Hunting in Wyoming: 12 Great Public Hunting Lands

Known as the Cowboy State, Wyoming has over 97,914 square miles of wide-open spaces. Elk, moose, whitetail deer, and pronghorn roam the ruggedly beautiful lands, while bears, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, and bison stake their claims in this state as well.

For many hunters, being able to hunt in Wyoming for big game is a dream, if not a life goal. If you’re planning a trip to this amazing state in search of the best hunting in the country, read on to discover twelve great public hunting lands in Wyoming.

Tips For Successful Wyoming Hunting

• It’s a good idea to contact agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department for hunting rules and regulations before setting out to hunt.
• Do some research on the area you plan to hunt before getting there — weather conditions, hazards, road or trail closures, terrain conditions, etc.
• Learn about the migration patterns and mating habits of the local animals.
• Many places in Wyoming are home to grizzly bears, so it’s crucial to be prepared and safe.
• Always let someone know where and when you’ll be hunting.
• Avoid hunting alone.

1. Greater Yellowstone Region Public Hunting Lands

Some people refer to the Greater Yellowstone Region as the Serengeti of North America. The diversity of resources and uncompromised habitats are as vital today as when Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872. Throughout the more than 150 years since the park’s inception, the area’s wildlife, lakes, geologic marvels, hydrothermal elements, and flora have remained intact and protected.

The Greater Yellowstone ecosystem is home to North America’s biggest elk herds. In addition to the abundance of elk, the area has the biggest herd of free-roaming bison, a significant grizzly population, lynx, and wolverines. This area is one of the best public hunting lands in Wyoming.

However, there are some key things to remember when planning your hunting trip to this area.

• The area can be rugged. You may want to make sure you’re in good physical condition before you get to the region.
• The weather can be unpredictable — bright and sunny one minute and cold and rainy the next. So consider packing clothing and gear for every possibility.
• If you happen to be a nonresident hunter, it will be helpful to talk to local hunters or outfitters to get the best advice on hunting in the area.

What to Hunt

The Greater Yellowstone Region has an abundance of wildlife, and that includes plenty of big game animals. If you plan to hunt in this region, you should know that there are several different animals native to the area. It’s important to know whether the particular animal for which you’re hunting is mating or migrating when you plan to hunt. Some research on the animals can help you prepare for the best hunting trip possible.

• Elk – Since elk are complex creatures, you may want to consider hiring a guide or outfitter to give you the best opportunity to spot them.
• Bison — Aside from Alaska, the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem is the only state where an indigenous population has existed since the prehistoric age.
• Mule deer — They are mostly found in higher elevations and more rugged country.
• Black bear — For safety reasons, it’s important to know the essentials about bears.
• Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep — You may want top-quality binoculars for the “glassing” (looking for and watching them) that’s involved.
• Pronghorn antelope — They tend to roam in more open country so they can watch for any signs of danger from a long way off.

2. Killpecker Sand Dunes Public Hunting Lands

Situated in Sweetwater County, WY, just north of Rock Springs, Killpecker Sand Dunes offers visitors an amazing fusion of geologic wonders. For one thing, the sand dunes “sing” when you walk over them or when the wind sweeps over them. The particularly polished and round grains of sand make this phenomenon possible.

Besides the impossibly soft sand dunes, stunning night sky, the White Mountain petroglyphs, and Boar’s Tusk — a 400-foot volcanic core that rises out of the ground — the area’s wildlife is incredible. In particular, the desert elk herd may be just the big game for which you’re hunting.

What to Hunt

There are free-roaming horses in the region, which makes it crucial to be careful where you hunt. Binoculars can help you see from far away to distinguish game animals from non-game animals.

• Elk — This herd is the only known desert elk herd in the United States.
• Sage grouse — These birds are easier to hunt when the weather cools down and they flock together.
• Whitetail deer
• Mule deer — Sweetwater County is known for the number of mule deer in the area.
• Pronghorn deer
• Mountain lions — During open seasons, you may hunt these predators with legal firearms or archery equipment.

