Wyoming "Special" Permits

[Wea300mag]

This was the first year I have ever put in to hunt Wyoming (antelope). I have always been a Montana hunter but since they jacked their prices through the roof I made the switch. During my research, I discovered that Wyoming has a "Special" permit for those with low points to buy better odds. What a crock!!! You can buy better draw odds!!!

[carpsniperg2]

Yep it is some big $ like 500 or something like that. My taxidermist does it every year. He is 100% on drawing the last 4 years he has put in. + he has killed a buck everytime to. Nice bucks but no monsters. Mine was like 330.00 this year I put in with another member on here. I bought the extra point.

[KNOPHISH]

Pretty sure Montana only raised Deer & Elk prices but not Antelope?

[MtnMuley]

What a crock!!! You can buy better draw odds!!!

I guess I'm not seeing the problem with it.   It's not just for those with low points.  It's a separate pool with a certain guaranteed quota of the tags.  Isn't money the name of the game anymore?  I guess I like the idea.  It gives me a better chance of getting the hunt I want if I choose to go that route.  However this year for elk, I chose not to go that route thinking my max points would nearly assure me a tag.  Boy, was I wrong.  I sure wish I'd have gotten into the "special" pool, as I'd be hunting elk there this year instead of trying to plan another hunt.

[6x6in6]

What a crock!!! You can buy better draw odds!!!

I guess I'm not seeing the problem with it.   It's not just for those with low points.  It's a separate pool with a certain guaranteed quota of the tags.  Isn't money the name of the game anymore?  I guess I like the idea.  It gives me a better chance of getting the hunt I want if I choose to go that route.  However this year for elk, I chose not to go that route thinking my max points would nearly assure me a tag.  Boy, was I wrong.  I sure wish I'd have gotten into the "special" pool, as I'd be hunting elk there this year instead of trying to plan another hunt.

Agree.
For an extra $240 you are a virtual lock to go with 40% of the tags set aside.

[Craig]

You need to look at the draw odds for all the units. Some times the regular draw and the special draw have the same draw odds. If there is a small difference 1%-5% between the two then just go with the regular price. I have even seen the regular draw have better draw odds then the special draw odds.

[MtnMuley]

Very true Craig.  Much homework is needed when deciding which pool to apply in.

[MADMAX]

I am also planning on putting in for Wyo antelope no idea how but have a buddy who will walk me through it.
also if I am going I want to put in for deer as well.

[Skyvalhunter]

Deer, sheep and elk for me. Got to keep building my points up.

[Bob33]

Here is the way I look at it: a non-resident full price antelope tag is $286.  A non-resident special antelope tag is $526, or $240 more.  An antelope preference point is $30.

So...option 1: put in for the regular tag for five years (depending on the unit), pay 5x$30 = $150 in preference points, and hunt antelope once.

Option 2: pay $526 and hunt antelope virtually every year.  If the unit you are applying in has 100% draw odds for special tags, there is no need to pay the extra $30 for a preference point.

I like the system.  For me the extra $210 is worth it. Life is too short to not hunt antelope as often as possible!

[DOUBLELUNG]

This was the first year I have ever put in to hunt Wyoming (antelope). I have always been a Montana hunter but since they jacked their prices through the roof I made the switch. During my research, I discovered that Wyoming has a "Special" permit for those with low points to buy better odds. What a crock!!! You can buy better draw odds!!!

To give credit where it is due: this was pushed through by the Wyoming Outfitters and Guides Association after public opposition shot down outfitter set-asides (allocating a portion of the licenses only to those booking a guided hunt with a licensed outfitter), and landowner-allocated licenses (licenses that could be re-sold by landowners to the hunters of their choosing in return for a certain amount of guaranteed public access).  Their thinking was that only guided hunters would pay more to be in the "special" pool; it didn't work out that way.  Be sure to research, I remember one rancher who was mad as heck when only 32% of his paying hunters drew in the "special" draw, while the lower-priced "regular" had close to 100% success.

