The Guide to Wyoming Hunting Seasons 2024

It’s where hunters go to hunt elk, antelope, bison, bighorn sheep, moose, big mule deer, and black bear. So, whether you were already thinking that “this” is your year to hunt Wyoming – or we’ve just added it to the list for you – make sure you have the information you need on season dates, bag limits, and more. 

In this resource, you’ll find details you need to hunt big (and smaller) game, no matter what you’re after. Along with the information in this resource, we also suggest downloading the HuntWise app. The maps and other features will help you navigate the terrain and improve your chances of finding the trophy you want to bring back.

So, keep reading to learn what hunters need to know about Wyoming hunting this season.  

Why Do Hunters Hunt in Wyoming?

We’ve already highlighted some “big” reasons (literally) why hunters come to Wyoming for hunts: it’s an ideal state for adding to your collection of big game trophies. Not many places in the U.S. allow hunters to hunt bison, for example. 

The popularity of turkey hunting is also growing in Wyoming. It’s also an excellent spot for hunting geese and grouse. 

Where Should I Hunt?

The game you plan to hunt will determine the hunting areas you have access to, and depending on where that is, you’ll experience a wide range of differing terrains throughout Wyoming. The state varies from desert conditions to hills, majestic mountain ranges, and high plains. 

The average elevation is 6,700 feet above sea level, and the climate is cool for much of the year. If your hunt takes place in the fall, winter, and early spring, there’s a good chance you’ll run into snowy conditions. 

Within the state’s general hunting areas, you’ll need to fine-tune the locations best suited to deliver the game you’re after. Whether you’ve hunted in Wyoming before or you’re planning your first trip, e-scouting using HuntWise can help you gain an advantage over other hunters. From home, you can explore various terrains and mark potential hunt areas to maximize your time afield. 

When Can I Hunt?

Planning your big game hunt means paying close attention to season open dates and hunting areas. 

The good news is that we’ve done much of the work for you in this guide! We’ve pulled together the latest Wyoming hunting information to help you plan, but remember that information can always change. While this is a good guide, we also recommend checking Wyoming’s state websites and resources for the latest details as you plan your hunts. 

Antelope

Antelope hunting dates vary depending on the state's many hunt areas. We recommend visiting the Wyoming Game & Fish Department website for the latest details on antelope dates, quotas, and limitations. 

The earliest dates for antelope hunting are August 15, and the latest season closing date is November 30. 

Deer Season

Like antelope hunting seasons, deer hunting is also managed through varying dates for the many hunting areas. We recommend checking the state’s deer hunting seasons resource for the latest information. 

The earliest open season date for hunting deer is September 1 running through December 31 for some hunt areas. 

Elk

Following in the footsteps of antelope and deer season planning, elk hunting season dates vary by hunting area, too. Check the Wyoming elk hunting seasons resource for dates and corresponding hunt areas. 

The earliest open season dates for Wyoming elk hunting start September 1 and run through January 31 for some hunt areas. 

Moose

You guessed it: Moose hunting is managed by hunt areas with varying open season dates. However, there are fewer hunt areas available for moose hunting. Check the state’s moose hunting seasons resource for the latest information. 

The earliest open season dates for hunting moose start September 1 and run through November 20, depending on the hunt area. 

Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goats

Hunting seasons for bighorn sheep begin August 15 and run through November 30, depending on the specific dates for each hunting area. Be sure to check the reference guide for specifics as you plan your hunt. 

Black Bear

Trophy hunters looking for black bears have opportunities to hunt in the spring and fall. Review the black bear hunting resource from the Wyoming Game & Fish Department to verify dates and hunting areas before heading out. 

• Hunt Areas 1-4
  • Archery: May 1-14
  • Regular Season: May 15 – June 15 and September 1 – October 31
     
• Hunt Areas 5 & 6
  • Regular Season: May 1 – June 15 and August 15 – November 15
     
• Hunt Area 7
  • Regular Season: April 15 – June 15 and September 1 – October 31
     
• Hunt Area 8
  • Archery: September 1 – 30
  • Regular Season: April 15 – June 15 and October 1 – 31
     
• Hunt Areas 9 & 12
  • Archery: April 15 – 30 and September 1 – 30
  • Regular Season: May 1 – June 15 and October 1 – 31
     
• Hunt Area 10
  • Archery: April 15 – 30 and August 1 – September 30
  • Regular Season: May 1 – June 15 and October 1 – 31
     
• Hunt Area 11
  • Archery: April 15 – 30 and August 15 – 31
  • Regular Season: May 1 – June 15 and September 1 – November 15
     
• Hunt Area 12
  • Archery: April 15 – 30 and September 1 – 30
  • Regular Season: May 1 – June 15 and October 1 – 31
     
• Hunt Area 13
  • Archery: April 15 – 30 
  • Regular Season: May 1 – June 15, August 1 – 31, and September 1 – October 31
     
• Hunt Areas 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 29, 30
  • Archery: April 15 – 30 and August 15 – 31
  • Regular Season: May 1 – June 15 and September 1 – October 31
     