3. Green River Region Public Hunting Lands

Nestled along the Green River in Sweetwater County, the city of Green River sits just west of Rock Springs. The area’s diverse wildlife is breathtaking. In Green River, you might see blue jays, lynx, nighthawks, black bears, badgers, several species of bats, partridge, hawks, turtles, and many more native animals.

If you want to hunt in Green River, be prepared to roam across land that sits at an elevation of 6,115 feet. Though the altitude is considered moderate, you could experience mild altitude sickness, and your performance may be affected. Finding a guide to take you on your expedition may be a good idea, depending on your past experience with this altitude.

What to Hunt

• Elk
• Deer
• Antelope
• Moose
• Bears
• Bighorn sheep

4. Grand Teton National Park Public Hunting Lands

One of Wyoming’s most beautiful areas is the Grand Teton National Park. The scenic drives, climbing and mountaineering opportunities, world-class fishing, and wildlife viewing are all part of what draws visitors to the area year-round.

If you’re looking for public hunting lands in Wyoming that will provide abundant wildlife amid spectacular views, look no further. Whether you’re hunting with your own group or using an outfitter, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to go after that big game.

What to Hunt

Hunting mountain lions is not only exciting, it’s challenging as well. Snow often makes the job of tracking these elusive animals easier, so early spring or winter may be better times. Naturally, it’s critical to check with the Wyoming Fish and Wildlife Department to find out when open season is for this region.

• Bighorn Sheep
• Black bear
• Mountain lion — Hound seasons typically occur in winter or early spring.
• Moose
• Antelope
• Mule Deer
• Elk

5. Rocky Mountain West Public Hunting Lands

Public hunting lands in the Rocky Mountain West region are some of Wyoming’s best. The area has Shiras moose, which are found in only Wyoming, Montana, Washington, Idaho, Utah, and Colorado. Even though this species is the smallest of the four North American moose, they are still enormous and magnificent animals.

While there is plenty of fantastic public hunting land available, you can also hire a guide or outfitter who may have access to private lands. One Rocky Mountain West company alone operates 200,000 acres of private land on which you can pay to hunt.

What to Hunt

• Moose
• Black bear
• Mule deer
• Rocky Mountain Elk — Elk can grow antlers 4 feet over their heads.
• Pronghorn antelope — These animals are not really antelope. Antelope keep their antlers for life, while pronghorns shed theirs yearly.
• Whitetail Deer
• Turkey — Although turkeys aren’t big game animals, you may enjoy hunting them during turkey season.

6. Flaming Gorge Reservoir Public Hunting Lands

This amazing recreation area provides 207,363 acres of red canyon walls, arid green forested land, the sparkling Green River, a multitude of hiking trails, and wildlife galore. In addition to big game animals, the area has partridge, blue grouse, sage grouse, doves, turkey, and rabbits.

There are thousands of acres available for public hunting in the Flaming Gorge Recreation Area. When hunting on these lands, it’s critical to remember that part of the beauty stems from the land’s wild character. There are unseen hazards from the weather, difficult terrain, and other natural dangers. Being prepared is essential to having a successful and safe hunt.

What to Hunt

• Elk
• Pronghorn
• Mule Deer
• Moose
• Black bear — People have often described bear meat as tasting like a combination of pork and beef.
• Mountain lion
• Bighorn sheep

7. Sundance Public Hunting Lands

Many people flock to Crook County to see the iconic Devil’s Tower National Monument. Others come to visit the Bear Lodge Mountains just north of the town of Sundance. However, if you’re a hunter, you probably come to Sundance for the excellent public hunting lands.

Sundance was named for the Sun Dance ceremony that many of the local indigenous peoples practiced. The raw beauty of the region hearkens back to the days when those tribes hunted the diverse wildlife of the area. Today, you can still hunt many of the wildlife that call Sundance home.

