A bugling herd bull reigns over the other elk around him. Distracted by his duties, he doesn’t see you maneuvering into position. You reach your chosen perch, settle in for the shot, and pull the trigger. The massive bull lunges a few paces and tips over. Wyoming elk tag filled.
This article offers insight into the quality hunting experiences provided by 157 Outfitters. Additionally, it highlights the benefits of relying on experts to manage the logistics of securing a tag. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to elk hunting, partnering with 157 Outfitters enhances both your chances of drawing a tag and your overall hunting experience.
Understanding the Wyoming Elk Tag Draw System
Hunters should understand the Wyoming elk tag draw system, which is notably challenging. According to Marshall Spires of 157 Outfitters, securing a Wyoming elk tag is one of the more difficult tags to obtain.
“Elk units can range from taking three to 20 years to draw,” he said. “The way the tag system is set up, there is a normal-priced license called the Full Price License. Then, there is a Special License, which is twice as expensive but shaves off about two years of drawing a tag.”
This year, Spires explained, it took three years of preference points to draw an elk tag for most General Units. However, some units required as many as 20 years. Thus, being realistic about your chances is crucial.
Key questions to ask yourself include:
- What elk tag can I draw?
- How many preference points do I have?
- What do I need to go on the hunt I want?
“The cool thing Wyoming does with its draw system is that a subsection of tags goes to the random pool,” Spires said. “Even if you don’t draw a tag with your preference points, a certain percentage of those tags are going to random draw, so everyone has a chance each year.”
Spires emphasized that hunters shouldn’t feel discouraged if they lack preference points. The random draw system provides some opportunity for everyone.
“The General Tag is usually the easiest elk tag to draw,” he added. “There’s the eastern, southern, and western sections of the state (for the General Tag). We hunt in the eastern section, which takes two to three preference points (depending on the year).”
Conducting research on relevant unit information can help you identify the best elk hunting destination for your needs.
Improving Your Chances: Tips for Success in the Draw
Prospective Wyoming elk hunters should understand both the process and odds of drawing a tag. This is one of the most sought-after achievements in the hunting world.
“The best tip on draw success is being diligent about your preference points,” Spires said. “If you don’t draw a tag, you have to go back in and buy a preference point. If working with an outfitter, they should provide that service for you and keep track when you don’t draw.”
Maintaining your preference points is essential to improving your odds. If you skip a year, you remain at the same point level as the previous year.
Additionally, consider applying for tags with higher odds of success. In some cases, certain hunts may only allocate 10 tags, but thousands of hunters might apply.
“That isn’t a tag I’d focus on if I really wanted to go on a Wyoming elk hunt,” Spires said. “The General Tag has pretty good odds. But the best way to improve odds on a lower-point draw is putting in for the Special License.”
The Special License costs nearly double the General License but can expedite the process, reducing the preference points needed to draw a tag. It also increases your odds in the random draw.
“Just this year, two of my elk clients got tags with zero points,” Spires said. “So, you never know when the random draw is going to reward you.”
Some hunters may also opt for a combination hunt, targeting elk alongside other game species like antelope or deer. Spires advises starting by applying for elk tags and then branching out.
If you can’t hunt immediately, start building points. Spires suggests creating a plan, especially if you have a long-term timeline. Missing consecutive years of buying preference points risks losing all accumulated points.
Preference points cost approximately $35 for antelope and deer and about $70 for elk. With four years of applications, elk hunters may spend roughly $300 in fees, making the Special License route a good value.
157 Outfitters: Simplifying the Application Process
157 Outfitters streamlines the application process by handling draw applications for their clients. Booking a hunt requires only basic information and a deposit for the license fee. The outfitter builds your profile on the Wyoming Fish and Game portal and can assist with purchasing preference points.
The Hunting Experience with 157 Outfitters
157 Outfitters specializes in southeastern Wyoming elk hunts. However, these hunts differ from traditional mountainous elk hunts often shown on TV.
“We hunt mostly prairie elk,” Spires said. “These are larger herds that move around agricultural areas, creek bottoms, and rocky buttes.”
Most hunts take place during the rut. Spires explained that their area opens hunting early, beginning on September 15, during peak rut.
“We’re hunting bugling bulls that are chasing cows — with rifles during the peak rut,” he said. “That’s very different from most units in the state.”
Hunting methods focus on spotting herds, locating transition areas, and intercepting elk between feeding and bedding zones. Calling is typically reserved for thick cover situations.
Benefits of Partnering with an Expert Outfitter
157 Outfitters provides critical knowledge about elk movements and hunting strategies, which can be invaluable in areas with smaller elk populations.
“Elk move around a lot, and you have to scout daily to track their patterns,” Spires said. “If you come to an area without a massive elk population, it’s really difficult to get on a good hunt.”
While southeastern Wyoming has fewer elk than other regions, the elk present are highly huntable.
“Once the rut comes, and the bulls congregate with cows, we harvest the most mature animals,” Spires said. “When we get into elk, we’re seeing 50-, 60-, or 70-head herds. Out of those, it’s 30% to 40% bulls. Usually, trophy bulls are 280 to 330 inches, and we’ve killed up to 360-inch bulls.”
Contact 157 Outfitters for more information.
