Are you ready for hunting season? If you want to target White-tailed and Mule deer, Wyoming is the place to be Before you get out there, you’ll need to know when the seasons start and what weapons and licenses you need to hunt in Wyoming legally. So let’s dive in and take a look at Wyoming hunting season 2023.
Season Dates
Wyoming’s specific deer hunting season opening and closing dates can vary yearly and depend on the specific hunting zones and weapon types. Therefore, it’s essential to consult the Wyoming Game and Fish Department or the official hunting regulations for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Here is a general overview of the regular deer hunting season dates in Wyoming:
| Archery Season | General Deer Season | Late Season (Firearm) |
|---|---|---|
| Opens Early September | Opens mid-October | Some limited areas offer late-season hunting opportunities |
| Closes late September or early October | Closes late November or early December | Opens in late November or early December |
| Closes in late December or early January |
It’s crucial to note that these dates can change, and different hunting zones and licenses may have specific variations in their season dates and durations.
Licensing & Bag Limits
Purchasing the correct license is vital if you want to hunt in Wyoming legally. Remember that an application fee is attached to each license purchase. Residents must pay a $5 application fee when they apply for a license, and non-residents will pay an application fee of $15. Below is a list of how much resident and non-resident licenses cost:
| License / Tag Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Non-residentNon-resident Landowner | $374 |
| Non-resident Doe/FawnNon-resident Landowner Doe/fawn | $34 |
| Non-resident Special | $662 |
| Non-resident Youth | $110 |
| Non-resident Youth Landowner Doe/Fawn | $19 |
| Non-resident Landowner | $110 |
| PioneerPioneer Doe/FawnPioneer Landowner Doe/FawnPioneer Landowner | $7 |
| Pioneer HeritagePioneer Landowner Heritage | $26 |
| Pioneer Heritage Doe/FawnPioneer Landowner Heritage Doe/Fawn | $18 |
| ResidentResident Landowner | $42 |
| Resident Doe/FawnResident Landowner Doe/Fawn | $22 |
| Resident YouthResident Youth Landowner Doe/Fawn | $15 |
| Resident Youth Landowner | $14 |
Deer hunting bag limits in Wyoming vary depending on the hunting zone and type of deer. Generally, for both mule deer and white-tailed deer, the bag limit is typically one buck per hunter per year during the general firearm season.
Bag limits may vary in limited quota and special management areas. Therefore, it’s important to consult the official hunting regulations and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department for the most accurate and up-to-date information on bag limits for deer hunting in Wyoming.
What Weapons can you Hunt Deer Within Wyoming?
When deciding what weapon you want to hunt with, you must know each weapon’s requirements. To check for more details on weapon requirements, take a look at the Important Hunting Information section on the Wyoming regulation page. Here is a brief outline of the regulations you need to adhere to:
Firearms:
| Weapon | Details |
|---|---|
| Shotguns | Loaded with slugs or 00 or a larger Buckshot. |
| Centerfire rifle | 0.22 Caliber and up with a magnum load or centerfire cartridge. |
| Handguns | 43 caliber and down with a barrel no longer than four and a half inches. |
Bow and Arrow:
| Weapon | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrows | Arrow must be 24 inches in length. |
| Broadheads | Broadheads can be fixed with two blades and must be ⅞ inches wide at its widest point. |
| Bow characteristics | LongBow minimum draw weight for hunting deer is 50 lbs and a draw length of 28’. Recurve Bows’ minimum draw weight is 35 lbs. |
Crossbow:
| Weapon | Details |
|---|---|
| Crossbow draw weight | Crossbows have a draw tension that exceeds 30 lbs and must be mechanically safe. |
| Arrows/ bolts | The arrow/ bolt must be at least 16 inches, excluding the broad head. |
| Broadheads | Must be ⅞ inches at the widest point. |
Muzzleloading Rifle:
| Weapon | Details |
|---|---|
| Powder | black powder or black powder substitute only. |
| Caliber | A single barrel of.45 caliber or greater. |
| Legal projectile | Muzzleloaders can be smoothbore or rifled. |
| Ignition | Matchlock, flintlock ignition system, percussion ignition system with a primer or percussion cap, or a wheel-lock. |
What Types of Deer Are Popular in Wyoming?
Mule deer and white-tailed deer are the two most common varieties of deer for hunters in Wyoming. Here’s how you can identify each species:
Mule deer are the most popular species in the American West. They are distinguished by their enormous ears, mule-like look, and magnificent antlers. Mule deer may be found across Wyoming in various environments, including hilly areas, sagebrush plains, and foothills. In addition, Wyoming is well-known for its trophy mule deer hunting, bringing sportsmen from all across the country.
White-tailed deer are also found in Wyoming but are less common than mule deer. They are usually found in river bottoms, riparian habitats, and agricultural grounds. The white tail of a white-tailed deer flashes as it is startled. While not as common as mule deer in Wyoming, white-tailed deer provide thrilling hunting possibilities for individuals specializing in this species.
What Else is Popular to Hunt in Wyoming?
In addition to deer, Wyoming offers a variety of popular hunting opportunities for a range of species. Here are some of the other popular game animals to hunt in Wyoming:
- Elk
- Pronghorn Antelope
- Bighorn Sheep
- Black Bear
- Mountain Lion (Cougar)
- Moose
- Wild Turkey
- Upland Game Birds (including grouse and sage grouse)
- Waterfowl (including ducks and geese)
- Small Game (including rabbits and squirrels)
These species provide diverse hunting experiences and attract hunters from around the country. It’s essential to check the specific hunting regulations, seasons, and license requirements for each species from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to ensure compliance and a successful hunting trip.