Cheyenne, Wyoming – The Wyoming Game and Fish Department announced that applications for big game hunting licenses for the 2026-27 season opened on January 2, providing opportunities for sportsmen and women to pursue elk, deer, pronghorn, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and spring turkey in Wyoming’s vast landscapes. While some initial deadlines have passed, several application windows remain open, urging hunters to act promptly to secure their spots in the competitive draw process.
Deadlines for applications vary by species and residency status. Nonresident elk applications closed on February 2, as did those for resident and nonresident spring turkey. However, opportunities persist for resident and nonresident moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat, with submissions accepted until April 30. Applications for resident and nonresident deer and pronghorn are due by June 1, and resident elk applications follow the same June 1 deadline. Nonresident elk applicants had the option to modify or withdraw their submissions through May 8.
Additional limited-quota opportunities include wild bison, with applications opening March 2 and closing April 30. Fall turkey, trapping, sandhill crane, and Springer pheasant applications opened April 1 and close June 1. Draw results are scheduled at various points: May 21 for moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and nonresident elk; June 18 for antelope, deer, and resident elk. Preference point applications for eligible species run from July 1 to November 2.
Hunters are encouraged to leverage online tools to strategize their applications. The department’s Hunt Planner offers interactive maps, species-specific hunt information, drawing odds, harvest data, and public access details, enabling informed decisions on game management units (GMUs). Understanding drawing odds from previous years helps gauge competitiveness, though actual outcomes vary annually based on applicant numbers and quotas.
Wyoming’s draw system ensures equitable distribution of limited-quota licenses, serving as a key tool for wildlife conservation through regulated hunting. Licenses are issued via an automated random selection process. Applicants select first, second, or third hunt area choices, with careful planning boosting success odds. Applications are submitted electronically via the Game and Fish customer account portal, linked to a sportsperson ID.
Distinctions exist between “apply” for draw licenses and “buy” for general licenses. Draw quotas are set by wildlife managers based on herd objectives, harvest data, public input, and Game and Fish Commission approval. Party applications allow groups—up to six for elk—to apply together, using a shared party ID.
The process begins with assigning two random numbers and preference points to each application. Preference-point averages apply for parties. In preference-point draws, 75 percent of licenses go to highest-point holders (with random tiebreakers), even if zero points; the remaining 25 percent enter random draws. First choices are prioritized.
For nonresident elk, 16 percent of quota allocates to nonresidents, split into landowner, special, and regular draws. Landowner first, then 40 percent special (75/25 pref/random), 60 percent regular similarly. Second-pass randoms fill remnants. Residents get the greater of 84 percent quota or total minus nonresident issuances, with random draws prioritizing first choices.
Deer and pronghorn (antelope) follow similar resident-first (80 percent quota), then nonresident splits. Leftover draws randomly allocate unclaimed licenses without preference impact, open to mixed parties.
Preference points enhance odds for nonresidents in elk, deer, antelope, moose, bighorn sheep; residents for latter two. Accumulate by applying yearly (July-Oct. 31), maintain every two years. For example, in a prior nonresident full-price elk preference-point draw for Hunt Area 1 Type 4 (nine licenses), an applicant with four points succeeded as the sole four-point entrant.
This structured system balances access with sustainable management, ensuring Wyoming’s wildlife resources thrive for future generations. Hunters should review all details and apply soon for remaining seasons.
For more information, visit Wyoming Game and Fish Department.