Wyoming 2025-2026 Hunting Seasons – Zones, Weapons & Licensing Rules
Wyoming is a great place for people who love the outdoors because it has beautiful scenery and some of the best hunting in the country. The Equality State has something for every kind of hunter, whether they want to stalk elk through rough mountain ranges, call in spring turkeys, or set up for waterfowl along calm rivers. This all-in-one guide gives you all the information you need to plan your next unforgettable hunting trip, including important dates, licensing information, and zone information for Wyoming’s hunting seasons.
What You’ll Find in This Guide
Wyoming’s vast terrain spans mountain ranges, plains, and high desert, creating ideal habitats for numerous game species. This guide provides detailed information on season dates for big game (elk, deer, antelope), turkey seasons, upland birds, waterfowl opportunities, and small game hunting throughout the state. You’ll also find essential details about licensing requirements, hunting zones, and answers to frequently asked questions.
WY Key Hunting Species Summary
| Species | Season Opens | Season Closes | Primary Method | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk | September 1 | January 31 | Archery/Rifle | Draw required for most areas |
| Mule Deer | August 15 | November 30 | Archery/Rifle | General and limited licenses |
| Antelope | August 15 | December 31 | Archery/Rifle | High success rates statewide |
| Moose | September 1 | November 20 | Archery/Rifle | Limited draw only |
| Black Bear | April 1 | November 30 | Various | Spring and fall opportunities |
| Wild Turkey | April 1 | May 31 | Shotgun/Archery | Spring and fall periods |
All Big Game: Archery & Rifle Seasons 🎯
Elk – The Crown Jewel
Wyoming’s elk population offers world-class opportunities across multiple hunt areas:
Archery Season:
- September 1-30, 2025 in most areas
- Some areas extend through October 31
General Rifle Season:
- October 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
- Varies by hunt area and type
Key Areas: Yellowstone region (Areas 7-11), Medicine Bow (Areas 1-6), and Sierra Madre ranges offer premium opportunities.
Mule Deer & White-tailed Deer
- General Archery: August 15 – September 30, 2025
- General Rifle: October 1 – November 30, 2025
Special Management Areas: Various dates throughout the period
Antelope (Pronghorn) 🦌
Known for excellent success rates exceeding 90% statewide:
- Archery Season: August 15 – October 4, 2025
- General Season: October 1 – December 31, 2025
Moose – Premium Limited Draw
- Special Archery: September 1-30, 2025
- Regular Season: October 1 – November 20, 2025 (varies by area)
Note: All moose tags require successful drawing through the limited quota system
Black Bear
- Spring Season: April 1 – June 15, 2025
- Fall Season: September 1 – November 30, 2025
Baiting permitted in designated areas with proper permits
Mountain Lion & Gray Wolf
- Mountain Lion: September 1 – March 31, 2026
- Gray Wolf: October 1 – December 31, 2025 (designated areas only)
Turkey Season: Spring, Fall, Youth 🦃
Spring Turkey Opportunities
General Spring Season:
- Hunt Area 1: April 20 – May 31, 2026
- Limited quota hunts: April 1 – May 31, 2026
Fall Turkey Adventures
Archery Season (Hunt Area 1):
- September 1 – December 31, 2025
General Fall Season:
- September 1 – November 30, 2025
Youth Turkey Programs
Special youth opportunities available during designated weekends in both spring and fall periods, providing young hunters with mentored experiences.
Furbearers: Trapping & Hunting Season 🦫
Wyoming’s furbearer season offers excellent opportunities for trappers and predator hunters:
General Furbearer Season: October 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026
Species Include:
- Beaver – October 1 – April 30
- Bobcat – November 1 – March 31 (registration required)
- Marten – October 1 – January 31
- Mink – October 1 – April 30
- Badger – October 1 – April 30
- Weasel – October 1 – April 30
Special regulations apply for bobcat harvest reporting and pelt tagging
Upland Birds: Prairie to Mountains 🐦
Sage Grouse
- Season: September 1 – December 31, 2025
- Bag Limit: 2 daily, 6 possession
Sharp-tailed Grouse
- Season: September 1 – December 31, 2025
- Bag Limit: 3 daily, 9 possession
Ruffed Grouse
- Season: September 1 – December 31, 2025
- Bag Limit: 3 daily, 9 possession
Ring-necked Pheasant
- Hunt Areas 1, 5, 7, 9, 11: November 1 – December 31, 2025
- Hunt Area 2: November 1-30, December 1-31, 2025
- Special Management Areas: Permit required for designated locations
Partridge (Hungarian & Chukar)
- Season: September 15, 2025 – January 31, 2026
- Bag Limit: 5 daily, 15 possession
Upland Animals: Small Game Variety 🐰
Cottontail Rabbit
- Season: September 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
- Bag Limit: 10 daily, 20 possession
Squirrel Species
- Season: September 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
- Includes: Red, gray, and fox squirrels
- Bag Limit: 6 daily, 12 possession
Note: Tree squirrels found primarily in riparian areas and mountain foothills
Other Small Games Quick Reference 📋
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mourning Dove | Sep 1 – Nov 29 | 15 | 45 |
| Rail (Sora/Virginia) | Sep 1 – Nov 9 | 25 | 75 |
| Snipe | Sep 1 – Dec 16 | 8 | 24 |
| Jackrabbit | Year-round | No limit | No limit |
| Prairie Dog | Year-round | No limit | No limit |
Migratory Birds: Waterfowl Paradise 🦆
Ducks & Mergansers
Pacific Flyway: September 27, 2025 – January 9, 2026
Central Flyway Zones:
- Zone C1: September 27 – October 14, November 1 – January 18
- Zone C1A: September 27 – October 14, November 1 – January 18
- Zone C2: September 27 – December 1, December 13 – January 12
Daily Bag Limits: 6-7 ducks depending on zone, with species-specific restrictions
Sandhill Crane
- Limited Quota Areas: September 1 – November 2, 2025
- General Area (Area 7): September 6 – November 2, 2025
- Bag Limit: 1-3 daily depending on area
Ducks, Scaup, Mergansers, Geese 🦢
Canada Geese (Dark Geese)
- Pacific Flyway: September 27, 2025 – January 1, 2026
- Central Flyway: Various dates by zone
Bag Limit: 2-5 daily depending on zone and dates
Light Geese (Snow & Ross’s)
- Regular Season: September 27, 2025 – January 1, 2026
- Conservation Order: February 16 – April 30, 2026
Bag Limit: 10-20 regular season, 50 daily during conservation order
Early Canada Goose
- Special Season: September 1-8, 2025
Bag Limit: 5 daily, 15 possession
Scaup Restrictions
Important note: No scaup may be taken after December 21, 2025, across all zones.
