CHEYENNE - The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has compiled the 2026 Hunt Forecast for each region. These forecasts provide predictions for species numbers, as well as other important information for hunters preparing to go out.
Game and Fish encourages the hunting community to observe respectful conduct on public and private lands, and by adhere to the required ethical practices outlined in our state’s regulations.
Current regulations, access requirements, and other important information can be found on the Game and Fish regulation page.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department tests samples for CWD to improve our understanding of the distribution of the disease in Wyoming and better understand herd health and population dynamics. Information regarding CWD testing, including mandatory and recommended testing areas, can be found on the CWD testing page.
Per Wyoming state statute, Game and Fish does not release the information of individual hunter harvests to protect privacy.
Regions are listed in alphabetical order for this forecast.
CASPER REGION
Pronghorn
Pronghorn populations in the Casper Region have generally increased in recent years. Herds around Casper are at or near population objectives, while herds from Douglas to Lusk to Sundance remain below objective but are increasing. Following declines from 2018-23 caused by harsh winters, poor fawn survival and disease, improved fawn production and mild winters have helped populations recover. Fawn production was exceptional in 2024 and near average in 2025, while adult overwinter survival has remained high.
A few more any-antelope and doe/fawn licenses were issued in 2026. Hunters should experience average to high harvest success due to strong buck ratios and conservative license issuance. Exceptional drought conditions in 2026 have concentrated pronghorn around water sources and agricultural fields.
Mule Deer
Mule deer populations have remained stable or increased slightly but remain well below management goals. Poor survival caused by drought, habitat changes, disease and predation continues to limit population growth.
Buck ratios remain high in most herds, and hunters in limited quota areas and on private land should experience good success. Public-land hunters in General License areas have also seen improved success in recent years, although seasons remain conservative. Limited quota Hunt Areas (HAs) 10, 22, 34 and 89 generally produce older bucks with modest trophy potential.
Above-average fawn production in 2024 and 2025 has helped stabilize or slightly increase most herds, but several more years of good production and survival will be needed to substantially improve populations.
Within the region, HAs 1-14 and 21 are a priority for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) sampling, while HA 34 requires mandatory CWD sampling for all license types.
White-tailed Deer
White-tailed deer populations suffered substantial Epizootic Hemorrhage Disease (EHD) related die-offs in 2021 and, to a lesser extent, 2022. Numbers began rebounding in 2023, but EHD was detected again throughout much of the region in 2025, with HA 65 impacted most heavily. Several white-tailed deer license quotas in central/eastern Wyoming were reduced for the 2026 season.
Most white-tailed deer in central and eastern Wyoming occur on private land. The Black Hills are the notable exception, where populations are increasing but remain below objective. Hunters should expect moderate success, particularly on public land in the Black Hills.
Within the region, HAs 1-14 and 21 are a priority for CWD sampling, while HA 34 requires mandatory sampling for all license types.
Elk
Elk populations remain above objective throughout the Casper Region, allowing hunting seasons to remain liberal in most areas. The region continues to offer excellent bull-hunting opportunities, with many limited quota areas providing high harvest success and older age-class bulls.
Type 1 and 2 "any elk" hunters should see good success in 2026. Hunters pursuing younger bulls with Type 2 and 3 licenses in HAs 113, 117 and 122 should also find decent opportunities, but should check regulations for specific season dates and bull restrictions. Antlerless elk hunting should again be good, although public-land hunter numbers can reduce success compared to private land.
The most notable change is the Area 7, Type 2 license is now valid for any elk. Unlimited Type 8 licenses are available for HAs 7, 113, 116, 117, 122 and 126, but Game and Fish recommends purchasing these licenses only if private-land access has been secured.
The Casper Region is requesting CWD samples from harvested elk in HAs 1, 116 and 117.
Game Birds
Gray partridge and chukar populations declined substantially in 2025. Sage-grouse populations remain stable but are expected to decline due to low poult production.
Wild turkey populations should be good throughout the region, with the best public-land opportunities in the Black Hills. Blue grouse hunting should be decent in central portions of the region, while ruffed and sharp-tailed grouse hunting is expected to be average in the northern and eastern parts of the region.
