Wyoming Regular vs Special Draw 2027: Odds, Fees & Strategy

Wyoming Regular vs Special Draw 2027: Odds, Fees & Which Should You Choose?

Wyoming offers some of the most sought-after elk, mule deer, and pronghorn hunting opportunities in the West. But for nonresident hunters, understanding the difference between the Regular Draw and Special Draw can have a major impact on both application costs and the probability of drawing a license.

The Wyoming Special Draw is a higher-priced nonresident drawing pool. It does not provide additional preference points, guarantee a license, or automatically improve your drawing odds.

Instead, Wyoming separates a portion of its nonresident elk, deer, and antelope licenses into two pools: Regular and Special. Each has its own applicants, available licenses, and historical drawing results.

For 2027, hunters should also account for an important change: Wyoming approved an increase in nonresident elk, deer, and antelope preference-point prices to $75 per species, effective January 1, 2027.

This guide explains how Wyoming's Regular and Special draws work, compares costs and odds, and shows hunters how to determine whether paying more is worth it.

Wyoming Regular vs Special Draw 2027: Quick Comparison

Feature Regular Draw Special Draw Eligible applicants Nonresidents Non residents Species Full-price elk, deer, antelope Full-price elk, deer, antelope Application cost Lower Higher Nonresident quota share Generally 60%Generally 40%Preference-point system Yes Yes Random drawing Yes Yes Extra preference points awarded No No Guaranteed license No No Better odds automatically No No Hunting privileges after drawing Based on license type Same license-type privileges Best for Hunters prioritizing lower cost Hunters who find a worthwhile odds advantage

The quota percentages apply to the relevant remaining nonresident allocation after applicable landowner drawing steps. They should not be interpreted as a fixed percentage of every statewide hunting quota.

What Is the Wyoming Regular Draw?

The Regular Draw is Wyoming's standard, lower-priced nonresident application option for qualifying elk, deer, and antelope licenses.

Hunters applying through the Regular Draw compete against other eligible applicants in that pool.

The Regular Draw uses preference points and a random component.

A hunter with enough points may draw through the preference-point allocation. A hunter who does not draw through that allocation can still participate in the applicable random drawing.

Who Should Consider the Regular Draw?

The Regular Draw may be a good choice for hunters who:

• Want to minimize license costs.

The Regular Draw is not necessarily harder to draw.

Some hunts can have similar odds between the two pools, and others may favor Regular applicants.

What Is the Wyoming Special Draw?

The Special Draw is a separate nonresident drawing pool with a higher license price.

The additional fee provides access to the Special applicant pool, not a different hunting season or an enhanced license.

A Special license for the same hunt area and license type generally carries the same hunting privileges as a Regular license.

Does Paying for the Special Draw Improve Your Odds?

Sometimes, but not always.

The Special Draw may attract fewer applicants because of its higher price.

However, it also receives a smaller portion of the nonresident license allocation.

That means drawing probability depends on the relationship between available licenses and applicant demand.

For some hunts, the Special Draw can provide a meaningful advantage.

For others, the difference may be small, nonexistent, or even unfavorable.

Never assume the Special Draw is automatically the better option.

Does the Special Draw Give You More Preference Points?

No.

Regular and Special applicants use the same Wyoming nonresident preference-point system.

If you have eight elk preference points, you have eight points whether you apply Regular or Special.

Paying the Special license price does not increase that balance.

How Does Wyoming Split Regular and Special Draw Licenses?

Wyoming generally allocates the remaining nonresident licenses between the two pools after applicable landowner drawing steps.

The typical allocation is:

PoolShare of Remaining Nonresident LicensesRegular Draw60%Special Draw40%

Both pools then use preference-point and random allocations.

Example: How the 60/40 Split Works

Imagine a hypothetical hunt with 100 licenses remaining for the applicable nonresident Regular and Special drawings.

