Hunting in Wyoming

Wyoming has the lowest population density in the Lower 48, and it shows in the hunting. Wide-open sagebrush basins hold the largest pronghorn herds in the world. The mountain ranges along the western border support strong elk and mule deer populations. Trophy-class moose and bighorn sheep tags are available through the draw, though odds are long. If you want uncrowded public land and quality big game, Wyoming delivers.

Start with the official agency

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) manages all hunting in the state. Always confirm the rules for your species and hunt area on the official WGFD website at wgfd.wyo.gov. This includes season dates, legal methods, limited quota draw results, and mandatory check-in or reporting requirements.

Check the Wyoming hunting seasons and Wyoming hunting regulations pages for quick-reference summaries.

Focus on three planning questions

• Where can you hunt legally in Wyoming, and which hunt area fits your target species.
• What season and method apply to your hunt (archery, rifle, or late season).
• Which licenses, stamps, or permits are required, and do you need to enter the limited quota draw.

Understanding the draw and preference points

Wyoming uses a preference point system for most big game species. For elk, deer, and pronghorn, the draw splits tags between applicants with the most preference points and a random pool. Non-residents get up to 25% of available tags in many hunt areas (the 75/25 split), which is more generous than most western states. You can also purchase a preference point without applying for a tag in a given year, which lets you bank points for a future application. For moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat, Wyoming uses a random draw with no preference points. Plan your applications around these differences.

Access types in Wyoming

Wyoming offers over 30 million acres of public land, plus additional walk-in access on private land:

• National Forests including Bridger-Teton, Shoshone, Bighorn, and Medicine Bow-Routt.
• BLM land across central, southern, and eastern Wyoming, including large blocks in the Red Desert and Bighorn Basin.
• State trust lands totaling 3.6 million acres, open to hunting with a valid license.
• Wilderness areas including the Teton Wilderness, Washakie, Cloud Peak, and Fitzpatrick, offering remote backcountry hunting.
• Access Yes! walk-in program opening private land to public hunters at no charge. Check the WGFD website for enrolled properties each year.
• Private land with written permission from the landowner.

Explore the Land access hub and the Wyoming land access guide.

Build a season plan

• List your priority species and hunt areas.
• Add the limited quota application deadline (typically January) as your first calendar entry.
• Add season windows and scouting time.
• Review preference point requirements and decide whether to apply for a tag or purchase a point only.
• Check leftover license lists after the draw for additional opportunities.

See Build a hunting season planning calendar.

Local city guides

Use the city guides below to plan access, travel, and logistics.

Wyoming Game Species Guides

• Whitetail deer hunting in Wyoming
• Turkey hunting in Wyoming
• Waterfowl hunting in Wyoming

See also the Wyoming hunting license guide.

Final checklist

• Confirm rules on the official WGFD website and download the current regulations booklet.
• Save maps for offline use, especially in backcountry hunt areas with no cell service.
• Pack essentials and verify all licenses, tags, and conservation stamps.
• Review safety and access rules before you leave.
• Check your preference point balance before the application deadline each January.
• If hunting wilderness areas, confirm whether pack stock or outfitter arrangements are needed for access.

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