CODY REGION
Spring and summer conditions throughout the region varied greatly across topography. Lower-elevation Bighorn Basin habitats received lower-than-average spring/summer precipitation and above-average temperatures, generating relatively poor habitat conditions in these locations. Higher elevation mountain habitats experienced average to above average precipitation and higher-than-average temperatures, which have yielded good habitat conditions overall within these more montane habitats. The 2025–26 winter was one of the mildest winters in recent history, with below average snowfall and above-average temperatures. The varied climate and associated habitat conditions across the Cody region will provide a mix of benefits and challenges to the wildlife species within the Cody region.
Pronghorn
Pronghorn populations were stable to increasing within the Bighorn Basin going into the fall of 2025. Fawn ratios varied across the region, with the Carter Mountain (78, 79, 81, 82) and Fifteen Mile (77, 83, 110) herds having lower fawn ratios than the 5-year average, and Badger Basin (80) and Copper Mountain (76, 79, 114, 115) herds having higher fawn recruitment than the 5-year average. Additionally, Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) was documented in several locations in the southern portion of the Bighorn Basin. As mentioned in the introduction, lower elevation habitats within the Bighorn Basin received less-than-average precipitation and above-average temperatures, resulting in poor quality habitats, whereas montane habitats received good precipitation and had higher quality habitat available. Therefore, pronghorn that utilize high elevation migrations should experience good habitat and body condition going into winter. However, pronghorn that remain in the lower elevations and poorer quality habitats of the Bighorn Basin will not be in as good of body condition going into the coming winter. Early classification efforts and field observations suggest pronghorn may have shifted distribution more to agricultural fields and moved to higher elevation areas in search of better habitat conditions. Hunters who drew pronghorn licenses this year should expect similar hunting conditions to last year overall.
Deer
Winter survival appears to be close to average throughout much of the region. Focal herd data suggests overwinter fawn survival was higher in the North Bighorn mule deer herd than in the Upper Shoshone herd. Classification efforts in late 2025 and early 2026 demonstrated increased fawn ratios in the western portions of the Cody region, predominantly in the Absaroka Mountain mule deer herds. Bighorn Basin and Bighorn Mountain mule deer experienced stable to declining fawn recruitment. To date, most mule deer herds within the region are currently below population management objectives. As mentioned previously, mule deer herds utilizing migratory strategies will be in better body condition to survive winter than those that employ residential strategies. Prolonged drought and increasing chronic wasting disease prevalence have had a negative impact on Bighorn Basin deer herds over the past several years. Hunters should expect conditions and success to be similar to the 2025 season.
The primary change in deer seasons for the 2026 season was a significant reduction in white-tailed deer licenses to address lower white-tailed deer populations resulting from recent outbreaks of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD). Other notable changes for mule deer seasons are related to wildlife disease monitoring and can be found in the “Wildlife Disease Management” section.
Elk
Most herds continue to perform well within the region, with a majority of the herds at or above objective. Based on improved high-elevation precipitation and early field observations, calf production seems to be similar to last year. Because of this, elk hunters should expect good elk hunting within the Cody region again this year.
Notable changes to elk seasons include a reduction in bull elk licenses in Hunt Areas 51 and 54 resulting from decreasing population trend counts over the past 3 years, and an increase in Hunt Area 66 Type 6 elk licenses to move this portion of the Cody elk herd toward its management objective. Additionally, to better assess the age structure in bull elk within Hunt Area 61, managers are asking that all bull hunters submit teeth (lower center 2 incisors) from their harvested animals, fill out a data card, and submit it back to the Department. There are some minor changes regarding elk disease monitoring that can be found in the “Wildlife Disease Management” section.
Moose
Moose herds within the region have been performing better over the past several years. The Bighorn Mountain moose population in Hunt Area 42 are performing well. During the fall of 2025 moose trend counts, managers observed numbers that exceed the current trend objective. Data collected for Hunt Area 9 in the Absaroka herd suggests good calf production in 2025, cameras are still out in the field capturing 2026 data. Managers are observing a slight increase in moose numbers in Hunt Area 11, particularly within the Sunlight Basin area. Moose hunters fortunate enough to have drawn a license should expect good moose hunting conditions and success in 2026. Moose hunters are encouraged to provide teeth from their harvested animals (lower center 2 incisors) to assist the Department in their moose management program. Additionally, hunters are encouraged to bring in their harvested moose head to allow the Department to collect CWD samples and carotid artery worm samples to better monitor disease in moose populations.
