| Apply/Modify Application | WY Online Application Service | More Information | ||
| Draw Results/Points Lookup | Draw Results | Wyoming Elk | Wyoming Deer | |
| Proposed License Quotas | License Quota Information | Wyoming Antelope | Wyoming Bighorn Sheep | |
| Public Meeting Information | Meeting Schedule/Proposals | Wyoming Mountain Goat | Wyoming Moose | WY Wolf | WY Bear | WY Mt Lion | |
| Maps | Hunt Unit Maps | Wyoming Bison | Available WY Hunts (HF Adventures) | |
Wyoming is home to some of the best big game hunting in the country. With a vast variety of big and trophy game species, along with millions of acres of public land to explore and hunt, Wyoming is a must apply state. A Wyoming hunting experience should be on every hunter’s list regardless of whether you are an archery or rifle hunter. If you were lucky enough to get in early on the point system, you are sitting in a good place and should be cashing in those points on a great hunt in the near future. However, even if you started late, there are still tons of options to draw an elk tag and get out on the mountain. Wyoming offers 25% of its licenses through a random draw, so you always have a chance to draw. There are also multiple hunts that can be drawn with 0–5 points on a regular basis, not to mention the countless number of antlerless licenses Wyoming issues every year. For an elk hunter who is wanting to hunt as often as possible, the general regions are the place to apply. It is a state highly recommended everyone apply to or build points in.
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The 2026 Wyoming elk, moose, sheep, goat, bison, deer, and antelope application information is available online. The 2026 regulations will be available after the April Commission meeting when they are approved. Wyoming is allowing applicants to apply based off the 2025 information and is encouraging applicants to use the Hunt Planner, where some of the tentative 2026 application information will be available.
The draw results are tentatively scheduled for May 21st for non-resident elk, bighorn sheep, moose, goat, and bison. This means all species’ results will be available on the same date, except for deer and antelope. Wyoming deer and antelope information will be covered in our May issue. The deadline to apply for Wyoming deer and antelope is June 1, 2026.
Wyoming is only accepting online applications. You may apply at https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Application/ELSEWelcome.aspx. The timeframe to apply for elk is January 2nd through February 2nd. For moose, sheep, and mountain goat, it is January 2nd through April 30th. If you’re applying for bison, your window is March 2nd through April 30th. Resident elk applications are due June 1st. All application deadlines will close at midnight, mountain time, on the deadline day or the next normal business day if the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday.
In 2026, the deadline to modify or withdraw your submitted, online application is May 8th. Any changes can be made online. Party applications are permitted for elk, with a maximum party size of six. Non-residents cannot apply with residents. Party applications are not permitted for moose, sheep, mountain goat, or bison.
Applicants wishing to apply for points only for any species must wait until the July 1st application period. It is a separate application period for this purpose only. You can elect to get a point if unsuccessful for sheep and moose during the regular application period, but you must purchase an elk point in the points-only period if you wish to gain a point. The online application deadline for points only is November 2nd.
For the 2026 season, the license split for moose, bighorn sheep, bison, and mountain goat will be 90% resident and 10% non-resident. This change, which took place in 2023, significantly decreased the number of non-resident tags issued in the draw. No changes have been made to shift to a bonus point system for non-residents yet, so expect low tag allocations for the foreseeable future. If you are not in the top 5 to 10 percent of preference point holders, you may want to consider not purchasing points in the future. However, elk remains at 84% resident and 16% non-resident. All applicants’ first choices are considered prior to anyone’s second choice for all species.
When applying for elk, non-residents can apply for either the regular or special license. Wyoming reserves 40% of the elk licenses for the special license drawing and 60% for the regular license drawing. The special license will cost $1,258 more, but in return, applicants should have better odds because fewer people are willing to pay the higher cost. The elk licenses are the exact same, and there are no special privileges for special license holders. To their units have odds that are nearly the same for the special and regular licenses, but for most units, going into the special draw can help you draw a license a year or two sooner. Use the elk table within this section to see your odds in each drawing and make your selection accordingly. It may be worth it to enter the special draw in some cases, but in other cases, the increased odds may be so slim that it doesn’t justify the increased cost. There is no special draw for moose, sheep, mountain goat, or bison.
