WYOMING'S 2022 DEER AND ANTELOPE APPLICATION OVERVIEW

Note: The application deadline for Wyoming deer and antelope is May 31, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. MT. You can apply online here.

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Notable for 2022

PREFERENCE POINT REMINDER

• Unsuccessful applicants will not automatically be given a preference point after the draw. You must purchase a point during the point only time frame, which is July 1 to Oct. 1, 2022.
• There are many season date and license cuts for 2022 in both the full priced and reduced price hunt types. There are also some license increases in select areas. Review the tables in the article outlining the license changes for the full priced hunts. Review the regulations for season date changes here.  

RESIDENT ANTLERLESS DRAW ODDS

FIND YOUR RESIDENT ANTLERLESS MULE DEER DRAW ODDS HERE

FIND YOUR RESIDENT DOE ANTELOPE DRAW ODDS HERE

NONRESIDENT ANTLERLESS DRAW ODDS

FIND YOUR NONRESIDENT ANTLERLESS MULE DEER DRAW ODDS HERE

FIND YOUR NONRESIDENT DOE ANTELOPE DRAW ODDS HERE

GOHUNT Insiders can research draw odds for female species within their account. Log into your account, hover over the INSIDER icon in the header bar. When the pop-up box appears click on the “draw odds” link near the top of the box. Next, select Wyoming as the state and then either resident or nonresident regular draw as your residency. When the list of species appears, scroll down towards the bottom to find antlerless deer and doe/fawn antelope.

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State information

View important information and an overview of the Wyoming rules/regulations, the draw system, SuperTag and SuperTag Trifecta, tag and license fees and an interactive boundary line map on our State Profile. You can also view the Wyoming Species Profiles to access historical and statistical data to help you find trophy areas.

IMPORTANT DATES AND INFORMATION

• You can apply for deer and antelope now. 
• The deadline to apply is May 31, 2022 by 11:59 p.m. MT.
• Apply online here. Applications are only accepted online.
• Draw results will be available by June 16, 2022.
• Applicants must front the entire cost of the permit(s) they apply for plus application and a 2.5% processing fee.
• Refunds for unsuccessful applicants will be returned to the credit card that was used.
• Wyoming has a modified preference point system for nonresident deer and antelope applicants. 
• A youth that is eleven may apply for a preference point if the youth turns twelve in the same calendar year as the application for a preference point is made.
• Wyoming has no point system for resident deer and antelope applicants.
• The preference point only purchase period is from July 1 to Oct 31, 2022. 
• Failure to apply or purchase a preference point for two consecutive years will cause all previous points accumulated to be purged. 
• You cannot return a deer or antelope license for a refund or get preference points back if you successfully draw.
• Deer and antelope hunt areas have different boundaries.

Wyoming deer and antelope cost to apply
Item	Resident	Nonresident regular	Nonresident special
Application fee	$5	$15	$15
Deer preference point	N/A	$41	N/A
Antelope preference point	N/A	$31	N/A
Deer	$42	$374	$662
Deer doe/fawn	$22	$34	N/A
Deer youth	$15	$125	$662
Deer doe/fawn youth	$14	$19	N/A
Antelope	$37	$326	$614
Antelope doe/fawn	$22	$34	N/A
Antelope youth	$15	$110	$614
Antelope doe/fawn youth	$14	$19	N/A

Snowpack in Wyoming

2022

The western states are all experiencing drought conditions. The western portion of Wyoming is still below average, mostly within the 80% range. The north central and southeastern parts of the state are within the 90% range of average. The only area over 100% is the Laramie area in the southeast. To compare that to 2021, almost the entire state was in the 70% range and the central part of the state was in the 60% range. Certainly it would be better if the totals were closer to 100%, but the moisture has been better in 2022 and with the milder temperatures mule deer and antelope survivability should be good. For mule deer, we are five years from what was one of the largest herd die-offs that Wyoming had experienced in many years. The winter of 2018/2019 was also harsh, although not as extreme as it was two years prior. Since those harsh winters, survival has been good and there should be a better number of 3 to 4 year old bucks than there has been in the past few years. Antler growth for this year should be average, provided Wyoming continues to get spring and summer rains. 

