How to Get a Wyoming Hunting License
Getting a Wyoming hunting license starts with understanding one important difference: Wyoming does not issue one universal license that covers every species. Instead, hunters generally need a species-specific license, such as a deer, elk, antelope, or game bird/small game license, along with the required Conservation Stamp.
Wyoming also has a hunter education requirement based on your birth date. If you were born on or after January 1, 1966, you generally must complete an approved hunter education course before hunting unless you qualify for the state’s Hunter Mentor Program. Your hunter education certificate is permanent once earned, while hunting licenses and the Conservation Stamp must be renewed as required.
Here’s how to get your Wyoming hunting license, what it costs, and what you need before heading into the field.
What Is a Hunting License in Wyoming?
Wyoming uses a species-specific licensing system rather than a single general hunting license. Depending on what you plan to hunt, you may need a deer, elk, antelope, game bird/small game, or other species license.
Most hunters also need a $21.50 Conservation Stamp in addition to their hunting license. The stamp is required regardless of residency and is separate from your hunter education certificate.
Your hunter education certificate serves a different purpose. It proves that you’ve completed the required safety training, and once issued, the certification does not expire. Your hunting license, however, is tied to the applicable license year and must be renewed when required.
Who Needs a Hunting License in Wyoming?
Anyone age 12 or older who hunts wildlife in Wyoming generally needs the appropriate species license.
Hunter education requirements are separate from the minimum licensing age. If you were born on or after January 1, 1966, you generally need an approved hunter education certificate unless you qualify for an exception such as the Hunter Mentor Program.
The basic requirements include:
- Born before January 1, 1966: You are generally exempt from Wyoming’s hunter education requirement.
- Born on or after January 1, 1966: You must complete approved hunter education unless an applicable exception applies.
- Young hunters: Certain younger hunters can participate through Wyoming’s Hunter Mentor Program with the required authorization and qualified supervision.
- Licensed hunters: You generally need the appropriate species license and Conservation Stamp before hunting.
Always check the current Wyoming Game and Fish Department regulations for the species and hunt area you’re planning to pursue.
How to Get a Wyoming Hunting License
The process is relatively straightforward once you know which species and hunting method you plan to use.
1. Complete Hunter Education if Required
If you were born on or after January 1, 1966, complete an approved Wyoming hunter education course unless you qualify for the Hunter Mentor Program or another exemption.
Wyoming’s online course option includes an in-person component. Completing the online material alone does not finish the certification process.
2. Choose the Species You Want to Hunt
Wyoming licenses are generally specific to the species you’re pursuing. Common choices include:
- Deer
- Elk
- Antelope
- Game birds and small game
- Moose
- Bighorn sheep
- Other designated game species
The license you need depends on both the species and the type of hunt.
3. Check Whether You Need to Enter a Draw
Many Wyoming big-game licenses are distributed through an application and draw system. Deer, elk, antelope, moose, and bighorn sheep are among the species for which limited-quota licenses may apply.
Don’t assume that completing hunter education means you can immediately purchase any big-game license. Check the current application dates and license availability before making your hunting plans.
4. Purchase Your License and Conservation Stamp
Once you’ve determined which license you need, purchase it through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department or an approved license agent.
Remember to account for the $21.50 Conservation Stamp, which is required in addition to the applicable license.
5. Carry Your Required Documents
Keep your hunting license and required documentation with you while hunting. If hunter education applies to you, make sure your certification is properly recorded and available as required by Wyoming regulations.
How Much Does a Wyoming Hunting License Cost?
Wyoming’s hunting costs vary substantially depending on species and residency. Non-residents generally pay significantly more than residents for big-game licenses.
Some common license prices include:
| License | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Deer | $42 | $374 |
| Elk | $57 | $692 |
| Antelope | $37 | $326 |
| Game Bird/Small Game | $27 | $74 |
| Conservation Stamp | $21.50 | $21.50 |
| Archery License | $16 | $72 |
These prices are examples of common license categories and can change. Limited-quota hunts may also involve application and processing fees.
For the most accurate pricing, check the current Wyoming Game and Fish Department fee schedule before applying.
Wyoming Hunting License Requirements by Age
Wyoming’s rules combine age, residency, birth date, and hunting method. Here’s a simplified overview:
| Age/Status | General Requirement | Hunter Education |
|---|---|---|
| Under minimum licensing age | May qualify for mentored hunting for certain species | Mentor requirements may apply |
| 12–17, resident | Appropriate youth/species license | Required if born on/after Jan. 1, 1966 |
| 12–17, non-resident | Appropriate non-resident license | Required if born on/after Jan. 1, 1966 |
| 18+, resident | Species-specific license | Required if born on/after Jan. 1, 1966 |
| 18+, non-resident | Species-specific license | Required if born on/after Jan. 1, 1966 |
| Born before Jan. 1, 1966 | Appropriate license still required | Generally exempt |
| Qualifying disabled resident | Special licensing options may apply | Depends on birth date and applicable rules |
The exact license and age requirements can vary by species, so use the current Wyoming regulations for your specific hunt.
What Is Wyoming’s Conservation Stamp?
The Wyoming Conservation Stamp is an additional requirement for most hunters who purchase a Wyoming hunting license.
The stamp currently costs $21.50 and applies to both residents and non-residents. It is separate from the species-specific hunting license and hunter education certificate.
This is important when calculating your total hunting budget. For example, a resident deer hunter paying $42 for a deer license should generally budget another $21.50 for the Conservation Stamp.
Wyoming Hunter Education: What You Need to Know
Wyoming requires hunter education for people born on or after January 1, 1966, subject to applicable exceptions.
