Wyoming Hunting Laws Licensing & Regulations

Hunting in Wyoming

Wyoming appears to be more popular for its stunning terrain than for its hunting opportunities. However, it is one of the states with excellent hunting chances, particularly for large game such as antelopes, turkeys, bears, elk, bison, turkeys, mountain lions, and deer. Wyoming has approximately 130 hunting zones.

Hunting regulations in Wyoming

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department enforces hunting laws and regulations that all hunters in the state must follow, whether they are residents or visitors. The following are some of the most important laws and regulations:

Wyoming General Hunting Regulations and Laws

These are some of the permissible and illegal hunting activities in Wyoming. Among them are the following:

Crossbows, longbows, shotguns with a maximum gauge of 10 gauge, handguns, rifles, and air guns are permitted hunting weapons in Wyoming. Any other sort of firearm is prohibited unless the Department of Natural Resources makes a specific exception.
Except for turkeys and migratory birds such as rails and waterfowl, the use of electronic calls is permitted while hunting. It is also permissible to employ electronic sounds to hunt crows.
It is illegal to highlight wildlife and games from cars, as well as to illuminate vehicle headlights. This is true whether or not the vehicle is utilized for hunting purposes.
If you are hunting, chasing, or pursuing furbearers at night, you must use a continuous, visible light that is at least a quarter mile away. Only one white light is permitted for two or more people hunting or trapping furbearers at night, and it may be in the custody of any of the hunters. However, for hunting games such as raccoons, foxes, and coyotes with an electronic call from a standing position, a single light beam of any color is permitted.
It is illegal to use any other hunting weapon or gadget while pursuing coyotes with hunting hounds from sundown until sunrise.
Hunting from motor vehicles is prohibited; however, exceptions are provided for boats and any other sort of agricultural machinery approved for farm purposes. Small game hunting from boats or other types of power craft is prohibited; however, some small species, such as muskrats, otters, and minks, are exceptions.
It is illegal to utilize airplanes or drones while hunting in Wyoming or to aid in any Wyoming hunting activity.
The use of poisoned and explosive-coated arrows is prohibited while hunting in Wyoming. It is also illegal to attach crossbows or longbows to any electrical or mechanical device with features capable of illuminating light beams.
It is illegal to discharge a firearm across a Wyoming highway or public road.
It is illegal to hunt any game other than waterfowl between 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset during deer firearm season, youth deer firearm season, and deer muzzleloader season if you do not wear the required vest, overall, or jacket in either solid hunter orange or camouflage orange. This regulation applies to both public and private hunting properties in Wyoming.
Only lawful game can be hunted with crossbows and longbows in Wyoming. However, the use of crossbows for migratory game birds is prohibited. Longbow hunters are permitted to use either a standard-handed release device or a mechanical device with operational safety. Hunters may cock crossbows with a device as long as the device has working safety and a stock length of more than 25 inches.

Wyoming Concealed Handgun License for Hunting

You may conceal a pistol while trapping or hunting if you have a Wyoming concealed handgun license. It is, nevertheless, illegal to use a pistol to kill, shoot, or try to shoot at wildlife or game animals.

Hunting with Firearm Suppressors in Wyoming

If you are permitted to use firearm suppressors or silencers under Wyoming or federal law, playing legal games with the suppressor is not prohibited. To use the suppressor in this scenario, you must have a valid Wyoming license.

Permission Hunting in Wyoming

Before hunting on Wyoming private property, you must first receive formal permission from the proprietor for either trapping or hunting, regardless of whether the land is posted or not. Landowners who want to hunt on their property can make an exception. Private land hunting permits are available via the Wyoming Department of Natural Resources’ wildlife division’s district offices.

Game Possession in Wyoming

Wyoming’s regulations on game and animal possession include the following:

It is illegal to capture or sell live animals such as furbearers, reptiles, birds, and amphibians. Those with propagation permissions are granted an exception.
Sales of furbearer hides taken during the open season must not exceed the open season limit; otherwise, they must be retained for sale after the season ends.
It is illegal to take furbearers alive during open hunting and trapping seasons.
To buy dry or green fur in Wyoming, you must have a valid state fur dealer’s permit.
It is unlawful to purchase, possess, or exchange nongame birds and their body parts, whether living or dead.

