Verifying that you have access to a hunt area is a part of planning your hunt in Wyoming. (Photo by Emalee Smith/WGFD) KNOW BEFORE YOU APPLY For first-time Wyoming hunters, some key steps in preparing exist. As soon as you decide a Wyoming hunt is appealing, you should start making a plan. Below are some things hunters should know as they prepare for their fall hunts and before applying in the big game draw. ACCESS There are many factors to consider, and one of the biggest ones is access. Consider if you need an area with public access or if you have permission to hunt on private property. When considering access, it's often a good idea to review the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's public access program. There are many access agreements in place for the public to hunt on private property through Access Yes. Each year the access areas are updated, but you can use the Public Access section on the Game and Fish website to view existing public access areas. The more time you have, the better prepared you will be 36 | April 2024 when it is time to decide where you want to apply and for what species. Draw application periods for many big game hunts typically open on the first business day in January. The deadlines vary depending on your residency and the license you are applying for. LICENSE TYPES Once you have decided on the area and species you want to apply for, you will need to know what license types are available and what each type means. License types distinguish the price and any limitations of the license. Each license type can have specific limitations based on the area it is valid for and the management goals of the license. The table below explains license types in the broadest sense. RESIDENCY Another thing to consider is whether you are a resident of Wyoming or a nonresident. To be considered a resident of Wyoming,