Other Waterfowls: Complete Coverage 🦅
Coots
Follow same dates as duck seasons in respective flyways
Bag Limit: 15 daily, 45 possession
Youth/Veteran/Military Special Days
September 20-21, 2025 – Special youth, veteran, and active military waterfowl days in both flyways with regular bag limits and restrictions.
More Games: Additional Opportunities 🏹
Special Management Areas
Several areas require special permits or have unique regulations:
- Table Mountain WHMA – Nontoxic shot required
- Springer/Bump-Sullivan WHMA – Managed goose hunt with numbered blinds
- Ocean Lake – Partial closure November 15 – March 10
Predator Species (Year-round, No License Required)
- Coyote – No closed season
- Red Fox – No closed season
- Skunk – No closed season
- Porcupine – No closed season
- Raccoon – No closed season
Wyoming Hunting Zones Map
For detailed maps showing Wyoming’s hunting zones for various species, visit the Wyoming Game & Fish Department Hunt Area Maps. These maps are essential for planning your hunt and ensuring you’re in the correct area for your license type.
License Details
Licensing Requirements 🎟️
Resident Licenses: • General Game License: $37 • Small Game/Upland Bird: $16 • Conservation Stamp: $12.50 (required)
Non-resident Licenses: • General Game License: $281 • Small Game/Upland Bird: $74 • Conservation Stamp: $12.50 (required)
Remember to purchase your HIP permit for migratory bird opportunities and ensure you have the appropriate federal duck stamp for waterfowl pursuits. Most big game areas require successful drawing through the limited quota system, so apply early!
🎟️ Resident Licenses
- Annual Game Bird/Small Game License: Required for hunting upland game birds and small game
- Annual Fishing License: For fishing in Wyoming waters
- Conservation Stamp: Required for most hunting and fishing licenses
- Big Game Licenses: Separate licenses required for deer, elk, antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, etc.
🎟️ Non-Resident Licenses
- Annual Game Bird/Small Game License: Higher fee than resident licenses
- Conservation Stamp: Required for most hunting and fishing licenses
- Big Game Licenses: Limited quota, typically requiring application through the draw system
- Preference Points: Can be purchased to improve future draw odds
Youth, Senior, and Military Discounts
Wyoming offers discounted licenses for qualifying youth hunters, veterans, and active military personnel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a Wyoming hunting tag?
Applications for big game licenses open on January 2 each year. You can apply through the Wyoming Game & Fish Department website or by phone. Draw results are typically available in June (antelope, deer, elk) or February (moose, bighorn sheep).
Can I hunt on public lands in Wyoming?
Yes, Wyoming offers extensive public hunting access through national forests, BLM lands, state trust lands, and Walk-In Areas. Always verify land ownership before hunting.
Is night hunting allowed in Wyoming?
Night hunting is generally prohibited in Wyoming, with limited exceptions for certain predator species under specific circumstances.
What is the Hunter Safety requirement in Wyoming?
Hunter education certification is required for anyone born after January 1, 1966, who wishes to purchase a hunting license in Wyoming.
Related Resources
- Deer Hunting Guide
- Elk Hunting Guide
- Montana Hunting Seasons
- Idaho Hunting Seasons
- Colorado Hunting Seasons
Plan Your Wyoming Hunting Adventure
Wyoming’s diverse wildlife populations and stunning natural landscapes create a hunter’s paradise. Whether you’re pursuing trophy elk in the mountains, tracking pronghorn across open plains, or calling in turkey from dense timber, the state offers memorable experiences for hunters of all skill levels.
Remember to thoroughly review the current regulations before your hunt, confirm exact season dates for your specific zone and species, and ensure you have all required licenses and permits. Check the Wyoming Game & Fish Department website for any last-minute changes or emergency closures that might affect your hunting plans.
Happy hunting in the magnificent wilds of Wyoming!