Drawing PoolIllustrative LicensesRegular60Special40Total100

This example illustrates the allocation concept, not an actual Wyoming hunt quota.

Real hunt areas often have far fewer licenses.

Small quotas, rounding rules, landowner allocations, and unused-license transfers can affect the final distribution.

What Happens to Unused Special Draw Licenses?

Wyoming's drawing procedures include mechanisms for transferring unused Special Draw quota into the Regular Draw.

This is one reason the actual draw process is more complicated than simply dividing every hunt's licenses into fixed percentages.

Hunters should use official draw reports to evaluate what happened in a specific hunt rather than relying only on the 60/40 framework.

Official resource: Wyoming Game and Fish — Understanding the Draw.

How Does Wyoming's 75/25 Preference-Point System Work?

For qualifying nonresident full-price elk, deer, and antelope licenses, Wyoming uses a combination of preference-point and random drawings.

Generally, 75% of the available licenses in each applicable pool are assigned to the preference-point portion, and up to 25% are available through the random portion.

Preference-Point Allocation

The preference-point drawing favors applicants with more accumulated points.

Hunters with the highest point totals receive priority for available first-choice licenses.

If enough applicants have higher point totals, hunters with fewer points may not receive a license through this portion of the drawing.

Random Allocation

Applicants unsuccessful in the preference-point portion participate in the applicable random drawing.

This provides an opportunity for hunters who lack enough points to receive a license through preference priority.

However, the random portion may be very small for limited-quota hunts.

A 25% random allocation does not mean every applicant has a 25% chance of drawing.

It describes the share of available licenses assigned to the random drawing, not an individual applicant's probability.

Can You Draw a Wyoming Elk Tag With Zero Points?

Yes, an eligible nonresident can potentially draw through the random portion without accumulated preference points.

But some hunts offer extremely limited random opportunities.

A hunter should examine the exact hunt's historical random drawing report before assuming a realistic zero-point chance exists.

Do Preference Points Work on Second and Third Choices?

Wyoming's nonresident elk, deer, and antelope preference points apply to the first-choice hunt in the initial preference-point drawing.

Second and third choices are considered under the applicable subsequent drawing procedures without preference-point priority.

Hunters should understand that first-choice selection is central to their point strategy.

Wyoming Regular vs Special Draw Costs for 2027

The price difference is one of the biggest factors in choosing between the two pools.

Wyoming's published fee schedule lists substantially higher Special license prices for nonresident elk, deer, and antelope.

The following figures are published reference prices and must be checked against the fee schedule applicable to the 2027 drawing.

Species Regular License Special LicenseDifferenceElk$692$1,950$1,258Deer$374$1,200$826Antelope$326$1,200$874

These amounts exclude the $15 nonresident drawing application fee, applicable conservation stamp, and other expenses. They are reference figures from Wyoming's published license fee list, not a guarantee that every price will remain unchanged for 2027.

Official resource: Wyoming Game and Fish License Fee List.

How Much More Does the Wyoming Special Elk Draw Cost?

Using the published reference license prices:

• Regular nonresident elk license: $692.

That is a substantial difference.

Hunters should determine whether the Special Draw provides a meaningful increase in their historical drawing probability before spending the additional money.

How Much More Does the Wyoming Special Deer Draw Cost?

Using the published reference prices, a Special nonresident deer license costs $826 more than a Regular license.

For some premium mule deer hunts, the odds difference may be meaningful.

For others, the higher cost may provide little advantage.

How Much More Does the Wyoming Special Antelope Draw Cost?

Using the published reference prices, a Special nonresident antelope license costs $874 more than a Regular license.

That additional amount can represent a significant portion of a pronghorn hunting budget.

Hunters should compare both pools carefully, especially for areas where public-land access may be more important than a small drawing-odds advantage.

Wyoming Preference Point Prices Increase in 2027

Wyoming approved an increase in nonresident preference-point fees effective January 1, 2027.

The change affects elk, deer, and antelope.

