How to Utilize Wyoming Preference Points For Deer Hunting

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There is no denying that the great state of Wyoming is a top destination for mule deer hunters. For decades, the Cowboy State has provided mule deer hunters with some of the best hunts and biggest bucks. I am not sure I would put it in the same class as Colorado when it comes to the chance at true giant bucks, but there have long been great opportunities to harvest a mule deer buck that most any hunter would be proud of.

Like most places, Wyoming has ups and downs. The current climate is that Wyoming has been on a downward trend for the past decade.

People can speculate why that is, but the most significant factor currently has been the devastation of a couple of bad winters, with the biggest being the winter of 22/23. This winter saw a record snowpack across the west, and animal herds in many areas were depleted like we haven’t seen in decades. Much of Wyoming’s famed deer country was at this epicenter, and 50% or more of the herds in areas died.

According to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, wildlife biologists estimate the current herd to consist of about 11,000 animals, a considerable decline from the February 2023 estimate of 30,000 individuals.

What Does This Mean for Hunters?

Many of us who desire to hunt mule deer in Wyoming have been building preference points. Thousands of hunters were likely on the verge of burning their points and ready to hunt when the bad winter hit and changed the outlook on the hunts they had been planning on doing.

States like Wyoming have also been discussing changing the resident/nonresident allocation of tags, creating an urgency to burn points before game agencies change their rules and make tags harder to draw.

Due to these factors, hunters are pressured to either burn their points and hunt areas where animal numbers and buck quality have diminished or gamble to wait for herds to recover and possibly not be able to draw the tag they want if the state makes changes. People also need to consider that they could pull a tag now and hunt and have enough points to be back in the game when herds fully recover. Becoming a GOHUNT Insider member can help tremendously.

So, the real question is, what should you do with your Wyoming deer points? That depends on whether you start from zero or have years built up. Let’s dive in.

0-4 Preference Points

This point group presents an interesting decision. If you’re starting, you must choose between hunting an easily drawn unit, where you may face smaller bucks or private land challenges—or holding out for a better opportunity.

Even in these easier-to-draw areas, solid hunts can still be found, and there are even some trophy bucks on the landscape, though the hurdles might be greater.

For the most part, this point range puts you in contention for all of Wyoming’s General areas except for the famed Regions G and H. If your goal is simply to hunt mule deer, Regions F, K, L, Q, R, W, X, and Y are all within reach. These areas offer decent public land access and typically hold bucks in the 130-150” range, with the potential for a bigger buck if you put in the work and get a little luck on your side.

Regions A, B, C, J, M, and T are possible draws in this point range, but access is much more challenging. Many of these low-access areas can even be drawn as a second choice in the special draw, allowing you to build points while hunting. Suppose you’re willing to book with an outfitter or commit to navigating private land with OnX. In that case, some of these units offer excellent mule deer and whitetail opportunities, including the chance at a solid buck.

5-9 Preference Points

I structured this section around the 5–9-point range because that’s where Regions G and H typically fall. Most reports show Region H was a 100% draw in 2023 with 5.5 points. While half-points don’t technically exist, that suggests some applicants with 5 points drew while all with 6 points secured a tag. In 2024, Region G required 9 points for a guaranteed draw.

There’s no secret why these two regions are so well known, and they boast incredible country and the potential for great bucks. However, hunting here isn’t for the faint of heart. The terrain is rugged, the hunting pressure is real, and you need to be fully committed if you plan to take on one of these hunts.

Another major factor to consider is the devastating winter of 2022-23, which hit this region hard. Mule deer numbers are at an all-time low, which must be factored into your decision. That said, while overall numbers may be down, quality bucks will always be around in these mountains, just not in the numbers hunters may be used to.

If tackling these rugged regions of western Wyoming isn’t your style, other solid options within this point range exist. Units like 78, 81, and 119 (Type 2) offer decent access and, in some cases, even better trophy potential than lower-point units. However, terrain and access can vary significantly, so thorough research and scouting are key to making the most of these opportunities.

9+ Preference Points

You have a big decision to make if you’re sitting on more than 9 points. You can burn your points now on a tag like Region G, or you can start seriously evaluating which tag you ultimately want and commit to building as many additional points as necessary to get there. The last place you want to find yourself is sitting on 15 points, only to cash them in on a unit you could have hunted years earlier.

Once you’ve crossed into the higher-point category and committed to drawing a top-tier tag, it’s time to start looking at units like 87, 89, 90, 101, 102, 119 (Type 1), 141, and others. Most of these units offer good access, lower hunting pressure, and the potential for great bucks.

That said, I’d caution you to do your homework before pulling the trigger on a high-point tag. Many of these areas suffered significant die-offs during the harsh winter of 2022-23, and populations in some units are still struggling. Before burning years' worth of points, ensure the deer numbers have rebounded enough to justify burning your points at this point. If the herd hasn’t bounced back yet, it may be worth waiting a couple more years and continuing to build points for a better opportunity down the road.

Closing

Wyoming offers a wide range of mule deer hunting opportunities, but success starts with understanding the point system and making the most of your investment.

Whether you're looking to draw a general tag and get in the field sooner or you're banking points for a top-tier hunt, careful planning is key. With recent harsh winters impacting deer populations, it’s more important than ever to do your research, set realistic expectations, and choose a hunt that aligns with your goals. No matter where you decide to hunt, putting in the work before and during the season will always be the biggest factor in finding success in Wyoming’s mule deer country.

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