2021

2020

Wyoming drought status

2022

Wyoming is a diverse state in terms of habitat types. A large portion of the state consists of rolling grassland and sagebrush steppe. Western Wyoming offers high alpine peaks and some of the most rugged and remote terrain in the lower 48. The Bighorn mountain in north central Wyoming and the Medicine Bow range in the south central part of the state also offer more traditional aspen, pine, and chaparral transitional habitat types. The entire state is drier than average, and all habitat types and areas are being negatively impacted. The northern part of the state is struggling more than the central and southern portion of the state. The western mountains are also experiencing much drier than normal conditions. Mule deer and antelope survival is not expected to be significantly impacted and overwinter survival should be good. Without continued spring and summer moisture, body condition and antler growth is likely to suffer. It’s likely to be an average to slightly below average year for antler growth in Wyoming’s western range and northern portion of the state.   

2021

2020

Designated Wilderness Areas (DWA)

Going into 2022, a nonresident still cannot legally hunt a DWA on their own; they must be accompanied by a licensed Wyoming outfitter or licensed Wyoming resident. A DMA is a United States Forest Service (USFS) designation. 

A Wilderness Study Area (WSA) is a BLM designation and a nonresident can hunt those areas without a guide. 

Before applying, be aware that there are large tracts of USFS DWAs in many mule deer hunt areas. Every year, we receive email questions after the draw from applicants who have drawn licenses that are composed of all DWA or large portions of DWA and they are trying to figure out how to hunt. Please do some research and apply accordingly.

GRIZZLY COUNTRY

Since 2000, the grizzly population has continued to grow and expand well beyond the Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone. The grizzly bear population is the largest it has ever been going into 2022. The estimated population, as of late 2021, has the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem population at 1,070 bears. Even that number is likely lower than what is actually on the landscape. During dry years, like Wyoming has experienced recently, bears are searching for berries earlier and there are less food sources available generally. 

The potential for hunter conflict is a real cause for concern, especially on or near a carcass. If hunting in occupied grizzly bear areas is something you do not want to do, please do some research and apply for areas where that is not an issue. Grizzly bears primarily occupy the ranges in and around Yellowstone National Park and southeast down into the Wind River Range. The Bighorn Mountains and the Medicine Bow range are currently unoccupied according to the data. Those areas, as well as the rolling grass and sage steppe throughout the central part of the state are your best options if you truly want to avoid conflict. See the map below for estimated grizzly bear range.

 

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The draw system

UNDERSTANDING THE DRAW

Wyoming is a GOHUNT favorite for both mule deer and antelope and a must apply state.  Residents are allocated approximately 80% of the deer and antelope licenses. Nonresidents are allocated approximately 20% of the licenses. 

The resident draw for deer and antelope is completely random with no point system. All antelope licenses are allocated through the draw. Residents can apply or purchase general season deer licenses over-the-counter. 

The  draw for nonresidents is a modified preference point system with 75% of the licenses for each hunt offered to applicants with the most points who apply for any given hunt. The other 25% of the licenses for each hunt are allocated randomly with no weight given to the number of preference points an applicant has. Any applicants who do not draw a license from the preference point pool are rolled into the random draw and have an opportunity to draw from the random licenses available. There must be a minimum of four nonresident licenses available for one to be allocated to an applicant in the random draw. 

Nonresidents who apply in the draw and are unsuccessful do not automatically receive a preference point. This is uncommon in most western states. In Wyoming if you are unsuccessful in the draw you still have to visit the game and fish website from July 1 through Oct 31, 2022 to purchase those preference points. Preference points are species specific.  

THE SPECIAL AND REGULAR DRAW

Wyoming has two pools of licenses that nonresident applicants can apply for, the regular and special. Nonresidents cannot apply for both regular and special licenses for the same species, they will have to decide which option is best for them.  The regular and special licenses are essentially the same, but the difference is that the special licenses cost  an additional $288. Applicants who apply in the special draw often have better odds due to the fact that fewer applicants are willing to pay the higher price for the license.. However, this is not always the case, especially for trophy quality hunts. Review the Draw Odds to see if the added cost is worth it.

The special draw receives 40% of the nonresident pool of licenses. The regular draw receives 60% of the nonresident pool of licenses. Within those two pools, 75% of the licenses are allocated to the applicants with the most preference points. The other 25% are randomly allocated with no weight given to the number of points an applicant has. Even if this is your first year of applying, if a hunt has a total of four nonresident licenses, you have a chance in the draw. When looking at the Insider stand alone draw odds, if there is some % displayed throughout the preference point values, it indicates that there were enough licenses that some were randomly allocated.  

HUNT CHOICES

Wyoming allows applicants to apply for up to three hunt choices. They consider every applicant's first choice before moving to any applicant’s second choice. You will only lose your preference points if you draw your first choice. If you draw a second or third choice, you will retain your points and will draw the license. If you draw a license as a second and third choice, you can then also purchase a point in the summer point only timeframe for that year. To review your draw odds as a second choice, open the stand alone draw odds, select Wyoming, your desired residency, and then within the filters on the right portion of the page change the “choice” drop down from first to second. That will show you the odds of all hunts as a second choice on your application. 