Species2026 Point Price Approved 2027 Point PriceIncreaseElk$52$75$23Deer$41$75$34Antelope$31$75$44

The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission approved these increases in April 2026.

Official announcement: Wyoming Commissioners Vote to Increase Nonresident Preference Point Prices.

Does the Point Increase Affect Regular and Special Applicants?

Yes.

Preference points are part of the same species-specific system regardless of whether a hunter selects Regular or Special in the applicable drawing.

The higher point fee does not give Special applicants an additional advantage.

Can You Lose Wyoming Preference Points?

Yes.

For nonresident full-price elk, deer, and antelope, accumulated points can be lost when a hunter draws a first-choice license in the initial drawing.

Points can also be forfeited after failing to purchase or earn a point for two consecutive years under the applicable rules.

Hunters should verify their point balance and current retention requirements before applying.

Official resource: Wyoming Preference Point Information.

Wyoming Regular vs Special Draw Odds: Which Is Better?

The most important question is not whether the Special Draw is generally easier.

It is whether the Special Draw offers better odds for your specific hunt, license type, and preference-point total.

Wyoming publishes separate drawing reports for Regular and Special nonresident applicants.

These reports allow hunters to compare historical competition.

Example: Comparing Regular and Special Draw Odds

Consider a hypothetical Wyoming elk hunt.

Category Regular Draw Special Draw Available random licenses128Competing random applicants24080Simple licenses-to-applicants ratio5%10%Additional Special license cost—$1,258

In this example, the Special Draw has twice the simple random license-to-applicant ratio.

However, these numbers are entirely hypothetical and do not represent an actual Wyoming hunt.

Real drawing probabilities can be affected by multiple choices, party applications, quota rounding, and other drawing procedures.

The example illustrates why hunters should compare applicant demand alongside available licenses.

What If the Special Draw Has Worse Odds?

Then paying the additional fee may provide no drawing advantage.

For example, if a Regular Draw has a higher historical success rate at your point level, the Special Draw could cost more while offering a lower probability of success.

This is why the Special Draw should never be selected solely because it is more expensive.

Where Can You Find Official Wyoming Regular and Special Draw Odds?

Wyoming publishes drawing reports by species, applicant category, and drawing type.

Use the official Wyoming Draw Results and Odds page.

Look for the appropriate reports for:

• Nonresident Regular preference-point drawings.

Compare the same species, hunt area, license type, and year.

When possible, examine multiple years to identify whether the apparent advantage is consistent.

Wyoming Elk Regular vs Special Draw 2027

Elk is one of the most important species for hunters comparing Wyoming's Regular and Special drawings.

Nonresident elk applicants can pursue limited-quota areas and general elk licenses through the applicable drawing system.

The right pool depends on the specific hunt and the hunter's preference points.

Is the Special Draw Worth It for Wyoming General Elk?

It can be, but only when the historical drawing results support the additional expense.

Wyoming's general elk opportunities are popular among nonresidents.

The Special Draw may have a different point threshold or random drawing history than the Regular Draw.

Hunters should compare the exact general elk license structure and regional options published for the application year.

Do not assume that a historical general elk point requirement applies unchanged to 2027.

Is the Special Draw Better for Premium Limited-Quota Elk Areas?

Not necessarily.

Highly desirable elk areas may attract applicants with substantial preference-point balances in both pools.

For hunters with fewer points, the random drawing may be their only practical opportunity.

A Special Draw application could improve that opportunity in certain hunts, but it may also provide little advantage when only a handful of licenses are available.

What Should Zero-Point Elk Applicants Do?

Hunters with zero preference points should examine the historical random drawing results.

Important considerations include:

• Whether random licenses were actually available.

Zero-point applicants should also consider their long-term point-building strategy.

Wyoming Deer Regular vs Special Draw 2027

Wyoming offers mule deer and whitetail hunting opportunities across a wide range of habitats.

