Is chasing Wyoming permits worth it?

[wtrfwlhunter]

As a mid range point holder in Wyoming who has yet to hunt there I have been thinking frequently about if it is even worth chasing deer and elk permits specifically, but even antelope seems to be getting out of control with what I would consider “good tags” taking in the realm of 10 points to draw. I can’t help but notice right now there are multiple threads on here basically discussing the same subject - “Trying to burn 7 elk points, mid range point purgatory”, and others.

Understanding that this conversation is different for everyone based on expectations for what these points will offer, I think the difference in point requirements is fascinating. For deer many of the permitted areas are taking in excess of 14 points to draw while many of the general tags, (excluding G/H) may only take 2 points. The same is true of elk, with the point differentials for general tags being different. In the same vein, random draw applications are generally sub 5% and offer a little hope.

When I started applying in Wyoming my goal was to chase tags that may provide different opportunities than what I can experience on general tags in Montana. As time goes on reality is sinking in that even with going into the special draw it may take me an additional 7-10 years of points just to get into those type of tags. The situation begs the question of if it’s even worth ending up on this mid range point purgatory, or if cashing out every so
Often on general tags would be a more rewarding strategy. But as someone who is fortunate enough to live in a western state with general tags I fail to see the value in that for my situation.

The money is one thing, but I think this subject is one that people evaluating future applications in Wyoming need to seriously consider before they spend years of time buying points. When the day comes that I do finally draw tags, it is hard to Imagine what the draw tag situation will be like then and I seriously doubt it will be worth getting back into the game from a time perspective.

 

[Bowhuntrben]

Not worth it at all. Give up.

 

[TOGIE]

yeah, wyoming is definitely tipping into lost value territory.

 

[TheGrayRider]

Sleeper state. Max out the credit cards for them point things!

Happy hunting to all, TheGrayRider a.k.a Tom.

 

[wtrfwlhunter]

Not worth it at all. Give up.

Not giving up, and not trying to convince other people to give up. The money is worth it 100% to me, I don’t think a lot of people consider the time value when they get in with the thought of permit tags, myself included.

 

[bigsky2]

You might consider cashing them in on a general unit. All of the Montana residents that I've talked to that have hunted general elk units in Wyoming have said its worth it. Based on those conversations, I think the general elk hunting in Wyoming is significantly better than what we have here in Montana.

 

[npaden]

There is always a chance....

I think that's where they get us. The few states where there truly isn't a chance are all shifting to models where they are at least giving people a chance. It might be less than 1% for the good tags, but there is a chance. For a while Wyoming actually had it where there was absolutely zero chance for sheep or moose but they shuffled things around so now there is a TINY, TINY fraction of a % chance for those in the random again.

The best bang for the buck in Wyoming is probably the general elk tag but like you mentioned that is still going to take 4 or 5 points even in the special now. Is it that much better than a Montana general tag? No doubt it is better, but how much better is up to you.

Pronghorn is a problem with gaining popularity at the same time the population took a big hit. Things are going to get a little better there but very much doubt it will ever be back to like it was 10 years ago when you could get a pretty good tag every 2 or 3 years.

 

[BuzzH]

As a mid range point holder in Wyoming who has yet to hunt there I have been thinking frequently about if it is even worth chasing deer and elk permits specifically, but even antelope seems to be getting out of control with what I would consider “good tags” taking in the realm of 10 points to draw. I can’t help but notice right now there are multiple threads on here basically discussing the same subject - “Trying to burn 7 elk points, mid range point purgatory”, and others.

Understanding that this conversation is different for everyone based on expectations for what these points will offer, I think the difference in point requirements is fascinating. For deer many of the permitted areas are taking in excess of 14 points to draw while many of the general tags, (excluding G/H) may only take 2 points. The same is true of elk, with the point differentials for general tags being different. In the same vein, random draw applications are generally sub 5% and offer a little hope.

