It’s time to start planning for next Fall’s hunt

The Wyoming Game and Fish has announced it’s time to begin hunting season planning for the fall as resident and nonresident hunters can submit applications for elk, deer, antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat and spring wild turkey. 

The department reports that the first deadline is Jan. 31, for nonresident elk and resident and nonresident spring wild turkey and the Wyoming Super Tag raffle.

Nonresident hunters should be aware of recent legislative changes that have impacted special draw and license fees for some of Wyoming’s most coveted licenses. 

Game and Fish have reported the special draw fees for nonresident elk, deer and antelope have increased to the following: 

Nonresident elk special fee: $1,258 

​Nonresident deer special fee: $826

Nonresident antelope special fee: $874 

Nonresidents who wish to enter the special draw for antelope, deer and elk are responsible for paying the special draw fee in addition to the license and application fee.

Additionally, nonresident fees for some of Wyoming’s most coveted licenses increased to the following: 

Nonresident bighorn sheep license: $3,002

Nonresident mountain goat license: $2,752

Nonresident moose license: $2,752

Nonresident wild bison license: $6,002

For 2024 planning, Game and Fish suggest hunters use the Game and Fish Hunt Planner to estimate season dates. Tentative season information is available for moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat. Elk, deer and antelope hunters can use prior season information for the best estimate. Final season information will be published May 1, with time for hunters to make modifications or withdraw applications. Read about more updates in the 2024 Hunting License Application Information document.

The department is making the public aware that nonresident applicants for moose and bighorn sheep will need to manually opt-in with their applications to be awarded a preference point if they are unsuccessful in the draw. They will not be automatically purchased if unsuccessful. Otherwise, unsuccessful applicants can apply for a point beginning in July. 

Anyone with questions regarding hunting applications or the Game and Fish user account can call (307) 777-4600.