Nonresident deer hunters can apply for applicable regional and limited-quota licenses.

The Regular and Special drawings can have different competition levels.

Does the Special Draw Improve Wyoming Mule Deer Odds?

It may, depending on the hunt.

Some premium mule deer areas attract hunters with substantial point totals.

For these hunts, a Special application does not eliminate the need for preference points.

Hunters should compare historical point thresholds and random results separately.

Should You Pay Extra for a Wyoming Deer Region License?

That depends on the historical drawing advantage and your hunting budget.

A hunter targeting a particular region may find the Special Draw worthwhile if it substantially improves the chance of receiving the license.

However, public access, deer population trends, weather, and hunting pressure can be just as important as drawing the tag.

Wyoming Mule Deer Areas Worth Researching

Hunters frequently investigate Regions G and H and limited-quota areas such as 101 and 102.

These are research examples, not a ranking of verified 2027 drawing odds.

The best application choice depends on the exact hunt code, season, access, and current regulations.

Wyoming Antelope Regular vs Special Draw 2027

Wyoming is one of the country's best-known pronghorn hunting destinations.

However, not every antelope area offers the same public access or drawing competition.

Is the Special Draw Worth It for Wyoming Antelope?

It may be worthwhile for a hunter who wants a specific area and finds a substantial historical odds advantage.

But the higher Special license price can significantly increase the cost of a pronghorn hunt.

Hunters should compare drawing results and available public access before paying the premium.

Why Access Matters for Wyoming Antelope

Some antelope areas contain large amounts of private land.

A license can be relatively attainable while access to huntable animals remains difficult.

Before applying, research:

• Public-land distribution.

Official resource: Wyoming Public Access Programs.

Can You Draw Wyoming Antelope With Zero Points?

Yes, where random licenses are available.

However, some areas have very limited random opportunities.

Hunters should evaluate the exact hunt rather than assuming every antelope area offers a practical zero-point chance.

Should You Apply Regular or Special Based on Your Preference Points?

Preference-point totals can significantly influence the best application strategy.

The following examples illustrate different approaches.

Applicant Profile Suggested Research Strategy Zero points Compare random odds in both pools Low points Evaluate random odds and realistic preference-point thresholds Moderate points Compare point thresholds in both pools High points Determine whether Regular already offers a strong historical opportunity Maximum or near-maximum points Focus on the exact hunt's point distribution and quota Budget-conscious hunter Compare the added Special cost with the potential odds improvement

These are planning approaches, not guarantees.

Zero-Point Hunters

A zero-point applicant generally needs to focus on hunts with available random licenses or opportunities where the preference-point allocation does not require accumulated points.

The Special Draw may be worth considering if the historical random results justify the higher price.

Low-Point Hunters

Hunters with a few preference points should evaluate both their current random opportunity and their longer-term point strategy.

Some hunts may be attainable within a reasonable timeframe, while others could require many more years of point accumulation.

High-Point Hunters

Hunters with substantial preference points should be especially careful before paying the Special premium.

If their point total historically provided a strong Regular Draw opportunity, the additional cost may offer little benefit.

However, the point distribution can change from year to year, so historical success is not a guarantee.

How Do Wyoming Group Applications Work in the Regular and Special Draws?

Wyoming allows qualifying hunters to submit party applications.

For nonresident elk, deer, and antelope, party applications must comply with the state's species, license-type, and drawing-pool requirements.

Can Hunters Mix Regular and Special Applications in One Party?

No.

Applicants in the same party must apply through the same applicable drawing pool.

One hunter cannot apply Regular while another applies Special as part of the same party application.

How Are Party Preference Points Calculated?

Wyoming averages the preference points of eligible nonresident party members.

The average is calculated to four decimal places under the state's procedures.

For example:

HunterElk Preference PointsHunter A10Hunter B6Hunter C2Party average6.0000

This means applying with hunters who have fewer points can reduce the effective preference-point average of a high-point applicant.

