Quick Answer
For Wyoming nonresident elk hunters, the best times to apply for licenses are usually in mid-April and early May, when the application deadlines for the first and second elk drawing periods fall. The drawing periods allow for a limited number of nonresident and resident hunters to participate in the elk season. Successful applicants will need to plan for the elk season which typically starts in early September.
Application Deadlines and Odds
Nonresident elk hunters in Wyoming can expect to apply for licenses during the first and second drawing periods. The first drawing period application deadline usually falls around April 15th, and the second drawing period application deadline is typically May 13th. To give yourself the best chance of being drawn, it’s essential to apply for the first drawing period, as the odds of being drawn decrease significantly for the second period. For the 2023 drawing, the first period nonresident elk license odds were around 4.5%, while the second period odds were approximately 1.2%.
Drawing Period and Season Details
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department conducts two drawing periods for nonresident elk licenses. The first drawing period allows for the most nonresident licenses to be issued, with the majority being allocated to specific elk hunt areas throughout the state. Nonresident hunters who are drawn for the first period can expect to hunt during the general elk season, which usually starts in early September and runs for about two weeks. The second drawing period is typically for leftover licenses from the first period, and the season dates may vary.
Planning for Success
To increase your chances of being drawn for a nonresident elk license in Wyoming, it’s crucial to plan ahead and submit your application as soon as possible. Make sure to review the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s website for the most up-to-date information on application deadlines, drawing periods, and license availability. Additionally, consider applying for a unit with lower license demand to boost your chances of being drawn.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.