Wyoming draw

[BigC2245]

Yeah point creep this year was crazy with the price increase in the special tags.

 

[Jimss]

With fewer antelope there obviously are fewer tags issued. One other consideration is that there are fewer tags issued and more hunters applying each year for fewer tags.

It’s a double-whammy with both of these contributing to even higher pt creep

 

[Mojave]

Yes, I grew up in Wyoming until I joined the military over 30 years ago. We hunted all over the state, wherever we could draw tags. I don't remember a lot of years without my father, uncle and grandfather having tags.

Some great experiences, that are really hard to get into these days.

 

[Mojave]

Yeah point creep this year was crazy with the price increase in the special tags.

I am sure we will see it some day. I think that when Special buck tags get to be $1500, we will se a 100% change in demand.

Most folks can't swing a $1200 antelope or deer tag once a year, but you start applying as a family, husband and wife and adding it all up it's a lot of money.

Are the youth tags in the general draw? How does that work?

 

[HiMtnHntr]

There is no separate youth draw.

 

[Mojave]

There is no separate youth draw.

Yes, I understand they are in the general, but what about the special? Do youths have to pay special prices to get into the special draw

 

[Laramie]

Yes, I understand they are in the general, but what about the special? Do youths have to pay special prices to get into the special draw

Yes

 

[Mojave]

Yes

Positive news!

The only way the special will be a lower draw odds, is if the cost is exorbitant.

 

[Abirkle]

Was just looking at Gohunts predicted 2025 draw odds for Antelope. Sitting on 6 NR points. Do you really need to apply in the special draw now to get a decent Antelope unit with more than 50% public land? Wyoming Antelope draw has really changed since I last hunted it in 2017.

Yes

 

[Jimss]

I totally disagree that the only way to generate better draw odds is with exorbitant special tag prices.

With antelope numbers extremely low and demand so high there is no wonder draw odds in high demand units remain high even in the special draw. Take a look at how many special draw tags are currently issued in premium units.

There are only a handful of total tags issued to nonres. The outfitters were all in favor of raising tag fees in the special draw thinking their wealthy clients would have better draw odds. With few tags issued, and more applicants entering the draw each year than tags issued, draw odds continue to rise and outfitter clients still draw only a few tags that exist.

Ultimately, the only way that will increase draw odds for everyone is if antelope numbers dramatically rebound and more tags are issued.

Antelope numbers across large chunks of Wyoming are at historic lows. The big question is, is there a way to increase antelope numbers in Wyoming?

 

[Laramie]

The big question is, is there a way to increase antelope numbers in Wyoming?

Of course there is but the quick fix isn't in our capabilities. Stop shooting does. Regardless of what tags are issued, if we stopped for one or two seasons, numbers would exponentially increase. Since that won't happen, I recommend patience because numbers will rebound. It will just take some time and some easy winters.

 

[sniper20]

I plan on putting in for my first tag this year to try my hand at getting an Antelope in WY. I have a cousin who went last year, said there was tons all over where they went, and it wasn't even a "prime" spot (according to him). He did say he had to deal with, "not so nice" hunters who were in packs, trying to push them to blockers (which I disagree with). But they also noticed their encampment and said once they were noticed, they began to yell and shout at nearby Antelope to scare them away, ruining my cousins stalk.

I'm hoping to get a tag, and I'm sure hoping I don't run into people like that... Any tips/tricks/suggestions for a first timer?