Wyoming uses a “type” to distinguish between most hunts. A number in the “type” column indicates a limitation (e.g., sex, species, length of season, type of weapon, etc.) of that license. The types that you need to be aware of are 1, 2, 3, and 9. Type 1, 2, and 3 licenses are limited quota, full-price any animal, or antlered. They are valid for the season and unit listed within the regulations. Type 2 and 3 licenses are generally different from type 1 licenses in that they may have different hunt dates, antler point restrictions, or different hunt boundaries within the same unit. Type 9 are archery-only licenses valid during the dates listed within the regulations. Type A are population-reduction mountain goat licenses.
With the purchase of the $72 non-resident archery license, many of the type 1 or type 2 licenses will allow you to bow hunt during the special archery season dates prior to the rifle opener. See the “2025 Early Archery Elk Seasons” table for more details. A general season elk license will allow a hunter to hunt general units within that region during the archery-only season as well as the regular season rifle hunt.
Wyoming requires applicants to submit all of the application fees plus license fees when applying for each species.
The non-resident non-refundable application fee is $15 per species. All hunters for all species are required to purchase a $21.50 Conservation Stamp prior to hunting. Fees must be paid in full by Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. All applications and licenses paid for with a credit card will incur a 2.5% credit card processing fee. If you want to bowhunt during archery season dates (where applicable), you will need to purchase the $72 non-resident archery license. This is not required for type 9 archery hunts.
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A hunter safety certificate is required of all hunters born on or after January 1, 1966. Big game hunters must wear, in a visible manner, at least one exterior garment of a fluorescent orange or pink color, which shall include a hat, shirt, jacket, coat, vest, or sweater. This does not apply to the archery seasons.
The minimum age to take any big game animal in Wyoming, except for bison, is 11 years old, assuming the hunter will be 12 years old by the end of the same calendar year. An applicant may apply and buy points if they are 11 years old, but they also must be turning 12 years old on or before December 31st of the current year. Hunters under 14 years old must be accompanied by a qualified adult. Hunters must be at least 14 years old prior to September 15th to hunt bison.
Wyoming has a preference point system for non-residents for all species except mountain goat and bison. Licenses are randomly drawn for the latter two species, and everyone in the pool has an equal chance. Moose and sheep applicants can elect to participate in the preference point system. To participate in the preference point system for elk, you must purchase a point during the points-only application period even if you apply in the draw. You can’t apply for points only during the draw application period. Wyoming’s points-only application period is July 1st through November 2nd.
When applying as a group, applicants’ preference points are rounded to the fourth decimal, and they enter the draw with that exact number. For example, a group of three applying for elk with 5, 6, and 2 points would enter the draw with 4.333 points (5+6+2=13/3=4.333). A party is handled as a single application, and all members of the group will receive a license if selected.
For elk, sheep, and moose, 75% of the licenses will be issued through the draw to the applicants with the most preference points. Following that draw, the other 25% will be drawn randomly among all remaining applicants. This pertains to hunts with at least four non-resident licenses available where one will be randomly drawn. If there are fewer licenses than that, there will not be a randomly allocated license. If you have less than max points for any given hunt, focus on hunts that have a random license available. It should be noted that points are not considered in the random draw, and a first-time applicant has as good of a chance as anyone to draw.
The maximum number of preference points anyone can have going into the 2026 draw for sheep and moose is 31. For elk, the maximum number of points is 20. If you fail to apply for two consecutive years, or you draw your first choice, you will lose your points. If you draw your second or third choice for elk, you will not lose your points.
The draw odds we list for elk are split into four categories: regular license random, regular license preference points, special license random, and special license preference points. Moose and bighorn sheep are split into two categories: preference point and random. For the preference point draw odds, if we list that a particular unit took 12 points to draw a license, you may assume that an applicant who applied with more points than 12 would have had a 100% chance of drawing that hunt. The draw odds are based on the applicant’s first choice, as second and third choices are only considered after all first choices have been considered.
