The 2006 Wyoming Nonresident Hunting Information and Applications Booklet is available for downloading at: http://gf.state.wy.us/wildlife/hunting/NonResident/index.asp

I received my 2006 booklet in the mail this afternoon.

The Bighorn sheep license application period is January 1 - February 28, 2006.

The "Tentative Draw Date" is May 1, 2006 with a "Results Available via Phone or Website" date of May 8, 2006.

Amount to remit this year is again $1,913.00 which includes a nonrefundable $12.00 application fee. You may apply for a preference point only, for $100.00, instead of going for the license. To purchase a preference point an application must be at least 11 years old at the time of application and at least 12 by 12/31/06. Note that a fee of $100 will be deducted from the license refund if you apply for the license and are not drawn. This makes the preference point program a mandatory one and basically makes the cost $112 this year (if you don't draw).

You may fail to apply or purchase a preference point for one year without losing accumulated preference points. If you fail to properly apply for two consecutive years, your accumulated preference points will be deleted.

Personal checks are accepted either way you choose to go.

Thanks for the info. I was wondering if it was going to cost $100 either way for the point. I wonder how this increase for the preference point will affect the number of people that apply? I just wish I would have started sooner as this is only my second year applying....Good luck!

Wow, the price of putting in for the draws is going up.

Is there $100. fee for each application?

Hi John,
I'm not sure I understand the question. It is $100 per Bighorn application. If you apply for moose that's another $75, plus additional amounts for each other species you apply for (elk, deer, antelope).

Won't my wife be proud of me. That will be add up to quite abit of $ in total to all states for bonus points.

The total number of people (both resident and non-resident) with accrued preference points for sheep (& moose), may be found on the Wyoming Game and Fish website.

In case anyone might find this helpful in trying to figure out whether to participate in the Wyoming draw or not, I'll provide a link here: http://gf.state.wy.us/downloads/pdf/TotalPreferencePoints05.pdf

Keep in mind that you may draw, without any points, in the 25% draw pool. You can't draw if you don't apply.

Okay I received my application packet, now I have 2 questions.
First, rough guess at how long it takes to get refund if not drawn?
Second, How the heck do you figure out which unit to apply for? Since you can only pick one until and there are I think 13 units how do you figure out which unit to apply for?
Thanks. Joe

Normally I get my refunds around May 5th.

I personally will use an outfitter, so I check with that outfitter with respect to which unit to apply for. You must do your homework on this otherwise you may draw a tag that you really didn't want.

Okay how should I go about looking for an outfitter? Would that limit my chances? Sorry for the continued questions but I don't have anyone experienced in doing this that can walk me thru the process. Thanks again. Joe

Try here: http://www.wyoga.org/

No reason that talking with, or using, a GOOD outfitter would limit your chances.

Yowzah! Ask and ye shall receive! That's a lot of outfitters they got out there! Thanks for the link RamDreamer. I think I'm going to give Garth Carter a call. Seems like he has a pretty good reputation around here and I worked a little extra this week so I guess I can spring for an experimental subscription.
I do have another question though. I saw where they were opening up 2 new units in Wyoming. I'm wondering if a fellow might have a better chance drawing a new unit rather than one that's been around for awhile. Any rambling thoughts on that?

You will get your money back from WY in time to turn it around and send it to AZ.

Lookingfor#1,

The Huntin' Fool publication / subscription will be a good investment in your education on these issues you discuss on this forum. I've subscribed for a long time now.

On the new units question... Be VERY, VERY careful. You MUST know about private property issues, sheep movement patterns (which may have changed in recent years), etc., etc. and not based simply on the fact that a unit is newly opened or re-opened. Reason is, you might draw a tag that will only serve to get you a framed tag to hang on the wall to show you drew but couldn't fill out.

Thanks guys, I was going to just start throwing darts and hope for the best but then figured I might as well try to be a little more pro-active so to speak. I'll draw a tag someday you just wait and see! It might take some doing but I've got cold hard cash invested now and I'd hate to think I wasted it! Seriously though I really think Carter's might give me that one little piece of info that tips the scales in my favor, besides this tag-drawing is turning into a hunt itself! Have a great day my friends! Joe

Wyoming draw results are available at this web page: http://gf.state.wy.us/apps/licensedraw/index.asp

Bad news my friends! I got a check from Wyoming Game and Fish! Now I've been turned down twice and the second time I think was worse because I've heard so much about Wyoming's sheep! That's okay, I'm gonna win that Grand Slam Raffle!! Have a great day and don't forget to get your Moms a card for Mother's Day!! Joe

Did everyone get their refund? I have not yet. I know I was unsuccesful, but have not seen a check in the mail yet. Just curious.

Refunds hit our mailbox here in Colorado on Wednesday, 5/10/06. Was mailed out of Cheyenne, Wyoming on 5/9/06.