Regulations

January 16-17, 2025 - Commission Meeting
Cheyenne, WY

 

The following regulation will be presented to the Commission at their January meeting:

Chapter 66, Wyoming Bighorn/Domestic Sheep Plan Revision Rules
 

Review the regulation draft and statement of reason documents and submit public comments here.

 


View our most current regulations below.

While some regulations have been adopted by the WGF Commission, they are not effective until approved and signed by the Governor and filed at the Secretary of State's Office.  This can take up to 75 days, so please check back to obtain the final version.

Big Game

Big game species include antelope, whitetail deer and mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, moose and mountain goats.

Big Game

Big game species include antelope, whitetail deer and mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, moose and mountain goats.

Antelope Hunting Seasons
Chapter 5

This regulation establishes hunting seasons, dates, limitations, bag limits, special archery seasons and hunt area descriptions for antelope hunting seasons.  

2024 Antelope Hunting Seasons 

2024 Antelope Hunt Area Map

 


2024 Antelope Hunting Brochure

 

Deer Hunting Seasons
Chapter 6

This regulation establishes hunting seasons, dates, limitations, bag limits, special archery seasons and hunt area descriptions for deer hunting seasons.
 

2024 Deer Hunting Seasons 

2024 Deer Hunt Area Map



2024 Deer Hunting Brochure

 

 

Elk Hunting Seasons
Chapter 7

This regulation establishes hunting seasons, dates, limitations, bag limits, special archery seasons and hunt area descriptions for elk hunting seasons.   
 

2024 Elk Hunting Seasons 

2024 Elk Hunt Area Map



2024 Elk Hunting Brochure

 

 

Moose Hunting Seasons
Chapter 8

This regulation establishes hunting seasons, dates, limitations, bag limits, special archery seasons and hunt area descriptions for moose hunting seasons.

2024 Moose Hunting Seasons 

2024 Moose Hunt Area Map

Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goat Hunting Seasons
Chapter 9

This regulation establishes hunting seasons, dates, limitations, bag limits, special archery season and hunt area descriptions for bighorn sheep and mountain goat hunting seasons.
 

2024 Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goat Hunting Seasons 

2024 Bighorn Sheep Hunt Area Map

2024 Mountain Goat Hunt Area Map

 

 

Collection of Shed Antlers and Horns
Chapter 61

This regulation establishes a time period for the collection of shed antlers and horns from big game animals on public land west of the Continental Divide, excluding the Great Divide Basin.

Collection of Shed Antlers and Horns 

Antler Hunting Area Map

State Lands Closed to Antler Hunting

 

 

Apply for early access to the Spence & Moriarty WMA and Inberg/Roy WHMA below. Check early opening rules before applying.

 

Apply for Permission Slips

 

Baiting of Big Game Animals
Chapter 63

This regulation establishes a process for issuance of a baiting permit and specifications on the placement, duration and limitations on bait used for the taking of big game animals.

Regulation Governing Baiting of Big Game Animals

Wyoming Bighorn and Domestic Sheep Plan Revision Rules
Chapter 66

This regulation outlines the procedures required to make any amendment to the Wyoming Bighorn/Domestic Sheep Plan.

Wyoming Bighorn/Domestic Sheep Plan Revision Rules

General Hunting

This regulation outlines general hunting definitions, license types, shooting hours, bag limits, validation of carcass coupons and other general hunting information. This regulation is updated annually.
 

General Hunting Regulation 

 


 

General Hunting
Chapter 2

This regulation outlines general hunting definitions, license types, shooting hours, bag limits, validation of carcass coupons and other general hunting information. This regulation is updated annually.
 

General Hunting Regulation 

 


 

Firearm and Archery Equipment
Chapter 32

This regulation outlines legal firearm cartridges and archery equipment that may be used to take big game, trophy game, game birds and wild turkey.

Regulation Governing Firearm Cartridges and Archery Equipment

Areas Closed to Taking Wildlife
Chapter 43

Repealed in 2017
See General Hunting Regulation

Wildlife Violator Compact
Chapter 54

This regulation outlines the home state suspension procedure for entering a violator into the Wildlife Violator Compact.
 

Home State License Suspension Procedures for the Wildlife Violator Compact

Abandonment of Meat
Chapter 55

This regulation outlines a process to notify that customers have abandoned game meat at a processing plant for more than forty-five (45) days.  Procedures for disposal of abandoned game meat are also provided.