A resident or a non-resident who will be at least 12 years old on or before December 31st of the current year and has not turned 18 years of age at the time of application qualifies for a youth license. Non-resident youth application fees are $290 for elk and $115 for cow elk. There are no discounted fees for youth for a moose, sheep, mountain goat, or bison license. Youth can build points for elk for only $10. The adult point fee applies to sheep and moose. The Commission may issue elk, deer, antelope, and turkey licenses each year for exclusive distribution by non-profit charitable organizations for use by persons 20 years of age or younger with life-threatening illnesses. For more information, call 307-777-4674.
Bows must not have less than a 40-pound draw weight for hunting bighorn sheep and mountain goats. For elk, moose, and bison, hunters must be equipped with bows with no less than a 50-pound draw weight. Crossbows are legal during archery season. A crossbow must have a draw weight of at least 90 pounds and a bolt of at least 16 inches in length. Broadheads must be a minimum of 7/8 inches when fully expanded. Fully automatic firearms are prohibited, while silencers may be used.
Wyoming issues resident and non-resident landowner tags for elk. They are only transferable to a member of the landowner’s immediate family.
Wyoming has two raffle tag programs. The Super Tag raffle offers a chance for an individual to draw a bighorn sheep, moose, mountain goat, bison, elk, deer, black bear, wolf, mountain lion, or antelope license. One license will be issued to the winner of the raffle drawing for each species upon submission of the appropriate license fees. The Super Tag Trifecta raffle allows one winner to purchase up to three different licenses from the preceding list of species. Winners of the Super Tag and Super Tag Trifecta raffles may hunt in any open unit in which their license is valid during an established hunting season, with two exceptions: the Super Tag and Super Tag Trifecta licenses will not be valid in any moose hunt area with a total quota of 10 or fewer “antlered” or “any moose” licenses, nor will they be valid in any bighorn sheep hunt area with a total quota of 8 or fewer full-price bighorn sheep licenses. Winners of either raffle will not be subject to waiting period restrictions or lifetime restrictions, and these tags will not affect preference points or license issuance through the regular draw process. These raffle tags may also be used in addition to a successful draw license.
Raffle chances will be sold until February 2nd, a much earlier deadline than past years. An unlimited number of chances may be purchased for the Super Tag raffle at $10 a chance and for the Super Tag Trifecta raffle at $30 a chance. Winners will be announced February 15th. Winners will be nonresident, and no preference will be given to residents or non-residents. Youths who purchase competitive raffle chances must meet age requirements, the same as if they were applying in the draw. Since its inception, the Wyoming Super Tag raffle has raised over $11 million for big game management and wildlife conservation.
Wyoming has a Commission Tag program for elk tags. Commission elk tags are granted to non-profit groups for auction or raffle. The licenses are valid for set units and season dates. Wyoming also auctions off 25 total Governor’s licenses, not to exceed 5 sheep, 5 moose, and 5 wild bison licenses. See Wyoming’s website for further details.
There are no application fees, and all unsuccessful applications will be refunded in full. Preference points do not apply, and you cannot accumulate another point in the leftover draw. Residents and non-residents can apply in the same party (up to six members). The application period for the leftover draw is June 22-26. Leftover draw results will be posted on July 8th.
If you are unsuccessful in the draw, Wyoming will refund that money back to the credit card you used to apply. Be sure that the expiration date is valid through the drawing date. The drawing for elk is usually in the third week of May, and for sheep, mountain goat, moose, and bison, it is in the first part of May. You may not return a license, but it may be considered on a case-by-case basis in the event of a serious illness, death in the family, or military service.
If you hunt elk, you may receive a postcard or email for a harvest survey from Wyoming. You can log on to https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Hunting/Harvest-Surveys or call 800-216-0477 to complete the survey.
