Super Tag license raffle helps fund growing management needs

The Super Tag Raffle has raised more than $3.7 million for big game management and wildlife conservation in Wyoming. Since it was established by the Wyoming Legislature in 2014, it’s been a boost to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department fund that supports wildlife conservation projects.

“Maintaining Wyoming’s world-class hunting is not getting any easier or less expensive. Current challenges facing wildlife managers, such as new wildlife diseases, invasive species, migration corridors and others were not major concerns a generation ago,” said Scott Smith, Game and Fish deputy director.

“Additionally, the work of Game and Fish has expanded beyond managing game species to include species that are not hunted or fished as both habitat threats and Endangered Species Act listing petitions have increased.”

As management demands grow, increasing and diversifying funding sources for Game and Fish is important to ensure abundant wildlife and hunting and fishing opportunities continue to be a part of Wyoming’s future. The Super Tag Raffle was created with the intent of generating additional revenue for the department as well as providing new hunting opportunities.

Revenue from the Super Tag goes to the department’s budget and supports a range of programs including those addressing the department’s most pressing issues, such as the Wyoming mule deer initiative, hunter safety, law enforcement and chronic wasting disease.

The popularity of the Super Tag has grown annually with 2018 beating all previous records. Last year, 14,590 people invested in conservation by buying 70,145 Super Tag raffle tickets generating $913,550 in revenue.

For comparison, the Montana and Arizona license raffles, both established in 2006 and offering a similar array of species as Wyoming, made $298,835 and $690,000 in 2018 respectively.

The Super Tag Raffle includes ten license drawings, one drawing for each of the following species: bighorn sheep, moose, elk, mountain goat, wild bison, deer, antelope, mountain lion, grey wolf and black bear. The Super Tag Trifecta is one drawing and the winner chooses any three licenses from those offered.

Raffle winners are able to hunt any open area for the species selected except for moose and wild bison (areas with ten or fewer licenses are restricted) and bighorn sheep (areas with eight or fewer licenses are restricted).

“I bought a Super Tag ticket more as a donation because I wanted to support the work of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, never expecting to actually win,” said Ben Howard, the 2018 Super Tag moose license winner.

“My hunt was unforgettable and I am glad that all Wyoming hunters have a chance at a similar hunting experience. Had I not won the moose tag, I still would have won by supporting the greater cause.”

Super Tag tickets are just $10 each and Trifecta tickets are $30. Tickets will be on sale until July 1, 2019. Visit the Super Tag website to get more information and to purchase Super Tag tickets.