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About Bison Hunting in Wyoming

In 2022, Wyoming Statute §23-1-302 was amended that any person issued an "any wild bison" license (Type 1) shall be considered a once-in-a-lifetime license.  If you drew a Type 1 in 2017-2021 and were unsuccessful in harvesting, you maintain eligibility for a Type 1 or Type 4. If you drew a Type 1 license in 2017-2021 and successfully harvested a bull, that is your once-in-a-lifetime.

In 2022, Wyoming Statute §23-2-107 was amended to any person issued a “cow or calf, Type 4” license, then you must wait five (5) years to apply or receive another wild bison license.  If you drew a Type 4 in 2017-2021 and successfully harvested a cow or calf, then you must wait five (5) years to apply or receive another wild bison license.

Bison hunting in the Jackson area is currently limited to portions of the Bridger-Teton National Forest, the National Elk Refuge, small parcels of state-owned land and potentially some private lands with landowner permission. One complication of this bison hunt is the animals often roam between lands that are open to hunting and those that are not, including National Park Service lands. Hunters can access National Forest Lands adjacent to Grand Teton National Park only through public access routes.

Applicants successful in drawing a wild bison license can apply for a permit to hunt the National Elk Refuge. The application process for National Elk Refuge hunting permits is conducted in cooperation with the National Elk Refuge prior to the start of the hunting season. Applications are available through, Access Yes Program. Alternate permits will also be available during each hunt period through the Department’s website.