What to Hunt

• Whitetail Deer — Sundance authorized a Chapter 56 permit to cull the deer herd in an effort to mitigate Chronic Wasting Disease.
• Elk
• Mule Deer
• Antelope
• Turkey — Many hunters enjoy hunting turkeys and other smaller game.

8. Powder River Basin Public Hunting Lands

This hunting area is popular for its deer and antelope herds. The Powder River Basin area is in the northeastern portion of WY, and it stretches from east to west 120 miles. From north to south, it extends 200 miles. Most of this expanse is sparsely populated grasslands.

There are outfitters in the area who specialize in antelope and deer hunting. Some even have ranches on which you can hunt. Whether you decide to hunt on your own or with a guide, you shouldn’t have difficulty spotting one of these plentiful big game animals.

What to Hunt

• Antelope
• Mule deer
• Whitetail deer
• Prairie dogs — As the weather warms in late spring to the end of June, prairie dogs become more active and, therefore, easier to hunt.
• Turkey
• Elk — Although these animals aren’t common in this region, you may see a few while hunting in the Powder River Basin area.

9. Bighorn National Forest Public Hunting Lands

If you want a challenging terrain to navigate, the Bighorn National Forest has varying elevations from 5,000 feet to over 13,000 feet. Almost all of the forest is situated above 4,900 feet, giving the whole area elevation-related challenges.

In spite of the rigorous landscape, the rewards of hunting and taking down some fantastic big game animals are well worth the effort. The innate beauty of the land makes a trip to these public hunting lands rewarding as well.

What to Hunt

• Black bears
• Elk
• Whitetail deer
• Mule deer
• Mountain lion
• Bighorn sheep
• Moose
• Pronghorn

10. Bridger-Teton National Forest Public Hunting Lands

This area is a unique 3.4 million-acre region located east of Grand Teton National Park. There are three wilderness areas within this region — the Teton Wilderness, the Gros Venture Wilderness, and the Bridger Wilderness, which is the highest point in Wyoming.

The entire region provides interesting geological features, picturesque scenery, and a whole host of wildlife. There are extensive hunting lands in the area, and the weather is generally conducive to a good hunt. In the summer, the temperature rarely exceeds 87°, and it seldom dips below -13° in the winter.

What to Hunt

• Elk
• Mule deer
• Mountain lion
• Black bear
• Bighorn sheep
• Moose

11. Boulder Basin Public Hunting Lands

Hunting around the Boulder Basin area of WY is an exceptional experience on many levels. First of all, there are various hunting lands from which to choose. Second, the opportunities for bagging a big game animal are myriad. Finally, while hunting for game, the surrounding scenery offers breathtaking views.

If you choose to hire a guide or outfitter while hunting in the Boulder Basin area, there are numerous companies for your selection. The area surrounding Boulder Basin is expansive, so it may be worth your consideration to find someone with knowledge of the terrain and wildlife.

What to Hunt

• Mountain goats — Hunting these animals can be challenging. They live in the highest mountain areas where hunters may find it difficult to follow.
• Bighorn sheep
• Mule deer
• Moose
• Antelope

12. Laramie Mountain Range Public Hunting Lands

In 2022, the previous few years’ drought conditions caused ungulates — deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, pronghorns, and moose — to spread out more in search of water sources. For hunters, this means a potentially more challenging hunt in recent years.

It promises to be a particularly good year, though, for pheasant hunting in 2023 in this area. This is largely due to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department Downar Bird Farm’s raising these birds and rearing over 18 thousand stockable pheasants.

What to Hunt

• Whitetail deer — During bow season, you can use either a compound or crossbow to hunt.
• Mule deer
• Black bear
• Antelope
• Elk
• Waterfowl
• Upland game birds — Upland game birds include sharp-tailed grouse, pheasants, sage grouse, dusky grouse, and blue grouse.

Summary Table of Great Public Hunting Lands