Bighorn sheep
The Absaroka (Hunt Areas 1–5) and Devil’s Canyon (Hunt Area 12) herds are located within the region. Sheep numbers are within management objectives for the Absaroka herd and have remained stable over the past 5 years. In the summer of 2025, managers conducted a bighorn sheep survey that resulted in an estimated population of 4,790, which was very similar to the 2020 estimate of 4,750. Absaroka herd licenses were similar except for an increase of 5 ram licenses in Hunt Area 5. This increase in licenses was due to a significant increase in adult rams counted during the 2025 summer population flights. For the second consecutive year, the number of bighorn sheep counted within the Devil’s Canyon herd has increased. It is estimated that the 2022 die-off reduced the Devil’s Canyon herd by 40%. Over the past two years, managers have observed increased total counts and promising lamb recruitment and are hopeful the herd will recover. Ram licenses within the Devil’s Canyon herd were slightly increased from 4 to 5 Type 1 licenses, and the newer Type 2 license was reduced from 4 licenses to 3 for any ram less than three-quarter curl. The Type 2 licenses are designed to focus harvest on younger rams to prevent them from foraying out of the Devil’s Canyon herd and potentially returning with new diseases. Those fortunate to have drawn bighorn sheep licenses within the region should enjoy good hunting this fall.
Mountain Goat
The Beartooth herd (Hunt Areas 1, 3, and 5) is within its population management objective and is considered stable to increasing. Managers completed a recent mountain goat trend survey for this herd unit in August 2026 and counted a total of 188 mountain goats, a slight increase from the last good survey, which counted 151 in 2022. The 2026 season structure is designed to stabilize or slightly increase goats in Hunt Area 3 while maintaining harvest levels within Hunt Area 1. There was no change in mountain goat licenses for Hunt Areas 1 and 3 for the 2026 season. Those fortunate enough to have drawn a goat license should have a good goat hunt.
Upland game/small game
Upland game bird habitats experienced below average precipitation and above average temperatures during the spring and summer of 2026. Additionally, several wildfires in late summer/fall of 2025 significantly reduced partridge habitat in portions of the region. As a result, upland bird hunters should expect reduced numbers of chukar and gray partridge this year. Spring lek surveys and early observations from field managers suggest sage grouse production may have decreased compared to last year. Sage grouse hunting may prove more difficult this year than in 2025. The Department is placing sage grouse wing barrels out in the southern portion of the Bighorn Basin to primarily collect sage grouse wings. Hunters are encouraged to place any upland game bird wings in barrels when they encounter them to improve the Department’s knowledge of game bird populations within the Cody region. Wild turkey populations appear to be increasing across the Cody region. Fall turkey hunting should provide hunters with good opportunities to harvest a bird.
Wildlife disease management
Hunters are encouraged to assist wildlife managers in the collection of wildlife disease samples. If you receive a brucellosis sample kit in the mail, please carry the sample kit in the field and collect a blood sample. Targeted brucellosis sampling areas for the 2026 hunting season are: 39, 40, 41, 45, 47, 48, 49, 55, 56, 58, 59, 60, 61, 64, 65, and 66. Additionally, there are several priority chronic wasting disease sample collection hunt areas within the region. Hunters who harvest a deer or elk are encouraged to provide Game and Fish with a CWD sample or bring the head and a few inches of the neck to a check station or the regional office in Cody. Priority deer and elk areas include the Southwest Bighorn Deer Herd (HAs 35–37, 39, 40, 164), the Shoshone River Deer Herd (HAs 121, 122, 123), the Clarks Fork Deer Herd (105, 106, 109), the North Bighorn Deer Herd (24, 25, 27, 28, 50, 51, 52, 53), and the North Bighorn Elk Herd (35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40). Additionally, the Cody region has mandatory CWD sampling in effect in Hunt Area 164 for License Types: General, 1, 3, 6, and 7, and mandatory CWD sampling in effect in Hunt Areas 105, 106, and 109 for License Types: 1, 3, and 8. Please submit samples at a Game and Fish check station, brucellosis cooler, or the Cody regional office, or call the regional office at (307) 527-7125 to make arrangements.