While hunting, open carry is permitted.

It is permissible to open carry when hunting in Wyoming, although using firearms to take wildlife during bow hunting or an archery season is prohibited.

Wyoming’s hunter harassment statute specifies that it is illegal to intentionally hinder licensed hunting in the state by:

interfering with a person who has a license to engage in legitimate hunting.
Participating in an activity that endangers wildlife or alters their behavior in such a way that it inhibits authorized hunting

Furthermore, it is prohibited to:

Disobey any order from a peace officer or law enforcement official to stop engaging in any action that violates this section of the law.
Disobey the advice of any group urging its members to discontinue any illegal action.

Hunting Permits and Tags in Wyoming

Wyoming hunting licenses are issued based on the applicant’s domicile and age. Permits, tangs, and stamps, on the other hand, are exclusively issued in the state for specific games.

The following are Wyoming hunting licenses, permits, and tags:

Hunting Licenses

This category includes the following licenses:

Annual License for Residents

This is an annual hunting license accessible to Wyoming citizens between the ages of 18 and 65. The license is good for a year and costs $19.

Annual Youth License

This is a one-year hunting license that is available to both citizens and non-residents. To apply for a license, you must be 17 years old or younger. The license is valid for a year and costs $10 for citizens and non-residents alike.

Annual license for non-residents

This is an annual hunting license offered to non-residents of Wyoming aged 18 and over. The license is good for a year and costs $125.

Residents can get a low-cost senior license.

This is an annual hunting license accessible to Wyoming senior citizens 66 and older, or those born after January 1, 1938. It costs ten dollars.

Senior Resident License

This is an annual hunting license given to Wyoming senior citizens born on December 31, 1937, or before. It is completely free.

3-Day Hunting License for Non-Residents

This is an annual hunting license offered to non-residents of Wyoming aged 18 and over. The license is only good for three days and does not allow you to shoot deer, furbearers, or turkeys. It is priced at $40.

Apprentice License in Wyoming

This kind of license is only eligible for citizens and non-residents who have not completed the mandatory hunter’s education course. As a result, kids are only permitted to hunt under the supervision of a licensed Wyoming hunter.

Among them are the following:

Annual Resident Apprentice Licenses

This is a yearly hunting license given to Wyoming citizens who are apprentices. The applicant must be between the ages of 18 and 65. The license is good for a year and costs $19.

Annual Youth Apprentice License

This is an annual hunting license offered to apprentices who are both residents and non-residents. To apply for a license, you must be 17 years old or younger. The license is valid for a year and costs $10 for citizens and non-residents alike.

Annual Apprentice Licenses for Non-Residents

This is a one-year hunting license offered to non-resident apprentices. To apply, you must be at least 18 years old. The license is good for a year and costs $125.

Wyoming Waterfowl Postage Stamps

To hunt waterfowl, you must first have a valid Wyoming waterfowl stamp. Among them are the following:

Wetland Habitat Stamp residents and non-residents

Residents and non-residents can purchase this stamp. To apply, you must be at least 18 years old. The stamp is $15.00.

Senior Wetland Habitat Stamp for Residents

This stamp is available to Wyoming residents 66 years of age and older, or those born after January 1, 1938. It is priced at $15.

Senior Wetland Habitat Stamp for Residents

This stamp is available to Wyoming seniors who were born on or before December 31, 1937. It is completely free.

The United States Duck Stamp

This stamp is available to anyone above the age of 16, and it costs $25.

Wyoming, Turkey Licenses

The following turkey permits are available for hunting in Wyoming:

Permit for Adult Turkey Hunting for Residents and Non-Residents

Adult residents and non-residents can apply for this permit. There are two versions based on the seasons, spring and fall, and they both cost $24.

