Wyoming Hunting Guide 2025-2026 – Seasons, Tags & Game Management Units
Planning your next outdoor adventure in the Cowboy State? You’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Wyoming’s 2025-2026 game calendar – from application deadlines to bag limits, weapon requirements to wildlife areas. Whether you’re a seasoned local or visiting sportsman planning your first western expedition, we’ll walk you through the essential details to make your trip successful.
Wyoming offers some of the most diverse and abundant wildlife opportunities in North America. From massive elk herds in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem to world-class antelope populations across the high plains, the state provides exceptional experiences for archery enthusiasts, rifle hunters, and everyone in between. Let’s dive into what makes this upcoming campaign so special and how you can secure your tags before they’re gone.
📅 Quick Reference: Key Season Highlights
The 2025-2026 Wyoming game calendar spans from early August through late January, with peak activity occurring during September and October. Most archery opportunities begin September 1st, while general rifle campaigns typically open October 1st.
Major Application Deadlines:
- Nonresident elk: January 31, 2025
- Resident and nonresident deer/antelope: May 31, 2025
- Moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat: April 30, 2025
- Spring turkey: January 31, 2025
Youth Opportunities: Special early dates available for hunters under 18 across multiple species, often with extended bag limits and additional weapon options.
Military/Veteran Benefits: Active duty and veterans receive discounted license fees and priority access to certain limited quota opportunities.
Big Game Season Overview
Wyoming’s big game opportunities represent the crown jewel of western adventure sports. The state manages over 280 hunt areas across seven major regions, each with distinct characteristics and trophy potential.
| Species | Archery Season | General Rifle Season | Muzzleloader Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elk | Sept 1-30 | Oct 1 – Nov 30* | Special areas only |
| Mule Deer | Sept 1-30 | Oct 1 – Nov 15* | Varies by unit |
| White-tail Deer | Sept 1-30 | Oct 1 – Nov 30* | Limited areas |
| Antelope | Aug 15 – Sept 30 | Oct 1 – Nov 15* | Select units |
| Black Bear | Sept 1 – Dec 31 | Sept 1 – Dec 31 | Year-round legal |
| Mountain Lion | Sept 1 – Mar 31 | Sept 1 – Mar 31 | Year-round legal |
*Specific dates vary significantly by hunt area. Always verify exact dates for your chosen unit.
Special Considerations:
- Limited quota licenses require successful drawing
- General licenses available over-the-counter in some areas
- Wilderness areas require licensed guide for nonresidents
- Some units offer cow/doe only opportunities with higher success rates
Similar to hunting opportunities found in Colorado, Wyoming’s diverse terrain supports healthy wildlife populations throughout various elevation zones.
Turkey Season Details
Wild turkey populations continue expanding across Wyoming, offering both spring and fall opportunities. The state’s turkey program has grown tremendously over the past decade, now providing excellent sport across multiple regions.
| Season Type | Dates | Bag Limit | Weapon Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Archery | Sept 1 – Oct 31 | 2 birds total | Archery equipment only |
| Fall General | Oct 1 – Oct 31 | 2 birds total | Shotgun, archery, .22 WMR, .17 HMR |
| Spring General | April 20 – May 31, 2026 | 2 bearded birds | All legal weapons |
| Youth Spring | April 13-19, 2026 | 2 bearded birds | Adult supervision required |
Hunt Areas: Turkey opportunities exist in hunt areas 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, with area 7 offering the most consistent populations. Some areas require limited quota licenses obtained through drawing, while others operate on general license availability.
