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.