It's Time to Think Hunting in Wyoming for 2025

It’s Time to Think in Wyoming Hunting for 2025

Wyoming, with its rugged landscapes, vast wilderness, and abundant wildlife, is a hunter’s paradise. For centuries, the state has been a haven for hunting enthusiasts drawn to its diverse species, pristine natural environment, and rich traditions. Beyond the technicalities of deadlines and applications, Wyoming’s hunting culture is a unique blend of tradition, conservation, and respect for the land.

 A Tradition of Hunting Excellence

Hunting is deeply woven into Wyoming’s identity. From the towering peaks of the Tetons to the sprawling sagebrush plains, hunters have long been stewards of the land. Families pass down hunting traditions through generations, teaching the importance of sustainability, safety, and ethical harvesting.

Hunting in Wyoming isn’t just about the harvest—it’s about the experience. Early mornings in the backcountry, the camaraderie of friends and family, and the satisfaction of putting in the work for a successful hunt are integral to the culture. Elk, mule deer, antelope, moose, and bighorn sheep are just a few of the species that draw hunters from across the globe to Wyoming’s pristine landscapes.

Wyoming Hunting Rules: Protecting Resources and Ensuring Fair Chase

Wyoming takes conservation seriously. The state’s hunting regulations are designed to balance opportunities for hunters with the need to protect wildlife populations for future generations. Understanding and following these rules is essential for anyone planning to hunt in the Cowboy State.

     1.    Tagging and Licensing:

        •  Each animal harvested must be properly tagged using the license issued by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

        •  Tags are species- and area-specific, and hunters must ensure they are hunting within the designated zone and season.

     2.    Hunting Ethics and Fair Chase:

        •  Wyoming emphasizes the principles of “fair chase,” which prohibit practices such as using drones to locate wildlife, hunting from vehicles, or harvesting animals that are trapped or cornered.

        •  Ethical hunting practices also mean respecting private property, ensuring clean kills, and fully utilizing the meat from a harvested animal.

     3.    Conservation Efforts:

        •  A portion of license fees directly supports wildlife management, habitat conservation, and restoration projects. These funds are vital for maintaining healthy populations and biodiversity.

        •  Wyoming also encourages hunters to contribute to conservation efforts by participating in programs like the Wyoming Access Yes program, which opens private lands for public hunting.

     4.    Mandatory Reporting and Education:

        •  Hunters must complete a hunter safety course before obtaining a license if they were born after January 1, 1966.

        •  Some hunts require mandatory harvest reporting, which helps the state collect data to manage wildlife populations effectively.

     5.    Resident vs. Nonresident Rules:

        •  Nonresidents must apply for many licenses through a lottery system, and quotas are often stricter to ensure priority access for Wyoming residents.

Non-Resident Hunting

In Wyoming, nonresidents looking to hunt certain big game species, such as elk, moose, bighorn sheep, or mountain goats in federally designated wilderness areas, are required by law to hunt with a licensed guide or a resident companion who holds a guide license. This regulation is in place to ensure safety and promote ethical hunting practices in Wyoming’s vast and often remote wilderness. Licensed guides provide invaluable expertise, including knowledge of the terrain, wildlife behavior, and regulations, which is particularly important for hunters unfamiliar with Wyoming’s rugged landscapes. This requirement also supports local guiding businesses, helping sustain Wyoming’s economy while maintaining a high standard of hunting experiences.

Challenges and Opportunities

While Wyoming offers incredible hunting opportunities, it also presents challenges. The state’s vast and remote terrain requires hunters to be well-prepared, physically fit, and knowledgeable about survival in the backcountry. The weather can change suddenly, and encounters with predators like bears or wolves are not uncommon.

For those willing to meet these challenges, the rewards are immense. Whether it’s filling a freezer with high-quality, organic meat, contributing to conservation efforts, or simply reconnecting with nature, Wyoming’s hunting culture is an enriching experience.

Wyoming’s hunting rules and traditions underscore the delicate balance between human enjoyment and wildlife preservation. By respecting these guidelines and embracing the state’s hunting culture, hunters can ensure they’re part of a legacy that celebrates the land, the wildlife, and the traditions of the Cowboy State.

Planning a hunting trip in Wyoming requires careful attention to application deadlines for various species. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the key dates for the 2025 hunting season.

Application Periods and Deadlines

Elk (Nonresident):

        •  Application Period: January 2 – January 31, 2025

        •  Deadline to Modify/Withdraw Applications: May 8, 2025

        •  Draw Results Announcement: May 22, 2025

Elk (Resident):

        •  Application Period: January 2 – June 2, 2025

        •  Deadline to Modify/Withdraw Applications: June 2, 2025

        •  Draw Results Announcement: June 19, 2025

Deer and Antelope (Nonresident and Resident):

        •  Application Period: January 2 – June 2, 2025

        •  Deadline to Modify/Withdraw Applications: June 2, 2025

        •  Draw Results Announcement: June 19, 2025

Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat (Nonresident and Resident):

        •  Application Period: January 2 – April 30, 2025

        •  Deadline to Modify/Withdraw Applications: April 30, 2025

        •  Draw Results Announcement: May 8, 2025

Bison (Nonresident and Resident):

        •  Application Period: March 1 – April 30, 2025

        •  Deadline to Modify/Withdraw Applications: April 30, 2025

        •  Draw Results Announcement: May 8, 2025

Spring Turkey (Nonresident and Resident):

        •  Application Period: January 2 – January 31, 2025

        •  Deadline to Modify/Withdraw Applications: January 31, 2025

        •  Draw Results Announcement: February 14, 2025

Fall Turkey (Nonresident and Resident):

        •  Application Period: April 1 – June 2, 2025

        •  Deadline to Modify/Withdraw Applications: June 2, 2025

        •  Draw Results Announcement: June 19, 2025

Sandhill Crane (Nonresident and Resident):

        •  Application Period: April 1 – June 2, 2025

        •  Deadline to Modify/Withdraw Applications: June 2, 2025

        •  Draw Results Announcement: July 16, 2025

Springer Pheasant Permit (Nonresident and Resident):

        •  Application Period: April 1 – June 2, 2025

        •  Deadline to Modify/Withdraw Applications: June 2, 2025

        •  Draw Results Announcement: August 6, 2025

Wyoming Super Tag Raffle:

        •  Application Period: February 15, 2024 – January 31, 2025

        •  Draw Results Announcement: February 18, 2025

Important Considerations

   •       Online Applications: All applications must be submitted online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s website.

   •       Preference Points: For species like elk, deer, and antelope, hunters can accumulate preference points to improve their chances in future draws. The preference point application period is from July 1 to October 31, 2025.

   •       License Fees: Be aware of the associated costs for each application, including any recent fee increases. For example, the special license price for deer and antelope has increased substantially for 2024.

   •       Season Dates: Exact season dates and license numbers will be established by Wyoming in late April and published in their regulations.

Additional Resources

   •       Wyoming Game and Fish Department: For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the official website.

   •       Hunt Planner: Utilize the Wyoming Hunt Planner to access tentative season information and plan your hunts accordingly.

By keeping these dates and details in mind, you can ensure a successful application process for your Wyoming hunting adventures in 2025.

About The Author

Deirdre has has lived in Jackson since 2011.  A lifelong horsewoman, she took up hunting after arriving in Wyoming. She worked in the Triangle X Ranch hunting camp and wrangled and packed. Here she met her husband, a hunting guide, and he's been teaching her to hunt since.