Basically, that's right. Wyoming statute says nonresidents must have a licensed guide or resident companion to hunt big or trophy game in federally designated wilderness areas. The resident companion will need to get a free non-commercial guide license from a Game and Fish office. The law does not prohibit nonresidents from hiking, fishing or hunting game birds, small game, or coyotes in wilderness areas. Only nonresident big and trophy game hunters must have a licensed guide or resident companion.

There really aren't any secrets, but an understanding of the drawing process may be of benefit. In a nutshell, some areas are easier to draw than others. If there is a truism about drawing, it is that public land areas are generally more difficult to draw than private land areas. It's not unusual for public land antelope areas to have three or four residents apply for every license. For nonresidents, it's even more difficult. If you apply for a license in a private land area, you’ll almost always improve your odds of drawing.

Yes. The crossbow must have a minimum ninety (90)-pound draw weight and a bolt of at least sixteen (16) inches in length equipped with a broadhead or expanding point designed to have a minimum cutting width of one (1) inch after impact.

Game and Fish regulations are designed to minimize the possibility of spreading Chronic Wasting Disease by controlling the transportation of carcasses between hunt zones. Resident and nonresident hunters who take a deer, elk or moose within the CWD zone and wish to transport that carcass outside of the CWD zone must ensure the head and all portions of the spinal column are either left at the site of the kill or disposed of in an approved landfill. Evidence of sex and species are required in accordance with the provisions found in the current hunting regulations.

Pepper spray, often referred to as bear spray, has a good track record against bear attacks. Most bear experts think your chances of avoiding injury are better with pepper spray as your means of defense rather than a gun. The larger canisters- 8 ounces or more- carried in a readily accessible holster, are recommended. Keep in mind the spray is to be used in the event of an attack only. It is not to be used like insect repellent or to spray around a campsite to repel bears.

Guides must be employed by, or under contract with, a licensed outfitter and the hunting license must be signed on the back by that outfitter.

You may contact the State Board of Outfitters at (800) 264-0981, or look for the list on the State of Wyoming Board of Outfitters website by clicking here. Hunters should request to see the outfitter license to ensure they are authorized to operate in the area you are hunting.