Wyoming Bison

In 2022, bison harvest success was over 90%, with 130 bison being harvested in the Jackson herd of unit 2 due to early winter storms and cold temperatures. Not only was the harvest substantial that year, but extreme winter conditions resulted in several bison dying throughout the winter, especially the young ones. This prompted the WGFD to drastically reduce license numbers for the 2023 season.

However, with only 19 bison being harvested in 2023 and very mild winter conditions, the Department issued a few additional licenses in 2024 for the Type 1 bison hunt. If harvest success continues to stay low and winter survival is high, we can expect to see more bison tags issued in 2025 and beyond as they try to manage the herd for a 500-animal objective. No Type 4 cow/calf licenses were issued in 2024 and will likely not be issued again until the herd is well above objective, if at all. Expect to see moderate to low license allocations for bison once again in 2025 as the herd continues to rebound from the 2022/2023 winter.

For the lucky applicants who draw a bison tag, the hunt can be extremely fun, especially if the weather gets the bison moving out of Teton National Park. Without migratory weather, these hunts can be tough and are best suited for someone with plenty of time and patience.

A total of 69 any bison licenses were issued for Area 2 in 2024, 6 of which went to non-residents. Expect those numbers to be similar for 2025 as the bison herd continues to rebound. The non-resident draw odds for the any bison license were 1 in 62 in 2024. In 2023, the any bison harvest success was 38%. Type 1 hunters have been averaging over nine days in the field to harvest a bison on this hunt.

Bison hunters in Hunt Area 2 should be aware that almost all of the harvest occurs on the National Elk Refuge. This is a very tough hunt, and hunters need to be prepared for many days of not seeing bison in huntable areas. In 2023, the bison harvest success was 38%, which is pretty standard in years when winter weather does not move the bison out of Teton Park. This is a very weather-dependent hunt, and if the late fall and early winter are warm and dry, the bison will not migrate.

In late July, those who successfully draw a license can apply online for a license to hunt the National Elk Refuge. You can only apply for one hunt period. Given the fact that migration is weather-dependent, you should apply for late-season dates. The results of the computerized random draw will be posted on the application website in early August.

Licenses will be issued through the WGFD Hunter Management Area program on the WGFD website. Some alternate licenses and hunt periods may be available after the draw, and that information is available through this website as well. If you are successful in harvesting a bison, you must submit a completed hunter information card to the Department regional office where the bison was harvested within 72 hours of the harvest.

Wyoming is one of only a handful of states that offer hunters an opportunity to hunt free-range bison. The draw odds for non-residents have become a lot tougher with the 90/10 split and tag reductions. However, if a bison is on your bucket list, here is an opportunity to draw a tag. If you’re willing to pay the expensive license fee and pray that Mother Nature brings some December storms, then make sure to get into the draw for 2025.

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