Abandonment of Meat at Meat Processing Plants

Trophy Game

Trophy game species included in this section are black bear, mountain lion, grizzly bear, and gray wolf where specifically designated as trophy game.

Trophy Game

Trophy game species included in this section are black bear, mountain lion, grizzly bear, and gray wolf where specifically designated as trophy game.

Black Bear
Chapter 3

This regulation establishes hunting seasons, dates, area mortality limits, provisions for the use of baits, special archery seasons and hunt area descriptions for black bear hunting.

Black Bear Hunting Seasons 

Black Bear Hunting Brochure
Black Bear Hunting Area Map
Black Bear Bait Map


Bear Bait Site First Come First Served begins April 5, 2023 at 8:00am

Bear Identification Quiz
Map-Primary Conservation Area for Grizzly Bears, as referenced in Chapter 3, Section 6(a)(vi)

Mountain Lion Hunting Seasons
Chapter 42

This regulation establishes hunting season dates, mortality limits, limitations, archery seasons and hunt area descriptions for mountain lion hunting seasons.

Mountain Lion Hunting Seasons
Mountain Lion Hunting Brochure
Mountain Lion Hunt Area Map

Gray Wolf Hunting Seasons
Chapter 47

This regulation provides for the hunting of gray wolves where designated as trophy game animals. 

Gray Wolf Hunting Seasons 
Gray Wolf Hunting Brochure
Gray Wolf Hunting Area Map

Notification of Grizzly Bear Relocation
Chapter 58

This regulation provides for public notification of grizzly bears relocated by the Department.

Notification of Grizzly Bear Relocation Regulation

Grizzly Bear Management Regulation
Chapter 67

This regulation provides for the management of grizzly bears in Wyoming to ensure a recovered population.

Grizzly Bear Management Regulation

Grizzly Bear Hunting Seasons
Chapter 68

This regulation establishes a process to issue grizzly bear hunting licenses, hunting regulations, hunting seasons and limitations, and descriptions for grizzly bear hunt areas. 

Grizzly Bear Hunting Seasons

Upland Game Bird, Small Game and Waterfowl

Regulations listed in this section cover hunting of all grouse species, Hungarian and gray partridge, pheasant, wild turkey, cottontail rabbit, red, grey and fox squirrels, and migratory game birds.

Upland Game Bird, Small Game and Waterfowl

Regulations listed in this section cover hunting of all grouse species, Hungarian and gray partridge, pheasant, wild turkey, cottontail rabbit, red, grey and fox squirrels, and migratory game birds.

Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons and Light Goose Conservation Order
Chapter 14

This regulation establishes hunting season dates, bag and possession limits and shooting hours for migratory game bird species (ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, sandhill crane, mourning dove, rail, snipe and Canada goose) and falconry seasons.  It also establishes rules for the taking of light geese during the Light Goose Conservation Order and addresses licensing, permitting and reporting requirements as well as season dates, specific limitations and shooting hours.
 

2024 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons and Light Goose Conservation Order 

2024 Migratory Game Bird Hunt Area Map

2024 Sandhill Crane Hunt Area Map

2024 Upland Game Bird and Small Game, Migratory Game Bird and Wild Turkey Hunting Brochure

USFWS Waterfowl Hunting and Baiting Information
HIP Permit


 

Wild Turkey Hunting Seasons
Chapter 20

This regulation establishes fall and spring wild turkey hunting season dates, limitations and hunt area descriptions.
 

2024/2025 Wild Turkey Hunting Seasons 

2024/2025 Wild Turkey Hunting Area Map

 

2024 Upland Game Bird and Small Game, Migratory Game Bird and Wild Turkey Hunting Brochure

Early Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons
Chapter 39

Repealed in 2016
See Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons and Light Goose Conservation Order

Light Goose Conservation Order
Chapter 48

Repealed in 2016
See Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons and Light Goose Conservation Order

Boating

Boating
Watercraft Regulation
Chapter 22

This regulation establishes rules governing watercraft registration processes, watercraft safety equipment requirements, provisions for boat races, regattas and water ski tournaments, waterway marking, personal watercraft, and waters on which the operation of certain watercraft is restricted or prohibited.