Success Tips:
- Spring gobbler activity peaks mid-May
- Fall flocks often exceed 30+ birds
- Private land access significantly improves success rates
- Early morning and late evening provide best calling opportunities
Furbearer Opportunities
Wyoming provides excellent furbearer potential with generous bag limits and extended periods. Most species can be taken year-round, making this an ideal way to extend your outdoor activities beyond traditional big game campaigns.
| Species | Season Dates | Bag Limit | Method Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote | Year-round | Unlimited | Any legal method |
| Red Fox | Nov 1 – Feb 28 | Unlimited | Trap, snare, firearm, archery |
| Bobcat | Nov 1 – Feb 28 | Unlimited | Trap, snare, firearm, archery |
| Mountain Lion | Sept 1 – Mar 31 | 1 per license | Special permit required |
| Raccoon | Sept 1 – Mar 31 | Unlimited | Trap, snare, firearm |
| Beaver | Nov 1 – Mar 31 | 10 per license | Trap, snare only |
License Requirements:
- Furbearer license: $31 (resident), $321 (nonresident)
- Trapping license required for trap/snare methods
- Additional conservation stamp: $5
- Mountain lion requires separate trophy game license
Key Regulations:
- Check stations required for bobcat, lynx, river otter
- Certain areas closed to protect big game during winter months
- Baiting restrictions apply in some regions
- Electronic calls legal for coyotes and foxes only
Small Game Season Calendar
Small game provides excellent opportunities for beginners and experienced outdoorsmen alike. These categories offer liberal bag limits, extended periods, and minimal license requirements.
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cottontail Rabbit | Sept 1 – Feb 28 | 10 | 20 |
| Snowshoe Hare | Sept 1 – Feb 28 | 5 | 10 |
| Fox Squirrel | Sept 1 – Jan 31 | 5 | 10 |
| Prairie Dog | Year-round | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Sage Grouse | Sept 15 – Oct 31 | 2 | 4 |
| Sharp-tailed Grouse | Sept 15 – Jan 31 | 3 | 6 |
| Blue Grouse | Sept 15 – Dec 31 | 3 | 6 |
| Ruffed Grouse | Sept 15 – Jan 31 | 3 | 6 |
Upland Bird Notes:
- Hungarian partridge and chukar seasons run September 15 – January 31
- Pheasant opportunities vary by hunt area (November 1 – December 31 in most areas)
- Youth receives extended limits in certain species
- Dogs must be under immediate control during all upland pursuits
Hunting Hours: Small game may be taken from sunrise to sunset, except during established safety closures in certain big game areas.
Complete Waterfowl Season Information
Wyoming’s waterfowl program operates under federal frameworks with state-specific dates and bag limits. The state provides excellent duck, goose, and crane opportunities across diverse habitat types.
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks/Mergansers | Sept 21 – Jan 3 | 6 total* | Species-specific limits apply |
| Dark Geese | Sept 21 – Dec 29 | 3 total | Canada, white-fronted, brant |
| Light Geese | Sept 21 – Dec 29 | 20 total | Snow, Ross’s, blue geese |
| Coots | Sept 21 – Jan 3 | 15 | Often abundant in marshes |
| Sandhill Crane | Sept 15 – Dec 31 | 3 total | Limited quota areas only |
| Mourning Dove | Sept 1 – Oct 30 | 15 | Excellent September action |
*Duck limits include species-specific restrictions: mallards (4), pintails (1), canvasback (1), etc.
Federal Requirements:
- Federal Duck Stamp ($25) required for all waterfowl hunters 16+
- Wyoming waterfowl stamp ($5) required
- HIP certification mandatory before purchasing waterfowl stamps
- Steel shot or other approved non-toxic ammunition only
Top Waterfowl Areas:
- Bamforth National Wildlife Refuge (excellent diving ducks)
- Pathfinder Reservoir (Canada geese, late-season ducks)
- North Platte River corridor (mallards, wood ducks)
- Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge (diverse species)
Additional Game Species
Wyoming offers several unique opportunities beyond traditional categories. These specialized seasons provide variety for adventurous outdoors enthusiasts.
| Species | Season Dates | Requirements | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moose | Sept 15 – Oct 31* | Limited quota only | Extremely limited tags |
| Bighorn Sheep | Aug 25 – Dec 31* | Limited quota only | Premium trophy opportunity |
| Mountain Goat | Aug 25 – Dec 31* | Limited quota only | High success rates |
| Wild Bison | Aug 15 – Feb 15* | Limited quota only | Private land only |
| Gray Wolf | Oct 1 – Dec 31* | Trophy game license | Designated areas only |
| Porcupine | Year-round | Small game license | No bag limit |
| Jackrabbit | Year-round | Small game license | No bag limit |
*Dates vary significantly by hunt area. Some opportunities extremely limited.