Public Access
There are some public access changes that Cody region hunters should be aware of this year. The Pitchfork Hunter Management Area (HMA) has been reduced by 1,200 acres due to a change in land ownership. Newell Springs HMA has increased in size by 1,000 acres due to a new landowner joining the Access Yes program. Finally, the Kirby Creek HMA is closed again this year due to drought conditions and to allow recovery from last year’s Red Canyon wildfire. Hunters, please make sure to check the WGFD website to see all current HMA boundaries and rules. OnX layers will also be updated to reflect recent access changes.
GREEN RIVER
Pronghorn
The Green River Region is home to six pronghorn herds, and overall numbers remain below
desired levels across much of the region. However, slowly rebounding populations and
improved buck ratios offered opportunities to increase Type-1 licenses in certain hunt areas
within the region. The regions only special management herd, the Bitter Creek herd, has had
suppressed fawn production and is slower to recover than some adjacent herds. Overall,
population levels continue to warrant a conservative approach to Type 1 license issuance. Even
though a mild winter conditions that were experienced in the region can prove favorable for horn
growth, ongoing drought conditions may have an impact on what hunters see in the field this
Season.
Mule Deer
The Wyoming Range, Uinta, and Baggs mule deer herds experienced substantial mortality on
winter ranges during the winter of 2022-23. However, these herds have begun to rebound and
fawn production has been exceptional with a couple mild winters. Even with the recovery
missing age classes will likely be evident in the age structure, particularly among the older deer
typically sought by hunters. With these trends in the population, modest increases in opportunity
can be seen across the region’s general seasons. The South Rock Springs deer herd, which
includes hunt areas 101 and 102, avoided the most severe winter conditions experienced
elsewhere in the region during 2022-23. Consequently, hunters in these areas should have a
better chance of encountering older bucks, if they were lucky enough to draw a license.
Elk
Elk populations remain strong throughout the Green River Region, with most herds currently at
or above established population objectives. Hunters should continue to experience generally
good elk hunting opportunities within both limited quota hunt areas and general season hunt
areas in the region. General season structures in the region remain liberal, particularly with
additional opportunity to harvest antlerless elk. Cow hunting remains an important management
tool throughout much of the region where additional harvest is needed to bring elk populations
closer to desired objectives.
Moose
The Green River Region contains two moose herds. In the core habitat of the Lincoln moose
herd, primarily hunt area 26, hunters should expect to have very good opportunities across Type
1 and Type 4 licenses. The Uinta herd (hunt areas 27, 35, and 44) has seen some shifts in
objective trends that warranted slight reductions in Type 1 licenses. Good opportunities for
mature bulls should still be available.
Small Game and Upland Game
Small-game hunters should find cottontail rabbit opportunities comparable to recent years
throughout much of the region. Cottontails remain an underutilized hunting resource, and rabbits
continue to be observed across suitable habitats, although current numbers do not suggest a
major population increase. Snowshoe hare opportunities are more limited because suitable
habitat is restricted within the region, but hunters willing to explore higher-elevation areas can
still find opportunities.
Dusky grouse should provide good opportunities in the Sierra Madre Mountains and Wyoming
Range. Ruffed grouse can be found along the north slope of the Uinta Mountains, including
portions of the Wasatch National Forest, as well as in suitable habitat within the Wyoming
Range. Sage-grouse lek counts conducted this spring were slightly lower than the previous
year. However, continued dry weather through late summer and early fall could negatively affect
brood survival and overall production prior to the September hunting season. Hunters should
therefore expect to spend considerable time locating sage grouse, but quality hunting
opportunities remain available in suitable habitats. Limited opportunities for partridge are also
present throughout the region.
JACKSON REGION
Deer
Mule deer in the Jackson Region migrate to winter ranges outside of the Region, where strong fawn and buck ratios have been observed over the last two years. Seasons remain conservative following above-average winter mortality during 2022-23, although each herd has recovered at different rates. The Sublette herd is nearing its objective range, while the Wyoming Range population continues to grow after having a larger deficit to overcome. Deer seasons continue to improve, and although fewer deer occupy the landscape than in Fall 2022, body condition and antler growth are impressive. Hunters should note the four-point antler restrictions and updated nonresident region boundaries. For white-tailed deer, hunters without access secured should be aware that public-land harvest opportunity remains very limited.