HUNT TYPES

Wyoming categorizes their hunting licenses by type.

Wyoming big game limited quota license types
Type	Description	License fee
Type 1 and 2	Antlered or any	Full price fee
Type 3	Antlered or any whitetail deer, full price antelope	Full price fee
Type 4 and 5	Antlerless	Full price fee
Type 6 and 7	Doe/fawn	Reduced price fee
Type 8	Doe/fawn whitetail deer Reduced price doe/fawn antelope	Reduced price fee
Type 9	Archery only	Full price fee
Type 0	Specialty weapon only (excluding archery)	Full price fee

GROUP APPLICATIONS

Wyoming will allow up to six people to apply on a party application for deer and antelope. Residents and nonresidents cannot apply together in a party application. Party applications have their preference points averaged out to the fourth decimal point. For example, a party application of three hunters with five, three and two preference points will go into the draw with 3.3333 points (5+3+2=10/3=3.3333). The party is treated as a single application and, if it’s drawn, all members of the party will receive a license. Wyoming will allocate permits over the hunt quota to cover a party application, so there is no decrease in odds for group applications.

LEFTOVER LICENSES

WGFD conducts a second draw for leftover deer and antelope licenses that remain after the initial drawing. There is no cost to apply and no point system. Your preference points will not be impacted by applying and drawing in the second leftover draw. 

The application period for leftover deer and antelope drawing is typically the last week of June.

Results of the leftover drawing will be available by early July and licenses remaining after that will go on sale on a first come, first served basis a few days later.

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Wyoming's 2022 mule deer breakdown

Similar to every western state, Wyoming’s mule deer herds have continued to decline, specifically on the backs of a couple very tough winters in 2016/2017 and again in 2018/2019. The 2016-2020 average statewide population was estimated at approximately 364,250. The most recent modeling from 2020 estimates the statewide population at 293,900. That number is 182,700 below the objective. Of the 37 herd units, 33 are below objective and 4 are considered at objective. No herd units are above objective. Statewide hunter success was approximately 43.5% with an average of 11.7 days per animal harvested.  

This winter was relatively light in both snow depths and freezing temperatures and herds should emerge this spring in slightly better condition. Although winter die-off is never a good thing, the loss of deer on the landscape did improve the amount of feed for the deer that did make it and those deer will be in better condition this year. Better body condition will slightly improve fawn production and health of those fawns going forward. Going into 2022 the proposed statewide post hunt population is estimated to be 294,400. The famed Regions G units 135, 143, 144, 145 are generally seeing good increases in fawn production and buck to doe ratios, particularly in the northern units. Surveys in the northern units of this region are seeing a 20 year high in fawn to doe ratios at 79:100. The buck to doe ratios also are up from 37:100 to 45:100 in 2022. The number of nonresident licenses in Region G is expected to stay the same at 400. The outlook for Region G is good. Region H shows similar promise, with buck to doe ratios at 30:100 and very good over winter survival for the past two years. The number of nonresident region H licenses has been 600 and will remain the same going into 2022. 

LIMITED QUOTA AND GENERAL SEASON HUNTING

Wyoming offers both general season hunting and limited quota hunts. Residents can simply purchase the general season deer hunting license over-the-counter (OTC) and hunt any general season/area in the state. Nonresidents must draw general region licenses. There is no OTC general season deer hunting for nonresidents. Whether you have no points, a handful or have been waiting for years for your chance to hunt, Wyoming has a hunt for you!

Laramie region population and buck:doe ratios
Unit group	2016-2020 average population estimate	2021 population estimate	2016-2020 average buck:doe ratio	2021 buck:doe ratio
15	11,012	6,350	35:100	27:100
59, 60, 64	14,140	16,450	45:100	34:100
61, 74, 75, 76, 77	7,157	3,500	41:100	27:100
70	6,469	6,180	39:100	33:100
78, 79, 80, 81, 83	12,511	12,400	42:100	42:100

 

Green River region population and buck:doe ratios
Unit group	2016-2020 average population estimate	2021 population estimate	2016-2020 average buck:doe ratio	2021 buck:doe ratio
82, 84, 100	19,876	21,824	27:100	27:100
101, 102	3,765	2,600	34:100	22:100
132, 133, 168	13,662	9,703	27:100	23:100

 

