There are quite a few trophy antelope hunters that believe it's well worth burning high pref pts on a unit PLUS hiring a knowledgeable guide to hunt. Take a look at what the Grimmetts charge to hunt Wyoming antelope....$4,900 PLUS their hunters often burn close to max pts! The price of Grimmett's hunt gives you a feel for the value of hiring someone that has in depth knowledge of trophy antelope units, field judging, and ability to harvest trophy bucks.
Local knowledge, trophy judging ability, and scouting is well worth every pref pt to those I've shared hunts with. This year is a great example where I went on 2 scouting trips plus 2 additional trips to set up waterhole blinds prior to the season. God knows I burned several tanks of gas and a lot of time in the pre-season. This was the 44th year I've hunted Wyoming antelope. Is that worth anything to the guys that I shared pref pts with this year that lived over 1,000 miles away? Their ear to ear smiles at the end of their hunt told the story!
The guys I've shared hunts with over the years are definitely getting their time and money's worth. Say nothing for the new friendships and incredible experience we've shared! I understand completely the value of pref pts so do everything in my power to make it well worth every pref pt they have collected over the years. I'm sure Founder would say the same thing about the hunters he's shared muley hunts with. There are always a few bad apples out there so definitely keep that in mind!
Here's a few options to consider.....I'll use this as an example: Suppose you are a nonres that lives in the Midwest or East Coast and have never set foot in antelope country and has accumulated 10 pref pts. Here are several options I can think of:
Go guided and pay an outfitter $3,000 to $4,900 plus burn your 10 pts.
Sell your hard earned 10 pref pts for cash,,,,which may or may not be legal? There are a lot of unknowns with this option!!!! You are still averaging pts with someone and may or may not be sharing a hunt with someone with local knowledge depending upon what you agree upon.
Possibly go self-guided and hope that with your research and hunting skills that you will harvest the buck of your dreams? This is a great option for many depending upon the amount of time you can invest, ability to field judge bucks, and knowledge/research of details such as previous year's local winterkill, drought impacts, etc.
Possibly share your points with someone with local intimate knowledge of antelope units and available bucks, knows how to field judge bucks, and is familiar with winterkill, drought and other factors when choosing which unit to hunt in any given year?
Everyone is a little different but I know what I would do! What's nice about the Wyo pref pt system is everyone is free to use their pref pts as they desire.