Zero I suppose.

Zero I suppose.
by ConnorMacManus (2019-02-12 12:17:01)
Edited on 2019-02-12 12:23:40

In reply to: How many preference points do you have? posted by ndalum1

Forgive my ignorance, in the northeast we don't have anything like a preference point system - so I wasn't even familiar with that kind of process.

A quick google search reveals I have a little research to do on that side of things, but it looks like I can buy some extra points to increase my odds? I presume the guides/outfitters might have further suggestions on how they typically approach this process? Also, are bowhunters put into the same pool as rifle season? Or are the odds better for bow season?

If you have any other suggestions to share I'd love to hear them. I'll be doing some research on my own now.

It can get complicated, and I'm still getting familiar

with the process, myself. I just spoke with my brother, who lives in Wyoming, and it sounds like engaging an outfitter for advice is definitely the right course of action. My brother indicated that by using an outfitter, you can likely access tags that you couldn't as a self-guided hunter. (I wasn't aware of this, as I'll be doing this with a Wyoming resident, rather than an outfitter.)

Even if you decided to approach this without an outfitter, it may be doable depending on your goals; cow/calf tags are easier to get than bull tags, and there are some units with near 100% draw odds w/ 0 preference points...but the success rates are lower. You're on the right track--speak with some outfitters. And let us know how this plays out. This sounds like a great gift for your Dad.

Thank you again - its a confusing process...

And the websites don't do much to add clarity to it.

Since I'm planning to go with a guide regardless, I'll reach out to them for suggestions on how best to approach the tag process. Their business depends on it, so I suspect they'll be able to steer me in the right direction.