Wyoming Draw OddsHow Wyoming preference points work (residents & nonresidents)
Last checked 2026-10-23. Unofficial guide — the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) is the authority; always confirm on WGFD before you apply.
Preference points are Wyoming’s way of rewarding applicants who keep trying for a hard-to-draw hunt. Here’s how they work, in plain language, with every rule linked to WGFD.
Who gets preference points?
- Nonresidents can build points for full-price elk, deer and antelope, plus moose and full-price bighorn sheep.
- Residents get points only for moose and full-price bighorn sheep. Resident elk, deer and antelope draws don’t use points — they’re random.
Source: WGFD: Preference points (“Full Price Elk, Deer and Antelope Preference Points (Nonresidents Only)” and “Moose and Full Price Bighorn Sheep Preference Points (Residents and Nonresidents)”).
How points are used in the draw
WGFD puts 75% of the licenses in each hunt area and type into the preference-point drawing, where the applicants with the most points go first. The other 25% go to a random drawing that ignores points, so everyone has a chance (WGFD).
For nonresident elk, deer and antelope, your points only count toward your first choice. If you draw your first choice, your points are used up — so don’t put an easy hunt first unless you mean it.
What points cost
| Point | Fee (WGFD) |
|---|---|
| Nonresident elk | $52 |
| Nonresident deer | $41 |
| Nonresident antelope | $31 |
| Nonresident youth (elk, deer or antelope) | $10 |
| Nonresident moose | $150 |
| Nonresident bighorn sheep | $150 |
| Resident moose | $7 |
| Resident bighorn sheep | $7 |
Fees from WGFD: Preference points. See our fee calculator for license prices.
How you get a point
- Elk, deer, antelope (nonresidents): buy a point in the preference-point-only period. WGFD’s preference points page says the period is July 1–Oct. 31; its dates table shows a slightly different end date, so check WGFD’s dates & deadlines before you rely on either.
- Moose and sheep: residents who apply and don’t draw are automatically given a point; nonresidents get one if they opt in on the application. Otherwise you can buy one in the point-only period.
- Youths can buy points at age 11 if they will be at least 12 by Dec. 31 of that year.
How you lose points
If you don’t get a point (by applying or buying one) for two (2) consecutive years, WGFD deletes all your points for that species. Points are tied to your WGFD account, not to a hunt area, and they can’t be transferred or refunded (WGFD).
Next: How the Wyoming draw works · Check your odds by points