Wyoming Deer Season 2025-2026 New Schedule & Rules
Planning your adventure in the Cowboy State for the 2025-2026 cycle? This guide breaks down all the essential info you’ll need for pursuing mule deer and white-tailed deer, from application deadlines to season dates and key regulations. We’ve gathered the latest intel to help you navigate the process and get you out into Wyoming’s incredible public lands and wildlife habitats. Let’s giddy up and dive into the details!
Key Deer Species at a Glance
Wyoming is home to both mule deer and white-tailed deer. The state does not have native populations of black-tailed deer, elk (covered under separate seasons), or exotic species like axis or fallow deer. Management focuses on these two primary species. Here’s a quick look at the general framework for the 2025-2026 seasons .
| Species | Primary Season Types | General Opening Date | General Closing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | General, Limited Quota | Sept. 1, 2025 (Archery) | Varies by Hunt Area |
| White-Tailed Deer | General, Limited Quota | Sept. 1, 2025 (Archery) | Varies by Hunt Area |
Detailed Breakdown of All Deer Seasons 🗓️
Wyoming’s deer seasons are complex and vary significantly by specific Hunt Area. The information below provides a general overview based on the most common season structures. Always consult the official regulations for your specific Hunt Area before heading out .
🏹 Archery Season
- Dates: The statewide special archery period for most deer hunt areas runs from September 1, 2025, to September 30, 2025 .
- Details: This early season offers a challenging and rewarding way to pursue game during the warmer months. Hunters must possess a conservation stamp and an archery permit in addition to their valid license .
🔫 General Firearms Season
- Dates: The regular season dates vary dramatically by Hunt Area. For many areas, the general season for antlered mule deer or any white-tailed deer opens in October or November 2025 .
- Example: Hunt Area 1: Nov. 1 – Nov. 20, 2025.
- Example: Hunt Area 7: Oct. 1 – Oct. 15, 2025.
- Details: This is the most popular time for pursuing deer. Dates are strictly defined by area, so knowing your Hunt Area number is crucial.
🎯 Limited Quota & Antlerless Seasons
- Dates: Numerous limited quota seasons exist for “any white-tailed deer” (Type 3) and “doe/fawn white-tailed deer” (Type 8). Their dates are highly variable, with some opening as early as September 1 and others extending into December 2025 .
- Details: These hunts require specific, limited-quota licenses obtained through the draw. They are essential tools for population management in specific regions.
Other Deer-Related Game Information 🦌
Wyoming’s big game offerings are world-class. While this focus is on deer, applicants should be aware of other species with separate application processes and seasons .
- Elk: Applications for nonresidents opened January 2, 2025, and closed January 31, 2025. Resident elk applications are due May 31, 2025 .
- Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat: The application deadline for these species was April 30, 2025 .
- Wild Bison: Applications typically open March 1 and close April 30 .
Importantly, Wyoming does not have seasons for non-native or exotic deer species. All management is focused on native wildlife.
Wyoming Late Deer Seasons Snapshot
For a quick look at seasons that extend into the colder months. Always confirm dates for your specific Hunt Area and license type .
| Season Type | Example Hunt Area | Opening Date | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any Whitetail (Type 3) | Area 15 | Dec. 1, 2025 | Dec. 31, 2025 |
| Doe/Fawn (Type 8) | Area 27 | Dec. 1, 2025 | Dec. 31, 2025 |
Important Regulations to Know ✅
Staying legal is a key part of ethical sport. Here are some critical rules for the 2025-2026 cycle .
- Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD): Hunters who harvest a deer in any of the state’s CWD focus areas are strongly encouraged to get it tested. This information is vital for long-term monitoring and management efforts .
- Public Land Access: Hunt areas denoted with an asterisk (*) in the regulations have limited public access and are largely private lands. Always get permission before entering private property .
- Carcass Transport: Be mindful of regulations restricting the movement of certain carcass parts from CWD-affected areas to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Harvest Registration: Hunters are required to comply with harvest registration and reporting requirements for their specific license type.
License and Tag Information 🎟️
- Application Deadlines: The application period for deer and antelope for the 2025 season opened January 2 and closed May 31, 2025 .
- Leftover Draw: A leftover drawing for any remaining deer licenses is typically held. The application period for this was scheduled for June 23-27, 2025 .
- Where to Buy: Licenses are primarily available online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s application system .
- Fees (Non-Resident Examples):
- Deer Regular License: $389
- Deer Special License: $1,215
- Deer Youth License: $125
- Deer Doe/Fawn License: $49
- Note: A $15 non-refundable application fee is included in these prices. A 2.5% card processing fee is additional.
License Requirements 📋
- Residency Status: Different fees and application deadlines apply for residents and non-residents .
- Hunter Education: Typically required for all hunters born on or after January 1, 1966.
- Conservation Stamp: Required for all hunters over 14 years of age .
- Archery Permit: Required to hunt during the special archery seasons .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: I missed the main draw. Can I still get a license?
A: Yes! After the main and leftover draws, any remaining licenses are sold on a first-come, first-served basis starting in July .
Q: Can I use my general deer license anywhere in the state?
A: No. General licenses are often valid only in specific Hunt Areas. You must carefully check the limitations printed on your license and the regulations for that area .
Q: What is the difference between a “regular” and “special” license?
A: The license itself is identical and grants the same privileges. The “special” license is a more expensive application fee that gives non-residents access to a separate, often less competitive drawing pool with better odds for certain species like elk .
Q: Are there youth hunts?
A: Yes, Wyoming offers reduced-cost youth licenses for deer and other species. Specific youth seasons are not always defined separately from general seasons, so consult the regulations .
Q: Where can I find a map of Hunt Areas?
A: The Wyoming Game and Fish Department provides detailed Hunt Area maps on their website through their Hunt Planner tool .
Conclusion
Wyoming offers a fantastic and diverse experience for pursuing mule deer and whitetails, from early archery periods to late-season antlerless opportunities. Success hinges on understanding the draw system, knowing your Hunt Area regulations inside and out, and always prioritizing ethical and legal practices. The key to a great trip is thorough preparation using the official resources.
Always confirm all dates, rules, draw results, and zone information directly with the official WGFD Regulations at https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Regulations before your hunt, as changes may occur.
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