When I started applying in Wyoming my goal was to chase tags that may provide different opportunities than what I can experience on general tags in Montana. As time goes on reality is sinking in that even with going into the special draw it may take me an additional 7-10 years of points just to get into those type of tags. The situation begs the question of if it’s even worth ending up on this mid range point purgatory, or if cashing out every so
Often on general tags would be a more rewarding strategy. But as someone who is fortunate enough to live in a western state with general tags I fail to see the value in that for my situation.

The money is one thing, but I think this subject is one that people evaluating future applications in Wyoming need to seriously consider before they spend years of time buying points. When the day comes that I do finally draw tags, it is hard to Imagine what the draw tag situation will be like then and I seriously doubt it will be worth getting back into the game from a time perspective.

I think that's up to each individual to decide. The biggest mistake I see with people acquiring points is they don't have, and never have had a solid plan. You see it the draw results/odds reports. A vast majority never even apply for tags, they just buy points.

IMO, there are 2 groups of hunters that really "win" the point game.

Group 1 are those that got in early and applied for the top units and had max points up until they drew.

Group 2 are the people that never really worried about accumulating points trying to catch up to the top units, but rather applied with the idea of drawing as often as they could and hunting. This group has done by far the most hunting and have drawn the most tags.

Those that got in somewhere in the middle without a plan, yeah, wasting their time.

The other thing that truly does baffle me, even with the max point holders, is what they end up actually killing with their max points. Sure, a handful take a top animal from the top units. But, IMO/E a vast majority shoot mediocre animals from those top units. They could have shot as good if not better, way more often in easier to draw units. I get it, there are other factors why people hunt other than taking a top end animal, and that's great. Could be an area they're familiar with, a landscape they wanted to hunt in, etc.

I just think you need to have a realistic plan and expectations when you start accumulating points. If you don't you end up frustrated like it sounds you are.

BTW, I didn't have much of a plan for deer in Utah and I'm at 27 points wondering where to apply.

 

[2rocky]

Hate to say but I'm in that realm pointwise too. I can't predict the future of the point system but I got to experience a number of hunts before it got so competitive. About 10 years ago I abandoned moose and sheep points when I realized without creep I'd be over 70 before I had a sniff at a reasonable chance. I just apply for those in the Supertag draw now.

I think at some point you have to determine if you want to use your points to help a low or no point applicant get a tag in a lower point unit so you have a partner and just go hunting. Particularly if you are getting letters from AARP or getting Senior discounts on Thursday at the grocery store....

 

[Bighorner]

What are you looking for in Wyoming that you can't find substantially cheaper in Montana?

 

[SAJ-99]

It depends. You are asking if a person should keep buying PP. That depends on how many you have now and how old you are. You can still apply in the random. I burned my elk points in 2024 and will not buy any more, but I still buy antelope and deer. So....

 

[wtrfwlhunter]

I think that's up to each individual to decide. The biggest mistake I see with people acquiring points is they don't have, and never have had a solid plan. You see it the draw results/odds reports. A vast majority never even apply for tags, they just buy points.

IMO, there are 2 groups of hunters that really "win" the point game.

Group 1 are those that got in early and applied for the top units and had max points up until they drew.

Group 2 are the people that never really worried about accumulating points trying to catch up to the top units, but rather applied with the idea of drawing as often as they could and hunting. This group has done by far the most hunting and have drawn the most tags.

Those that got in somewhere in the middle without a plan, yeah, wasting their time.

The other thing that truly does baffle me, even with the max point holders, is what they end up actually killing with their max points. Sure, a handful take a top animal from the top units. But, IMO/E a vast majority shoot mediocre animals from those top units. They could have shot as good if not better, way more often in easier to draw units. I get it, there are other factors why people hunt other than taking a top end animal, and that's great. Could be an area they're familiar with, a landscape they wanted to hunt in, etc.

I just think you need to have a realistic plan and expectations when you start accumulating points. If you don't you end up frustrated like it sounds you are.

I may have came off a little wrong if I sound frustrated,
I’m really not at all. It’s more so that I’m realizing the reality of the situation that I have read about on here and other forums for years.