Watercraft Regulation  
Watercraft Regulation Brochure
Additional Boating Information

Aquatic Invasive Species
Chapter 62

This regulation establishes watercraft Aquatic Invasive Species inspections, decontamination procedures, impounding and quarantine procedures, mandatory reporting, and aquatic invasive species decal provisions.

Regulation for Aquatic Invasive Species 

Commercial Licenses

Wyoming statutes provide for commercial fur dealers, taxidermists, game bird farms and tanneries, and authorizes the Commission to promulgate rules to carry out statutory intents.  The following regulations provide for various commercial purposes.  

Commercial Licenses

Wyoming statutes provide for commercial fur dealers, taxidermists, game bird farms and tanneries, and authorizes the Commission to promulgate rules to carry out statutory intents.  The following regulations provide for various commercial purposes.  

Fur Dealers
Chapter 30

This regulation governs fur dealer licensing and record keeping requirements for licensed fur dealers.

Regulation Governing Fur Dealers

Taxidermists
Chapter 36

This regulation governs taxidermist licensing and record keeping requirements for licensed taxidermists.

Regulation Governing Taxidermists

Game Bird Farms
Chapter 40

This regulation governs game bird farm licensing requirements, holding facilities, notification of diseased game birds, release of game birds, record keeping, inspection of facilities by Department personnel and special competitive game bird hunts.

Regulation Governing Commercial Game Bird Farms
Commercial Game Bird Farm License (Initial Application Form)
Commercial Game Bird Farm License Renewal Form
Commercial Game Bird Farm Report
Game Bird Farm Special Competitive Hunt Application
Game Bird Certificate of Origin

Tanneries
Chapter 59

This regulation governs the use of Wyoming Interstate Game Tags and record keeping of all game specimens received by tanneries.  

Regulation Governing Tanneries

Greater Sage-grouse Raised on Private Game Bird Farms
Chapter 60

This regulation governs regulations for collection of Greater Sage-grouse eggs from the wild and Greater Sage-grouse raised on licensed and certified game bird farms.

Regulation Governing Greater Sage-grouse Raised on Private Game Bird Farms

Application for Game Bird Farm Certification to Raise Greater Sage-grouse

Gray Wolf Management

This regulation provides for the management of gray wolves, the dual designation of gray wolves as trophy game or predatory animals, lethal and non-lethal control of gray wolves designated as trophy game animals and issuance of legal take permits for gray wolves designated as trophy game animals.

Gray Wolf Management

Gray Wolf Management
Chapter 21

This regulation provides for the management of gray wolves, the dual designation of gray wolves as trophy game or predatory animals, lethal and non-lethal control of gray wolves designated as trophy game animals and issuance of legal take permits for gray wolves designated as trophy game animals.

Gray Wolf Management

Wild Bison

Wild Bison are designated as "wildlife", and are not included as big game animals.

Wild Bison Recreational Hunting Season
Chapter 15

This regulation establishes definitions, hunting seasons, dates, limitations and various other rules for hunting wild bison designated as wildlife.

2024 Wild Bison Recreational Hunting Seasons

2024 Wild Bison Hunt Area Map


Wild Bison Hunting Information

Bison Designated as Wildlife
Chapter 41

This regulation designates areas of Wyoming where bison are either designated as wildlife or as privately owned bison.

Bison Designated as Wildlife

Falconry

Falconry is the taking of quarry by means of a trained raptor and includes the taking of raptors from the wild to use in falconry and caring for, training and possessing live raptors.

Falconry and Raptor Propagation
Chapter 25

This regulation provides for specific definitions, falconry permits, facilities, care and equipment requirements, raptor capture licenses, banding of raptors, hunting with raptors and raptor propagation.

Falconry and Raptor Propagation Regulation
Additional falconry information and applications

Trapping

Trapping means the taking of furbearing animals or predatory animals by trap, snare or with a firearm or archery equipment.

Furbearing Animal Trapping
Chapter 4

This regulation establishes hunting or trapping season dates, locations and limitations for taking furbearing animals (badger, beaver, bobcat, marten, mink, muskrat or weasel).  Snare specifications, check periods for traps and snares, bobcat registration, trapping of non-target wildlife and trap identification numbers are also addressed in this regulation.

