In 2024, bison harvest success was over 96%, with 65 bison being harvested in the Jackson herd of unit 2. Harvest numbers were high due to cold temperatures and some good snow fall throughout December and early January. Bison licenses were reduced significantly after the 2022/23 winter, where many bison (especially the younger ones) died from harsh winter conditions.
However, only 19 bison were harvested in 2023 after that tough winter due to very mild weather. The Department issued a few additional licenses in 2024 for the type 1 bison hunt. With both harvest success and winter survival rates continuing to stay high, we can expect to see the number of issued bison tags to remain around the 70 to 75 mark in 2026 and beyond as they try to manage the herd for a 500 animal objective. No type 4 cow/calf licenses were issued in 2025, as the department is doing away with cow/calf licenses. They may be reinstated if the cow/bull ratio gets out of whack, but until then, only type 1 any-bison licenses will be issued.
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There is no point system in place for bison; all applicants go into a random pool and have an equal chance of drawing a license. Applications are available starting March 2nd and close April 30th. The entire cost of the license and fees must be fronted at the time of application, which is $6,017 for any bison license. Draw results should be posted by May 21st. There is currently no hunt available in hunt area 1, but an area 2 license holder can hunt within the Clark’s Fork River and Soda Creek drainages. Hunt area 3 is expected to be closed again for 2026.
A total of 69 any-bison licenses were issued for area 2 in 2025, 6 of which were to non-resident. Expect those numbers to be similar for 2026 as the bison herd continues to rebound. The non-resident draw odds for the any-bison license were 1 in 60 in 2025. In 2024, the bison harvest success was 96%. Type 1 hunters have been averaging over nine days in the field to harvest a bison on this hunt.
There were no cow/calf licenses issued for area 2 in 2025, and it will remain that way for 2026 and beyond, until the herd increases significantly. Resident draw odds for the any-bison license were 1 in 27 for the 2025 hunting season.
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Bison hunters in hunt area 2 should be aware that the majority of the harvest occurs on the National Elk Refuge. This is a very tough hunt, as hunters need to be patient and wait for the herds to move out of Teton National Park. Hunters need to be prepared for many days of not seeing bison in huntable areas. In 2024, the bison harvest success was 96%, which is well above past year numbers due to early storms moving the bison to the Refuge. This is a very weather-dependent hunt, and if the late fall and early winter are warm and dry, the bison will not migrate. In late July, those who successfully draw a license can apply online for a license to hunt the National Elk Refuge. You can only apply for one hunt period. Given the fact that migration is weather-dependent, you should apply for late season dates.
The results of the computerized random draw will be posted on the application website in early August. Licenses will be issued through the WGFD Hunter Management Area program at https://wgfd.wyo.gov/public-access. Some alternative licenses and hunt periods may be available after the draw, and that information is available through this website as well. If you are successful in harvesting a bison, you must submit a completed hunter information card to the Department regional office where the bison was harvested within 72 hours of the harvest.
Wyoming is one of only a handful of states that offer hunters an opportunity to hunt free-range bison. The draw odds for non-residents have become tougher with the 90/10 split and tag reductions; however, if a bison is on your bucket list, here is an opportunity to draw a tag. If you’re willing to pay the expensive license fee and get your name drawn, it will be the hunt of a lifetime in one of the most pristine places on earth.
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The application deadline for WY Bison is 11:59 p.m. MST on April 30th, 2026.
Our online/print magazine has everything in one location: Application info, draw details and odds, fees, hunter requirements, point structure, age restrictions, youth information, weapon restrictions, other tag opportunities, hunt planning and much more. If you would like access to all of our research join today!
Season start and end dates vary by region. For more information, visit the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website.
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(Fees do not include the $15 non-refundable application fee or the 2.5% processing fee on the total transaction amount.) |
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| Youth | Regular | Special | Youth | Regular | |
| Any Bison | $6,017 | N/A | N/A | ||
| Cow/Calf Bison | $2,767 | N/A | N/A | ||
Wyoming Bison Hunting Articles from Huntin' Fool Magazine
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