I hunted a pretty easy to draw Oct rifle deer unit. Really enjoyed the hunt / mountains and ended up shooting a small 4 point, which was the only buck I saw after 4 days hunting.
You did well to draw with 7, there was a big jump in points this year. I scouted the unit in May this year and its great looking country with good access. Best of luck.
Just looked at four WY deer units I am interested in, and compared the 2025 -> 2026 draw odds (standard and Special).
Seems like huge point creep, some have doubled since last year and the others 50% increase. Dont think I have seen a jump in WY like that before.
It’s the end of the tahr rut here in New Zealand and I’ve just spent a week hunting tahr on the eastern side of the southern alps with 3 good friends.
Public land and DIY.
Saw 130+ animals and shot a couple of nice bulls with amazing coats and good horns.
Here’s some photos:
No WY application for me this year but enjoy seeing how everyone else got on.
I only have 6 deer points that I plan to use in the next couple of years.
I don’t really have a comment on the go Hunt sale but I can tell you weaning myself off the go Hunt addiction was difficult lol probably shouldn’t have done it at the same time I gave up drinking.
The point creep was slightly more than I predicted, which was based on last years. But I went for a safe option and drew a tag that took 4 points this year and I had 7.
Most visitor hunters seem to go guided (and therefore have a resident contact) or hunt with a NZ buddy.
I have taken US visitors on hunts and they have used my rifle which is perfectly legal if hunting together.
Bringing your own rifle here on a solo hunt can be tricky.
But reach out if I...
Welcome from New Zealand.
I sure hope you make it to the US to hunt. You'll find fantastic people, amazing landscapes and expert hunters. I did my 10th trip from NZ this month and going back from more in Oct.
If you don't have any points your options a limited but as a non US hunter like...