Big game hunting in the Sheridan Region will end on Jan. 31 with the closure of several late-season cow/calf elk seasons. Data from check stations and field checks have not yet been compiled, but area wildlife managers have some overviews of this year’s seasons.

“Deer harvest in the Buffalo and Kaycee area was pretty good,” said Zach Turnbull, Buffalo wildlife biologist. “Many of the deer I checked were in better body condition than in past years, which is good to see. Antelope harvest was about average, but elk hunting was more challenging this year, possibly due to the long warm fall. However, hunters saw more success as the season progressed.”

“Around Sheridan, harvest of elk, especially in Hunt Area 37, likely improved compared to previous years,” added Sheridan Wildlife Biologist Eric Maichak. "The 2024 Elk Fire appears to have improved presence and visibility of elk on national forest land, especially in the northern half of Hunt Area 37. With relatively light snow conditions, elk on the mountain face remained accessible to hunters even into December. Antelope harvest was average while several trophy deer, elk, and moose were harvested. On and off the mountain, 2025 has been a good year for antler growth and successful hunters.”

To help local wildlife managers get a more complete picture of this year’s hunting seasons, hunters are asked to complete harvest surveys.  These surveys are mailed out annually and ask recipients several questions about their hunt, including how many days were spent hunting, whether or not the hunter successfully harvested and more. 

Hunters who did not harvest an animal this year or get a chance to hunt, are still asked to complete the survey as that information is valuable for data analysis. Wildlife biologists evaluate all survey responses and use them to estimate hunter success rates, harvest rates and to inform future management decisions such as setting quotas, season dates or other regulations.