While it was touted by WYOGA as a revenue-booster for WY G&F, the legislation was not supported by WY G&F.  

BTW, Montana had outfitter-set aside licenses for many years; I know there was a push to eliminate those, but not sure of the current status.

[bobcat]

BTW, Montana had outfitter-set aside licenses for many years; I know there was a push to eliminate those, but not sure of the current status.

    Where have you been.        That's all gone now- that's why the prices went up. 

[Ridgerunner]

I like the special license myself, guys who really want to hunt have a way to improve(in most cases) their chances of getting drawn by paying extra.  With most antelope units a few preference points and a regular drawing will get you hunting antelope.  The cost is a little tough to swallow but could be well worth it if it means drawing a tag v. sitting at home.

[provider]

guys who really want to hunt

So people less financially fortunate don't really want to hunt? 

Having a system that rewards or gives preference to only the wealthy is morally wrong, and goes against everything our North American hunting values stand for.  Look at the European model...  is that what you guys want?

Remember, just because YOU can afford it, doesn't mean others can, and hunting is too important to be reserved for only those who have more money.  Be careful what you wish for...  because someday maybe the price will be set above what YOU can afford.  We'll see how you like the higher priced systems then.

That attitude of "hey, as long as I can afford it... who cares about the other guys... as long as I have it better ... is ruining hunting!

[Skyvalhunter]

Glad you are not penalizing a guy for maybe bettering ones self thru more education, maybe working harder and willing to spend a little money. Its his choice to spend the money how he wants and if the means are out there to allow him to do so them so be it. No different than if he chooses to buy more raffle tickets than someone else.

[Rob]

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm  Wyoming.....

I have put in for pronghorn and deer tags there 15 of the last 18 years.  I failed one time to draw for Pronghorn and never bought the extra point.  That was the year that blue tongue hit the herd hard (say that 10 times fast)...

We put in for a second late draw in a differnet area that year and picked up a tag that way.

[Ridgerunner]

So people less financially fortunate don't really want to hunt? 

Having a system that rewards or gives preference to only the wealthy is morally wrong, and goes against everything our North American hunting values stand for.  Look at the European model...  is that what you guys want?

Remember, just because YOU can afford it, doesn't mean others can, and hunting is too important to be reserved for only those who have more money.  Be careful what you wish for...  because someday maybe the price will be set above what YOU can afford.  We'll see how you like the higher priced systems then.

That attitude of "hey, as long as I can afford it... who cares about the other guys... as long as I have it better ... is ruining hunting!

I've never been a fan of hunting only for the wealthy, the way the Wyoming tag draw is set up I guess maybe you see it that way, they way I see it if a guy really wants to (and can afford it) then yeah they can pay the extra money.  There are tons of hunts out there many folks can't afford, including myself.  I guess we can all make choices with how we spend our money, for me an extra $200 is worth it if it means I get to go hunting, someone else might not see it that way but each person needs to figure out the best way to play the game for them.  I don't make up the rules, if I did tag fees would be much cheaper, states wouldn't require us to buy a license that we will never use just to apply for a hunt, now thats a crock, I could go on and on but won't. 

[6x6in6]

guys who really want to hunt

So people less financially fortunate don't really want to hunt? 

Having a system that rewards or gives preference to only the wealthy is morally wrong, and goes against everything our North American hunting values stand for.  Look at the European model...  is that what you guys want?

Remember, just because YOU can afford it, doesn't mean others can, and hunting is too important to be reserved for only those who have more money.  Be careful what you wish for...  because someday maybe the price will be set above what YOU can afford.  We'll see how you like the higher priced systems then.

That attitude of "hey, as long as I can afford it... who cares about the other guys... as long as I have it better ... is ruining hunting!