Permit for Youth Turkey Hunting for Residents and Non-Residents

This permission is given to juvenile residents and non-residents aged 17 and under. There are two versions based on the seasons, spring and fall, and they both cost $12.

Senior Turkey Permit at a Reduced Cost

This permit is only accessible to Wyoming seniors 66 years of age or older, or those born after January 1, 1938. There are two versions based on the seasons, spring and fall, and they both cost $12.

Senior Turkey Permit Holders

This pass is accessible to Wyoming seniors who were born on or before December 31, 1937. There are two types, one for each season (spring and fall), and they are both free.

Wyoming Deer Licenses

Wyoming deer hunting permits include the following:

Permit for Adult Deer Hunting for Residents and Non-Residents

Adult residents and non-residents can apply for this permit. Antlerless deer come in two varieties: antlerless deer and either-sex deer, which cost $15 and $24, respectively.

Permit for Youth Deer Hunting for Residents and Non-Residents

This permission is given to juvenile residents and non-residents aged 17 and under. Antlerless deer and either-sex deer are the two types of deer, and they cost $15 and $12, respectively.

Senior Deer Permit at a Reduced Cost

This permit is only accessible to Wyoming seniors 66 years of age or older, or those born after January 1, 1938. Antlerless deer and either-sex deer are the two types of deer, and they cost $15 and $12, respectively.

Senior Deer Permit for Residents

This pass is accessible to Wyoming seniors who were born on or before December 31, 1937. There are two sorts of antlerless or either-sex deer, which cost $15 and $12, respectively, and are both free.

Fishing Licenses, Permits, and Tags in Wyoming

Wyoming fishing licenses, permits, and tags include the following:

Residents’ Fishing Permit

This license is accessible to Wyoming residents between the ages of 16 and 65. It is priced at $19.

Senior Fishing License for Residents

This fishing license is available to senior citizens 66 and over, as well as those born after January 1, 1938. It costs ten dollars.

One-Day Fishing Permit

This license is valid for one day and is available to both residents and non-residents. It is $11.00.

Non-resident Annual Fishing License

Non-residents aged 18 and up are eligible for this fishing license. It has a one-year validity period and costs $40.

Nonresident Tourist Fishing License for 3 Days

Non-residents aged 18 and up are eligible for this fishing license. It is only good for three days and costs $19.

License Duplicate

In Wyoming, duplicate licenses to replace lost, stolen, or destroyed licenses cost $4.

2020/21 Wyoming Hunting Season

Wyoming’s hunting season varies depending on the game. It is critical for hunters in the state to be aware of the hunting season for the game they choose to pursue.

Wyoming’s shooting season for various wildlife in 2020–21 includes the following:

Seasons for hunting deer in Wyoming

General Hunting Season (October 10th to December 1st)

Hunting season in Wyoming

General Fall Hunting Season (August 30th to January 31st)
Spring Youth Hunting Season (April 8th to April 14th)
Spring General Hunting Season (April 15th to May 25th)

Antelope hunting season in Wyoming

General Hunting Season (October 1st to November 29th)

Elk Hunting Season in Wyoming

General Hunting Season (August 15th to January 31st)

Moose Hunting Season in Wyoming

General Hunting Season (September 1st to October 31st)

Seasons for hunting bison in Wyoming

General Hunting Season (August 15th to January 31st)

Wyoming’s Black Bear Season

General Hunting Season (August 15th to October 31st)

Mountain Lion Hunting Season in Wyoming

General Hunting Season (September 1st to March 31st)

Small Game Hunting Seasons in Wyoming

Cottontail and hare hunting seasons (August 30th to March 31st)
Seasons for hunting quail (18th of September to 31st of January)
Hunting Seasons for Male Pheasants (9th October to 31st December)
Season of Squirrel Hunting (30th of August to 31st of March)

The start and end dates of a game hunting season will vary depending on the state’s hunting zones.

Wyoming Wildlife, Recreation, and Fishing

Wyoming has a variety of games and wildlife to offer, including the following:

Deer hunting in Wyoming

Deer hunting is popular in Wyoming. The whitetail deer is a species found in the Salmon River’s northern reaches. They are hunted more heavily in the fall than mule deer. Mule deer, on the other hand, are more common in the southern section of Wyoming.

