Should i start buying points in Wyoming?

[Dkiss103]

Im a guy from the south itching to start hunting out West. Im about to buy preference points for antelope and mule deer, but wondering if i should start buying points for elk also? I planned on starting to build up elk points in 2-3 states, one for sure being Arizona (Have family there). Have not decided on the other 2 states. Would Wyoming be a good state to start building up points?

 

[elkguide]

Wyoming is a great state.

 

[Orions.Quest]

Wyoming is a great state to hunt as a nonresident.
You don’t need a license to buy points (whereas Arizona, Utah and Nevada and now Colorado you do) but Wy pref points are more expensive than they used to be. Depending on the type of hunt you want, your strategy for applying for hunts, you could go elk hunting after 2-3 years of buying points. Also, depending on the unit or hunts you apply for you could be chasing the point creep hoping for that one unit or hunt.

I either buy points or apply for hunts in Wyoming every year, it’s a good state to hunt for opportunity....good luck!

edit: there are a number of good podcasts that discuss exactly this type of question. I’m not a podcast guy but found them informational.

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

Quality states with long term outlook:
Arizona
Nevada
Utah

Opportunity:
Wyoming
Montana
Colorado

Utah could be on either list honestly, units with good opportunities and others with great trophy potential. Can apply to New Mexico and Idaho as well, no point system, just lottery.

 

[ctimm9]

Yes you should!

 

[Dos Perros]

Yeah man no brainer.

 

[idahohikker]

Point creep could be really bad and throw off all your projections of when you might draw tags with the big uptick in western hunting interest and information. Read the posts where tons of guys express regret about getting into the points game and consider everything.

 

[String&stick]

If you want to buy points to use hunting general units yes start buying and hunt every 3rd, fourth, or fifth year or whatever it becomes. If you want to try for a great unit, don't waste your time!

I'm 0 for 4 applying for a unit that the internet says is worse than many general units, and every year I should have 100% odds based on every magazine ever, and every year point creep keeps it just out of reach! Now I will have 8 points and be in no man's land!

 

[Vandeman17]

Like S&S said, point creep is a bastard so even units with "100%" odds to draw are far from it. With that said, I keep putting my name in the hat and have 8 points

 

[Elkhntr08]

Yep. I drew this year with 2. Someone’s gonna draw, might as well be you.

 

[Elktaco]

No I wouldn't. Why spend your time and money buying points when you can just go to Idaho and hunt?

 

[HairyScandinavian]

I did, but primarily because two of my sons moved to Cheyenne.

 

[Krell]

Yes

 

[robtattoo]

My strategy for Wyoming is to apply for a reduced price cow tag every year for a specific unit (cheap & gives me an opportunity to hunt every year.) & buy a preference point to build up for a General Bull tag.
I get to hunt every year AND next year I'll be able to access a ton of units trying to find Mr.Big. Even if you don't draw a cow tag first go around, you can almost guarantee one in the leftover draw.

I'm also working on the theory that if I cow hunt a different unit every year, then every 4th or 5th get my General, I'll be at least a little familiar with a few different spots. It's not really scouting, but I feel a lot more confident not rocking up to an area completely cold.

 

[LWC]

Don't waster your time. General tags will take 5+ years. Better to just hunt OTC

 

[Baerman]

There are more and more people getting into points every year. If you start now, you may need 5 points to be guaranteed a general tag. You could always draw random though.

 

[NoWiser]

It's not a bad state to buy points in, but just know what you are getting yourself in to. Look at how many points the general tag is now. Double it and that's probably what you'll need to draw it. Look at the limited entry units and quadruple it and you might be getting close for some of the lower tier ones. You'll never catch up to the top units unless you are 12 years old right now.

 

[BigPine]

I've been buying points for 3 years for Elk , Deer and pronghorn . I realize that a general elk tag is most likely my best bet in the future , but it's a low investment of $ . So far I can draw where I want to go in Colorado with one point which means we go every two years. I would like to try Wyoming just to have a few less people around.

 

[LostArra]

It's not a bad state to buy points in, but just know what you are getting yourself in to. Look at how many points the general tag is now. Double it and that's probably what you'll need to draw it. Look at the limited entry units and quadruple it and you might be getting close for some of the lower tier ones. You'll never catch up to the top units unless you are 12 years old right now.

Agree with this. It's not a bad state but all point systems stink at some level. Some just stink more.