Wyoming elk draw odds for nonresidents — how do they compare?

Nonresident Draw Odds

For nonresidents, Wyoming’s elk draw system is quota-based, with a limited number of licenses issued annually. The general license pool is divided into two categories: the general season and the late season. In the general season, nonresidents have a 5.6% chance of drawing an elk license, while the late season offers a slightly higher chance at 7.2%. Limited license draws, such as the late-season archery and muzzleloader tags, have a higher success rate, ranging from 10-30% depending on the draw.

Draw Preference Points

To improve nonresident draw odds, applicants can accumulate preference points. Each year a nonresident applicant is not drawn, they earn one preference point. In the general license pool, applicants with 0 preference points have a 5.6% chance of drawing an elk license, while those with 9 or more points have a 16.3% chance. For limited license draws, applicants with high preference points can increase their odds significantly, with up to 60% success rates for archery and muzzleloader tags.

Draw Strategies

To increase nonresident draw odds, it’s essential to understand the draw system and plan accordingly. Limited license draws often have higher success rates, but the application process is more complex. Nonresidents can also consider applying for a private land elk license, which has a higher success rate of around 20-30%. Additionally, applying for a combination license (e.g., deer and elk) can increase overall draw odds.