Trapping in Wyoming Information
Furbearing Animal Hunting or Trapping Seasons 
Furbearing Animal Hunting or Trapping Seasons Brochure
Fubearer Trapping Areas Map
Trapping ID Number Applications
Bobcat Management Areas
Bobcat Harvest Log

Trapping on State Lands.  Written permission from the Director of the Office of State Lands and Investments is required prior to trapping on any state lands.  (Not a part of the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission regulation governing trapping of furbearing animals.)

Additional Trapping Information Resources (Not a part of the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission regulation governing trapping of furbearing animals.)
AFWA Best Management Practices for Trapping (all furbearers)
Brochure regarding Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Trap Safety for Pet Owners (Know when trapping seasons are open. Understand trapping is a popular pastime or livelihood occurring throughout Wyoming, including along popular recreational trails. Read the above regulations to get more information or visit the nearest regional office.)
AFWA-approved North American Trapper Education Course

Fish

Wyoming Game and Fish Commission regulations provide for the take of game fish and set guidelines for private fish stocking, fishing preserves, fish hatcheries and landowner fishing lakes or ponds.

Fishing Regulation
Chapter 46

This regulation establishes fishing season dates, locations, legal methods, creel limits and limitations for all game fish species.  This regulation also addresses the possession and use of bait fish, fishing contests and free fishing days.

Fishing Regulations  (Chapter 46) 

Live Bait Regulation


2024 Fishing Regulations Brochure

 

Image
2024 Fishing Regulation brochure cover

 

 

 

Private Stocking of Cold-Blooded Wildlife
Chapter 49

This regulation establishes rules for stocking fish into private waters of Wyoming.

Private Stocking of Cold-Blooded Wildlife

Fishing Preserves
Chapter 50

This regulation establishes rules for licensing, acquisition of fish, transportation of live fish, methods of take, removal of unauthorized species and revocation of fishing preserve licenses.

Fishing Preserves

Private Fish Hatcheries
Chapter 51

This regulation establishes rules for licensing, facility inspections, record keeping, addressing escaped or fish disposal, stocking of fish or fish eggs, transportation of fish, notification of diseases, catchout ponds and license revocation of fish hatcheries.

Private Fish Hatcheries

Landowner Fishing Lakes or Ponds
Chapter 53

This regulation establishes permit provisions governing landowner fishing lakes or ponds.

Landowner Fishing Lakes or Ponds

License Information

These regulations address various aspects of hunting, fishing and trapping, license sales procedures, rules governing license selling agent and Wyoming Interstate Game Tag distributors.

Issuance of Interstate Game Tags
Chapter 29

This regulation governs Wyoming Interstate Game Tag distributors, issuance, distribution, reporting and inspection of records, and game tag commissions for distributors.

Issuance and Sale of Wyoming Interstate Game Tags

Authorized License Selling Agents
Chapter 31

This regulation governs the appointment and operation of license selling agents authorized to sell licenses on behalf of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
 

Regulation Governing Authorized License Selling Agents

Issuance of Licenses
Chapter 44

This regulation governs the issuance of licenses, permits, stamps, tags, preference points, competitive raffle chances.  
 

Regulation for Issuance of Licenses, Permits, Stamps, Tags, Preference Points and Competitive Raffle Chances

 

Regulation for Issuance of Licenses, Permits, Stamps, Tags, Preference Points and Competitive Raffle Chances - This regulation has been signed by the Commission, but does not go into effect until approved by the Governor. This may take up to 75 days.

Disabled Hunter Permits

Wyoming statutes provide for various disabled hunter provisions.  The regulations listed below address the various permit requirements.

Hunting Permit Regulations for Persons with Disabilities
Chapter 35

This regulation provides definitions and permit specifications for Disabled Hunter permits, Shoot from a Vehicle Permits, Visual Acuity Disability Permits and Disabled Hunter Season Extension Permits.

Hunting Permit Regulations for Persons with Disabilities 

Authorized to Shoot from a Vehicle
Chapter 38

Hunters with a Qualifying Disability Authorized to Shoot from a Vehicle
Repealed in 2016
See Chapter 35, Hunting Permit Regulations for Persons with Disabilities

Visual Acuity Disability Permits
Chapter 64

Regulation for Central Visual Acuity Disability Permits 
Repealed in 2016
See Chapter 35, Hunting Permit Regulations for Persons with Disabilities

Access and Department Lands

Wyoming statute provides for the Commission to acquire lands and waters in the name of the state for rearing and management of wildlife species, or to provide public hunting, fishing or trapping areas.

Use of Lands and Waters
Chapter 23

This regulation provides for the management and conservation of wildlife, wildlife habitat and public access on lands and waters acquired or administered by the Commission, and to manage public use and special use of such lands.

Lands and Waters Acquired or Administered by the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission 

Possession of Live Wildlife

Wyoming statute authorizes the Commission to regulate or prohibit the importation or possession of certain wildlife species and to regulate and permit the importation of big or trophy game animals for specific purposes.  The Commission is also authorized to grant licenses for scientific or educational purposes to take, capture or possess live wildlife.

Importation and Possession of Live Warm-Blooded Wildlife
Chapter 10

This regulation governs the importation, possession, confinement, transportation, sale and disposition of live wildlife in Wyoming.

Importation and Possession of Live Warm-Blooded Wildlife 

Possessing Wildlife (A guide to understanding Wildlife Possession Laws and Regulations in Wyoming)

Application

Game Bird Certificate of Origin

Scientific Research, Educational or Special Purpose Permits
Chapter 33

This regulation governs the issuance of scientific research, educational and special use permits concerning live wildlife.

Scientific Research, Educational or Special Purpose Permits 

Application
Survivability Worksheet

Wildlife Rehabilitation
Chapter 45

This regulation governs the issuance of wildlife rehabilitation permits allowing a person to provide care, aid and treatment to sick, injured, debilitated or orphaned wildlife.

Wildlife Rehabilitation

Take of Nongame Wildlife from within Wyoming
Chapter 52

This regulation governs the take of nongame wildlife species within Wyoming.

Take of Nongame Wildlife from within Wyoming

Importation and Possession of Live Cold-Blooded Wildlife
Chapter 69

This regulation governs the importation, possession, confinement, transportation, sale and disposition of live cold-blooded wildlife in Wyoming.

Importation and Possession of Live Cold-Blooded Wildlife

Possessing Wildlife (A guide to understanding Wildlife Possession Laws and Regulations in Wyoming)

Wildlife Damages

Wyoming statutes provide for compensation to owners of property being damaged by any big or trophy game animals or game birds.  The Commission is also authorized to set depredation hunting seasons or to allow the lethal taking of wildlife doing substantial damage to property.

Wildlife Damage Claims
Chapter 28

This regulation governs the process for an owner of property being damaged by big or trophy game animals or game birds or gray wolves to receive compensation for such property damage.

Regulation Governing Big or Trophy Game Animal or Game Bird or Gray Wolf Damage Claims 

 

Regulation Governing Big or Trophy Game Animal or Game Bird or Gray Wolf Damage Claims - This regulation has been signed by the Commission, but does not go into effect until approved by the Governor. This may take up to 75 days.

Wolves in Wyoming - A Guide for Livestock Producers

Auxiliary Management Hunting Seasons
Chapter 34

This regulation establishes a process for the Department to establish auxiliary management (fomerly named depredation prevention) hunting seasons to prevent further damage or for disease management.

Auxiliary Management Hunting Seasons 

Lethal Taking of Wildlife
Chapter 56

This regulation governs the process for lethal taking of wildlife when Department personnel determine that the taking is necessary.

Regulation Governing Lethal Taking of Wildlife

Other Regulations

Access to Records
Chapter 1

This regulation, along with the Wyoming Public Records Act, governs access to public records in the possession of the Department.

Regulation Governing Access to Records 

Contested Cases
Chapter 27

This regulation governs a process for all contested cases that may go before the Commission for consideration.

Rules of Practice Governing Contested Cases Before the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission

Property Rights of Game and Fish
Chapter 57

Regulation Governing Fee Title Property Rights of the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission 
Repealed in 2015
See Commission Policy

Roadkill

Regulations, rules, and requirements for roadkill collection from public roads and highways.

Roadkill Collection Regulation
Chapter 70

This regulation outlines the rules and requirements for roadkill collection from public roads and highways. The rules were developed in close partnership with the Wyoming Department of Transportation.


Roadkill Collection Regulation

Game and Fish Roadkill Collection Application

You can also get Roadkill Collection Authorization through the Wyoming 511 app.