The less fortunate should not even be considering an out of state application and maybe focus more on just a point option while setting aside the money's for the future.  If money is that big of an issue, stay home and utilize that money on the essentials of living life.
Is having a system that rewards special tags or multi-season tags wrong too, such as here in WA?  They cost extra.  Maybe some can't afford those money's either so therefore they do not apply.  Is this wrong in the opinion of hunting values too?
I really don't care if others can or can't afford it.  I don't spend much if any time concerning myself with others financial problems, outside of family or friends.  Hell, I forked out $641 for my hunting buddy's WY elk tag this year.  We got drawn.  Do I care?  Nope.  Does he owe me anything?  Yes.  Hanging out, doing some quality hunting and maybe, just maybe the simple opportunity that he might be able to squeeze the trigger is payment enough.
Thanks for reminding me.  I have to go pony up another $1400+ on my moose application now. 

Sorry for the sarcasm!!!  But hey, don't like it, don't play!!!

[wa.hunter]

Wyoming has one of the best point systems out there. Yes you do have to buy some points but at some point in time you are guaranteed a tag. I drew one of the top elk tags there this year and to draw an equal tag in this state took me 40 years, only 5 in Wyoming. I also have enough points to guarantee a moose tag too and more than like will never draw one here, close on sheep too. As for antelope they have alot of left over tags every year that you can buy across the counter. One of the great things about Wyoming too is the early draws you can actually plan a hunt. I know this year where I will be hunting come the 3rd week of Sept. and what other hunts to not turn in for.

[Wea300mag]

I understand all the different viewpoints and believe that if a person works hard and becomes successful they have the right to some of the finer things in life. I'm just frugal and hate to see tag prices skyrocketing.

[Bob33]

As much as most everyone does not want to see hunting become a rich man's sport, I don't know of alternatives that are more appealing:
1. Make hunting free for everyone.  That turns the woods into a zoo and destroys needed revenues for the fish and game departments.
2. Make everyone pay a higher price (the special $526 antelope tag becomes the $526 general tag for everyone) for all permits.  That makes the process "fairer" since everyone is treated the same, but it also eliminates hunting for some who can't afford the higher prices.

[MtnMuley]

I wasn't handed a golden spoon.  I did my ho
mework and found out how to do what I love. Nobody said it was easy, but who said it ever was going to be? Make decisions, set priorities. Simple. More than anything...........................don't bitch at/criticise those that do.

[Craig]

If I buy one less starbucks a week I can afford to upgrade to the special permits.  Just plan ahead if you really want to go.

[link]

If you do your homework you can find good areas and have great hunt with a second choice tag. You can still build points in the regular draw, and hunt every year. I have been hunting an area that you can draw as a second choice, hell, last year they had leftover tags. I have had some great success on some really nice bucks. I'm not talking about 200" deer, I'm talking 160-170 type bucks. Even in the best units, I don't think you can reasonably expect much more than a 190 buck, if you're damn lucky! I don't have a lot of money either. I don't go over and scout (its too far). I scout on my hunts.
I'm just talking about Wyoming here. The same goes for a lot of western states for both elk and mule deer. I think the tags are reasonable, especially deer tags. You can hunt every year in some of these places for a $300-$350 tag. Believe me, I know thats not chump change, but I believe its reasonable for the quality and opportunity you get. In Colorado, you can go to great areas with second choice tags and have a reasonable chance at a 180" buck.  Idaho, you can just go whenever you want, Montana, you can draw about every three years or so and hunt muleys in the peak of the rut. I don't think its becoming a rich mans game. Its becoming a smart mans game. Know what you can afford, do some actual research, and make the best of it and quit whining about rich people getting the breaks.

[Ghost Hunter]

I've drawn a Wyoming general elk the last 2 years with zero points and no 'special' tag   Hope this don't mess up my odds next year

[6x6in6]

I've drawn a Wyoming general elk the last 2 years with zero points and no 'special' tag   Hope this don't mess up my odds next year

You are extremely lucky doing this 2 years in a row.
With zero points both times, you had to have drawn in the random draw where they set aside 25% of the tags for this. 
Nice work!!!