Wyoming has no over-the-counter general elk tags for nonresidents. What it does have is a “general” license that covers a lot of country, and limited quota licenses that cover one hunt area. Knowing the difference, and where the wilderness guide rule applies, is the key to picking the right hunt.
General licenses
- Residents can buy a general elk license over the counter. In 2026 they went on sale July 16.
- Nonresidents must draw a region general license. You choose one of three regions when you apply:
| Nonresident region | Elk hunt areas included |
|---|---|
| Eastern | 2, 3, 6, 116, 126, 129 |
| Southern | 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 21, 105–107, 110, 130 |
| Western | 36 areas in the western and northwestern mountains (2026): 28, 36, 37, 56, 59, 60, 66–71, 73, 77, 78, 80–87, 89–92, 94, 96–98, 102–104, 127, and 128 |
Hunt area lists can change from year to year, so check the current WGFD elk regulations and hunt area map.
A region general license is good in any hunt area in that region that is open to general license hunting. It is not good in areas that are fully limited quota. Quotas are set each year. The Western region has by far the most licenses.
Why hunt general: A lot of ground, long seasons in many areas, and it can take fewer points than a top limited quota area. The downside: More hunters, and the best general country in the northwest is often in or next to wilderness, where nonresidents need a guide.
Limited quota licenses
Limited quota licenses are good only in the hunt area, season, and type printed on them. The common types:
| Type | What it allows |
|---|---|
| Type 1 | Any elk (in some areas, antlered only or with other limits) |
| Type 2 | Antlered or any elk, usually with different dates or limits than Type 1 |
| Type 3 | Spike or antlerless elk in some areas |
| Type 4 and 5 | Antlerless elk |
| Type 6 and 7 | Cow or calf (7 often limited to private land or off national forest) |
| Type 8 | Cow or calf on private land, often unlimited |
| Type 9 | Archery only. No separate archery license needed |
Full price limited quota licenses use preference points, and the best areas can take many years. Cow/calf licenses are reduced price, use no points, and are often easy to draw or still available after the draw.
The nonresident wilderness rule
This rule shapes a lot of Wyoming elk hunts.
- Nonresidents hunting big game in any federally designated wilderness area must be accompanied by a licensed professional outfitter or a resident guide.
- A resident guide is a Wyoming resident hunter with a resident guide license. They can take no more than two nonresidents a year into wilderness, and they cannot be paid.
- The rule covers wilderness only. National forest outside wilderness, BLM, and state land are open to nonresidents hunting on their own.
Designated wilderness in Wyoming includes well-known elk country like the Teton, Washakie, North Absaroka, Bridger, and Cloud Peak Wildernesses. Check maps carefully: many general hunt areas are partly in wilderness and partly outside it. If you are hunting on your own, know exactly where the boundary is.
Leftover and over-the-counter licenses
After the draw, Wyoming runs a leftover draw in late June and then sells remaining licenses first come, first served starting in mid-July (July 16 in 2026). Most leftovers are cow/calf and less popular limited quota licenses. Nonresidents can hold up to three elk licenses a year, which makes leftover cow tags a good way to add meat to a trip.
How to choose
| Region general | Limited quota | |
|---|---|---|
| Area | Many hunt areas in one region | One hunt area |
| Hunter numbers | Higher | Lower |
| Points needed | Moderate, and less at special price | None for cow tags, many years for top areas |
| Best for | Hunters who want room to move | Trophy bulls, archery-only, or meat hunts |
Tips for hunting on a general license:
- Scout or hire local knowledge. A region covers a lot of country. Narrow it to a few areas early.
- Get away from roads. Elk move into rough country once seasons open.
- Mind the wilderness line. If the elk are in wilderness, you need a guide.
- Plan the pack-out. Elk country in Wyoming is often far from a road. A drop camp or an outfitter with stock makes this easier.
Hunt with a local guide
Find outfitters who guide Wyoming general and wilderness elk
Wilderness hunts require an outfitter for nonresidents. Compare hunts and reviews, then contact outfitters directly.
Related: How Wyoming draw points work · Draw odds by unit · Wyoming Elk Hunting Guide · How to apply for the elk draw · Guided vs. DIY vs. drop camp
License rules and region boundaries are from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department for 2026. Quotas and hunt areas change every year, so check the current WGFD elk regulations before you apply.