• Hunt Area 19
  • Archery: April 15 – 30 and August 15 – 31
  • Regular Season: May 1 – June 15, August 1 – 31, and September 1 – October 31
     
• Hunt Area 23
  • Archery: April 15 – 30 and August 1 – 14
  • Regular Season: May 1 – June 15 and August 15 – October 31
     
• Hunt Areas 25, 26, 27
  • Archery: April 15 – 30 and August 15 – 31
  • Regular Season: May 1 – June 15 and September 1 – October 31
     
• Hunt Area 28 & 31
  • Archery: April 15 – 30 and August 1 – 14
  • Regular Season: May 1 – June 15 and August 15 – October 31
     
• Hunt Area 32
  • Archery: April 15 – 30 
  • Regular Season: May 1 – June 15 and August 1 – November 15
     
• Hunt Area 33
  • Regular Season: April 15 – June 15 and September 1 – October 31
     
• Hunt Area 35
  • Regular Season: April 15 – June 15 and August 1 – October 31

Bison

• Hunt Area 2: August 15 – January 31
• Hunt Area 3: Closed

Gray Wolf

The gray wolf is another trophy species drawing hunters to Wyoming. 

• Hunt Areas 1-11, 14: September 15 – December 31
• Hunt Area 12: October 15 – December 31
• Hunt Area 13: September 15 – March 31

Turkey Seasons

• Spring:
  • Zone 3 (Quota and General): April 1 – May 31
  • Zones 1, 2, 4, 5 (General): April 20 – May 31
  • Zones 2 & 4 (Quota): April 20 – May 31
     
• Fall Archery: September 1 – 30

Migratory Birds

• Mourning Dove (Statewide): September 1 – November 29
• Sora and Virginia Rail (Statewide): September 1 – November 9
• Snipe (Statewide): September 1 – December 16
• Sandhill Crane (Limited Quota): 
  • Hunt Areas 1, 2, 5: September 1 – 15
  • Hunt Area 3: September 1 – 8
  • Hunt Area 4: September 28 – October 20
  • Hunt Area 6: September 14 – October 6
  • Hunt Area 6: September 1 – 30
• Sandhill Crane (General Permit): 
  • Hunt Area 7: September 7 – November 3

Grouse

• Sage (Hunt Areas 1-4): September 21 – 30
• Blue (Dusky) (Hunt Area 1): September 1 – December 31
• Ruffed (Hunt Area 1): September 1 – December 31
• Sharp-Tailed (Hunt Area 1): September 1 – December 31

Waterfowl 

Pacific Flyaway

• Early Canada Goose: September 1 – 8
• Dark & Light Geese: September 21 – 26
• Ducks, Mergansers, Coots: September 21 – January 3

Central Flyaway

• Light Geese: September 28 – December 29 and February 5 – 16
• Dark Geese: 
  • Zone C1: September 28 – October 6, November 2 – 24, and December 6 – February 16
  • Zone C1A: September 28 – October 9 and November 16 – February 16
  • Zone C12: September 21 – December 1 and December 14 – January 15
• Ducks, Mergansers, Coots: 
  • Zone C1 & CIA: September 28 – October 3 and November 2 – January 21
  • Zone C12 September 21 – December 1 and December 14 – January 7

For more details about these species (and others), bag limits, and season dates, reference the website for Wyoming’s hunting regulations. 

What Do I Need to Know About Hunting Licenses?

Whether hunting as a resident or non-resident in Wyoming, you need a hunting license. Most big game hunts follow a drawing system. Pricing for licenses varies, and many licenses require an application and application fee. 

You’ll also want to get familiar with the Wyoming preference point system and how it works for the game you want to hunt.

What Are the Bag Limits for Hunting in Wyoming?

How many bison, elk, or geese can you bring home this season? To comply with Wyoming's hunting regulations, make sure you follow the bag limits for everything you hunt. 

What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?

Wyoming requires all hunters to take a hunter education course. You’ll also want to pay close attention to application dates for draw hunts to make sure you don’t miss your opportunity to win a tag for a big game hunt this season. 

With Wyoming’s extreme temperatures and varying terrain, you’ll also want to pack the right gear. As a HuntWise subscriber, you have access to discounts on gear from our partners, with the potential to save hundreds on hunting knives, binoculars, calls, clothing, scopes, and more. 

Use HuntWise for Big Game Wyoming Hunting This Season

We hope this information helps you plan a successful hunt in Wyoming! If you can make sense of season and application dates and hunt areas, you’re in for an exciting big game hunt. 

You’ll also want to make sure you have the best tool for hunting any species before you start your hunt. With HuntWise, you gain an advantage over other hunters and improve your chances of tagging out. Download the HuntWise app for immediate access to current information on hunting in Wyoming, including season dates and regulations. 

The app gives you access to wind and weather forecasting (including the ability to set your ideal wind), real-time animal behavior predictors, hundreds of map layers, private landowner boundaries and contact information, and more. 

Download the app and enjoy access to every feature – free for a week!