I’m trying to remain flexible in evaluating my options considering that reality and have come to the same conclusion that you described in group 1 and group 2. While I once was set on chasing permit tags, and through the lense of animal quality that you described I’m realizing that general tags may suit me
Better than I first thought

 

[wtrfwlhunter]

What are you looking for in Wyoming that you can't find substantially cheaper in Montana?

A lot of why I apply in other states is because I just enjoy hunting and want to do as much of it in different places as I can. Other factors are that I have some family there, some of the season dates are different, and that it is generally considered to be a well Managed herd with the opportunity to be in the same area as some trophy caliber animals.

 

[Kiwi]

My approach was to burn points on general tags and it worked perfectly for me. Over 12 years I have had 4 WY elk tags and four amazing hunts. I had wanted to chase a good limited tag but that realistically wouldn't have happened.

I have stopped buying WY elk points now, mainly due to the number of points now needed for the general tag.

 

[Bighorner]

A lot of why I apply in other states is because I just enjoy hunting and want to do as much of it in different places as I can. Other factors are that I have some family there, some of the season dates are different, and that it is generally considered to be a well Managed herd with the opportunity to be in the same area as some trophy caliber animals.

That makes sense. I have hunted in Montnan occasionally over the years, but solely to hunt with friends and family. Without the personal connection I can not justify the cost for little to no significant gain in opportunities or quality.

 

[2rocky]

What is most important to you in a non resident hunt? Someone who wants to DIY as often as possible will have a different scenario than someone who wants a once in a lifetime epic experience on a world class trophy bull. Using an outfitter or having resident connections changes the scenario on units that have access issues and proportionately better draw odds.

There are some units with great trophy history that literally have no roads in them that can be drawn with same points as a General tag if you don't mind paying an outfitter and dealing with Grizzly bears.

 

[Exhausted]

I'm trying to burn out all points out west in the next 5 - 10 years and then probably won't start building them again. Just seems like I'm too far behind it all with only 7 points in Wyoming and Colorado.

 

[Bowhuntrben]

My "dilemma" is that my children are becoming old enough to hunt. I've built points while doing plenty of good hunting and have plenty of points to draw some awesome tags in various states. I just can't bring myself to use them rather than give my children a chance to go hunting somewhere. My plan is to continue to build points, and maybe I'll use them some day, maybe I won't. Not really worried about it. I WILL be building points for my children and burning them as quickly as I can, as often as I can to get them out there. Won't be targeting glory tags with them, but I imagine they will end up with enough points in states due to the limitations on number of trips we can take in a year. For a serious answer, there is no harm for you in building the points if it's not a financial burden on you. I wouldn't have illusions of catching up to top tier units, though.

 

[2rocky]

My "dilemma" is that my children are becoming old enough to hunt. I've built points while doing plenty of good hunting and have plenty of points to draw some awesome tags in various states. I just can't bring myself to use them rather than give my children a chance to go hunting somewhere. My plan is to continue to build points, and maybe I'll use them some day, maybe I won't. Not really worried about it. I WILL be building points for my children and burning them as quickly as I can, as often as I can to get them out there. Won't be targeting glory tags with them, but I imagine they will end up with enough points in states due to the limitations on number of trips we can take in a year. For a serious answer, there is no harm for you in building the points if it's not a financial burden on you. I wouldn't have illusions of catching up to top tier units, though.

In states where you can buy youth points for a discount that is worthwhile. My nephew's birthday presents from me was Wyoming points. Once he turned 18 it got expensive. When he graduated college, I told him he had to cover his own points and we are laying out a plan to use them.

 

[caddiscrazy]

I love Wyoming and my plan is to burn them as soon as I have a reasonable chance. Hunted pronghorn there two years ago and will hopefully be looking to use my points since then to go back in a year or two. I have points in quite a few states and try to use them somewhere on some species each year.
This last season was a strikeout in the draws in two different states and knocked me out of western hunting. I ended up spending my wife points this past season on a trip chasing Lake run browns in New York haha. I also got to concentrate a little more effort into whitetails in my home state