Backbone Unlimited Podcast

WYOMING NON-RESIDENT DRAW GUIDE 2026 | HOW TO APPLY FOR ELK, MULE DEER AND ANTELOPE TAGS | 🎙️ EP. 85


Listen Later

In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, host Matt Hartsky breaks down exactly how to apply for Wyoming big game as a non-resident — one of the most misunderstood but opportunity-rich draw systems in the West. If you’ve ever logged onto the Wyoming Game and Fish website and felt confused about the difference between preference points, regular and special draws, or the 90/10 tag split, this episode walks you through every detail step by step.

Matt explains Wyoming’s hybrid draw system—how it blends preference points with random odds—and what that means for elk, mule deer, and antelope hunters looking to plan for the 2026 season. You’ll learn how to navigate the Regular vs. Special Draw options, when to apply for each species, how to manage your preference points, and how to avoid costly application mistakes that can sideline your season.

He also unpacks key strategies for building points wisely, understanding how point creep impacts your odds, and using Wyoming’s draw odds reports to identify realistic, attainable hunts rather than chasing point-heavy dream units. From understanding the difference between General and Limited Quota licenses to timing your applications correctly and managing your payment and refund details, this episode covers everything you need to apply with confidence.

Matt closes by outlining how to read trends, plan multi-species strategies, and use short-term opportunity hunts to stay active while building for long-term tags. Whether you’re brand new to applying in Wyoming or fine-tuning your strategy for 2026, this episode gives you the full blueprint for success in one of the West’s best non-resident systems.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Backbone Unlimited PodcastBy Backbone Unlimited

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

7 ratings


More shows like Backbone Unlimited Podcast

View all
Gritty Podcast by Brian Call

Gritty Podcast

2,802 Listeners

Hunt Talk Radio by Randy Newberg

Hunt Talk Radio

2,406 Listeners

The Hunt Backcountry Podcast by by Exo Mtn Gear

The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

2,911 Listeners

Eastmans' Elevated by Brian Barney

Eastmans' Elevated

557 Listeners

ElkShape by Dan Staton

ElkShape

633 Listeners

Built To Hunt by Huntin' Fool by Huntin Fool

Built To Hunt by Huntin' Fool

159 Listeners

Elk Talk by Randy Newberg and Corey Jacobsen

Elk Talk

1,611 Listeners

Rokcast by Rokcast

Rokcast

250 Listeners

In Pursuit by MeatEater

In Pursuit

6,776 Listeners

Live Wild with Remi Warren by Remi Warren

Live Wild with Remi Warren

1,866 Listeners

Big Hunt Guys by GOHUNT

Big Hunt Guys

420 Listeners

Eastmans' Life Of A Bowhunter Podcast by BRIAN BARNEY AND DAN PICKAR

Eastmans' Life Of A Bowhunter Podcast

109 Listeners

The Game Trail by GOHUNT- Trail Kreitzer

The Game Trail

201 Listeners

Pursuit With Cliff - Cliff Gray by Cliff Gray

Pursuit With Cliff - Cliff Gray

91 Listeners

Elk Hunt by Cody Rich

Elk Hunt

130 Listeners