Wyoming Non-Resident Hunting License Changes: What You Need to Know

The SNS office has been receiving calls and emails from concerned hunters who have heard rumors about changes to how the Wyoming Game & Fish Department (WGFD) manages non-resident hunting licenses.

To set the record straight, we sat down with SNS Outfitter Sy Gilliland, a member of the Wyoming Wildlife Task Force (WWTF) and a key voice in shaping Wyoming hunting legislation. Below, you’ll find insights directly from Sy about Wyoming’s preference points, license fees, and upcoming changes.

If you have additional questions, feel free to contact our office at 307-266-4229 or email sns@huntwyo.com.

Changes to Wyoming’s Preference Point System

Q: What is happening with Wyoming’s preference points system?

A:

Wyoming allows non-resident hunters to purchase one preference point per year for:

• Bighorn Sheep
• Moose
• Elk
• Deer
• Antelope

The preference point program generates over $23 million annually for WGFD. However, after reviewing public comments, the WWTF determined that the current preference point system for Bighorn Sheep and Moose is broken.

The WWTF proposed switching from a preference point system to a weighted bonus point system for these species. However, the Wyoming Legislature rejected the bill, meaning:

✔ No changes have been made to the preference point system for any species at this time.
✔ The WWTF did NOT propose changes to Elk, Deer, or Antelope preference points.

Although the bill failed, this topic may resurface in future legislative sessions.

Non-Resident License Fees: What’s Changing?

Q: How does Wyoming’s non-resident license system work?

A:

Wyoming has used a two-tiered license system for non-resident Elk, Deer, and Antelope hunters since 1988:
1️⃣ Regular License: Standard price, but more difficult to draw.
2️⃣ Special License: Higher cost, but better draw odds.

Why was this system created?

• Before 1988, all non-resident licenses were issued through a random draw, which caused major fluctuations in draw results.
• The outfitting industry lobbied for the special license, creating a more stable system that gave non-resident hunters better draw odds in exchange for a higher fee.
• In 2007, preference points were introduced, further improving draw predictability.

Q: Why did the Wyoming Legislature raise special license fees?

A:

The Wyoming Legislature, WGFD Commission, and Governor formed the Wyoming Wildlife Task Force to study wildlife and licensing issues.

Key findings included:
✅ Non-resident demand has skyrocketed. In the past two years, WGFD received over 30,000 applications for just 7,250 non-resident full-price elk licenses.
✅ The price difference between special and regular licenses was too small, reducing the benefits of paying extra for better draw odds.
✅ Wyoming’s hunting licenses were undervalued compared to demand.

To address these issues, the WWTF recommended increasing the cost of special licenses, ensuring that those who pay more receive better odds.

New Special License Fees: When Do They Take Effect?

Q: When will the special license price increase take effect?

A:

House Bill 200—which significantly raises special non-resident license fees—was signed into law by the Governor and will take effect for the 2024 hunting season.

✔ Regular non-resident license prices will remain the same.
✔ The gap between special and regular licenses will widen, benefiting outfitted clients willing to pay for better draw odds.

What This Means for SNS Clients

Q: How will these changes affect SNS hunters?

A:

We recognize that higher license fees are an added cost. However, our goal is to ensure you fully understand your options when applying for Wyoming hunting licenses.

✔ We will help you strategize your draw applications.
✔ We will explain how preference points and special licenses can improve your draw odds.
✔ We are committed to making sure you have the best chance of securing your Wyoming hunt.

If you have any questions about these changes or your hunting application strategy, contact SNS Outfitter & Guides at 307-266-4229 or sns@huntwyo.com.