing to even think about it in 10-20yr terms...but my advice to all is buy points if you can and fun to have just in case they work out...but don't miss out on going to hunt elk this year! There are still several ways to hunt elk both rifle and archery every year...and there are elk in those units. Have fun and good luck!

 

[Chris in TN]

The time and money and effort (mental energy) it takes to learn the point systems in different states, would likely be better spent working so you can afford private land hunts.

 

[adill84]

I’m going to jump in the Arizona point game and look at the potential of bear hunts to sprinkle in my hunt planning. I appreciate the input from everyone.


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[JM151]

I'm not trying to discourage you, but the numbers on Wyoming are pretty sobering. There are currently 208,681 nonresidents in Wyoming's preference point system. You said you started applying last year, which means there are 169,589 people with more points with you, and another 39,092 at your point level. Wyoming is currently issuing 4755 nonresident general tags per year, and about 3000 more limited entry tags. And remember, 25% of the tags are issued randomly, so some of them will get issued to people behind you in line. All of this to say, the chances of you drawing an elk tag in Wyoming with preference points in the next 10 years are about the same as Congress passing a balanced budget. You would be much better off submitting an application every year and trying to draw a tag in the random pool. There is still plenty of elk hunting opportunity in the west, but you have get your name in as many hats every year as you can reasonably afford. You've got a couple guided hunts booked, so I'm guessing you have the budget to apply in a few more states. With a 20 year horizon, Arizona is definitely worth it, but you've got to apply every year so that the combined draw odds give you a decent chance of drawing a tag in the random pass. Colorado, New Mexico, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana are all worth it. Utah, Nevada, California, Oregon and Washington are all pretty marginal. Good luck in Montana! View attachment 1028486

Where did you find this information?

 

[streamerfish]

Is this a strategy for potential "trophy" size bull hunts, or just trying to draw decent access/population hunts?

I knew that people applied in multiple states, or potentially bought points in states. I guess I didn't realize people are attempting to plan out 10yrs down the road for elk hunting....

 

[adill84]

For me it is a little bit of both. Like hunting deer in Iowa or PA. Your getting to hunt but a better opportunity for animal that may be the biggest of your life is nice to.


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[Sand Wrench]

Where did you find this information?

Wyoming Game and Fish does a report every year. https://wgfd.wyo.gov/hunting-trapping/preference-points

 

[Netherman]

Expecting to follow a 20 year plan is silly, but I think it is helpful from a planning perspective. I'm applying and building points in a few states and have "plans" on when I'll visit each. In reality I just look at what points I have and try to figure out what tags give me the coolest 2 weeks of hunting each year.

 

[adill84]

Being a non resident I see it as adding another layer of opportunity for a true trophy hunt. Chasing the dragon over here. You also get to go for nice hike in another state.


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