Wyoming sportsmen looking to hunt critters this fall can wade into the tag application process as of January 3, 2022. There’s no harm in applying early for fall hunts since you can modify or withdraw after the fact. Except maybe any anxiousness and anticipation from waiting for the May or June results date, but that’s hard to avoid anyway.
Here are key tips to make your resident application process go more smoothly this spring, plus it may result in a couple more pocketed tags.
Understand Tag Types
When it comes to understanding regulations it’s easy to get confused between the 10 different types of licenses, plus general tag opportunities available for residents. For instance, there are different tag application pages for a type-4 cow/calf elk tag and type-6 cow/calf elk tag. Type-9 tags are archery season only, while type-1 and type-2 tags usually have a special archery season you will need to purchase an archery license to participate in.
Additionally, different tag types offer reduced-priced tags. Those reduced-priced tags are generally to encourage more harvest in those areas specifically to address either landowner damage or over-abundance of critters on the landscape. They can be excellent opportunities to fill the freezer for the family, but someone should understand the boundaries and season dates before applying to ensure there are areas to hunt and be successful.
Learn about the different license types here.
Pick Tags Prior to Applying
It can be difficult to combine information from the WGFD website on regulations, draw odds, and the hunts you want to go on all while you are logged into the application process. If you are trying to make the most out of your tag applications, it will cut down the time it takes to apply if you pick out hunts and write them down on an available piece of paper before diving into the process.
If you are a parent who is applying with your spouse and/or for multiple youth hunters, it can turn into a major time commitment but it will pay off when you get into the application process. Every time you stop using the system for 20-minutes or more, you have to re-login to your applications. When applying, I had all of my hunts chosen (minus a doe/fawn tag here or there) and I’m familiar with the system. The process took me 15-minutes for 8 tag applications.
Gather Key Pieces of Information
While you’re at it, be sure to have your Wyoming Driver’s License Number or Wyoming State ID number handy for the resident verification page. It is possible to not be considered a resident for Wyoming tags while holding a Wyoming driver’s license. Check the regulations first to ensure you qualify for residency.
All applicants from kids to long-time Wyomingites will need their own login, which means their own email address, to complete an application. If you are applying as a party, each member of the party must apply separately while using the party leader’s identification.
The Wyoming Game and Fish stresses if you have an issue getting logged in and you are sure you have purchased licenses in the past, do not create a new customer login. Call customer service at 307-777-4600 for further assistance.
While many of us are inside daydreaming about fall hunts, diving into tag applications is a great way to geek out about the incredible hunting opportunities available in Wyoming. Not to mention, these tags are vital in the management of wildlife through our North American model of conservation. Hopefully, these quick tips will help make your tag applications go more smoothly this year and give you more hunting opportunities next fall.
To get started with your applications, click here.
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