Jackson region population and buck:doe ratios
Unit group	2016-2020 average population estimate	2021 population estimate	2016-2020 average buck:doe ratio	2021 buck:doe ratio
134, 135, 143, 144, 145	31,510	27,660	31:100	33:100

 

Pinedale region population and buck:doe ratios
Unit group	2016-2020 average population estimate	2021 population estimate	2016-2020 average buck:doe ratio	2021 buck:doe ratio
130, 131, 138-142, 146, 150-156	21,519	19,659	37:100	30:100

 

Lander region population and buck:doe ratios
Unit group	2016-2020 average population estimate	2021 population estimate	2016-2020 average buck:doe ratio	2021 buck:doe ratio
87	2,503	1,660	54:100	48:100
90	1,074	N/A	37:100	30:100
92, 94, 160	8,092	7,874	28:100	32:100
96, 97	3,789	3,259	19:100	17:100
128, 148	6,172	6,283	25:100	31:100

 

Cody region population and buck:doe ratios
Unit group	2016-2020 average population estimate	2021 population estimate	2016-2020 average buck:doe ratio	2021 buck:doe ratio
41, 46, 47	7,450	6,816	25:100	25:100
121, 122, 123	3,955	3,120	32:100	30:100
124, 165	3,130	2,705	30:100	34:100
35-37, 39, 40, 164	8,873	6,872	37:100	41:100
125, 127	2,418	2,096	36:100	30:100
116-120	3,062	3,108	37:100	40:100
105, 106, 109	3,200	2,600	28:100	25:100
110-115	8,040	7,800	24:100	35:100

 

Sheridan region population and buck:doe ratios
Unit group	2016-2020 average population estimate	2021 population estimate	2016-2020 average buck:doe ratio	2021 buck:doe ratio
17-18, 23, 26	33,170	31,400	43:100	44:100
19, 29, 31	8,710	7,500	43:100	40:100
24, 25, 27, 28, 50-53	18,799	17,628	30:100	24:100
30, 32, 33, 163, 169	9,482	6,150	39:100	23:100

 

Casper region population and buck:doe ratios
Unit group	2016-2020 average population estimate	2021 population estimate	2016-2020 average buck:doe ratio	2021 buck:doe ratio
7-14, 21	24,437	14,552	43:100	27:100
1-6	28,684	13,764	28:100	20:100
22	7,062	6,865	47:100	31:100
65	5,636	5,065	42:100	22:100
66-67	3,739	2,909	33:100	N/A
88-89	2,882	2,364	45:100	32:100
34	3,180	2,006	43:100	25:100

 

Units managed for hunters satisfaction
Unit group	2016-2020 average hunter satisfaction	2021 average hunter satisfaction	2016-2020 average buck:doe ratio	2021 buck:doe ratio
149, 900	56%	71%	N/A	N/A
157, 170, 171	78%	62%	29:100	17:100
98	59%	45%	N/A	N/A

 

Wyoming deer region profiles and nonresident license numbers
Region A 2021: 3,750 2022: 2,750	Region B 2021: 1,350 2022: 1,100	Region C 2021: 2,500 2022: 2,000	Region D 2021: 400 2022: 300
Region F 2021: 550 2022: 550	Region G 2021: 400 2022: 400	Region H 2021: 600 2022: 600	Region J 2021: 900 2022: 900
Region K 2021: 250 2022: 250	Region L 2021: 250 2022: 250	Region M 2021: 600 2022: 400	Region Q 2021: 125 2022: 125
Region R 2021: 600 2022: 600	Region T 2021: 400 2022: 400	Region W 2021: 750 2022: 750	Region X 2021: 200 2022: 200
Region Y 2021: 1,800 2022: 1,200

 

Wyoming limited quota full priced mule deer license changes 2021-2022
Unit	2021 licenses	2022 licenses
10 type 1	150	125
22 type 1	500	400
34 type 1	200	150
36 type 1	350	175
37 type 1	100	75
41 type 1	N/A	25 (Nov 1-15 New Hunt)
47 type 1	N/A	25 (Nov 1-15 New Hunt)
60 type 1	N/A	100 (Oct 15-Nov 5 New Hunt)
60 type 2	N/A	200 (Oct 15-Nov 5 New Hunt)
78 type 1	200	350
79 type 1	400	350
89 type 1	125	100
90 type 1	75	50
102 type 1	200	150
128 type 1	50	75
165 type 1	125	50

 