The Hunter-Ed Wyoming course provides the online portion of the state’s hunter education program. Hunters using this route must also complete Wyoming’s required in-person Internet Completion Course.
The training covers important topics including:
- Firearm safety
- Hunting ethics
- Wildlife conservation
- Wildlife identification
- Wyoming hunting laws
- Safe hunting practices
- Hunter responsibility
The hunter education certificate is different from your hunting license. Your certificate is a lifetime credential once issued, while your hunting license must be obtained for the applicable license year.
Can You Get a Wyoming Hunting License Online?
You can purchase many Wyoming hunting licenses online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
However, purchasing a license online does not eliminate other requirements. Depending on your age, birth date, species, residency, and hunt type, you may still need to:
- Complete hunter education
- Complete an in-person certification component
- Apply through a limited-quota draw
- Provide residency information
- Purchase a Conservation Stamp
- Pay applicable application or processing fees
It’s best to determine all of your requirements before purchasing your license.
What Documents Do You Need?
Have the necessary information available before applying for a Wyoming hunting license.
Depending on your circumstances, you may need:
- Proof of Wyoming residency, if applying for resident privileges
- Personal identifying information
- Proof of hunter education, if required
- Payment for your license
- Payment for the Conservation Stamp
- Information required for a limited-quota application
Non-residents should pay particular attention to Wyoming’s application deadlines because many popular big-game opportunities are limited.
Wyoming Hunting Draws and Limited-Quota Licenses
One of the biggest differences between Wyoming and states with simple over-the-counter licensing is the use of limited-quota draws.
Popular big-game hunts may have more applicants than available licenses. In those cases, hunters apply during a designated application period and licenses are allocated according to Wyoming’s draw system.
If you’re planning a Wyoming deer, elk, or antelope hunt, don’t wait until the season opens to start researching your license. Draw deadlines can occur months before the actual hunting season.
What Out-of-State Hunters Should Know
Non-residents can hunt in Wyoming, but license costs are substantially higher for many species.
For example, a resident deer license is listed at $42, compared with $374 for a non-resident deer license. Non-resident elk and antelope licenses are also considerably more expensive than resident licenses.
Non-resident hunters should also check whether their intended hunt is subject to a limited quota, application deadline, or additional requirements.
If you’re planning to hunt in designated Wyoming wilderness areas, additional guide requirements can apply to non-residents, so verify the rules for your specific hunt area before traveling.
Does Wyoming Accept Hunter Education From Other States?
Yes. Wyoming recognizes qualifying hunter education certifications from other jurisdictions.
If you’ve already completed a hunter education program in another U.S. state, Canadian province, or qualifying jurisdiction, you may not need to repeat the entire course to hunt in Wyoming.
However, recognition of your certificate does not replace Wyoming’s licensing requirements. You still need the appropriate Wyoming license and any required stamp, permit, or authorization for your hunt.
Wyoming Hunting Laws and Penalties
A hunting license is only one part of staying legal in Wyoming. Hunters must also follow the regulations governing seasons, hunt areas, bag limits, species, weapon restrictions, tagging, and harvest reporting.
Violations can result in fines, restitution, loss of hunting privileges, and other penalties. Serious wildlife violations can carry substantially more severe consequences.
Wyoming also participates in the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, meaning hunting privilege suspensions can have consequences beyond Wyoming.
Before hunting, review the current regulations for your species and hunt area rather than relying on rules from a previous season.
Start Your Wyoming Hunter Safety Course Before Applying
Getting a Wyoming hunting license is much easier when you work through the requirements in the right order.
If Wyoming’s hunter education requirement applies to you, complete your approved hunter education course and required in-person component first. Then identify the species and hunt type you want, determine whether a draw is required, and budget for both your license and the Conservation Stamp.
Start the Wyoming Hunter Education Course
Once your certification and licensing requirements are taken care of, you’ll be in a much better position to plan your Wyoming hunting season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a hunting license to hunt in Wyoming?
Yes. Hunters generally need a Wyoming species-specific license to legally hunt wildlife in the state. Most hunters also need the $21.50 Conservation Stamp.
How much does a Wyoming hunting license cost?
The cost depends on the species and residency. For example, a resident deer license costs $42, while a non-resident deer license costs $374. The $21.50 Conservation Stamp is an additional cost.
Who needs hunter education in Wyoming?
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1966, generally must complete an approved hunter education course unless an applicable exception, such as the Hunter Mentor Program, applies.
Can I take the Wyoming hunter education course entirely online?
No. Wyoming’s online course includes a required in-person Internet Completion Course. Completing the online portion alone does not complete the certification process.
What is Wyoming’s Hunter Mentor Program?
The Hunter Mentor Program provides a way for qualifying hunters, particularly younger hunters, to hunt certain species under the direct supervision of a qualified mentor without first completing the standard hunter education requirement.
Do I need a Conservation Stamp in Wyoming?
Yes, most hunters need the Wyoming Conservation Stamp in addition to their hunting license. The current cost is $21.50 for both residents and non-residents.
Can I use my hunter education certificate from another state?
Wyoming accepts qualifying hunter education certificates from other jurisdictions that meet applicable standards. However, an out-of-state certificate does not replace the need to obtain the appropriate Wyoming hunting license.
Can I buy a Wyoming hunting license online?
Yes. Many Wyoming licenses can be purchased through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s online licensing system. Some species, however, require an application through a limited-quota draw before a license can be obtained.
What is the minimum age to hunt big game in Wyoming?
The minimum age can depend on the species and circumstances. Wyoming allows certain young hunters to participate through its mentor program, while licensed big-game hunters must meet the applicable age, licensing, and supervision requirements. Always check the current regulations for the species you plan to hunt.