Wyoming remains one of the most sought-after destinations for elk hunters, offering a unique blend of opportunity, quality, and accessibility. With the 2025 application deadlines approaching, it’s time to start planning your hunt. The deadline to apply for Elk is January 31, 2025 (11:59 PM MDT). Remember, non-resident applicants can adjust their applications until May 8th, 2025.
Don’t want to read this entire article? I break down the entire Wyoming Elk application process on our YouTube Channel. Check it out below!
In this article, I walk through the 2025 changes for Wyoming’s application, the costs, and short to long term strategies to help you maximize your chances of snagging a tag.
But, if you want way more details, go to GOHUNT.com and sign up for GOHUNT INSIDER. When checking out, use promo code RANDY to receive $50 store credit to the GOHUNT Gear shop, a Fresh Tracks+ annual subscription, plus my latest edition of my Elk Hunting E-Guide. The tools that GOHUNT provides are so valuable during application season. Here’s some examples of how I’ll be using GOHUNT to fill out my Wyoming Elk application;
- GOHUNT’s Wyoming Elk Strategy Article
- This comprehensive resource provides in-depth information that’ll help you understand the important updates for 2025, unit breakdowns, public land hunting opportunities, and much more.
- GOHUNT’s Filtering 2.0
- I leverage Filtering 2.0 to narrow down units that match my hunting criteria. Whether you’re looking for high-success areas, trophy potential, or easier draw odds, this tool is invaluable for efficient research.
- GOHUNT’s Draw Odds
- I won’t just look at last year’s draw odds— I’ll examine the past five years to identify trends. This historical perspective reveals patterns and helps me make an informed decisions.
2025 Wyoming Elk Application: Important Updates
- Special tag price increase impact: 2025 marks the first year of historical data to analyze how non-residents responded to the significant price hike for Special tags in 2024. Additionally, the General (GEN) tag split into three areas (West, East, and South) has introduced new dynamics in applicant behavior. While patterns typically take 3-4 years to stabilize, early trends are worth noting.
- Non-resident GEN tag increase: While the exact number is still uncertain, sources confirm a modest increase in GEN tags for non-residents in 2025.
- Other species changes: Non-resident tag allocations for moose, goat, sheep, and bison have dropped from 25% to 10%, with a late April deadline.
Why Hunt Wyoming Elk?
Wyoming stands out as one of the best values among western elk states, offering:
- A great mix of opportunity and quality.
- Very high success rates.
- Plenty of accessible public land (approximately 60% of the state is public).
Understanding Wyoming’s Elk Draw and Point Systems
Wyoming uses a modified Preference Point system with two draws: Random and Preference, and two price tiers: Regular and Special. Here’s how it works:
1. Special vs. Regular Tags
- Same tag, different price: Special tags cost more ($1,965 vs. $707 for Regular) but may offer better draw odds (not always).
- Allocation: 60% of tags go to Regular applicants, and 40% go to Special applicants.
2. Preference Points vs. Random Draw
- 75% of tags are allocated based on Preference Points.
- 25% of tags are allocated randomly, giving low-point holders a chance.
3. Wyoming Elk Preference Point Details
Wyoming’s Preference Point system is here to stay. In 2024, the state sold 195,000 non-resident elk points at $50 each. Generating approximately $9,750,000 — nearly as much as the revenue from the 8,000 non-resident tags sold. Of other things to note, the point purchase period opens July 1 and runs for four months. You must actively apply for a point; it’s not automatic if you’re unsuccessful in the draw.
Costs and Fees
| Fee Type | Cost |
| Non-refundable Tag fee | $15.00 per species |
| Elk Regular tag | $707 |
| Elk Special tag | $1,965 |
| Youth tag | $290 |
| Transaction fee | 2.5% of total application |
Short-Term Options for New Wyoming Elk Applicants
With over 195,000 non-residents holding elk points and nearly 19,000 with double-digit points, drawing a premium unit can be challenging. Your best short-term options are general tags in the East, South, and West areas, listed in order of easiest to most difficult.
Access and Opportunity to Hunt Wyoming Elk
Wyoming offers abundant public land and two state access programs:
Additionally, most units allow hunters to participate in both archery and rifle seasons with the same tag by purchasing an inexpensive archery stamp. This flexibility provides incredible value for those with the time to take advantage of both seasons.
Is Wyoming Worth It?
Absolutely. Despite declining numbers for deer and antelope, Wyoming remains one of the best-managed states for elk hunting in the West. With high success rates, accessible public land, and a well-structured draw system, it’s a top choice for hunters. But it wouldn’t be hunting without some struggles! Listen here for an older episode of Hunt Talk Radio with Marcus and I as we discuss some Wyoming Elk hunt mishaps.
Final Reminders
- Deadline: January 31, 2025, for non-resident elk tags.
- Sign up for GOHUNT INSIDER and use code RANDY to receive $50 store credit to the GOHUNT Gear shop, a Fresh Tracks+ annual subscription, plus my latest edition of my Elk Hunting E-Guide.
Good luck with your application, and happy hunting!
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