Important Note: The anticipation for hunters has been building for months, but the time has come or is rapidly approaching as seasons for big and small game are about to open across Wyoming. Please note, current and ongoing fire conditions throughout the state may change some of this information. We will be sending statewide and regional updates out as necessary to update the public on the most-current hunting conditions for their area on our Wildfire Impact page.

Pronghorn

Herds in the western portion of the Laramie Region in hunt areas 50, 51 and 52 are still recovering from long-term drought conditions as well as the 2022-23 winter. However, in the central part of the region populations are doing well, and license issuance has increased in hunt areas 42, 44, 45, 46, 46 and 48. Grassland herds within the Laramie Plains and east of the Laramie Mountains, which include hunt areas 11, 34, 38 and 103 have declined over the past seven years, along with notable decreases in fawn production. Decent buck numbers remain in these herds, but older animals will be hard to find. Mild winter conditions reduced stress on pregnant does, however, lack of spring and summer precipitation did not bode well for fawn survival, especially east of the Laramie Range. Overall, pronghorn hunting opportunities within the Laramie Region will be similar to previous years. 

Mule deer

Mild winter conditions most likely had a positive effect on herds throughout the region, especially compared to the previous winter. Herds throughout the region are all below their population objectives which translates to less opportunity and harder hunting conditions. CWD continues to slowly increase across herd units. The Goshen Rim herd has the highest prevalence at 39% and herds that were at 9% five years ago are now around 15%.  

Hunters taking to the field in Hunt Area 70 need to be aware that the area is under mandatory CWD sampling. Wildlife biologists, wildlife technicians and game wardens will be in full force throughout the seven-day season collecting CWD samples at check stations in the field to assist hunters with collection efforts.  

Elk

Populations remain above objectives with ample harvest opportunities throughout the region. The Type 8 license was new in 2024 in hunt areas 3, 6, 7 and 8. This reduced price cow/calf license is unlimited in number, however, hunting limitations in each hunt area vary so hunters are encouraged to read the regulations so they are familiar with the differences. Bull hunting opportunities continue to be favorable throughout the region, even in general hunt areas.  Given hunting pressure on public land, hunters should be prepared to pursue elk in areas that are a fair distance from well-traveled roads and trails. Look for additional access opportunities on properties enrolled in the Game and Fish Access Yes program, and be sure to secure a permission slip if needed.

Bighorn sheep

Hunting should be excellent. Hunter success was 100% in hunt  areas 18 and 21 and 90% in hunt Area 19. The average age ram harvested was 8 years old in hunt areas 19 and 21, and 7 years old in hunt area 18.  

Moose

Hunters with moose licenses are expected to have excellent hunting opportunities in the Snowy Range herd. Harvest success across Type 1 and Type 4 licenses continues to be exceptional, and the herd maintains high bull ratios and good calf production.  

Upland game

Below-average precipitation across the region should result in average to below-average brood survival for upland game birds, particularly sharp-tailed grouse, pheasants and sage-grouse. Dusky grouse should be in better shape given decent precipitation events in the higher elevations as well as vegetation recovery within the Mullen Fire. Game and Fish will continue to stock pheasants for the Springer Special Hunt, as well as for the general season throughout November and a portion of December, on the Springer Wildlife Habitat Management Area and in areas enrolled in the Access Yes program. Release sites will be available to the public prior to Nov. 1, which is the opening date for the general pheasant season.