Turkey Hunting in Wyoming

Turkey hunting is popular in Wyoming, particularly near rivers. They are, however, more entrenched in the Weiser Payette and Snake Rivers. Turkeys can be found on both federal and state hunting grounds.

Fox Hunting in Wyoming

In Wyoming, there are several fox species suitable for hunting. The red fox can be found in practically every part of the state. Kit foxes are uncommon but can be seen in the southern section of Wyoming. Kit foxes are little, weighing about 3 to 6 pounds and measuring 18 to 21 inches in length. The gray fox is Wyoming’s largest fox species.

Hunting for Quail in Wyoming

The California quail is the most common quail in Wyoming, and it may be found in the state’s south-central region. They can be found around bodies of water such as streams and rivers.

Pheasant Hunting in Wyoming

Wyoming pheasant hunting takes place in clear-water locations. However, due to new farming methods and increased urbanization in the state, their populations have declined in recent years. However, there are still plenty wild pheasants available in Wyoming.

Public Shooting Ranges in Wyoming for Hunting Practice

In Wyoming, the following shooting ranges are open to the public:

The Douglas Trap Club
Cody Shooting Range.
The Cheyenne Trap and Skeet Club.
Shooting Range/Park in Converse County.
Worland Shooting Range
Club Sweet Water Trap.
Shooters Complex in Stuckenhoff.
Rocky Mountain Gun Club is a gun club in Colorado.
Pinedale Rifle and Pistol Club.
Rawlins Outdoor Shooting Complex is located in Rawlins, Wyoming.
The Overthrust Gun Club.
The Laramie Rifle Range is located in Wyoming.
Pine Bluffs Sportsman’s Club is a private club in Pine Bluffs, Arkansas.
The Jackson Hole Gun Club
The Gillette Gun Club

Hunting Lands in Wyoming for Sale and Lease

Wyoming hunting lands for sale include the following:

Open Lock Ranch is located in northern Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin on 16,175 acres. Worland (Hot Springs County), Wyoming
40 acres in Rawlins, Wyoming (Sweetwater County).
160 acres in Baggs, Wyoming (Carbon County).
5,328 acres in Kaycee, Wyoming (Johnson County).
1,560 acres in Riverton, Wyoming (Fremont County).
Pinedale (Sublette County), Wyoming, 49,808 acres
172-acre Encampment in Carbon County, Wyoming.
Elk Mountain, Carbon County, Wyoming, 27 acres
6,700 acres in Ten Sleep, Wyoming (Washakie County).

Wyoming hunting lands for lease include the following:

Weston County has 53 acres abutting over 500 acres of quiet national forest and grasslands behind a guarded gate for plenty of Mule deer hunting plus a few Whitetail.
Lease a prime irrigated ranch with hundreds of antelope and abundant pheasants. 1300 acres in Big Horn County.
3500 acre working ranch on the Medicine Bow National Forest’s edge. In Carbon County, you can hunt elk, mule deer, antelope, and go fishing.
160 acres of private land managed for white tail deer in the midst of thousands of acres of private land in Fremont County.
In Hot Spring County, there are 5200 acres for good antelope, deer, and game bird hunting, as well as mountain lion and coyote hunting.
Trophy Whitetail Hunt on 12,000 acres in Sheridan County.

Public Hunting Lands in Wyoming

Wyoming’s public hunting lands include the following:

Converse County has 7277 acres dedicated to shooting whitetail deer, elk, turkey, and exotics.
Uinta County has 8776 acres for hunting Whitetail Deer, Elk, Predator, and Exotics.
Park County has 83174 acres for shooting whitetail deer, elk, and exotics.
Platte County has 75899 acres for hunting Whitetail Deer, Elk, Turkey, Dove, Duck, Predator, and Exotics.
Lincoln County has 225451 acres for hunting Whitetail Deer, Elk, Dove, Duck, and Exotics.