Reviewed September 28, 2026
Use this page for the Wyoming application calendar and the steps to prepare an application. For point strategy, use our Wyoming draw and point-system guide. The two questions are different: first confirm when and how to apply, then decide which hunt belongs on the application.
2026 application dates
- Nonresident elk: February 2 deadline; results May 21.
- Moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat and bison: April 30 deadline; results May 21.
- Deer, antelope and resident elk: June 1 deadline; results June 18.
- Preference-point purchases: July 1–November 2 for eligible species and applicants.
The main 2026 license application windows above are closed. These dates are specific to 2026; check the next published schedule instead of assuming the same dates for 2027. Source: WGFD application dates and deadlines.
Before you apply
- Confirm residency and eligibility. Use the agency’s residency and hunter-education guidance, and check species-specific age and waiting-period rules.
- Choose the correct license. Record species, hunt area or region, license type, legal animal and season. Check archery requirements separately.
- Verify access. A license does not grant permission to enter private land. Check public access, permission requirements and any wilderness guide requirements that affect your plan.
- Compare application costs. Review the current regular or special license fee, application charges and required stamps. Use the official fee list linked from WGFD’s licensing page.
- Submit and retain confirmation. Use the official application system; review every hunt choice and keep a copy of the final confirmation.
Point purchases are separate
An unsuccessful nonresident elk, deer or antelope application does not automatically award a point. If eligible, use the separate preference-point purchase period. Check your account and species selection before completing the purchase, and keep the receipt with your draw records.
Leftovers and remaining licenses
Leftover drawings and later sales are separate opportunities from the main draw. Availability changes, and an unsold license may have difficult access or a season that does not suit your plans. Check the live leftover-license resources on WGFD’s licensing page, then read the exact license restrictions before buying.
After the draw
Confirm the license you received, its area and type, and the legal season in the current Wyoming regulations. Recheck access arrangements and any closures before traveling. Plan where you will camp, how far you can pack an animal, and what you will do if weather blocks the intended route.
For your next application, use the official draw reports and our Wyoming hunt-area shortlist. Keep the hunt you can realistically complete at the center of the decision.
Like data for non residents for hunting and fishing
is hunting a “general” deer season done by simply buying a tag OTC? or is that on a draw like Montana?
Wyoming’s general tags are purchased OTC by residents of Wyoming, non-residents have to draw.
What year did the Mule Deer lottery begin? I read above that preference points began in 2006, but I’d like to know if the lottery was in effect before 2006.
How long have credit cards been accepted for payment of permits/fines/etc.?
Thanks for your time
Brian, tags were allocated using a lottery before 2006. I’m not sure on the exact year that credit cards were accepted for payment, I’m quite sure this was in place a few years before the point system went into effect for NR.
When is the mule deer lottery for out of state residents?
So it doesn’t state the cost for an elk preference point, also it does not state if you need a hunting license to apply like other states…..please clarify if you could. Thank you
I have 8 Wyoming Non resident elk points but would like to draw a general license this year and save my points for next year when funding is better for me to hire an outfitter. Can I put in for my first choice a general elk tag without jepordizing my points.
Hey Brad, sorry we’re nearing the deadline and I didn’t see this in time. If you put in first choice you’ll spend your points. You can’t really draw a general 2nd choice anymore, but it depends on the year. May be worth a try if you don’t want to waste your extra points. Take a look at some cow/calf tags or some type 1 units that you can pull as a 2nd choice.
Hey Ryan, sorry for the late response, you still have a day or so to finalize a Wyoming elk application. There is a fee for the preference point, but you don’t have to purchase a hunting license to apply like many other states (at least for now). The cost for an elk point this year is $52. You can also purchase preference points later in the year if you want.
When you guys going to post the drawings results
You can find the draw results at the Wyoming Game and Fish Website.