Application Strategy:
- Build preference points for premium species
- Consider cow/ewe tags for better drawing odds
- Apply for multiple hunt areas when permitted
- Research harvest success rates before applying
Hunting Zones and Access Information
Wyoming divides the state into numbered hunt areas rather than traditional zones. This system allows precise wildlife management tailored to specific habitat conditions and population dynamics.
Hunt Area Categories:
- General Areas: Over-the-counter license availability
- Limited Quota: Drawing required, typically higher success rates
- Special Archery: Extended archery-only opportunities
- Private Land Only: Requires landowner permission
Public Access Resources:
- Hunter Management Areas (HMAs): 1.6+ million acres available
- Wildlife Habitat Management Areas (WHMAs): Priority wildlife habitat
- Bureau of Land Management: 18+ million acres
- National Forest: 9+ million acres
- Walk-In Areas: Private land enrolled for public access
Interactive Mapping:
The Wyoming Game & Fish Department provides comprehensive online mapping through their Hunt Planner tool at wgfd.wyo.gov/HuntPlanner. This resource includes:
- Detailed hunt area boundaries
- Public land ownership layers
- Access points and restrictions
- Species distribution information
- Harvest statistics and success rates
Access Considerations:
- Some wilderness areas require licensed guides for nonresidents
- Corner crossing legality remains complex – avoid when uncertain
- Always obtain permission before accessing private property
- Check for seasonal road closures, especially high elevation areas
For hunters accustomed to different systems, Wyoming’s approach offers more precision than the zone-based management found in states like Montana.
Licenses, Tags & Permit Details
Understanding Wyoming’s licensing structure is crucial for successful trip planning. The state offers various categories with different application periods and fees.
Resident License Fees (2025)
| License Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation Stamp | $5 | Required for all hunting/fishing |
| Small Game | $28 | Includes upland birds, rabbits, squirrels |
| Archery | $31 | Required for bow hunting |
| Elk | $39 | General license (over-the-counter available) |
| Deer | $39 | General license |
| Antelope | $33 | General license |
| Bear | $41 | Two-bear limit |
| Bird | $26 | Waterfowl, dove, additional upland species |
Nonresident License Fees (2025)
| License Type | Regular Price | Special Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservation Stamp | $5 | $5 | Required for all licenses |
| Small Game | $89 | N/A | Same species as resident |
| Archery | $72 | N/A | Bow hunting add-on |
| Elk | $707 | $1,965 | Special offers better drawing odds |
| Deer | $374 | $1,200 | Mule deer and white-tail combined |
| Antelope | $326 | $1,200 | Excellent success rates |
| Bear | $373 | N/A | Trophy potential |
| Bird | $106 | N/A | Includes waterfowl privileges |
Premium Species (Limited Quota Only)
| Species | Resident | Nonresident | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moose | $331 | $1,821 | 85-95% |
| Bighorn Sheep | $331 | $3,017 | 90-98% |
| Mountain Goat | $331 | $2,021 | 95-100% |
| Wild Bison | $6,002 | $6,002 | 80-90% |
Application Requirements:
- $15 nonresident application fee (potential increase to $75 pending legislation)
- $5 resident application fee (potential increase to $20 pending legislation)
- Credit card required for applications
- Preference points available for most species ($7 resident, $15 nonresident)
Youth Discounts: Hunters under 18 receive significant discounts on most license categories, often 50-70% off adult prices.
Military Benefits: Active duty military and veterans receive reduced fees on many license types. Verification required during application process.
Wyoming Hunting Quick FAQ
Q: When should I apply for my 2025 Wyoming licenses?
A: Application periods vary by species. Nonresident elk closes January 31st, while deer and antelope extend through May 31st. Apply early for best available hunt areas, as popular units fill quickly even in the general category.