Elk
Elk herds in the Jackson region remain within their established population objective ranges, and hunters should expect relatively stable opportunities compared to recent years. Bull numbers and quality will continue to be monitored in relation to the recreation management objectives. Hunters should expect elk distribution to continue playing an important role in harvest success. Mild winters can keep elk dispersed and delay migration, while severe winter conditions can push elk onto winter ranges earlier in the season. Overall, expect similar hunting experiences this year, with elk distribution, migration timing, and, in some cases, access remaining key factors in harvest success.
Moose
Moose hunting opportunity in the Jackson Region continues to be restrictive, as managers closely monitor signs of herd performance. Hunters should expect high bull ratios in the Jackson herd, although finding mature bulls during the hunting season can be challenging. The Pack Trail fire has not yet produced obvious changes in moose movements. Mandatory tooth submission is a new requirement for 2026 in Hunt Areas 16 and 37, to provide better information on the age structure of harvested bulls to inform future management decisions. Overall, opportunity should remain consistent with hunter success and moose distribution continuing to vary among hunt areas.
Bighorn Sheep
Bighorn sheep hunting opportunities are very herd specific. Hunt Area 6 remains very restrictive to ensure the opportunity to harvest mature rams for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, while maintaining management objectives. In contrast, Hunt Area 7 continues to support strong opportunity, with mature rams consistently documented and 90% hunter success in 2025. Difficult terrain, backcountry travel, and dispersed sheep can make the hunt challenging. Ewe harvest will continue to play an important role in population management, with the goal of reducing the risk of pneumonia outbreaks. Overall, hunters should expect excellent opportunities this fall.
Mountain Goat
Mountain goat numbers remain low following a substantial population decline in 2020. Counts have stabilized but have not rebounded. As a result, quotas remain low however, trophy-class billies continue to be available, with high hunter success and older males harvested in recent years.
Wild Bison
The Jackson wild bison herd is at the upper end of the population objective, with continued growth expected given high cow and calf numbers. Hunting access is challenging regardless of herd size because bison are only available for harvest when they migrate onto the National Elk Refuge, Bridger-Teton National Forest, and, in some cases, limited private lands. Type 4 licenses are important for managing population growth, but bison movement should be closely monitored throughout the season because access can change rapidly. Mature bull numbers and quality have declined in recent years, and Type 1 hunters are encouraged to harvest any legal wild bison when an opportunity arises, as another opportunity may not come. Overall, harvest success will remain highly dependent on weather and bison movement.
LANDER REGION
Pronghorn
After the mild winter of 2025/26, pronghorn continue to recover from the extraordinarily severe winter conditions in 2022/23. Though we are seeing some population recovery, hunters should expect buck numbers and quality to be lower than in years prior given the significant mortality event during that bad winter and dry winter and extraordinarily dry summer conditions this year. License numbers remain relatively low but were increased slightly in 2026. Those hunters that drew a license should expect good harvest success with a bit more effort to select a buck from fewer animals.
Deer
Throughout most of the region, mule deer populations continue to languish. With several years of reduced fawn recruitment resulting in the loss of at least three age classes, mule deer numbers remain below management objectives. Antler-point restrictions were lifted this year to provide more harvest on proportionally high buck numbers and to potentially guard against spread of CWD. Hunters will have opportunities for similar harvest success as in past years — mostly with young bucks. Continued any white-tailed deer seasons are in place in the Dubois, Lander, Riverton and Jeffrey City areas. Hunters should expect similar mule deer hunting and success to last year.
Elk
Elk populations are doing well across the region. Last year’s calf production remained on par with previous years and should result in continued, robust numbers. Observed bull numbers remained strong during mid-winter surveys. If favorable weather conditions are realized during the fall, hunters should experience excellent harvest opportunities.
Moose
Moose are at or below desired levels and the hunting season framework includes continued conservative quotas. Winter counts in the Dubois country continue to yield fewer moose and remain at historically low levels. Hunters fortunate enough to draw a license can expect good harvest success in the region.
