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Wyoming Hunting Overview

Wyoming hunting opportunities are abundant for big game hunters, with a diverse range of species available for hunting. From elk to pronghorn antelope, Wyoming offers a unique opportunity to bag a trophy. Each year, approximately 140,000 hunters flock to Wyoming in pursuit of big game, making it one of the most sought-after hunting destinations in the US.

Wyoming hunting permits are available both through draw applications, OTC, and through the annual lottery system. Draw dates vary by species and residency, and you can add these to your OnPoint account for easy tracking. Wyoming uses a preference point system for draw applications.

Big Game Species

Deer, Antelope, Elk, Bison, Moose, Mountain Goat, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Lion, Black Bear, Wolf

Wyoming hunting application and OTC Sales and Dates

Wyoming has a number of different draw periods during the year. These draws are split by both the species type and residency of the applicant. The 2024 Wyoming draw dates are summarized below, and you can read more about it from Wyoming Game and Fish here. 

Point System

Wyoming implements a Preference Point system for nonresident applicants for elk, deer, and antelope. Bighorn sheep and moose utilize preference points for both residents and non-residents. Bison and mountain goat licenses are randomly drawn and everyone has an equal chance. Resident elk, deer, and antelope draws are not on a preference point system and their tags are issued through a random draw system for those species.

Preference Points act as a place in line, where the applicants with the most points draw first. If a hunter successfully draws their first choice for a species, they cannot buy preference points for that species in the same year, and their points are purged back to zero. Hunters can purchase species-specific preference points during an purchase window in the late summer but cannot buy points during the tag application period.

How to build points

Points must be purchased through the fall points-only purchase period. Points cannot be directly purchased during the draw periods, nor are they awarded for an unsuccessful draw application.

Tags, Licenses, and Pricing

In order to apply for hunting licenses in Wyoming, applicants are required to submit both the application fee and the license fee for each species they wish to hunt. The non-refundable application fee for non-residents is $15 per species. Additionally, all hunters are required to purchase a Conservation Stamp for $21.50 prior to hunting, regardless of the species. If paying with a credit card, applicants will incur a 2.5% processing fee. For those who plan to bowhunt during applicable archery season dates, a $72 non-resident archery license is required, unless hunting for type 9 archery hunts. Payment for fees can only be made using either Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. In the case of unsuccessful applicants, Wyoming will process a refund back to their credit card following each drawing.

Wyoming hunting regulations and requirements

Hunters Education

• Hunters Education is required for individuals born after Jan 1, 1966.

Age Restrictions

• Hunters must be at least 12 years old.

Archery Limitations

• Mechanical broadheads and lighted nocks are allowed in Wyoming.
• A minimum 40 pound draw weight is required for deer, antelope, bighorn sheep and mountain goat. A minimum of 50 point draw weight is required for moose, elk, and bison.
• Crossbows are permitted during archery season.

Permits

• Hunters must carry their hunting permits on your person while hunting.

Group Hunting

In Wyoming, parties of up to six individuals can apply together for elk, deer, and antelope licenses. However, residents and nonresidents cannot apply together. The state averages out the preference points of all members of the party application to the fourth decimal point for nonresident applications.

In the draw, the party as a whole is treated as a single application, and if selected, all members of the party will receive a license. The state allocates permits over the hunt quota to ensure that group applicants do not have decreased odds of getting a license.

Wyoming Hunting FAQ