Conversely, lower-point applicants may benefit from the party average.

Does Applying as a Group Improve Your Odds?

Not automatically.

Party applications are primarily useful for hunters who want to draw together.

Applicants should understand the applicable quota and party rules before submitting a group application.

Official resource: Wyoming Application Process.

Can You Switch Between Regular and Special Draws?

A hunter can choose the appropriate drawing pool when submitting an eligible application.

However, changing a submitted application is subject to Wyoming's modification and withdrawal rules and deadlines.

Applicants should not assume they can change pools after the deadline.

Review the current application calendar and online licensing instructions before submitting.

Official resource: Wyoming Licenses and Applications.

Wyoming Regular vs Special Draw Application Dates for 2027

Wyoming's application dates vary by species and applicant category.

Nonresident elk applications typically have an earlier deadline than nonresident deer and antelope applications.

The exact 2027 calendar should be confirmed through Wyoming Game and Fish.

Event Typical Timing2027 Status Nonresident elk applications January–early February Verify official deadline Nonresident deer applications January–late May or early June Verify official deadline Nonresident antelope applications January–late May or early June Verify official deadline Nonresident elk results Spring Verify release date Nonresident deer results June Verify release date Nonresident antelope results June Verify release date Preference-point-only period Summer–fall Verify official dates

Dates can change annually.

Official resource: Wyoming Application Dates and Deadlines.

How to Apply for Wyoming's Regular or Special Draw

Step 1: Review the Current Hunting Regulations

Confirm the species, hunt area, license type, season dates, and eligibility requirements.

Step 2: Check Your Preference Points

Review your current point balance through Wyoming's licensing system.

Step 3: Compare Historical Draw Odds

Look at the Regular and Special reports for the exact hunt you want.

Compare preference-point and random drawing results separately.

Step 4: Evaluate the Additional Cost

Determine whether the historical Special Draw advantage, if any, justifies the additional license expense.

Step 5: Choose Your Hunt Codes

Select your first, second, and third choices where applicable.

Understand that preference points are primarily relevant to your first-choice application.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Complete the application through Wyoming Game and Fish.

Wyoming's application process generally requires payment of the full license amount and applicable fees at submission, with refunds handled under state rules for unsuccessful applications.

Step 7: Confirm Your Submission

Save the application confirmation and verify that the correct drawing pool and hunt choices were selected.

Common Wyoming Regular vs Special Draw Mistakes

Assuming Special always means better odds. The Special Draw is a different applicant pool, not guaranteed priority.

Confusing license allocation with individual odds. A 40% Special quota does not mean a 40% chance of drawing.

Ignoring preference-point thresholds. Some hunts remain extremely difficult even in the Special pool.

Comparing different license types. Always compare identical hunt areas and license types.

Looking only at preference-point odds. Random drawing opportunities matter, especially for lower-point hunters.

Ignoring public access. Drawing a license does not guarantee access to private land.

Overpaying for a small advantage. A marginal improvement may not justify hundreds or thousands of additional dollars.

Forgetting point deadlines. Missing consecutive point-acquisition years can cause accumulated points to be forfeited.

Assuming 2026 fees and dates will remain unchanged. Always verify the official 2027 schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wyoming Regular vs Special Draw 2027

1. What is the difference between Wyoming's Regular and Special Draw?

The Regular Draw is the lower-priced nonresident application pool. The Special Draw is a separate, higher-priced pool for qualifying elk, deer, and antelope licenses.

2. Does Wyoming's Special Draw give better odds?

Sometimes. Drawing odds depend on the hunt, available licenses, applicant demand, and preference-point totals.

3. Does the Special Draw give extra preference points?

No. Both pools use the same accumulated species-specific preference points.

4. How many Wyoming nonresident licenses go to the Special Draw?

Generally, 40% of the applicable remaining nonresident quota after landowner allocations goes to the Special Draw, with 60% going to Regular.

