Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: Bob33 on December 29, 2023, 12:24:32 PM

Title: Wyoming deer points dilemma
Post by: Bob33 on December 29, 2023, 12:24:32 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Wyoming deer points dilemma
Post by: jjhunter on December 29, 2023, 01:12:27 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Wyoming deer points dilemma
Post by: HUNT JR on December 29, 2023, 02:38:41 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Wyoming deer points dilemma
Post by: jjhunter on December 29, 2023, 03:13:37 PM: Good point!

I’m not sure if it will impact those max point units, but should on the lower point tags for sure.
Title: Re: Wyoming deer points dilemma
Post by: trophyhunt on December 29, 2023, 03:58:02 PM: I see the boundary or units changed for elk, did deer stay the same?
Title: Re: Wyoming deer points dilemma
Post by: ipkus on December 29, 2023, 04:16:54 PM: Quote from: trophyhunt on December 29, 2023, 03:58:02 PM
I see the boundary or units changed for elk, did deer stay the same?

Yes
Title: Re: Wyoming deer points dilemma
Post by: Stein on December 29, 2023, 05:10:35 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Wyoming deer points dilemma
Post by: greenhead_killer on December 29, 2023, 05:11:50 PM: What are max points at now?
Title: Re: Wyoming deer points dilemma
Post by: Stein on December 29, 2023, 05:16:13 PM: 17?
Title: Re: Wyoming deer points dilemma
Post by: trophyhunt on December 29, 2023, 05:55:24 PM: So you’re saying 6 points for deer ain’t chit then! Lol
Title: Re: Wyoming deer points dilemma
Post by: Limhangerslayer on December 29, 2023, 06:04:02 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Wyoming deer points dilemma
Post by: actionshooter on December 29, 2023, 06:10:44 PM: Tagging
Title: Re: Wyoming deer points dilemma
Post by: Bob33 on December 29, 2023, 06:46:46 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Wyoming deer points dilemma
Post by: MtnMuley on December 30, 2023, 10:33:37 AM: 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. :twocents:
Title: Re: Wyoming deer points dilemma
Post by: boneaddict on December 30, 2023, 10:42:01 AM: I'd buy points for a couple more years, unless you are up for a nice camping trip.
Title: Re: Wyoming deer points dilemma
Post by: jjhunter on December 30, 2023, 01:08:35 PM: Quote from: MtnMuley on December 30, 2023, 10:33:37 AM
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. :twocents:

How about a CO 3rd season tag? :chuckle:
Title: Re: Wyoming deer points dilemma
Post by: MtnMuley on December 30, 2023, 03:31:07 PM: Quote from: jjhunter on December 30, 2023, 01:08:35 PM
Quote from: MtnMuley on December 30, 2023, 10:33:37 AM
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. :twocents:

How about a CO 3rd season tag? :chuckle:

Absolutely. I find tons of bucks there :chuckle:
Title: Re: Wyoming deer points dilemma
Post by: Tball77 on January 04, 2024, 06:36:50 AM: 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.
Title: Re: Wyoming deer points dilemma
Post by: Buckjunkie on January 04, 2024, 09:46:15 AM: 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.