What Are Wyoming Preference Points? A Guide to Big Game Hunts

To manage the demand, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) introduced a preference point system for various in-demand hunting licenses to manage the ecosystem and create equitable access to these target species. 

While it may look confusing, the Wyoming preference points system is relatively simple. Acting early is crucial, as the sooner you get your number down, the better your chances of drawing a license for a highly sought-after hunt. 

This blog looks at everything you need to know about the preference point system in Wyoming. 

What Are Preference Points?

Wyoming preference points are a system the WGFD uses to allocate hunting licenses for high-demand species such as elk and deer. The preference system is designed to give hunters applying for previous points a higher chance of success in future draws through an accumulation process. 

The draw's purpose is to provide a fair and organized method for distributing limited licenses for big game hunting. The desire to hunt big game species outweighs the current population numbers, and unrestricted hunting would cause an ecological imbalance. The preference point system ensures fairness in the allocation of these limited licenses. 

This system, which has been in place for 25 years, is a testament to the WGFD's commitment to providing equitable and ethical access to hunting opportunities. Its longevity shows its effectiveness and the trust it has garnered among hunters. 

How Wyoming Preference Points Work

Hunters can purchase preference points every year and accumulate them over time. The more preference points a hunter has, the more likely they are to draw a tag for their chosen species. Applicants with the highest preference point ranking will receive priority in the preference point drawing. 

Wyoming also allocates tags based on a random draw. However, 75% of the tags are assigned to preference points. So, accumulating points is your best strategy to target an in-demand species. 

However, a hunter cannot purchase a preference point and draw a license in the same year, so timing and luck still come into play. A 2024 tag will be available for use in the 2025 initial drawings.

Species Covered by the Preference Point System

The WGFD allocates points for deer, elk, antelope, sheep, and moose. However, it is always essential to check the relevant details regarding changes in the point allocation and any species-specific changes. 

What's the Application Process? 

First, to apply for preference points, decide on the game you want to hunt and whether you qualify as a resident or nonresident.

A resident, as defined by the WGFD, is a person domiciled and physically present in Wyoming for one year immediately preceding the date they apply for the license.

Then, purchase preference points from the WGFD license and application page, where you can also store and track your points. Points are charged based on residency status and species type. 

Strategies For Using Your Points Effectively

What do you do with your points? Use the following tips to maximize your chances of success in the preference points systems and your big game hunt in the stunning Wyoming environment. 

Target Hard-to-Draw Areas

These are two tips in one, but it's much more beneficial until you've accrued enough points to target a hard-to-draw area: patience pays off.

If you apply for an easy-to-draw location, all your previous points will be forfeited, and you'll have to wait several years to build up a new bank of points. 

Keep in mind the overarching goal of capturing a trophy big game species in one of the most sought-after hunting locations in the world. 

Apply for Both

If you want to maximize hunting time or can't wait to get out there, apply for hard-to-draw areas as your first option. Then, apply for easy-to-draw spots as your second or backup plan. 

Follow the Form

Keep your eye on previous draws by reviewing the random drawing odds of past years to find hunting locations with good odds. Remember that priorities and hunting preferences can shift from year to year. 

The preference point system is all about finding a balance between finding exceptional dream hunts versus getting out there as soon as possible. The benefit is that the system allows hunters to strategize and plan their hunting trips, knowing their chances improve over time.

Common Questions and Misconceptions About the Preference System

Even with these insights, you might still have questions about Wyoming's point system. We have answers below!

Do points expire?

Points will expire if a hunter doesn't purchase or apply for a moment every other year. In other words, accumulated points will be lost if you do not apply for points for two consecutive years. 

How are points affected by group applications?

Group applications are only open to deer, elk, and antelope hunts with a maximum party size of six. Unfortunately, residents and nonresidents are prohibited from applying together.

Regarding points, the application will average the number of preference points to the decimal for the entire group. If only one permit remains and a party draws a permit, then the permit will be allocated to all party members. 

What's the difference between preference points and bonus points?

While 75% of tags are allocated to preference point systems, the remaining 25% of available licenses are allocated to a random drawing as a bonus. 

This system is intended to provide everyone who applies a chance to draw a license regardless of how many preference points they have.

Explore Wyoming with HuntWise While You Wait for Your Big Game Hunt

Drawing a tag for a once-in-a-lifetime big-game species in a hard-to-draw hunting zone is a dream for many hunters – but you don't have to twiddle your thumbs while you wait to see if you draw a tag this season.

Without adding to the pressure, the real work begins once you get boots on the ground. Any work you can do, such as e-scouting or studying the landscape and your intended animal while waiting, can help.

With HuntWise, you can access mapping features and topographical overlays to create your hunting zone and plan based on winding conditions. You'll know the Wyoming terrain and your potential hunting areas based on different types of big game behaviors and more factors before you get that notification that your tag awaits!

No matter where you get to hunt this season, we want it to be successful for you. If you haven't tried it yet, download the HuntWise app and explore various features – free – for your first week.

If you do have the app, don't waste your draw opportunity. Consider the additional benefits of Pro or Elite subscriptions to unlock even more valuable features that can make your Wyoming big game hunt a success!