5. Does Wyoming have a random draw for nonresidents?

Yes. The system generally allocates approximately 75% of applicable licenses through preference-point drawings and up to 25% through random drawings.

6. Can you draw Wyoming elk with zero points?

Yes, if a license is available through a drawing in which the applicant is eligible, including the random portion.

7. Is the Special Draw worth it for Wyoming elk?

It depends on the exact hunt and your preference-point balance. Compare official historical results before paying the higher fee.

8. Is the Special Draw worth it for Wyoming mule deer?

It can be for certain hunts, but not all. Compare identical hunt codes and historical drawing results.

9. Is the Special Draw worth it for Wyoming antelope?

It may be worthwhile when it provides a meaningful historical advantage, but the higher license price should be considered alongside public access and hunt quality.

10. How much does the Wyoming Special elk license cost?

Wyoming's published reference fee list shows $1,950 for the nonresident Special elk license, compared with $692 for Regular. Verify the applicable 2027 fee schedule before applying.

11. How much are Wyoming preference points in 2027?

Wyoming approved a $75 nonresident preference-point price for elk, deer, and antelope effective January 1, 2027.

12. Do preference points apply to second-choice hunts?

Preference-point priority applies to the first choice in the initial drawing. Subsequent choices do not receive the same preference-point advantage.

13. Can you apply for both Regular and Special for the same species?

Hunters generally select one of the two pools for an eligible initial application. They should not assume they can enter both pools simultaneously.

14. Can a group mix Regular and Special applicants?

No. Party members must meet the same applicable drawing-pool requirements.

15. Where can I compare Wyoming Regular and Special draw odds?

Use the official Wyoming Draw Results and Odds page and compare the appropriate species, hunt area, license type, and drawing pool.

Plan Your Wyoming 2027 Draw Strategy With TAGZ

Wyoming's Regular and Special drawings create an important decision for nonresident hunters.

Paying more can sometimes improve drawing odds, but the Special Draw is not automatically the better choice.

Understanding historical applicant demand, preference-point thresholds, license costs, and hunt-area access can help hunters make more informed applications.

TAGZ was built by hunters, guides, and outfitters who understand the challenges of Western big game draws.

With roots in Idaho's guiding industry, TAGZ was created to make researching hunting opportunities and managing draw applications easier.

Hunters can use TAGZ to explore supported states and species, research available drawing information, track application planning, and prepare for future seasons.

Whether you're comparing Wyoming elk opportunities, researching mule deer areas, or planning an antelope hunt, TAGZ helps bring your hunting research together.

Explore TAGZ:

• TAGZ Hunting Draw and Planning Platform

Compare your Wyoming hunting opportunities and start planning your 2027 applications with TAGZ.

Official Wyoming Regular and Special Draw Resources

ResourceOfficial LinkHow Wyoming's drawing worksUnderstanding the DrawRegular and Special draw oddsWyoming Draw Results and OddsLicense feesWyoming License Fee ListPreference-point rulesWyoming Preference Points2027 preference-point fee increaseWyoming Game and Fish AnnouncementApplication instructionsWyoming Application ProcessApplication datesWyoming Dates and DeadlinesPublic hunting accessWyoming Public Access

Editorial Note — October 2026

This article explains Wyoming's established nonresident Regular and Special drawing systems and provides planning information for the 2027 hunting season.

The 60/40 allocation and 75/25 preference-point and random drawing structures are based on published Wyoming Game and Fish procedures.

The license prices shown are published reference fees and should be checked against the final applicable 2027 schedule.

Wyoming approved the increase to $75 for nonresident elk, deer, and antelope preference points effective January 1, 2027.

The exact 2027 application dates, hunt quotas, drawing results, and any subsequent regulatory changes must be verified with Wyoming Game and Fish.

Historical drawing results can help hunters evaluate applications but do not guarantee future success.

Last editorial review: October 11, 2026.