If you are successful in harvesting a bison, you must submit a completed hunter information card to the Department’s regional office where the bison was harvested within seventy-two hours of the harvest. Within fifteen days of harvesting a bighorn sheep, you must present, in person, the horns to a Game and Fish regional office for registration and plugging. Any person who harvests a mountain goat must present, in person, the horns for registration within fifteen days of harvest. Moose hunters must report their harvest online.
Wyoming has a “Hunt Planner” section on their website. The Hunt Planner provides interactive maps, specific hunt information, draw odds, harvest information, and more. It’s a great place to start your research. Forest Service maps can be purchased at www.fs.usda.gov/visit/maps. For Wyoming Geological Survey maps, call 307-766-2286. For Wyoming BLM maps, go to www.blm.gov/maps or call 307-775-6256. Beyond these, there are multiple websites that offer hunt unit maps.
Non-resident big game hunters are required to have a professional guide or a resident of Wyoming accompany them if hunting in designated wilderness areas. Be aware of this law when applying, as there is a significant portion of wilderness within some units.If you are operating an all-terrain vehicle in Wyoming on public land, you must purchase and display a Wyoming ORV license. They are available at most ATV dealerships. For more information, call 307-777-4600. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department offers many public access opportunities via their Access Yes program. This program assists landowners through management of hunters and anglers, providing sportsmen and sportswomen places to hunt and fish while reducing agricultural damage through hunter harvest. This program has provided hunting access to over four million private and public acres. See https://wgfd.wyo.gov/public-access for a current list and to find out how to obtain permission to hunt or fish. Access to some properties may be applied for online, similar to a regular hunting application.
What can you hunt in Wyoming?
In Wyoming, hunters can pursue a variety of big game species, including antelope, deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and moose. Bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and moose are also classified as big game, with additional rules such as age restrictions and firearm caliber requirements. In addition to big game, Wyoming classifies black bear, mountain lion, and gray wolf (in specific management areas) as trophy game animals, each with their own hunting seasons and regulations. For complete details, hunters should consult the full Wyoming Game and Fish Commission regulations.
How much is a hunting license in Wyoming?
The cost of a hunting license in Wyoming depends on the type of license, your residency status, and the species you plan to hunt. Residents pay lower fees, such as $37 for antelope, $42 for deer, and $57 for elk, while nonresidents pay higher fees like $326 for antelope, $374 for deer, and $692 for elk. Moose and mountain goat licenses cost $152 for residents and $2,752 for nonresidents, while bighorn sheep licenses for nonresidents cost $3,002. Youth licenses are offered at reduced rates, such as $15–25 for resident youth and $110–275 for nonresident youth. Special nonresident licenses, such as the $1,200 deer tag, offer better draw odds for a higher fee. A $21.50 conservation stamp is required for most hunters, and draw applications include a nonrefundable fee of $5 for residents or $15 for nonresidents. Other fees may apply, including a $16 resident or $72 nonresident archery license, and a 2.5% credit card processing fee. Additional permits may be required depending on the species and hunt area.
How much is a Wyoming non resident hunting license?
A Wyoming non-resident hunting license varies in price depending on the species, license type (standard or “special”), and the age of the hunter. In 2024, standard nonresident license fees include $326 for antelope, $374 for deer, $692 for elk (includes fishing privileges), and $2,752 for moose or mountain goat. "Special" nonresident licenses, which offer better draw odds, cost $1,200 for deer or antelope and $1,950 for elk. Bighorn sheep licenses are $3,002, and wild bison licenses range from $2,752 to $6,002 depending on sex. Youth licenses are reduced, such as $110 for deer or antelope and $275 for elk. Additional costs include a $15 nonrefundable application fee, a $21.50 conservation stamp, a $72 archery license (youth: $12) for special archery seasons, and special management permits like the $15.50 elk feedground permit. A 2.5% credit card fee applies to all electronic purchases. Full pricing is available from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
When do Wyoming hunting draw results come out?
