2024–2025 Wyoming Hunting Guide

Wyoming is a premier destination for hunters seeking diverse species, vast landscapes, and both public and private access opportunities. This guide offers detailed information on species, seasons, licenses, regulations, education, and hunting best practices.

1. Major Huntable Species in Wyoming

Hunters in Wyoming can pursue a wide range of big game, trophy game, and small game animals. Major species include:

· Big Game: Elk, Mule Deer, White-tailed Deer, Pronghorn Antelope

· Trophy Game: Bighorn Sheep, Moose, Mountain Goat, Bison, Black Bear, Mountain Lion

· Upland Game: Wild Turkey, Sage Grouse, Blue Grouse, Chukar

· Waterfowl & Migratory Birds: Ducks, Geese, Sandhill Crane

· Small Game: Cottontail Rabbit, Snowshoe Hare, Squirrel

More on species and hunting methods: WGFD – What Do I Need to Hunt?

2. Hunting Seasons & Regions (2024–2025)

Seasons vary by species and Hunt Area (HA). The Wyoming Game & Fish Department updates regulations annually based on biological data and public input.

Species	Season (Typical)	Hunt Areas	Notes
Elk	Sep – Nov	1–130+	Some areas include special archery or limited quota seasons.
Mule/White-tailed Deer	Sep – Nov	1–170+	Deer areas have specific weapon restrictions and license types.
Pronghorn Antelope	Aug – Nov	1–100+	Often limited-quota tags; archery-only season begins first.
Bighorn Sheep	Aug – Oct	Limited areas	Draw only; highly competitive.
Black Bear	Spring: Apr – May Fall: Sep – Nov	Varies	Mandatory harvest reporting and bear ID test.
Turkey	Spring: Apr – May Fall: Sep – Dec	Varies	Over-the-counter or limited quota depending on region.

For all current dates and area maps:Hunt Planner Tool

3. Licenses, Fees, and Application Info

Wyoming licenses differ by residency, species, and whether you're applying through the draw or buying over-the-counter.

License Type	Resident	Non-Resident	Notes
Elk (Regular)	$57	$692	Special draw elk: $1,258
Deer (Regular)	$42	$374	Special draw deer: $826
Antelope (Regular)	$37	$326	Special draw antelope: $874
Black Bear	$49	$373	Bear identification course required
Conservation Stamp	$12.50	$12.50	Required for all hunters
Preference Point	$7	$52	Increases odds in future draws

Learn more: WGFD License Fee List

Application Process:

· Applications are submitted online at WGFD Application Portal

· Deadlines vary (e.g., elk: Jan 31; deer/antelope: May 31)

· Preference points and special draw options can increase odds

4. Hunting Regulations & 2025 Updates

Regulations are released annually to reflect population management goals and public feedback. Key changes for 2025 include:

Night Hunting (HB0104): Allows the use of artificial light (e.g., thermal, infrared) for predator control on public land with proper permits.
Mountain Lion Tracking (SF0178): Establishes a non-lethal “chase season” for resident hunters in designated areas.
Mandatory Bear Tooth Submission: Required for aging and tracking black bear populations.

View all regulation booklets:WGFD Hunting Regulations

5. Hunter Education & Courses

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1966, must complete hunter education before purchasing a hunting license.

Education Options:

· Online Hunter Ed Course: $24.95, self-paced, includes a field day for youth.

· In-Person Courses: Available through regional WGFD offices.

· Bowhunter Ed: Recommended or required in some archery seasons.

6. Hunting Reminders & Best Practices

Harvest Reporting

· Required for black bear, mountain lion, wild bison, and some trophy species.

· Reports must be submitted within 72 hours of harvest.

· Online submission available via Harvest Reports & Surveys

Public Land Access

Wyoming offers Walk-In Areas (WIAs) and Hunter Management Areas (HMAs) for public hunting on private land.
Access is free but may require permission slips or check-in procedures.

Public Access:Access Yes Program

General Guidelines

· Wear blaze orange during firearm seasons.

· Dispose of carcasses properly (see Carcass Disposal Sites)

· Avoid baiting, spotlighting, and trespassing on private lands.

· Know your Hunt Area rules – not all areas allow the same weapons or species.

Official Resources

· Wyoming Game and Fish Department Main Site: https://wgfd.wyo.gov

· Application Dates & Deadlines: View here

· Hunt Planner & Area Maps: Use planner

· Download Regulation Booklets: Regulations Page

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only. All dates, fees, and regulations are subject to change by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Please verify all information through WGFD’s official sitebefore planning your hunt. This site is not affiliated with WGFD and does not issue hunting licenses or permits.