Bighorn sheep
Lamb production in the Whiskey Mountain herd was higher than in previous years, but is still low and continues to be a concern. Those who draw a tag in these areas should expect reasonable success depending on their expectations. The Ferris-Seminoe herd, Hunt Areas 17 and 26, continues to grow and has reached its objective. As a result, license issuance for ewes/lambs was increased for the 2026 season. Type 2 licenses valid for rams <¾ curl are used again in 2026 to increase harvest on the male segment of the herd to reduce the probability of foraying rams outside the herd unit. Hunting should be excellent this fall!
Upland game
Relatively dry and mild spring conditions are a mixed bag for sage grouse, and likely, dusky (blue) grouse, ruffed grouse, pheasants, chukars, and gray partridge productivity. So, it is likely hunters will see similar or reduced number of birds. Pheasant hunting at the Sand Mesa and Ocean Lake Wildlife Habitat Management Areas continues to be popular with hunters from throughout the state. The one-day youth hunt at Sand Mesa and Ocean Lake will be on Saturday, Nov. 14.
Small game
Cottontail rabbit populations seem to be down, in some places quite significantly. Snowshoe hares and red squirrels appear to be similar to 2025 within the region and opportunities for harvest should be good.
LARAMIE REGION
Pronghorn
Pronghorn populations are performing well throughout most of the region, with license issuance increasing in most Hunt Areas west of the Laramie Mountains. However, grassland herds east of the Laramie Mountains, including Hunt Areas 11, 34, 38, and 103, are experiencing severe drought conditions. While buck numbers remain decent in these herds, pronghorn may be more difficult to locate due to a scarcity of water on the landscape. Overall, hunting opportunities within the Laramie Region will remain similar or better than previous years.
Mule Deer
Mild winter conditions likely benefited mule deer herds throughout the region. Adult buck numbers are strong in the Platte Valley and Sheep Mountain herds; however, a warmer-than-average fall could lead to difficult hunting conditions. Hunting in the Shirley Mountains and Laramie Range should be consistent with past years. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) continues to slowly increase across herd units. The Goshen Rim Herd Unit currently has the highest prevalence at 36%. Other herds that averaged less than 10% five years ago have risen to approximately 15%, representing a concerning trend for mule deer populations.
Hunters in Hunt Areas 15, 61, 74, 75, 76, and 77 must be aware that these areas are under mandatory CWD sampling. Wildlife biologists, technicians, and game wardens will be active throughout the season at check stations to assist with collection efforts. More information will be forthcoming regarding check station locations, CWD head box locations, and other sampling sites for harvested mule deer.
Elk
Populations remain above objective, providing ample harvest opportunities throughout the region. The Type 8 license, introduced in 2024 for Hunt Areas 3, 6, 7, and 8, will continue in 2026. This reduced-price cow/calf license is unlimited in number; however, limitations vary by Hunt Area, so hunters are encouraged to review the regulations. Bull hunting opportunities remain favorable across the region, including in general hunt areas. Given the hunting pressure on public land, hunters should be prepared to pursue elk at a distance from well-traveled roads and trails. Look for additional access on properties enrolled in the Game and Fish "Access Yes" program, and ensure you secure a permission slip if required.
Bighorn Sheep
Hunting should be excellent throughout the Laramie Region. Hunter success reached 100% in Hunt Areas 18, 21, and 26, and 91% in Hunt Area 19. The average age of harvested rams was 8 years old in Hunt Areas 19 and 21, and 7 years old in Hunt Area 18.
Moose
Hunters with moose licenses can expect excellent opportunities in the Snowy Range Herd this fall. Harvest success for Type 1 and Type 4 licenses continues to be exceptional, as the herd maintains high bull ratios and healthy calf production. Vegetation regrowth following the Mullen Fire is also expected to improve moose habitat.
Upland game
Below-average precipitation across the region is expected to result in average to below-average brood survival for upland game birds, particularly sharp-tailed grouse, pheasants, and sage grouse. Dusky (blue) grouse should fare better due to higher elevation precipitation and vegetation recovery in the Mullen Fire area. Game and Fish will continue stocking pheasants for the Springer Special Hunt, as well as for the general season through November and early December on the Springer WHMA and "Access Yes" areas. Release sites will be announced prior to the November 1 opening of the general pheasant season.
