Wyoming Merriam's Turkey Day Hunt

Big Game

Wyoming’s most big game licenses are limited quota tags allocated by a lottery draw, especially for non-residents. Residents have broader access to General licenses for deer and elk, which are sold over-the-counter (OTC) but also participate in drawing for other species.

Wyoming uses a preference point system for many big game draws to improve odds for persistent applicants. For non-resident elk, deer, and pronghorn, 75% of each hunt area’s tags go to the highest point holders and 25% are allocated randomly. Hunters can buy a point annually (usually July–Oct) if they don’t draw.

There is also an opportunity for participating in a special (more expensive) draw resulting in better draw odds.

Archery hunting licenses are considered to be an easier draw in comparison with the rifle ones, but also require purchasing an additional archery license, which can be bought online, with local Game and Fish offices and license-selling agents.

If there are any remaining unwanted tags from all resident and nonresident draws, they are added to the Leftover License Draw, which is usually happening in summer.

Major species include:

• Elk & Deer: Offered in general areas (OTC for residents; limited draw for non-residents) and limited quota hunts (draw-only tags for specific units) Non-residents are capped to a percentage of tags (e.g. ~15% of elk tags) and must apply by the winter deadline. Residents can also draw limited-quota tags or use general licenses in open areas. The application deadline for non-resident Elk is typically Jan 31.

• Pronghorn Antelope: All antelope tags are limited quota by hunt area (draw required). Application is in early summer (June).

• Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat & Bison - very limited tags issued by lottery for both residents and non-residents

• Black Bear and Mountain Lion: the licenses are generally OTC by area, but seasons run until a quota is reached in each area. Harvest must be reported.

• Wild Turkey: Many areas allow an OTC General Turkey license while some regions or extra seasons use limited quota licenses and require drawing.

Small Game

Wyoming requires a Game Bird/Small Game license for hunting small game animals (such as upland birds, migratory birds, rabbits, squirrels, etc.). This license is available OTC for both residents and non-residents.

Migratory bird hunters must also have a Wyoming Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit together with a Federal Duck Stamp

Sandhill Crane hunts require a special permit obtained via lottery for designated hunt areas.

Documents needed

• Big Game General license / Small Game license
• Species tags
• Conservation stamp (bought OTC and valid for 1 year)
• Hunter Education Certificate
• Archery permit

Minimum Hunter Age

The minimum age to hunt big or trophy game in Wyoming is 12 years old, there is no minimum age to hunt small game or upland/game birds. All youth under 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

More information

• wgfd.wyo.gov - Wyoming Game & Fish