Wyoming Hunting Seasons Are Opening And Here’s What You Need To Know

With hunting seasons underway across Wyoming and more opening over the next few months, there are a couple of things to remind you of. If you've hunted in Wyoming before, these may seem like no-brainers. If you haven't hunted here before, some things are done differently here in Wyoming than in other states.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department's website has all of the information you need to be aware of before you head out into the field.

• First and foremost, know the regulations for the game you are hunting. You can download a copy of the regulations for Antelope, Deer, and Elk HERE. Save them on your phone and read them, because regulations change over time. That means things may not be the same as in previous years.
• Before you head out into the field, make sure you have your license with you so that, if and when you harvest an animal, you can properly attach the coupon.
• Everyone hunting or fishing in Wyoming must have a conservation stamp, and it must be with you in the field.
• If you were born after January 1, 1966, you need proof of hunter education. If you're a Wyoming resident,
• Unless you're archery hunting, every hunter in the field needs to wear one or more visible garments in fluorescent orange or pink. Garments include: hat, shirt, jacket, vest, sweater, or other clothing item.

Have your permission in hand and in the vehicle. 

• If you're hunting private land with access through the Access Yes Hunter Management Program, you will need to apply and receive a permission slip. When permission is granted, print two copies. One to display in your vehicle and one to carry with you in the field.
• If you're hunting on private property and NOT using Access Yes, you still need to have written permission from the landowner, lessee, or an agent of the landowner whose property you're on as proof of access permission.

One last reminder: all of Wyoming is considered bear country, and knowing what to do in the event you have a bear encounter is important. The Bear Wise Wyoming program has the information you'll need on how to know which species of bear you're dealing with, and how to react.

According to Large Carnivore Supervisor Dr. Dan Thompson, bear spray is a lifesaver.

If I'm in the mountains, almost anywhere, I carry bear spray because it's useful for anything that might come at me. It's just a good tool to have, yeah, in black bear country as well.