Understanding Wyoming Tag Types

Wyoming has a fairly complex draw and preference point system, which we’ve outlined previously. In this article, we’ll drill down into what each of Wyoming’s tag types means.

It’s important to be aware that while these descriptions generally cover what each type represents, the specifics can vary per species, hunt area, and in a given year. Always consult Wyoming Game & Fish Department before choosing a tag type on your application.

Benefits of Understanding Tag Types

As you’ll read below, some tag types have restrictions on the sex of the animal, boundaries such as private land, the method of take, and more. By studying and understanding these tag types, you may be able to find a quality, easier-to-draw tag that fits your particular circumstances. You’ll also avoid accidentally applying for (and paying for) a tag that you can’t use.

In DrawScout, we make the process easier by displaying the Tag Type and description for your selected tag. When you decide on a tag type, you can then enter it as a “Hunt Code” for a given choice.

As mentioned above, WGFD is the ultimate source of truth for tag types and descriptions. These are updated each year in DrawScout but could change without warning. Wyoming Hunt Planner is a good place to confirm tag types.

Tag Types

Below is a general description of the available tag types in Wyoming.

Type 1 – Deer, Elk, Antelope

Available for:
Full Price – Antlered/Horned or Any
Any Legal Weapon + Optional Archery Season

Type 1 tags are typically the most applied for tags in a given hunt area. These tags are most often a rifle hunt and are valid in the entire hunt area. Hunters have the option to purchase an archery permit for an additional fee, which is true for most tag types.

Type 2 – Deer, Elk, Antelope

Available for:
Full Price – Antlered/Horned or Any
Any Legal Weapon + Optional Archery Season

Type 2 tags are similar to Type 1, but often have separate season dates or a boundary restriction. For example, a Type 1 license may be valid during a season in October, while a Type 2 is valid in November. Or a Type 2 license may only be valid south of a certain river, while Type 1 is valid north or in the entire hunt area.

Type 2 tags are not necessarily “worse” tags than Type 1. Consider the specifics of the tag and hunt area, and you may find a good Type 2 tag that is easier to draw than a Type 1.

Type 3 – White-tailed Deer, Elk, Antelope

Available for:
Full Price – Antlered/Horned or Any
Any Legal Weapon + Optional Archery Season

Type 3 tags can be held in addition to any Type 1, Type 2, or general season tags. One tag must be drawn through the application process, and the other through the leftover draw or purchased over-the-counter. These tags are typically known as white-tailed deer tags, although they may be available for some elk and antelope seasons. Many have a special archery season that requires an archery permit.

Type 4 and Type 5 – Elk

Available for:
Full Price – Antlerless
Any Legal Weapon

Type 4 and Type 5 tags are full-price antlerless cow/calf elk tags. Some of these tags may have boundary restrictions, and some will have varying season dates.

Type 6 – Deer, Elk, Antelope, Sheep

Available for:
Reduced Price – Antlerless – Cow/Calf, Doe/Fawn, Ewe/Lamb
Any Legal Weapon

Type 6 tags are usually the most common type of antlerless tag for deer, elk, and pronghorn. Similar to Type 1 tags, Type 6 licenses typically do not have restrictions on boundaries. However, these licenses are applied for separately from full-price licenses.

Type 7 – Deer, Elk, Antelope

Available for:
Reduced Price – Antlerless – Cow/Calf, Doe/Fawn
Any Legal Weapon

Type 7 tags are similar to Type 6 licenses, in that they are available on reduced-price applications. Type 7 tags are usually restricted to certain areas, such as private land. Because of this, you may see Type 7 tags available in leftover draws or even over the counter. Be sure to understand the restrictions of any Type 7 tag before applying, and secure access before purchasing.

Type 8 – White-tailed Deer, Elk, Antelope

Available for:
Reduced Price – Antlerless – Cow/Calf, Doe/Fawn
Any Legal Weapon

Type 8 tags are similar to Type 3, but for antlerless species. They are most often available for white-tailed doe tags, but may be available for cow elk or doe pronghorn in some cases.

Type 9 – Deer, Elk, Antelope

Available for:
Full Price – Antlered/Horned or Any
Archery Only

Type 9 tags are archery-only licenses. These tags are separate from the archery permit that can be added on to other tag types. These tags must be applied for through the same process as other full-priced tags such as Type 1 and Type 2.

Type 0 – Deer, Elk, Antelope

Available for:
Full Price – Antlered/Horned or Any
Specialty Weapon

Type 0 tags are special seasons authorized by WGFD. An example of this would be muzzleloader-only seasons for pronghorn. Like Type 9 tags, they are applied for in the same way as full-priced type 1 and type 2 tags. 

General – Deer, Elk

Available for:
Full Price
See regulations for specifics

General tags are available over the counter to residents. Residents must not have a conflicting application in the draw, but can otherwise pick one up at any time to hunt the general season for deer or elk. 

Type A – Mountain Goat

Available for:
Full Price – Any
Any Legal Weapon

Type A tags are valid for any mountain goat. These tags are issued in specific areas where WGFD wishes to keep the mountain goat populations very low. This makes for a difficult, low success rate hunt.

Archery Permit

As noted above, Wyoming makes hunting the archery season fairly simple for most tag types. Simply by purchasing an Archery Permit, a person who is successful in drawing an Any Legal Weapon tag can also hunt during the earlier archery season. Your successful draw and archery permit are still only valid for one animal – NOT an additional animal.

In DrawScout, this special archery license can be added to your application plan. Doing so will account for the cost in your estimated totals.

Wyoming Draw and Preference Point System

For a full overview of the Wyoming draw system, visit this article: