JACKSON – The Wyoming Game and Fish Department would like to notify hunters of changes to the 2025 elk hunting season on the National Elk Refuge (NER). These updates include adjustments to season dates, the addition of a new license type, and modifications to the permission slip application process. These changes aim to better distribute elk harvest among migrating segments of the herd. 

New Season Dates

The NER, located in Elk Hunt Area 77, will be open for elk hunting from November 1 to December 19. As in previous years, hunters can use an unused general license or any unused limited quota elk license, regardless of hunt area, to apply for a permission slip to hunt on the NER. The 2025 season structure is as follows: 

• November 1 - November 26: Hunters with a general elk license or an unused limited quota license can apply for a permission slip to hunt antlerless elk. All elk licenses except Type 8 are valid.
• November 27 - November 30: This period is designated for a youth-only elk hunt. Hunters with a youth license can apply for a permission slip to hunt any elk. Only full-price youth licenses (Type 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, General) are valid.

• December 1 - December 5: Hunters with a general elk license or an unused limited quota license can apply for a permission slip to hunt antlerless elk. All elk licenses except Type 8 are valid. 

   

Hunters can apply for permission slips for hunt periods within these date ranges. This year, hunt periods will run Monday-Thursday (4 days) and Friday-Sunday (3 days). A complete list of all hunt periods can be found on the Game and Fish website.

New Type 6 License

• December 8 - December 19: Only hunters holding the new Hunt Area 77 Type 6 license are eligible to apply for a permission slip to hunt cow or calf elk.

Hunters holding a Hunt Area 77 Type 6 license can obtain a permission slip for this hunt period anytime from November 1 - December 19.

Understanding the draw process

There are two ways to draw permission slips to hunt on the NER: the initial draw and weekly alternate draws. 

The initial draw 

The application period for NER permission slips opens on August 1st at 8 a.m. and the deadline to apply is September 18 at 11:59 p.m. for the initial draw. Hunters can apply through the Game and Fish website on the National Elk Refuge Elk Hunter Management Area webpage. During the initial draw, hunters are limited to one hunt period application but may pick up an additional permission slip from available leftovers on a first-come, first-served basis after the draw results are released on September 19th at 8 a.m. 

The alternate draws 

Hunters will also have a weekly opportunity to apply for a permission slip in the alternate draw. Hunters may apply once per week from October 20 through November 27. These weekly application periods open on Mondays at 8 a.m. and close on Thursdays at 11:59 p.m. Results will be posted on Fridays at 8 a.m. for the upcoming hunt periods. Any remaining permission slips will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis after the results are posted each Friday. 

As in previous years, hunters can only harvest one elk per day on the NER, and chronic wasting disease sampling is mandatory for any harvested elk. Before heading out on your hunt, please review the ranch rules.

For additional information, please visit the Game and Fish website or call the Jackson Regional Office at (307) 733-2321.