how to pick a unit in Wyoming?

[Billy Goat]

I have hunted CO almost yearly since 2008. 


we rifle hunt even # years in a draw only unit.  some of us bowhunt an OTC unit in odd # years. 


my group is thinking of trying Wyoming for rifle hunts in those odd # years.


I've driven across WY twice on family vacations to Tetons/Yellowstone, but otherwise have limited knowledge of the state. 


do yall recommend that I contact WY F&G to ask for advice on which unit to target? 


Specifics of what we'd be targeting:

• unit that is draw only for rifle seasons
• can be "predictably" drawn with one PP
• national forest road access to setup a vehicle-based camp
  

logistically, it'd make sense to target a unit on the southern side of the state just to minimize drive times, but we're obviously willing to drive farther if it means improved encounters.

 

[cnelk]

Billy Goat


What you're looking for is a Type 1 tag - Any Elk


Here is a link you can see the draw odds for 2017 [look at the NonRes Pref Point link]
https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Hunting/Drawing-Odds/2017-Drawing-Odds


I would suggest using TopRut and downloading the Google Earth layers for units and research that way too.

 

[backcountry_hunter]

CNELK made a couple good suggestions. I'll just add that unit(s) we drew every other year up until 2 years ago are now becoming 2PP. Point creep is real in WY so if you're aniticpating every other (odd #) year type deal understand within a couple it could change.

 

[Billy Goat]

thanks guys.  I called and talked to WYF&G this morning.  the lady was very helpful, and explained the general draw a bit better to me. 


I looked at the draw results and yes, it definitely looks like a 3 year draw now.


thanks for the help.  I'll keep researching. 


since the PP only draw has already passed, would yall recommend applying for a unit that was an impossible draw to get a PP for this year? 

 

[cnelk]

Billy Goat
2018 will be my 4th year in a row hunting elk in Wyoming as a NonRes.


How? Well, I gave up on the 'horn porn' for starters


If you find a unit in the Reduced Price cow/calf draw that has high success draw rates, and it aligns with your future hunting goals, that is an option.


First I get a PP [whatever way you see fit] Then I put in for a RP cow/calf tag. Two entirely different draws.


Then I can hunt using my cow tag, learn an area so when I do draw my Any Elk tag, my PPs wont be wasted.
And the cow tag is about 1/2 price

It works for me

 

[backcountry_hunter]

since the PP only draw has already passed, would yall recommend applying for a unit that was an impossible draw to get a PP for this year?

You can do that but wyoming is also one state that allows you to just buy a point also.

 

[Billy Goat]

thanks for the feedback, all!


shane