REGULATIONS

General Hunting

These regulations cover various aspects of general hunting rules that pertain to big game, trophy game, game bird and small game hunting.  Several species specific rules are included within individual regulations for big game, trophy game, game bird and small game hunting.       

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 - Adopted April 20, 2020
While this regulation has been adopted by the WGF Commission, it is 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.


 

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Repealed in 2017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

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.  

2020 Antelope Hunting Seasons - Adopted April 20, 2020
2020 Antelope Hunting Area Map
 

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.

2020 Deer Hunting Seasons - Adopted April 20, 2020
2020 Deer Hunting Area Map

 

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.   

2020 Elk Hunting Seasons - Adopted April 20, 2020 
2020 Elk Hunting Area Map

 

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.

2020 Moose Hunting Seasons - Adopted April 20, 2020
2020 Moose Hunting 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.

2020 Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goat Hunting Seasons - Adopted April 20, 2020
2020 Bighorn Sheep Hunting Area Map
2020 Mountain Goat Hunting 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

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
 

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 -  Emergency Rule - Adopted March 31, 2020


Black Bear Hunting Seasons - (The above emergency rule is in effect for 120 days beginning March 31, 2020.)
Black Bear Hunting Brochure
Black Bear Hunt Area Map


Click Here for Black Bear Bait Site Renewal
Click Here for Black Bear Bait Site Map

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

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 on-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 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 

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

 

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

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.

2020 Wild Bison Recreational Hunting Seasons - Adopted April 20, 2020
2020 Wild Bison Hunting 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
 

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 and Small Game Hunting Seasons Chapter 11

This regulation establishes hunting season dates, bag and possession limits and specific shooting hours for all upland game bird and small game species.  The Springer permit pheasant and Glendo permit pheasant seasons are also included.

2020 Upland Game Bird and Small Game Hunting Seasons - Adopted April 20, 2020
2020 Sage Grouse Hunting Area Map
2020 Pheasant Hunting Area Map

2019 Springer Permit Pheasant Hunt Flyer
2019 Springer Permit Pheasant Hunt Map (GeoPDF)

2019 Glendo Permit Pheasant Hunt Flyer
2019 Glendo Permit Pheasant Hunt Map (GeoPDF)

2020 Glendo & Springer Season Date Chart

2019 Bump-Sullivan Managed Goose Hunt Flyer
2019 Bump-Sullivan Managed Goose Hunt Map (GeoPDF)

Pheasant Release Information

 

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.

2020 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons and Light Goose Conservation Order -
Adopted April 20, 2020
2020 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Area Map
2020 Sandhill Crane Hunting Area Map
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.
 

2019 Fall and 2020 Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Seasons - Emergency Rule
Effective May 12, 2020


2020 Fall and 2021 Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Seasons - Adopted April 20, 2020  (The above emergency rule is in effect for 120 days beginnng May 12, 2020.)
2020 Wild Turkey Hunting Area Map
2019 Fall and 2020 Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Seasons 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

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.

Furbearing Animal Hunting or Trapping Seasons 
Furbearing Animal Hunting or Trapping Brochure
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
Fishing Regulations Brochure
Live Bait Regulation

Private Fish Stocking Chapter 49

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

Regulation Governing Private Fish Stocking

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.

Regulation Governing Fishing Preserves

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.

Regulation Governing Fish Hatcheries

Landowner Fishing Lakes or Ponds Chapter 53

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

Regulations Governing Landowner Fishing Lakes or Ponds

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

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 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, Competitive Raffle Chances and Coupons - Emergency Rule - Effective April 15, 2020

  
Regulation for Issuance of Licenses, Permits, Stamps, Tags, Preference Points, Competitive Raffle Chances and Coupons   (The above emergency rule is in effect for 120 days beginnng April 15, 2020.)


 

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 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

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




 

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
 

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.

Regulation Governing Use of 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 of Live Wildlife Chapter 10

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

Regulation for Importation, Possession, Confinement, Transportation, Sale and Disposition of Live Wildlife
Possessing Wildlife (A guide to understanding Wildlife Possession Laws and Regulations in Wyoming)
Application
Game Bird Certificate of Origin

Issuance of Scientific Research Permits Chapter 33

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

Regulation Governing Issuance of 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

Nongame Wildlife Chapter 52

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

Nongame Wildlife Regulation


 

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 

Wolves in Wyoming - A Guide for Livestock Producers

Depredation Prevention Hunting Seasons Chapter 34

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

Depredation Prevention 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
 
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