Wyoming’s Jackson bison herd in area 2 was well above the herd objective going into the 2022 season. However, with all the early snow and cold temperatures, the bison moved out of the park early. This resulted in the highest hunter harvest numbers since 2016, with 130 bison being harvested. Between the harvest and severe winter, bison numbers have dropped below the herd objective of 500, resulting in license reductions for the 2023 season. No type 4 cow/calf licenses were issued in 2023, and the type 1 any bison licenses were reduced from 125 down to just 50. Expect to see low license allocations for bison once again in 2024 as the herd rebounds from the 2022/2023 winter. For the lucky applicants who draw a bison tag, the hunt can be extremely fun, especially if the weather gets the bison moving out of Teton National Park. Without migratory weather, these hunts can be tough and are best suited for someone with plenty of time and patience.
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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 1st and close April 30th. The entire cost of the license and fee must be fronted at the time of application, which is $6,017 for an any bison license. Draw results should be posted by May 4th. 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 for 2024.
A total of 50 any bison licenses were issued for area 2 in 2023, 5 of which went to non-residents. Expect those numbers to be similar for 2024 as the bison herd rebounds. The non-resident draw odds for the any bison license were 1 in 89 in 2023. In 2022, the any bison harvest success was 92%. Type 1 hunters have been averaging over eight days in the field to harvest a bison on this hunt. There were no cow/calf licenses issued for area 2 in 2023, and it will likely remain that way for 2024 until the herd is back to its objective of 500 bison. Resident draw odds for the any bison license were 1 in 36 for the 2023 hunting season.
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Bison hunters in hunt area 2 should be aware that almost all of the harvest occurs on the National Elk Refuge. This is a very tough hunt, and hunters need to be prepared for many days of not seeing bison in huntable areas. In 2022, the bison harvest success was 92%, but don’t let that number deceive you as that is the highest it has been in eight years. 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 alternate 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.
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General Season Aug. 15-Jan. 31*
*Season start and end dates vary by region. For more information, visit the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website.
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The application deadline for WY Bison is 11:59 p.m. MST on April 30th, 2024.
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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 | |
| Bighorn Sheep | $2,335 | $150 | $150 | ||
| Moose | $1,997 | $150 | $150 | ||
| Mtn Goat | $2,177 | $150 | $150 | ||
| Bull Bison | $4,417 | N/A | N/A | ||
| Cow/Calf Bison | $2,767 | N/A | N/A | ||
| Elk | $290 | $707 | $1,283 | $10 | $52 |
| Wolf | $187 | N/A | N/A | ||
Wyoming Bison Hunting Articles from Huntin' Fool Magazine
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