Grass
As the calendar strikes July 1st each year, we begin purchasing preference points for our guests and fielding phone calls from hunters who are interested in pursuing their dream of hunting in Wyoming. Wyoming, like many western states, utilizes the preference point system for all Big Game species - Elk, Mule Deer, Pronghorn, Moose, Sheep and Goats (which are different than “Trophy Animals” like black bear and wolves, which allow tags to be purchased over the counter).
For many western hunters, preference points can feel confusing at first. Questions like “How many points do I need?” or “Should I buy points this year?” are incredibly common.
At Mountain Ivory Adventures, we spend a lot of time helping hunters understand the Wyoming draw system and how to build a long-term strategy for hunting elk and mule deer in the West.
Here’s what you need to know about Wyoming preference points and how they can impact your future hunts.
What Are Wyoming Preference Points?
Preference points are designed to improve your odds of drawing a hunting license over time.
In Wyoming, nonresident elk, deer, and pronghorn licenses use a preference point system. The more points you accumulate, the better your chances of drawing certain tags in the preference point draw.
For nonresident elk and deer hunters:
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75% of available licenses in each hunt area are allocated through the preference point draw
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The remaining 25% are issued through a random draw, giving everyone at least some chance to draw regardless of point total. This is important to note because the random draw means that anyone, with any number of points, can draw. For example, this year, we had several hunters with only 1 elk preference point (which is far below what it should take to draw through the preference point draw), still successfully pull tags.
When Do Preference Points Go On Sale?
Wyoming preference points are available for purchase from July 1 through November 2nd. We purchase preference points for our guests in July so that we can get it done before we head into the hills for the season, but it does not matter when during this period you purchase your point.
A couple of important notes:
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If you applied for elk or deer this spring and were unsuccessful, you are not automatically awarded a point. Hunters must still purchase preference points during the summer/fall point period.
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If a hunter fails to purchase a preference point for two consecutive years, they lose their points. This is one reason we are so diligent about getting points for our guests. If you’re buying your own point (s), we encourage you to set a reminder on your calendar each year.
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You may purchase one preference point, per species, per year.
How Much Do Preference Points Cost?
As of 2026:
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Nonresident Elk Preference Point: $52
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Nonresident Deer Preference Point: $41
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Youth preference points are available at reduced rates
The Wyoming Game and Fish commission has voted to increase the cost of preference points in 2027. For more information, you can check out the “Seasons and Applications” page on our website (https://mountainivoryadventures.com/seasons-applications/) or Wyoming Game & Fish (https://wgfd.wyo.gov/licenses-applications/application-dates-deadlines).
How Many Points Do You Need?
This is probably the question we hear most often — and the honest answer is: it depends on the species, the region or unit, and your goals.
Some Wyoming units take many years to draw, while others can occasionally be drawn with fewer points or even through the random draw.
At Mountain Ivory Adventures:
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Our elk hunts operate in General Region W
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Our mule deer hunts operate in Region L (We were in Region H prior to a re-assignment from the WY Game & Fish in 2026 - the re-assignment is beneficial to us).
2026 draw odds are available for elk and, in 2026, hunters in the General Region W with the “special tag” had a 100% chance of drawing with 4 points and hunters who purchased the “regular tag” had a 100% chance with 6 points. For more information on the “special” versus “regular” tags, check out our recent blog post found here: https://mountainivoryadventures.com/blog/how-to-apply-for-wyoming-hunting-tags/.
Both our elk and deer areas are highly desirable because they offer authentic backcountry hunting experiences, quality public land access, and excellent elk and mule deer country.
Understanding General Elk Region W
Wyoming’s general elk licenses are popular because they provide flexibility and access to large areas of public land.
General Region W is located in western Wyoming and includes rugged mountain country with classic elk habitat. Because of the quality of hunting and the demand from nonresidents, drawing this region has become increasingly competitive over time.
Mule Deer Region L
Region L is one of Wyoming’s more sought-after mule deer regions and is known for producing mature bucks in rugged western terrain.
Like elk, deer draw requirements can fluctuate from year to year depending on:
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Tag quotas
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Winter severity
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Applicant demand
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Preference point creep
What Is “Point Creep”?
Point creep happens when the number of applicants with high point totals increases faster than available tags.
In practical terms, this means:
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A hunt that required 5 points a few years ago may now require 7 or 8
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Demand for quality western hunts continues to grow
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Waiting forever for the “perfect” tag can sometimes backfire
That’s why we often encourage hunters to focus less on chasing maximum-point trophy units and more on actually getting into the mountains and hunting.
Should You Buy Preference Points?
For most hunters interested in Wyoming Big Game hunts, our answer is “yes.”
Preference points:
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Keep future opportunities open
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Improve long-term draw odds
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Help create flexibility in your hunting strategy
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Allow you to build toward better hunts over time
Even if you’re not ready to book a hunt immediately, buying points now can pay off several years down the road.
Our Recommendation
If hunting Wyoming is on your bucket list, start building points sooner rather than later.
You can always decide later:
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Whether to hunt DIY or guided
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Whether to burn points on a premium hunt
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Whether to hunt more frequently in general regions
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Or whether to continue building points for future opportunities
Planning Your Wyoming Hunt
At Mountain Ivory Adventures, we help hunters navigate:
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Wyoming applications
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Preference point strategies
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Big Game hunt planning
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Backcountry hunt preparation
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What to expect in camp
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