Wyoming hunting draw results are released on specific dates depending on the species and residency status. For 2026, the Wyoming Game & Fish Department has scheduled nonresident elk, bighorn sheep, moose, mountain goat, and bison draw results to be posted on May 21. Resident elk, deer, and antelope, along with nonresident deer and antelope, are expected on June 18. Spring turkey results will be posted on February 12, while fall turkey, sandhill crane, furbearer, and Springer pheasant permit results are all expected on July 15. Remaining licenses after the main draw may go into a leftover drawing, and any tags still available after that are sold on a first-come, first-served basis as "Issue-After" licenses.
Can you hunt on BLM land in Wyoming?
Yes, you can hunt on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in Wyoming. Most BLM lands are open to hunting, but hunters must follow travel and vehicle use restrictions designed to protect natural resources, with maps and information available at BLM offices. The hunting of predatory animals on public land, including BLM land, is allowed but subject to limitations, such as a closure on night hunting with artificial light from September 1 to December 31. Some BLM lands may be inaccessible without proper access points, but programs like Access Yes help open more hunting opportunities. Hunters should always review the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission regulations and consult BLM offices for specific land use rules before hunting.
Can you hunt with a crossbow in Wyoming?
Yes, you can hunt with a crossbow in Wyoming. Crossbows are considered legal archery equipment for hunting big game and trophy game animals. When hunting elk or moose, the crossbow must have a minimum peak draw weight of 90 pounds and use bolts at least 16 inches long. All arrows or bolts must use broadheads that cannot pass through a 7/8-inch solid ring when fully expanded. To hunt during a special archery season, you generally need both an archery license and the appropriate hunting license, unless you hold a Type 9 limited quota license (archery only), which does not require a separate archery license. Firearms are prohibited during special archery seasons, and hunters using crossbows are exempt from fluorescent orange or pink clothing requirements during these seasons. Crossbows may also be used during regular hunting seasons as long as all draw weight and broadhead requirements are met. Always check current Wyoming Game and Fish regulations for any updates or specific area rules.
Can you hunt with a suppressor in Wyoming?
Yes, you can hunt with a suppressor in Wyoming. The regulations clearly state that firearm suppressors are allowed during the legal taking of any game animal, meaning hunters may use them as long as they comply with all other hunting laws and regulations.
How old to hunt in Wyoming?
In Wyoming, the minimum age to hunt big or trophy game animals is 11 years old, as long as the hunter will turn 12 by the end of the calendar year. Hunters under 14 must be accompanied at all times by an adult at least 18 years old who has a valid Wyoming hunting license and a hunter safety certificate or recent hunting license. If the accompanying adult is not the youth’s parent or guardian, the youth must carry a permission slip signed by their parent or guardian. Each adult may supervise only one hunter under 14 at a time. Youth licenses for big game are available to residents and nonresidents who are at least 11 (turning 12 that year) and under 18 years old. For small game and game birds, youths under 14 without hunter safety certification may hunt while being directly supervised by a qualified mentor. Different age rules apply for furbearer trapping licenses, which are available only to residents under 17.
What are the hunting seasons in Wyoming?
In Wyoming, big game hunting seasons for 2024 vary by species, hunt area, and license type. Generally, antelope seasons run from mid-August to late November, deer seasons from early September to late November, and elk seasons from early September to late November. Moose seasons are typically open from September through October, while bighorn sheep and mountain goat seasons run from mid-August (archery) or early September (regular) through October. Special archery seasons for all species usually open earlier, with most starting in mid-August or early September. Specific season dates, restrictions, and hunt areas are listed in the Wyoming Game and Fish Department regulations, and hunters must check the details for their particular species and area.
| Antelope | Regular seasons typically run from mid-August to late November, with special archery seasons starting around mid-August. |
| Deer | General seasons are usually from early September to late November, with special archery seasons opening in early September. |
| Elk | Regular seasons span early September to late November, with special archery seasons beginning in early September. |
| Moose | Seasons generally run from September through October, with special archery seasons starting September 1. |
| Bighorn Sheep | Regular seasons are from September 1 to October 31, with special archery seasons from August 15 to August 31. |
| Mountain Goat | Regular seasons run from September 1 to October 31, with special archery seasons from August 15 to August 31. |
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