Well-known for stunning views and plenty of animals, this state presents an unmatched outdoor adventure. The coming 2025 hunting season in Wyoming sparks thrill for hunters, boasting lots of game to chase. Whether elk or deer, antelope or bears, the state’s rich range of animals guarantees that hunters won’t lack chances to snag a coveted prize.
The joy isn’t just in the chase but embracing nature’s splendor in the state. The chance to soak in the wild’s vastness, fresh mountain breeze, and outdoor tranquility is a gift. Exploring the varied habitats of Wyoming, hunters see striking landscapes, meet unique wildlife, and develop a great love for the state’s abundant natural legacy.
Hunting Schedule and Guidelines
Wyoming Hunting Seasons 2025-2026
Elk
- Archery:
- Most areas: Sep 1–30
- Extended zones: Through Oct 31
- Rifle:
- General: Oct 1–Jan 31, 2026
- Varies by area
Deer (Mule & White-tailed)
- Archery: Aug 15–Sep 30
- Rifle: Oct 1–Nov 30
- Special zones: Check local dates
Antelope
- Archery: Aug 15–Oct 4
- General: Oct 1–Dec 31
Moose
- Archery: Sep 1–30
- Regular: Oct 1–Nov 20
- Tags: Limited draw only
Black Bear
- Spring: Apr 1–Jun 15
- Fall: Sep 1–Nov 30
- Baiting allowed with permits
Mountain Lion & Wolf
- Lion: Sep 1–Mar 31, 2026
- Wolf: Oct 1–Dec 31 (select areas)
Turkey
- Spring:
- Area 1: Apr 20–May 31, 2026
- Limited hunts: Apr 1–May 31
- Fall:
- Archery: Sep 1–Dec 31
- General: Sep 1–Nov 30
- Youth: Special weekends
Furbearers
- General: Oct 1–Apr 30, 2026
- Beaver: Same dates
- Bobcat: Nov 1–Mar 31
- Marten: Oct 1–Jan 31
- Others: Oct 1–Apr 30
Upland Birds
- Sage Grouse: Sep 1–Dec 31
- Sharp-tailed: Same dates
- Pheasant:
- Areas 1,5,7,9,11: Nov 1–Dec 31
- Area 2: Nov 1–30 & Dec 1–31
- Partridge: Sep 15–Jan 31, 2026
Small Game
- Rabbit: Sep 1–Mar 31, 2026
- Squirrel: Sep 1–Jan 31, 2026
- Dove: Sep 1–Nov 29
- Snipe: Sep 1–Dec 16
Waterfowl
- Ducks:
- Pacific: Sep 27–Jan 9, 2026
- Central: Varies by zone
- Geese:
- Dark: Sep 27–Jan 1, 2026
- Light: Sep 27–Jan 1 + Feb 16–Apr 30
- Crane: Sep 1–Nov 2 (limited)
Special Hunts
- Youth/Veteran: Sep 20–21, 2025
- Predators: Coyote, fox—no closed season
Always verify local regulations before hunting.
Hunting License Fees
| Category | Resident Price | Nonresident Price |
|---|---|---|
| Antelope | $37.00 | $326.00 |
| Deer | $42.00 | $374.00 |
| Elk | $57.00 | $692.00 |
| Bighorn Sheep | $152.00 | $3,002.00 |
| Moose | $152.00 | $2,752.00 |
| Mountain Goat | $152.00 | $2,752.00 |
| Bison | $414.00 | $6,002.00 |
| Black Bear | $47.00 | $373.00 |
| Gray Wolf | $21.00 | $187.00 |
| Turkey | $16.00 | $74.00 |
| Bird/Small Game-Combined | $27.00 | $74.00 |
| Archery | $16.00 | $72.00 |
| Falcon | $39.00 | $249.00 |
| Fish | $27.00 | $102.00 |
| Fur Dealer | $54.00 | $285.00 |
| Furbearing | $45.00 | $249.00 |
| Furbearing | Youth (Under 17) | $6.00 |
Export to Sheets
WY Hunting Regulations
General Regulations:
- Hunter Education: If you’re born after January 1, 1966, a hunter education card is a must-have.
- Safety Regulations: All hunters should stick to safety rules and guidelines.
- Harvest Reports: Reporting your harvest is a hunter’s duty.
Deer:
- Species: We’ve got mule deer and white-tailed deer. Hunts:
- Licenses: There are limited quota deer permits, general deer permits and archery permits.
- Extensions: Eligible hunters can add five days to their hunt.
- Youth Hunters: For youthful hunters, they can catch any deer during antlered deer period.
- Nonresident General Deer Licenses: For those who reside elsewhere, there are permits with regional conditions and quota restrictions.
Antelope:
- Identification: Distinguish between bucks, does, and young bucks apart by their horns and cheek patches.
- Licenses: Limited number antelope permits, archery permits, and hunting season lengthening permits are available.
Elk:
- Identification: You can identify elks from their looks. Look for features like body color, neck shape, snout, their rump, and the antlers.
- Licenses: There are variety of game permits, including limited elk licenses, general ones, archery specific licenses, extensions on the hunting season, and special management permits.
- Youth Hunters: Young hunters have the choice of taking either an elk with antlers or one without during the antlered elk period.
Turkey:
- Bag Limits: Each license allows one turkey. Fall and spring licenses have specific limits
- Ammunition: Use nontoxic shot in assigned regions.
- Spring Schedule: There are unique archery sessions along with typical pursuing periods.
- Hunt Areas: Hunt in five named regions: Black Hills, Central, Powder River, Bighorn Basin, and South Central.
Top Wyoming Hunting Locations: A Hunter’s Guide
Elk:
- Bighorn Mountains: These mountains are famed for their champion elk. The hunt here is a mix of challenge and satisfaction.
- Bridger-Teton National Forest: This expansive land houses sizeable elk herds, creating a flurry of hunting occasions.
- Medicine Bow National Forest: This woodland offers a blend of open spaces and treed zones, making it optimal for elk game.
Deer:
- Grand Teton National Park: Can’t hunt in the park, but around it, you’ll find good spots for mule deers.
- Wind River Range: It’s not just mule deer here, but you’ll also find white-tailed deer.
- Black Hills National Forest: The Black Hills have forests and grasslands. It’s a super spot for deer s.
Antelope:
- Thunder Basin National Grassland: A wide stretching plain, famous for abundant antelope groups, presents top-notch experience.
- Red Desert: This lofty desert hosts a large number of pronghorn antelope.
- Powder River Basin: Positioned in Wyoming’s northeast section, this basin provides solid antelope opportunities, particularly during rutting season.
Other Game Species:
- Moose: A modest band of moose calls Wyoming’s Bridger-Teton National Forest and various elevated zones home.
- Bear: You’ll encounter black and grizzly bears in Wyoming’s lush national forests and secluded wild regions.
- Upland Birds: For hunters, Wyoming presents prime opportunities with its vast range of upland birds like sage grouse, Hungarian partridge, and pheasant.
Author & Chief Editor at AskHunting.com
Eric Hale, a veteran hunter with more than a decade of experience, imparts his knowledge via AskHunting.com. He offers guidance for hunting, adding strategies, and delivers in-depth guides for the novice and the old hand. He loves family camping sessions, watching Marvel films with his spouse, and going on thrilling road journeys.
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