Do nonresidents have access to all elk hunting units in Wyoming?

Limited Access

Wyoming’s elk hunting regulations are designed to manage the state’s elk population while also providing opportunities for both resident and nonresident hunters. Nonresidents are limited to purchasing a certain number of nonresident elk licenses each year, which are allocated through a draw system. This system is managed by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and is based on a point system, where applicants earn points based on their previous year’s license purchases and application history.

Nonresident License Allocation

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department allocates a specific number of nonresident elk licenses each year, which is determined by the state’s elk management plan. For the 2022 hunting season, the department allocated 1,500 nonresident elk licenses, which were available in 20 different elk hunting units. Nonresidents can apply for these licenses through the state’s draw system, which typically opens in March and closes in April.

Drawing Odds

The drawing odds for nonresident elk licenses in Wyoming vary depending on the unit and the number of applicants. In 2022, the drawing odds ranged from a low of 2.2% in Unit 113 to a high of 16.6% in Unit 1. Nonresidents can increase their chances of drawing a license by applying for units with lower demand and by purchasing licenses in previous years to earn points in the draw system.