The GOHUNT hit list areas for Wyoming mule deer
Area	Trophy potential	Harvest success	Resident odds	Nonresident points to draw (reg)	Nonresident points to draw (special)
Region G	190”+	31% (143)	OTC	82% with 8	79% with <8
Region H	180”+	38% (152)	OTC	14% with 4	56% with 3
128 type 1	180”+	91%	1.5%	6.9% with 15	4.9% with 15
101 type 1	180”+	90%	2.3%	25% with 15	13% with 15
130 type 1	180”+	87%	1.7%	25% with 15	15% with 15
87 type 1	180”+	73%	3.3%	16% with 14	51% with 14
102 type 1	180”+	90%	3.9%	50% with <15	12% with 14

How to uncover hidden gem mule deer areas

TO GET STARTED WITH FILTERING 2.0

• Select state.
• Select species.
• Adjust the Trophy Potential slider to your desired size (e.g. 170”+).
• Click whether you are a resident or nonresident and indicate how many points you currently possess (nonresidents only).
• Select your minimum percentage of odds for drawing the tag. This can be very good for weeding out hunting areas with unlimited (100%) tags.
• Select which season(s) you wish to hunt. Have other hunts going on throughout the fall? You can also set your date parameters and Filtering 2.0 will automatically find what's in season that time of the year.
• Choose what harvest percentages you would like to see in the hunt areas.
• Lastly, click on any of the remaining hunt areas to read in-depth profiles containing valuable information.

One of the bright spots for Wyoming mule deer is within the units 116, 117, 118, 119 and 120. That unit group has good buck to doe ratios and a stable to growing herd. Summer ranges are in better conditions at high elevations and the bucks that come out of those areas are feeding the best late season hunt in the state in unit 128. Those units each offer their own limited quota hunts. The points to draw in these area’s range from about 3 to 8 preference points. 

Other hidden gems are most often associated with the plains and badland areas of the central and eastern portion of the state. The amount of public land is limited and access is very tough. Applicants that can go on a guided hunt have done well in these types of areas. 

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Managing deer preference points and expectations

The maximum number of nonresident preference points for deer is 16 going into the 2022 draw.

Wyoming nonresident deer preference points going into 2022
Preference points	Nonresident applicants
1	40,723
2	24,125
3	15,696
4	10,271
5	7,787
6	5,995
7	4,698
8	3,628
9	2,782
10	2,461
11	2080
12	1,791
13	1,493
14	1,299
15	1,232
16	1,354

RESIDENTS

Wyoming is arguably the best state in the West for resident hunters. Limited quota hunts are allocated via a random draw with no point system and general licenses are available OTC. If you use Filtering 2.0, you can quickly see that a resident has better than 50% odds for seven limited quota hunts, including 119 type 2, 36 type 1, 79 type 1, 80 type 1,  as well as a few others in the eastern portion of the state.

The best guaranteed hunts are available OTC in Regions G, H and F. The best hunts in the state include 128, 130, 101 and 102 with odds ranging from 1.5% to 3.9%. Review the odds, use the filters and unit profile to pick the best choice for you. 

Find your resident mule deer draw odds here

NONRESIDENTS - I HAVE 0 DEER PREFERENCE POINTS. WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

Nonresident applicants with no points that want to apply will need to decide if they want to take a swing for the fences approach and apply for good hunts that offer random draw licenses or review the odds for hunts that are relatively easy to draw and find one that appeals to them. For example, there are four general season hunt areas that had 50% plus odds in the regular draw including Region T that had 100% odds, Region J that had 93% odds, Region A that had 69% odds and Region B that had 64% odds. 

The best random odds for a good quality hunt are for Region H and G which had 8.3% and 3.5% odds in the regular draw and 14% and 6.5% odds in the special draw. 

Applicants that are willing to apply in the special draw have many more hunt options than those that apply in the regular draw. There were 17 hunts that had 100% odds and one that had 84% odds. General Regions A, B, C, D, F, J, L, M, R, T, X, and Y all had 100% odds with no points. Limited quota hunts in units 36, 60, 64 and 157 also had 100% odds with no points. I should also point out that Regions A, B, T, Y, M, L, F, and X all had 100% odds as a second choice, as did limited quota hunts in units 64 and 157. 

WHAT CAN I DO WITH 4 TO 6 DEER PREFERENCE POINTS IN THE NONRESIDENT REGULAR DRAW?

Nonresidents considering applying in the regular draw could have drawn Region H with <5 points. General Region K and R are also worth a look, although those could have been drawn with <4 and 2 points last year. Looking at the limited quota hunts, unit 37, 60, 64, 79, 80, 116, 118, 120, and 157. Of those, units 37, 79, 80, 116, and 120 all had 50% plus harvest success, good amounts of public land and 170”+ potential in units 37, 80, and 120. 

