JACKSON, Wyo. — Hunting season is underway in the Cowboy State. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) has released the fall hunting forecast for the state based on data and observations from the field by department biologists and game wardens.

Forecasts were released for the Casper, Cody, Green River, Jackson, Lander, Laramie, Pinedale and Sheridan regions. Even for nonhunters, the intel offers useful updates regarding different local species.

WGFD encourages hunters to:

  • Review 2026 hunting regulations 
  • Submit deer and elk samples for chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing
  • Observe respectful conduct on public and private lands, and adhere to the required ethical practices outlined in state regulations
  • Carry required stamps, permits and licenses

The hunt forecast in the Jackson region applies to mule deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats and wild bison. No guidance was offered for pronghorn in the region this year.

Deer

According to WGFD, the local herds of mule deer migrate to ranges outside of the Jackson region; strong fawn and buck ratios have been observed over the past two years. After a harsh winter in 2022-2023 saw above-average mortality, seasons remain conservative as herds recover at different speeds; WGFD notes the Sublette herd is nearing its objective range, and the Wyoming Range herd is close behind.

“Deer seasons continue to improve, and although fewer deer occupy the landscape than in Fall 2022, body condition and antler growth are impressive,” the forecast reads. “Hunters should note the four-point antler restrictions and updated nonresident region boundaries. For white-tailed deer, hunters without access secured should be aware that public-land harvest opportunity remains very limited.”

Elk

Hunters can expect “relatively stable opportunities” compared with recent years as local elk populations remain strong.

Keep in mind that the National Elk Refuge saw its first-ever confirmed cases of CWD this year; when handling elk meat, it is wise to wear latex or rubber gloves during field dressing, and to minimize handling of brain tissue, the spinal cord and lymph nodes. Tools used on the meat should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after use. WGFD is asking hunters to further support its CWD management efforts by reporting any sick animal sightings to the agency, and by adhering to carcass transport regulations.

Hunters who intend to eat the meat they’ve harvested might consider awaiting CWD test results before tucking in, as symptoms of the disease aren’t always immediately obvious. Test results can take up to 3 weeks to return from the lab, and in the meantime, meat could be stored by quartering and freezing it. The Centers for Disease Control recommend that humans should avoid eating animals that have CWD until further research is conducted.

Moose

Opportunities to hunt moose locally continue to be restricted as herd numbers are monitored. Expect high bull ratios. Mandatory tooth submission is a new requirement this year in Hunt Areas 16 and 37, which WGFD says can “provide better information on the age structure of harvested bulls to inform future management decisions.”

Bighorn sheep and mountain goats

Bighorn sheep hunting opportunities vary by herd and area, per the agency, with overall “excellent” possibilities. Expect strong opportunities in Hunt Area 7, with abundant mature rams and 90% hunter success reported in 2025. Hunt Area 6, on the other hand, is under strict quotas to maintain management objectives. WGFD anticipates ewe harvest will be important for population management in an attempt to curb pneumonia.

Mountain goat quotas remain low due to population decline; WGFD notes that numbers have stabilized but not rebounded after the 2020 dip. Trophy-class billies are available.

Bison

Jackson’s wild bison herd is considered to be at the high end of its population objective, and high cow and calf numbers indicate continued growth. Bison are only available for harvest when they migrate onto the National Elk Refuge, Bridger-Teton National Forest and specific private lands. Hunter success will hinge on weather and bison movement, WGFD noted.

Learn more on the WGFD website.