Wyoming deer points dilemma

[Bob33]

I have one less than maximum deer points in Wyoming. I’ve concluded that with point creep it may be many years if ever that I would be able to draw one of the most desirable mule deer units like 128. I have a friend in Wyoming with access to property in a unit with relatively easy to draw odds, but not high trophy potential.  I would like to use up my points in a harder to draw unit to shoot a nice mule deer, and then hunt the other unit with my friend every few years.

I have considered Region G but think it may be a bit too challenging for me to hunt on my own. I could pay an outfitter $6K+ but I’d prefer to keep my costs less than that.

Because of last year’s winter loss, it might be best to wait a few more years although I’d like to do this sooner than later if possible.

I would appreciate anyone’s thoughts on options to consider.

Thank you.

[jjhunter]

You’re in a tough spot.

I’d find a good, small outfitter in H and go hunting.   Spend the money, go one on one for at least 7 hunt days.  I’d find a guy who is mobile (hunts multiple trail heads/areas) based upon scouting results/pressure.

You won’t regret it.

[HUNT JR]

I am going to assume that even with the Special License cost increase, that the best units will stay at max - but if I were in your shoes, I would be applying for one of the desirable units like 128 in the Special and hoping that it does dip down one point and hit you. I doubt it, but I would be trying that before I would only buy points this year. It will be interesting to see how this cost increase for the Special tags impacts draw odds. 

[jjhunter]

Good point!

I’m not sure if it will impact those max point units, but should on the lower point tags for sure.

[trophyhunt]

I see the boundary or units changed for elk, did deer stay the same?

[ipkus]

I see the boundary or units changed for elk, did deer stay the same?

Yes

[Stein]

If it were me, I would wait that one out, at least until the herds rebound a bit.  I'm in the lower points dilema and pretty much wrote deer and antelope off for at least another year - at least where I was looking it was pretty grim.

Option B would be to roll the dice for 128, you never know.  Max point holders can be pretty finicky on what year they drop the hammer in the draw.

[greenhead_killer]

What are max points at now?

[Stein]

17?

[trophyhunt]

So you’re saying 6 points for deer ain’t chit then! Lol

[Limhangerslayer]

You never know on the year either, maybe the max points guys choose not to apply in one of the desired units.  There was a close to max points elk unit a couple years ago that nobody put in for until a guy with 6 points down the line drew it. 

[actionshooter]

Tagging

[Bob33]

In 2023, unit 128 type 1 there were 63 applications with max points for five licenses in the regular draw. In the special draw there were 85 applications for three licenses.

[MtnMuley]

Speaking of Region G, you couldn't give me a tag to go hunt there right now. Wouldn't be worth my time or travel expenses even if I had a resident guide at this time.

[boneaddict]

I'd buy points for a couple more years, unless you are up for a nice camping trip.   

[jjhunter]

Speaking of Region G, you couldn't give me a tag to go hunt there right now. Wouldn't be worth my time or travel expenses even if I had a resident guide at this time.

How about a CO 3rd season tag?

[MtnMuley]

Speaking of Region G, you couldn't give me a tag to go hunt there right now. Wouldn't be worth my time or travel expenses even if I had a resident guide at this time.

How about a CO 3rd season tag?

Absolutely. I find tons of bucks there

[Tball77]

Seen plenty of large trophy quality bucks north of Gillette near the Montana border.  One guy we talked to a few years ago shot a non typical dark horned trophy buck in that area and said the area produces some really wide, heavy and tall typical bucks as well.  May be worth looking at.

[Buckjunkie]

My .02 cents - It’s been quite a few years, but I hunted 128 with a friend and wasn’t impressed. He ended up shooting a mid 160’s buck. Maybe it was a bad year, but I would do a lot of research before burning points there.

As others have said, if you can wait, I would. G & H rebound quickly if the winters are mild. The biologist for H told me the herd rebounds quicker than anywhere else mule deer are studied.