Applicants in the special draw should consider units 78, 81, 110/111, 112/113, 119 type 1, and 165. Units 78, 81, 119, and 165 are all great options with good trophy potential and harvest success rates.  

WHAT CAN I EXPECT WITH 7 TO 10 DEER PREFERENCE POINTS IN THE NONRESIDENT REGULAR DRAW?

Within the regular draw the best option is most likely Region G which required 8-9 points. That hunt is likely going to require <9 to 10 points in the regular and special draw this year. 

Another hunt in the regular draw to consider would be unit 10, 81, 117, and 119 type 1. Beyond that, there are almost no good options in this range. Special draw applicants should consider unit 84 and 125. 

If you have points within this range we would encourage you to strongly consider using your points as the top tier hunts like 101 or 102 are not getting better for quality or the quantity of licenses. Other highly sought after hunts like 128 and 130 are dependent on weather and it can be a real gamble on whether the hunt is good or not.    

WHAT CAN I EXPECT WITH 11 TO 16 DEER PREFERENCE POINTS IN THE NONRESIDENT REGULAR DRAW?

Regular draw applicants should research unit 34, 84, 87, 89, 90 and 125. The hunts in 87, 89, and 90 late October hunts and can be good if cold , snowy weather corporates. The 125 hunt is an early November hunt and can be good if you have the right conditions and ample time to scout and hunt. 

Similarly, depending on how many points you have, units 87, 90, 102,119 type 2 and 105/106 should be on the list for special draw applicants.

The best hunts in the state are going to be units 101, 128, and 130 with special draw odds of 13%, 4.9% and 15% with max points.

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Wyoming's 2022 antelope breakdown

Along with mule deer populations, antelope herds have taken a hit. Largely due to drought and some late spring deep snow storms that impacted herds in the central and eastern part of the state. Once again going into 2022 we will see a decrease in license numbers throughout a bulk of the state. The table below indicates the changes in license numbers for each unit. As you will see many units are seeing a cut, but there are some pockets that will have a few more licenses. Even with the population hit and expected decrease in licenses in some areas, Wyoming is still the best state for antelope hunting. Antelope bucks can mature and reach maximum potential at a younger age than species like mule deer and elk. As such, the trophy potential will generally be good this year and slightly better than last year even. For the lucky hunters that obtain a license the harvest success rates remain high.

One change that should be noted here is that it’s getting harder to obtain antelope licenses in Wyoming. The license cuts and increased interest has added to point creep. In addition, hunters are also getting more savvy. Units that have small amounts of public land or poor access used to be available with very few points or even as a second choice. Those opportunities are slim at this point. Those units with limited amounts of access can still be drawn with a few points, which I would argue is a decent way to utilize your points but you may have to really dig into finding a place to hunt. By that I mean, explore the idea of finding an outfitter that has access to private land or perhaps doing it the old fashioned way and contacting landowners and trying to gain permission to hunt before applying. Overall, trophy potential is still good and harvest success rates remain high and if you have points in Wyoming for antelope, 2022 would be a good year to use them. 

Wyoming full priced either-sex antelope license changes 2021-2022
Unit	2021 licenses	2022 licenses
2 type 1	200	150
4 type 1	100	75
6 type 1	250	175
7 type 1	400	250
8 type 1	250	175
9 type 1	375	300
10 type 1	300	200
15 type 1	600	500
16 type 1	400	250
17 type 1	900	800
19 type 1	300	275
20 type 1	500	350
21 type 1	500	400
22 type 1	1,000	700
24 type 1	250	175
25 type 1	600	500
26 type 1	1,300	1,100
27 type 1	250	175
29 type 1	125	100
29 type 1	400	350
34 type 1	700	600
43 type 1	500	350
44 type 1	450	100
46 type 2	100	25
47 type 2	300	500
48 type 2	100	150
55 type 1	125	175
59 type 1	250	225
60 type 1	50	100
61 type 1	125	175
66 type 1	150	125
67 type 1	250	200
68 type 1	500	400
69 type 1	150	100
70 type 1	200	150
73 type 1	1,200	800
74 type 1	200	175
76 type 1	150	125
83 type 1	250	150
92 type 1	250	300
93 type 1	400	450
94 type 1	500	525
96 type 1	75	100
97/117 type 1	225	200
97/117 type 1	50	25
99 type 2	75	25
100 type 1	300	200
103 type 1	350	250
106 type 1	200	175
109 type 1	350	300
112 type 1	100	75
113 type 1	175	150
113 type 2	175	150

THE GOHUNT HIT LIST AREAS FOR WYOMING ANTELOPE

Good public land access and robust antelope populations often offer a good hunt, but the odds of drawing these types of hunts have gotten tougher over the years. The areas listed below offer the best chance at a trophy buck; however, once again, the odds of drawing are long. 2022 should be an average to slightly better than average year for horn growth.

