Wyoming hunting guide

License year: 2026 and 2027. Each fact shows its own license year, source and the date we checked it. Always confirm with Wyoming Game and Fish Department before you apply.

Key facts

2026 nonresident elk draw (incl. special and cow/calf) — opens
Jan. 2, 2026 Source: WGFD Application Dates, Deadlines and Prices (ELS). License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
2026 nonresident elk draw (incl. special and cow/calf) — closes
Feb. 2, 2026 (midnight MT) Source: WGFD Application Dates, Deadlines and Prices (ELS). License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
2026 nonresident elk draw (incl. special and cow/calf) — results
May 21, 2026 (tentative) Source: WGFD Application Dates, Deadlines and Prices (ELS). License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
2026 nonresident elk draw (incl. special and cow/calf) — last day to modify
May 8, 2026 Source: WGFD Application Dates, Deadlines and Prices (ELS). License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
2026 nonresident deer draw — opens
Jan. 2, 2026 Source: WGFD Application Dates, Deadlines and Prices (ELS). License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
2026 nonresident deer draw — closes
June 1, 2026 (midnight MT) Source: WGFD Application Dates, Deadlines and Prices (ELS). License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.

Topics

What changed

2026
Moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat and wild bison draw results moved to a tentative May 21 Source: WGFD 2026 Hunting License Application Information, p. 1. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
2026
Tentative seasons were not in the application packet; hunters were pointed to the 2025 regulations and archery dates on the Hunt Planner, with final season information published May 1 Source: WGFD 2026 Hunting License Application Information, p. 9. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.

Wyoming hunting questions

When is the Wyoming nonresident elk application deadline?

2026 nonresident elk draw (incl. special and cow/calf) — opens: Jan. 2, 2026. 2026 nonresident elk draw (incl. special and cow/calf) — closes: Feb. 2, 2026 (midnight MT). 2026 nonresident elk draw (incl. special and cow/calf) — results: May 21, 2026 (tentative). 2026 nonresident elk draw (incl. special and cow/calf) — last day to modify: May 8, 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026. Source: WGFD Application Dates, Deadlines and Prices (ELS).

Can I still buy a Wyoming preference point for 2026?

Buy preference points only (nonresident elk, deer; all point species) — opens: July 1, 2026. Buy preference points only (nonresident elk, deer; all point species) — closes: Nov. 2, 2026 (midnight MT). Checked Oct 26, 2026. Source: WGFD Application Dates, Deadlines and Prices (ELS).

Do nonresidents need a guide in Wyoming?

Wilderness guide: Nonresidents may not hunt big or trophy game in a designated wilderness area unless accompanied by a licensed professional guide or a resident guide (a resident guide may guide no more than 2 hunters per calendar year in wilderness). Checked Oct 26, 2026. Source: WGFD 2026 Antelope, Deer and Elk Hunting Regulations.

Who needs hunter education in Wyoming?

Required if born on or after: Jan. 1, 1966. Checked Oct 26, 2026. Source: WGFD 2026 Antelope, Deer and Elk Hunting Regulations.

Wyoming elk and mule deer draw odds by unit: past results from each state agency, with the source for every number.