Wyoming’s elk populations are strong with almost every area outside of occupied grizzly/wolf habitat either meeting or exceeding population objectives. In many areas of the state, populations are far exceeding objectives.

General season elk hunting has perhaps never been better in Wyoming. With 50+ general hunt areas—and most offering healthy populations of elk with decent trophy potential—it’s a great time to hunt on a general season license.

Trophy potential is good in Wyoming, but it’s not great. It is not Arizona or Utah in terms of quality. Certainly, a handful of 370” plus bulls will be taken every year; however, for the most part, top end bulls will be in the 300” to 330” range. In terms of trophy quality, bigger bulls are almost always associated with three types of units: roadless remote wilderness terrain, areas that are mostly private land and units that are managed for quality by offering fewer numbers of licenses. All of these can be somewhat of a roadblock for the DIY nonresident hunter. DWAs cannot be hunted without a guide, private land is, well, private and the good limited quota licenses are very tough to draw. If there are hidden gems—and there are—they exist in less pressured areas that are remote (but not wilderness, or on the edges of private land. Guided hunts are also a great way to harvest a bigger bull.

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Boone and Crockett entries: Typical

** Areas listed below may not have a current hunt for this species. Areas in this table are included if any part of the area is found within the county.

Boone and Crockett entries: Nontypical

** Areas listed below may not have a current hunt for this species. Areas in this table are included if any part of the area is found within the county.