Top areas to consider for 80” or better antelope (not in order of quality)
Area	Trophy potential	Harvest success	Resident odds	Nonresident points to draw (reg)	Nonresident points to draw (special)
58 type 1	80”+	74%	18%	12% with 13	100% with 12
60 type 1	80”+	85%	8.5%	50% with 15	100% with 15
61 type 1	80”+	75%	17%	100% with 14	100% with 12
62 type 1	80”+	79%	18%	100% with 13	100% with 10
64 type 1	80”+	88%	40%	23% with 10	100% with 12
67 type 1	80”+	94%	31%	91% with 11	19% with 9
68 type 1	80”+	93%	44%	33% with 8	80% with 8
79 type 9	80”+	71%	28%	52% with 4	100% with <4
91 type 1	80”+	95%	31%	14% with 8	59% with 7
92 type 1	80”+	88%	24%	36% with 11	100% with <10
101 type 1	80”+	94%	31%	100% with 10	100% with <9
112 type 1	80”+	87%	30%	84% with 11	45% with 7
114 type 1	80”+	84%	18%	100% with 13	27% with 12

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HOW TO UNCOVER HIDDEN GEM ANTELOPE AREAS

One of the best hidden gems in terms of obtaining an antelope license in Wyoming is to utilize the special draw. To a greater extent the special draw does improve your chances of obtaining a license. If you review the table above, some of those hunts were drawn with 2 to 3 less points in the special draw than they were in the regular draw. That is the case for the less well known units as well. Applicants seem to be less willing to pay the higher price to go into the special draw for antelope, which as stated, results in better odds there. If you want to increase your chances, one of the easier ways is to pony up the extra cash to get into the special draw. 

Another possible hidden gem, draw odds have been closely tied to the amount of accessible public land in an area. Areas with good access to larger tracts of public land are harder to draw. Areas that have limited amounts of public land or the access is difficult are easier to draw. These types of areas are not without their issues, they can be tough to navigate and in many cases the hunting pressure is high on accessible land. This type of area often requires hunters to hike or perhaps put more days into hunting than what is typically the case for an antelope hunt. One of the best ways to exploit these areas is to go on a guided hunt. Many large private tracts are leased by outfitters and if you are willing to go guided the hunting can be really good. Utilize the standalone Draw Odds to find hunts that can be drawn in your point range. From there, the public land filter is often a good reference to quickly review the amount of public land. Utilize GOHUNT MAPS and land ownership layer as well to explore the access and options to hunt.

Wyoming has good walk-in access and wildlife habitat management areas that are accessible to hunters. An area may appear to have a very limited amount of public land, but through one or  both of these programs there can be more than enough land to still offer a good hunt. Before you rule out an area due to public land limitations, we recommend that you take a look at the unit maps and review the layers for WIA and WHMA’s.

Lastly, Wyoming has some muzzleloader type 0 hunts. Those are available with less points than the same hunts for a firearm. They also offer type 2 hunts that are either later seasons, or are valid on or within a half mile of irrigated land. Initially those can seem intimidating or not worth your efforts, but I have seen some very nice bucks on public land within a half mile of irrigated land and could have been harvested on that type or license. Those hunts are available with far fewer points. Once again, those hunts will require additional research and probably more days to hunt. 

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Managing antelope preference points and expectations

The maximum number of nonresident preference points for antelope is 16 going into the 2022 draw.

Wyoming nonresident antelope points going into 2022
Preference points	Nonresidents
1	43,948
2	26,622
3	18,148
4	11,639
5	8,557
6	6,222
7	4,724
8	3,415
9	2,786
10	2,112
11	1,445
12	1,065
13	787
14	546
15	439
16	414

I HAVE 0 ANTELOPE PREFERENCE POINTS. WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

Residents

In 2021 there were 121 either sex antelope hunts that residents could apply for. Of that 121, there were 38 that had 100% odds. Interestingly enough there were 24 of those hunts that could have been drawn as a second choice. This option would allow residents to apply for a higher quality hunt as a first choice and then still likely draw a hunt as a second choice if they were unsuccessful for their first. Many of those hunts are located in areas in the eastern portion of the state that have a limited amount of public land and general poor access. There are some good options though and with some research a resident hunter can draw an antelope hunt. 

