Wyoming Bow Hunting: Elk, Mule Deer & Antelope
📅 2026 Season & License Info
Archery Season Open
September 1
Archery Season Close
September 30
Min Draw Weight
None specified
Resident License
$36/yr + tags
Non-Resident License
$797+ combo
Top Species
Elk, Mule Deer, Pronghorn, Black Bear, Bison
📍 Top Public Hunting Spots
Shoshone National Forest
Elk, Mule Deer, Bear, Bighorn
America's first national forest. Absolute wilderness hunting. Bears and elk in abundance.
Bridger-Teton National Forest
Elk, Mule Deer, Moose, Bear
Jackson Hole and Star Valley. World-class elk and mule deer. Some units require guides.
Thunder Basin National Grassland
Pronghorn, Mule Deer, Elk
NE Wyoming. OTC pronghorn archery. Mule deer and elk also present in some areas.
⚖️ Wyoming Archery Regulations
- •Non-residents hunting elk on national forest land in some areas must have a licensed guide — verify by unit
- •Pronghorn archery tags often OTC or easy draw
- •Elk and mule deer typically require draw in top units
- •Resident/non-resident tag costs differ dramatically
💡 Expert Tips for Wyoming
- →Wyoming archery pronghorn hunting (late August–September) is one of the best DIY bowhunts available
- →Non-residents may need a guide for elk in wilderness areas — research unit-specific requirements carefully
- →Shoshone National Forest produces consistent 350+ inch bulls in September
- →Thunder Basin pronghorn provide exciting spot-and-stalk bowhunting on open plains
🏛️ Official Wildlife Agency & Sources
Hunting seasons, tag quotas, and bag limits are established by state wildlife agencies and change annually. For official regulations, proclamations, and license purchases, consult:
Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD)
Official State Wildlife Agency
Status: 2026 Season Guide
Wyoming Bowhunting FAQ
Do non-residents need a guide to hunt elk in Wyoming?
It depends on the hunt area. Wyoming law requires non-residents to use a licensed guide when hunting elk, deer, bighorn sheep, moose, or mountain goat in wilderness areas (Forest Service, BLM, or state lands designated as wilderness). However, non-residents CAN hunt without a guide on non-wilderness national forest land, state land, and private land. Always verify the specific unit's requirements before booking a trip.