Weather Conditions
While winter conditions were mild, spring and summer precipitation has been below average, especially at lower elevations. Consequently, range conditions are poorer than in previous years.
PINEDALE REGION
Pronghorn
The Pinedale region encompasses the northern portion of the Sublette pronghorn herd and includes hunt areas 87-91 and 101. This portion of the herd continues to display effects of the 2022-23 winter, when cold temperatures, elevated snowfall and a pneumonia outbreak all combined, leading to the loss of over half of the herd’s population. In response, all doe/fawn harvest was eliminated, and buck tags were cut by 80% to maximize the potential for herd recovery. The 2026 license allocations remain conservative, but hunters lucky enough to draw a pronghorn license will have lots of public land to roam and should experience high success rates.
Mule Deer
Portions of the Sublette and Wyoming Range mule deer herds are managed in the Pinedale region, including hunt areas 130, 138-143, 153 and 154. Both herds include relatively large populations with special management strategies designed to provide high quality hunting opportunities, and large-antlered, older-aged deer are harvested annually. While several harsh winters have complicated population recovery over the last decade, both populations are currently in an upswing, with the Sublette herd likely hitting its population objective this year. Hunters willing to put in the time and effort should be rewarded with an opportunity to harvest a trophy-class mule deer buck from abundant public lands in the Pinedale region.
White-tailed Deer
While mule deer are far more prevalent in the Pinedale region than white-tailed deer, small populations of white-tails may be found generally near riparian habitats, and all deer hunt areas in the region offer the opportunity for hunters to harvest white-tailed deer during the general season. Additionally, 50 type 3 licenses provide the opportunity to harvest any white-tailed deer from October 1st through November 30th in hunt areas 138-143.
Elk
Nearly 10,000 elk in three herds are managed by the Pinedale region. Liberal seasons provide hunters with ample opportunity, especially for antlerless elk, with all general seasons in the region providing opportunity to harvest a cow or calf elk until November 20th in 2026. While bull harvest in 2025 was around average, with many nice bulls taken, cow elk harvest was down in 2025 due to warmer than average conditions during late fall coupled with a lack of snow during the season. Elk hunting in Pinedale during 2026 should offer excellent opportunities.
Moose
The Sublette moose herd is managed under a ‘special’ management strategy to provide hunting opportunities while maintaining an average harvest age of 4 years for bulls to maintain trophy quality. This herd has a winter trend count objective of 1,500 moose, and the population has been stable to slightly increasing over the last decade. A total of 125 bull and 5 antlerless licenses were offered in Pinedale region for the 2026 hunting season. Hunter success averaged 93% over the past five years, and should be very high again during the 2026 season.
Bighorn Sheep
The Darby Mountain bighorn sheep herd and a portion of the Whiskey Mountain herd are managed by the Pinedale region. The Darby sheep herd (ha 24) population appears to remain relatively stable over the last several years, and in 2026, one license for any ram in ha 24 will be issued to one resident. In the Whiskey herd, the overall population is struggling due at least in part to chronic pneumonia and poor lamb recruitment. However, non-migratory bighorn sheep numbers observed during winter flights in ha 8 remain stable. Due to low harvest success and a high effort per harvest over the last several years, the number of licenses has declined. A total of two licenses will be issued for any ram in 2026 in ha 8 to one resident and one nonresident, and two carryover resident licenses as a result of the Dollar Lake fire last fall will also be valid.
Small Game
Observations of male sage grouse on leks during spring of 2026 indicate populations are declining, so hunters should expect to get plenty of exercise while chasing sage grouse in the Pinedale region this fall. Decent populations of dusky (blue) and ruffed grouse can be found in the forested habitats of the Pinedale region, providing hunting opportunity from September through December. Additionally, rabbit hunters can chase cottontails and snowshoe hares until the end of March, though populations continue to appear depressed in recent years. Late season hunters need to be mindful of winter range closures in some areas that begin in November and December.
SHERIDAN REGION
This spring started off with fair moisture but quickly turned hot and dry by mid-June. We are currently (mid-August) in moderate to extreme drought conditions across the region. These conditions may result in animals moving to any areas with succulent forage such as private irrigated meadows. These dry conditions have also elevated wildfire risk. Hunters are urged to use caution when parking vehicles to avoid tall vegetation or be aware of muzzle flash and surrounding vegetation.
