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Wyoming Elk & Deer Application Deadlines: Resident and Nonresident
Nonresident elk closes first. For 2026, WGFD listed the nonresident elk application period as Jan 2 to Feb 2, closing by midnight MT on the deadline date. Resident elk and all deer ran Jan 2 to Jun 1. Check WGFD's application dates page before applying. 2026 dates; 2027 pending
Last verified Oct 23, 2026.
| Draw | Species | Residency | Applications open | Application deadline | Results | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonresident elk draw Modify/withdraw through May 8. Preference point only: Jul 1 - Nov 2. WGFD wording: online applications must be submitted "by midnight mountain time (MT) on the deadline date" (https://wgfapps.wyo.gov/elsapplication/docs/ApplicationDatesDeadlinesPrices.htm); 23:59 MT shown as end-of-day equivalent. | elk | nonresident | , by midnight MT on the deadline date Passed, 2027 dates pending | (tentative) | Official sourceMore info based on 2026 dates, confirm when 2027 announced Last verified 2026-10-23 | |
| Resident elk draw WGFD wording: online applications must be submitted "by midnight mountain time (MT) on the deadline date" (https://wgfapps.wyo.gov/elsapplication/docs/ApplicationDatesDeadlinesPrices.htm); 23:59 MT shown as end-of-day equivalent. | elk | resident | , by midnight MT on the deadline date Passed, 2027 dates pending | (tentative) | Official sourceMore info based on 2026 dates, confirm when 2027 announced Last verified 2026-10-23 | |
| Deer draw Nonresident deer preference point only: Jul 1 - Nov 2. WGFD wording: online applications must be submitted "by midnight mountain time (MT) on the deadline date" (https://wgfapps.wyo.gov/elsapplication/docs/ApplicationDatesDeadlinesPrices.htm); 23:59 MT shown as end-of-day equivalent. | deer | resident, nonresident | , by midnight MT on the deadline date Passed, 2027 dates pending | (tentative) | Official sourceMore info based on 2026 dates, confirm when 2027 announced Last verified 2026-10-23 |
Key dates (2026 dates; 2027 pending)
| Application | Application period | Modify/withdraw by | Tentative results | Preference point only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonresident elk | Jan 2 – Feb 2 | May 8 | May 21 | Jul 1 – Nov 2 |
| Resident elk | Jan 2 – Jun 1 | Jun 1 | Jun 18 | Not listed |
| Resident deer | Jan 2 – Jun 1 | Jun 1 | Jun 18 | Not listed |
| Nonresident deer | Jan 2 – Jun 1 | Jun 1 | Jun 18 | Jul 1 – Nov 2 |
Applications must be submitted by midnight MT on the deadline date. Source: WGFD application dates, deadlines and prices; also WGFD dates and deadlines.
Preference points
WGFD lists the preference point only period for nonresident elk and nonresident deer as Jul 1 – Nov 2 (WGFD). 2026 dates; 2027 pending.
Nonresident elk closes early
WGFD sets a separate nonresident elk period that closed Feb 2 in 2026, while resident elk and deer applications stayed open to Jun 1 (WGFD). If you're a nonresident, plan your elk application for January.
Guide requirement in wilderness areas
Under W.S. 23-2-401, nonresident big or trophy game hunters in designated wilderness must be accompanied by a licensed professional guide or a resident guide, at least 1 guide per 2 nonresidents (WGFD).
Find a licensed Wyoming outfitter
All 291 Wyoming outfitters in the 2026 state directory. 234 of them mention elk in their directory listing, for example: 157 Outfitters, 18Ninety Outfitters, 3S Outfitters, LLC, 6x6 Outfitters, 7D Ranch Outfitting, LLC..
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FAQ
When is the Wyoming nonresident elk deadline?
Wyoming Game and Fish lists the 2026 nonresident elk application period as January 2 through February 2, with applications due by midnight MT on the deadline date and draw results around May 21. Resident elk and all deer applications ran January 2 through June 1. (2026 dates; 2027 pending.) Source: WGFD application dates, deadlines and prices.
When are Wyoming elk draw results?
WGFD listed tentative 2026 results for nonresident elk on May 21, and for resident elk and deer on June 18. (2026 dates; 2027 pending.) Source: WGFD application dates, deadlines and prices.
Can I change my Wyoming application?
WGFD listed 2026 modify/withdraw deadlines of May 8 for nonresident elk and June 1 for resident elk and for deer. (2026 dates; 2027 pending.) Source: WGFD application dates, deadlines and prices.
When can I buy Wyoming preference points?
WGFD lists the preference point period for nonresident elk and nonresident deer as July 1 through November 2. Preference points can only be bought during that window. (2026 dates; 2027 pending.) Source: WGFD application dates, deadlines and prices.
Do nonresidents need a guide to hunt elk in Wyoming?
In designated wilderness areas, yes. Under W.S. 23-2-401, nonresident big or trophy game hunters in designated wilderness must be accompanied by a licensed professional guide or a resident guide, at least 1 guide per 2 nonresidents. Source: WGFD.
How do I check a Wyoming outfitter's license?
Search the outfitter on the Wyoming State Board of Outfitters and Professional Guides outfitter search. Our Wyoming profiles come from the 2026 state directory and link to that search. Source: Wyoming outfitter search.