Wyoming Hunting Seasons & Licensing

Wyoming offers some of the finest big game hunting in North America, with healthy populations of elk, mule deer, pronghorn, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat. The state has more pronghorn than people and consistently produces trophy-class elk and mule deer. Roughly half of Wyoming's land is publicly accessible. The state uses a preference point system for limited-quota areas and offers general licenses for some elk and deer hunts.

Dates shown are for the 2025–2026 season based on the most recent published regulations. Always verify current dates with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department before hunting.

Season Dates by Game Type

Licensing

Tags, Draws & Lotteries

Wyoming uses a preference point system for limited-quota big game licenses. Applications are due in January for the following fall. Hunters who are not drawn receive one preference point. General elk and deer licenses are available in some areas without a drawing. Moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat are once-in-a-lifetime draws for residents. The state allocates approximately 75% of limited-quota licenses to residents and 25% to non-residents.

Harvest Reporting

Wyoming requires all big game animals to be checked and reported within specified timeframes. Elk and deer must be reported within 10 days of the close of the season or within 30 days of harvest, whichever is earlier. All trophy game (bear, mountain lion) must be checked within 3 days. CWD testing is mandatory for deer and elk harvested in designated CWD management areas.

Wyoming Wildlife Resources

• Wyoming Game and Fish Department — Hunting Home →
• Current Hunting Regulations →
• Hunter Education →
• Violation Hotline: STOP Poaching Hotline: 1-877-943-3847
• USFWS Waterfowl Frameworks →