Overview
Wyoming is a premier destination for hunters, anglers, and wildlife enthusiasts, boasting vast public lands like Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Here, you can track big game such as elk and mule deer in the rugged mountains, or cast for native cutthroat trout in crystal-clear rivers and streams. The state's diverse ecosystems support a range of species, making it ideal for conservationists to observe wildlife in action, from pronghorn antelope on the plains to birds like the American black duck. With its mix of wilderness and accessibility, Wyoming offers thrilling adventures for those seeking ethical and sustainable outdoor pursuits.
Terrain & Habitat
Wyoming's terrain features the majestic Rocky Mountains, rolling high plains, and expansive river valleys, providing a variety of habitats for wildlife. Forests, alpine meadows, and sagebrush steppes dominate, supporting species adapted to both arid and moist environments, with key spots like the Wind River Range for fishing and the Bighorn Mountains for hunting.
Best Times
- Hunting
- Fall, typically September to November for big game like elk and deer
- Fishing
- Summer, typically June to August for trout in rivers and lakes
- Wildlife Viewing
- Spring and fall, typically April to June and September to October for migrations and rutting seasons
Climate by Month
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain (in) | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32 | 10 | 0.5 | Cold and snowy with frequent storms |
| February | 35 | 14 | 0.6 | Still cold with more sunshine |
| March | 42 | 22 | 0.8 | Transitioning with melting snow |
| April | 52 | 31 | 1.2 | Mild with occasional rain |
| May | 63 | 39 | 1.8 | Warming with thunderstorms |
| June | 74 | 47 | 1.5 | Warm and dry with afternoon rains |
| July | 84 | 54 | 1 | Hot and sunny with low humidity |
| August | 82 | 52 | 0.9 | Warm with possible dry spells |
| September | 72 | 43 | 0.8 | Cooling with clear skies |
| October | 58 | 32 | 0.7 | Crisp and variable with early frosts |
| November | 44 | 24 | 0.6 | Cold and windy with snow |
| December | 34 | 14 | 0.5 | Harsh winter conditions with snow |
Getting There
Fly into Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), about 5 miles from Jackson, or Casper-Natrona County Airport (CPR), roughly 100 miles from central Wyoming; for broader access, Denver International Airport (DEN) is about 250 miles south via I-25.
Gear Recommendations
Bring layered clothing for variable weather, including insulated jackets and boots for snow; waders and lightweight rods for stream trout fishing; a quality scope for spotting game in open plains, and bear spray for backcountry safety.
Regulations Summary
Wyoming has strict rules on bag limits, seasons, and licenses for hunting and fishing; residents pay approximately $30-50, non-residents around $200-500 for big game tags. Verify current regulations at https://wgfd.wyo.gov/.
Insider Tips
- Hit the backroads early for less pressure on elk spots in the Tetons.
- Local streams fish best after a rain; ask at the bait shop for current flows.
- Avoid hunting near popular trails to steer clear of tourists and rangers.
- Pack extra fuel for remote areas; gas stations are sparse in the Wind Rivers.
- Respect ranchers' fences—offer a wave and they might share access tips
Notable Species (60)
- Cutthroat troutOncorhynchus clarkii
- American bisonBison bison
- Domestic sheepOvis aries
- Mountain goatOreamnos americanus
- Greater scaup duckAythya marila
- Greater sage grouseCentrocercus urophasianus
- Flathead catfishPylodictis olivaris
- Tiger muskellungeEsox masquinongy x Esox Lucius
- Tiger troutSalmo trutta x Salvelinus fontinalis
- Flannelmouth suckerCatostomus latipinnis
- Grass carpCtenopharyngodon idella
- Utah chubGila Atraria
- Utah suckerCatostmus ardens
- Rocky Mountain bighorn sheepOvis canadensis canadensis
- Domestic cattleBos taurus
- Swift foxVulpes velox
- Domestic catFelis catus
- Canadian lynxLynx canadensis
- BobcatLynx rufus
- Striped skunkMephitis mephitis
- Western spotted skunkSpilogale gracilis
- Common raccoonProcyon lotor
- WolverineGulo gulo
- American martenMartes americana
- Fisher martenMartes pennanti
- American badgerTaxidea taxus
- StoatMustela erminea
- Pygmy rabbitBrachylagus idahoensis
- Snowshoe hareLepus americanus
- Black-tailed jackrabbitLepus californicus
- White-tailed jackrabbitLepus townsendii
- Desert cottontailSylvilagus audabonii
- Mountain cottontailSylvilagus nuttallii
- American pikaOchotona princeps
- Wild horseEquus ferus
- Virginia opossumDidelphis virginiana
- American pygmy shrewSorex hoyi
- Dwarf shrewSorex nanus
- Montane shrewSorex monticolus
- American water shrewSorex palustris
- Vagrant shrewSorex vagrans
- Cinereus shrewSorex cinereus
- Prairie shrewSorex haydeni
- Preble's shrewSorex preblei
- Merriam's shrewSorex merriami
- Gray WolfCanis lupes
- Gray FoxUrocyon cinereoargenteus
- Red FoxVulpes vulpes
- Kit FoxVulpes macrotis
- North American BeaverCastor canadensis
- American river otterLontra Canadensis
- Long-tailed weaselMustela frenata
- Black-footed ferretMustela nigripes
- Least weaselMustela nivalis
- North American porcupineErethizon dorsatum
- American red squirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicus
- Northern flying squirrelGlaucomys sabrinus
- Golden-mantled ground squirrelCallospermophilus lateralis
- White-tailed prairie dogCynomys leucurus
- Black-tailed prairie dogCynomys ludovicianus
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