Proposed Changes to Wyoming Nonresident General Elk Licenses

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is seeking public input on proposed changes to Chapter 44 regulations for the issuance of licenses, permits, stamps, tags, preference points, and competitive raffle chances. These proposed changes affect Wyoming Nonresident General Elk Licenses, proposing the establishment of three nonresident region general elk hunt areas and the establishment of nonresident region general elk license quotas.

Proposed Changes to Chapter 44 Wyoming Nonresident General Elk Regulations

In June 2022, the Wyoming Wildlife Taskforce recommended that the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission establish nonresident general regions and nonresident general elk license quotas based on herd objectives, access to hunting opportunity, and resident hunting experience and pressure. The proposed changes to Chapter 44 include the establishment of three nonresident region general elk hunt areas and the establishment of nonresident region general elk license quotas.

Impact on Nonresidents

Nonresident general license holders will be restricted to hunting in the nonresident region for which they drew a license. The proposed nonresident elk regions include limited quota hunt areas, but nonresidents would only be permitted to hunt in areas designated as general and not within limited quota hunt areas.

Proposed Nonresident Elk Regions

Impact on Residents

The proposed changes to establish nonresident general regions have no impact on the ability of resident hunters to purchase general licenses. Residents can purchase a general elk license over the counter if they do not already hold a type 1, 2, 3, 9, 0, or GEN elk license. Residents will continue to be able to hunt in any general license area in the state.

Understanding the Wyoming Nonresident General Elk License Allocation Proposal

Currently, the Game and Fish Department allocates sixteen percent of the total available limited quota full-price elk licenses to nonresidents, plus the number of general elk licenses necessary to reach a total limit of 7,250 nonresident elk licenses in the initial drawing. The proposed regulation change will allow for more flexibility in the number of nonresident region general elk licenses issued. The 7,250 nonresident license limit was instituted in the 1980s and was based on the average number of nonresident license sales at the time. Since then, the state elk population has significantly increased.

Public Comment and Decision-Making

Written comments will be accepted through 5 p.m. June 2 at public meetings or by mailing. The revised Chapter 44 regulation will be presented to the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission at their July 18-19, 2023 meeting in Wheatland, Wyoming. The public can access additional information regarding the proposed changes, including public comments, and official recommendation letters from the Wyoming Wildlife Taskforce, PowerPoint presentations, and recorded video presentations from the November 2022 Commission meeting.

Read more about Wyoming hunting in our big game overview.