Q: Do I need a guide for elk hunting in Wyoming?
A: Nonresidents must use licensed guides in designated wilderness areas. However, extensive public land exists outside wilderness boundaries where you can hunt independently. Check specific hunt area descriptions for wilderness designations.
Q: What’s the difference between “regular” and “special” tag pricing?
A: Special tags cost significantly more but offer better drawing odds in limited quota areas. For general licenses, both provide identical privileges – special pricing simply generates additional revenue for wildlife conservation programs.
Q: Can I buy licenses over the counter?
A: Many general licenses remain available after the drawing process. Leftover sales typically begin July 15th on a first-come, first-served basis. Popular areas sell out quickly, while others may remain available throughout the campaign.
Q: What caliber rifle do I need for elk?
A: Wyoming requires center-fire cartridges of at least .24 caliber firing bullets at least 2 inches overall length with expanding bullets. Popular choices include .270 Winchester, .30-06, and magnum calibers for longer shots common in western terrain.
Q: How do preference points work?
A: Preference points improve drawing odds for limited quota licenses. Each unsuccessful application year builds points, with maximum preference holders receiving priority in subsequent drawings. Points cost $7 (resident) or $15 (nonresident) annually.
Q: Are there special opportunities for disabled hunters?
A: Yes, Wyoming provides various accommodations including vehicle shooting permits, visual disability permits, and extended campfire dates. Applications require medical certification but offer valuable additional opportunities.
Essential Resources and Planning Tools
Official Wyoming Game & Fish Department Resources:
- Main Website: wgfd.wyo.gov
- Online License Applications: wgfapps.wyo.gov
- Hunt Planner Interactive Maps: wgfd.wyo.gov/HuntPlanner
- Drawing Results and Statistics: Available through license portal
- Regulation PDFs: Updated seasonally with detailed area descriptions
Federal Land Management:
- Bureau of Land Management Wyoming: blm.gov/arizona/wyoming
- National Forest Service: fs.usda.gov (Medicine Bow, Bridger-Teton, others)
- National Park Service: nps.gov (Yellowstone, Grand Teton access information)
Third-Party Planning Resources:
- Wyoming Hunting Atlas: Detailed mapping and access information
- OnX Hunt: GPS mapping with land ownership layers
- GoHunt: Drawing odds analysis and unit research
- Hunting GPS Maps: Offline mapping for remote areas
Weather and Road Conditions:
- Wyoming Department of Transportation: wyoroad.info
- National Weather Service Cheyenne: weather.gov/cys
- Avalanche Center: avalanche.org (high country access)
Accommodation and Outfitter Information:
- Wyoming Outfitters Association: wyoga.org
- Wyoming Travel & Tourism: travelwyoming.com
- Camping and RV Resources: wyoparks.state.wy.us
Conclusion
Wyoming’s 2025-2026 campaign promises exceptional opportunities across diverse species and terrain. From the towering peaks of the Wind River Range to the rolling grasslands of the eastern plains, the Equality State delivers world-class outdoor experiences for sportsmen of all experience levels.
The key to success lies in thorough preparation: understanding application deadlines, researching hunt areas, securing proper licenses, and planning logistics well in advance. Premium limited quota opportunities require strategic point building over multiple years, while general categories offer immediate access to quality wildlife populations.
Remember that regulations and dates can change, so always verify current information through the Wyoming Game & Fish Department before finalizing your plans. Weather conditions in Wyoming can be unpredictable, especially at higher elevations, so prepare for various scenarios and maintain flexible travel arrangements.
Whether you’re pursuing your first western adventure or returning to familiar territory, Wyoming’s abundant wildlife and vast public lands provide the foundation for memorable outdoor experiences. Apply early, plan thoroughly, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime in America’s true wilderness state.
Bookmark this guide for regular updates as regulations are finalized and season dates are confirmed. The Wyoming Game & Fish Department typically releases final regulations in April, with any last-minute adjustments announced through their website and social media channels.