Some of the better options may not be available in 2022 as a second choice due to license cuts. If you want to ensure you draw, you may consider applying for those as a first choice. The better options for access and public land are in units 20, 21, 113, and 43. All of these units will see substantial cuts in 2022. 

Nonresidents 

Nonresidents will need to decide what their objectives are for a Wyoming antelope hunt. Harvesting a buck is not all that difficult; however, harvesting a trophy buck can be. If your goal is a true 80”+ buck, booking with a guide or hunting the top-tier areas where they manage for bigger bucks is your best bet. If your goal is a good DIY hunt where access is good and harvest success is high, it may require several preference points. If your goal is to simply hunt antelope, there are areas that have 100% odds with no points and can even be drawn as a second choice. Again, public land and access can be an issue in those types of areas.

Within the regular draw there were 5 hunts that could have been drawn with no points; units 10, 15, 19, 38, and 109. Within the special draw there were 24 hunts that had 100% odds with no points. Of those, 20 hunts had 50% plus odds as a second choice. Once again, keep in mind that many of these areas are seeing license cuts in 2022 so take that into consideration before you apply. Some of the best options as a second choice were units 20, and 113 type 2. There are others, but applicants will need to do some research, be prepared to hike, and deal with much more hunting pressure. Better hunts that could be drawn as a first choice are units 20, 21, 30, 82 type 2, and 113. 

WHAT CAN I DO WITH 4 TO 6 ANTELOPE PREFERENCE POINTS?

The top-tier rifle hunts are not going to be available within this point range. With license cuts and point creep I would encourage applicants within this range to consider utilizing the points you have to draw a license and go hunting. Point creep is likely to prevent you from drawing one of the best units for decades. In addition, there is no guarantee that drawing one of those hunts will assure you of an 80”+ buck. If you have points within this range, we would encourage you to do some research and consider going on a hunt sooner rather than later.

In the regular draw, with 4-6 preference points some of the best options to research are unit 99 type 0, 79 type 9. Rifle hunters should consider units 7, 18, 29, 31, 32, 46 type, 47, 50, 51, 52, 56, 71, 72, 78,  81, 82, 84, 86, 97/117 and 99 type 2. As you can see there are several options available. Consider your objectives, point creep, and decide if you want to wait for another 15-20 plus years or go on a hunt this fall.  

In the special draw a few more options open up to you if you are willing to pay the higher price. Unit 107 type 0, and 79 type 9 are a good use of points within this range. Rifle hunters should consider units 27, 48, 52, 55, 56, 63, 69, 73, 76, 78, 80, 87, 88, 89, 94, 98, 99, 115, and 114 type 2.  

WHAT CAN I EXPECT WITH 7 TO 10 ANTELOPE PREFERENCE POINTS?

Applicants entering the regular draw within this point range should consider units 48, 52, 57, 59, 63, 65, 66, 68, 69, 67, 74, 75, 89, 90, 91, 93, 94, 95, 100, 106, and 108. Of these areas, units 68, 75, 91, and 93 are among the best hunts. 

If applicants are willing to pay the cost of the special license, other hunts that should be researched are units 53, 57, 62, 67, 92, 96, 101, and 112. The trophy quality is better within this unit group, and if your goal is to have a chance at a bigger buck it’s worth the extra cost of the special license. 

WHAT CAN I EXPECT WITH 11 TO 16 ANTELOPE PREFERENCE POINTS?

Applicants with max points are more than likely committed to one of the best hunts the state offers. Unit 60 had 50% odds in the regular draw and 100% odds in the special draw with max points. That unit is likely to see a 50 license increase this year so if you are sitting on max points this is a good year to try to draw that hunt. Unit 61 had 100% in the regular draw with 14 points. Unit 58 required <14 points. Unit 62 and 114 type 1 both had 100% odds with 13 points in the regular draw. Unit 61 will also see an increase of 50 licenses this year. Those are the best hunts in the state, but as indicated it will require a lot of points to draw. 

At the lower end of this point range (11-13 points) in the regular draw were units 53, 57, 64, 67, 80, 92, 96, 101, 112, and perhaps 63, and 95. 

Applicants that are willing to pay the price for the special draw license can draw some of the same hunts listed above with fewer points. Unit 114 was drawn with >13. Unit 58, 61 and 64 were available with 12 points in the special draw. Unit 62 was drawn at 10 points, and unit 67 and 92 were both drawn with <10.