Pronghorn
Pronghorn herds across the Sheridan Region decreased in the late 2010s through the early 2020s due to prolonged drought, disease (Mycoplasma bovis, epizootic hemorrhagic disease and bluetongue virus) and harder than usual winters. While most populations are below objective they have been trending upwards the last couple of years. The mild winter of 2024-25 and favorable range conditions helped with fawn production. This year the winter was almost nonexistent with fair moisture during the spring. This year’s seasons are similar to the last couple of years with some areas having slight increases in quotas. These adjustments should help populations reach desired levels while still maintaining ample harvest opportunities for hunters. Land ownership in much of the region is predominantly private land and access to public lands is difficult, so hunters are encouraged to make arrangements for private land access early (often a year or more in advance). Hunter densities on many accessible tracts of public land can be high, especially on opening day and weekends. Hunters who plan hunts later in the season or mid-week often see less crowding.
Mule deer
Mule deer numbers in the Sheridan Region trended downward since 2019 and all herd units are below objective. Poor range health, drought, severe winters and disease have contributed to this decline. Observed fawn ratios around the region have improved since 2023, allowing these populations to stabilize and slowly increase where habitat conditions allow. While there is significant desire to increase deer numbers, in some areas range conditions are poor enough that they could not support additional deer on the landscape at this time. Multiple habitat projects are ongoing to improve habitat conditions. Hunting seasons for 2026 are similar to the previous year. Antler point restrictions are in place for 2026 in hunt areas 19, 25, 29 and 31. Hunters should expect difficult access to private lands and some overcrowding on accessible public lands. Some access opportunities for deer and pronghorn are available on walk-in hunting and hunter management areas. These areas can be found under the public access tab on the Game and Fish website.
White-tailed deer
Numbers are starting to rebound from back-to-back EHD and bluetongue virus outbreaks in 2021 and 2022. Managers are still managing this population with liberal hunting seasons to address damage to private property and high browse pressure on mountain shrub communities. Private land refugia and subdivision development along riparian corridors has made white-tailed deer management a challenge for managers in multiple locations. Hunting seasons and quotas in 2026 look similar to previous years. Most white-tailed deer are found on private land with limited public land hunting opportunities. Landowners are encouraged to reduce deer densities through hunter harvest to address damage complaints, browsing pressure on shrub communities and help limit CWD prevalence and spread. Hunters should be aware CWD prevalence often exceeds 30% in white-tailed deer in the Sheridan Region.
Elk
There has never been a better time to hunt elk in the Sheridan Region. Hunt areas are at or slightly above population objectives and managers have set liberal hunting seasons to encourage antlerless elk harvest. In two hunt areas, 123 and 129, there continues to be a type 8 license offered that allows hunters the opportunity to purchase an unlimited number of cow/calf elk licenses which are valid only on private land. Hunters who were successful in drawing a limited quota elk license in one of the many hunt areas that make up the Bighorn Mountains should have plenty of opportunities to harvest an elk. Off the Bighorn National Forest, most of the hunting opportunities are found on private land and hunters are reminded to secure access prior to their hunt. Access to these private lands can be difficult.
Moose
For those lucky few who drew a limited quota moose license, hunting should be excellent this fall. Moose in the Bighorn Mountains are doing well with a good number of mature bulls on the landscape. Moose quotas were increased in 2026, especially in Hunt Area1, to take advantage of the current moose population numbers and quality.
Upland game
A very mild winter, combined with some limited, well-timed spring precipitation, has been favorable for upland game brood rearing in 2026. Residual nesting cover was good and many biologists and game wardens have reported seeing broods this summer. While sage-grouse hunting in the majority of the region is closed , hunting for other game bird species should be fair to good. Wild turkey numbers are doing well and liberal seasons allow hunters to have up to three fall turkey licenses until the Type 3 quota is exhausted. The Sheridan Bird Farm had another excellent year and pheasants will be released throughout the season on publicly accessible land. For those who hunt in those areas where pheasants are released, don’t forget to purchase your Pheasant Management Stamp.