Wyoming’s 2025 Hunting Forecast: What Hunters Need to Know Before Heading Out

With hunting season right around the corner, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department has dropped its annual hunting forecast, giving outdoorsmen and women a preview of what to expect across the state’s eight regions. The report covers everything from elk and mule deer to upland birds, pulling from on-the-ground data collected by game wardens and biologists.

Game and Fish is also reminding hunters to brush up on the 2025 regulations, keep an eye on chronic wasting disease (CWD), and report any sightings of invasive species like cheatgrass. And if you’re heading into areas marked with an asterisk (*), remember most of that land is private — you’ll need permission to hunt there, or risk crowded conditions on small public parcels.

Here’s a snapshot of what hunters in the Sheridan Region can expect this fall:

Pronghorn herds here have been hit hard in recent years by drought, brutal winters, and disease. While still below population goals, things are looking up thanks to a mild winter and good range conditions this spring. Fawn survival should improve, and slight quota increases in some hunt areas reflect that cautious optimism. That said, most pronghorn roam private land, so plan ahead for access. Expect heavy pressure on accessible public parcels, especially early in the season — midweek or later hunts often mean fewer crowds.

Mule deer are still struggling. Populations have been sliding since 2019, and severe winters plus poor habitat haven’t helped. Although fawn ratios are ticking up, herds remain well below target. For 2025, hunters will see reduced doe/fawn licenses and antler point restrictions in select hunt areas (19, 25, 29, 31). Access remains tricky, but walk-in and hunter management areas could be good bets. Recovery will take time, but habitat projects are in the works to turn things around.

White-tail numbers are rebounding after disease outbreaks in 2021 and 2022. Managers continue liberal hunting seasons to help control populations, especially since most deer cluster on private land and often cause damage complaints. Keep in mind that CWD rates top 30% in Sheridan’s white-tail herds — another reason Game and Fish encourages harvest to thin densities. Public hunting is limited, so landowner cooperation will be key.

If you’re after elk, this could be your year. Sheridan’s herds are thriving, sitting at or above objectives, and managers have set liberal seasons to encourage antlerless harvest. In hunt areas 123 and 129, hunters can buy unlimited cow/calf licenses — though only valid on private land. Elk opportunities are plentiful in the Bighorn Mountains, but once again, access off national forest land is mostly private, so line up permissions early.

Moose hunters who drew one of those coveted tags are in for a treat. The Bighorn herd is doing well, with plenty of mature bulls around. Quotas shifted slightly this year to reflect the 90:10 resident-to-nonresident split, but conditions should deliver solid hunting. Ongoing research projects wrapping up this year will also shape future moose management.

This year looks good for upland hunters. A mild winter and well-timed rains boosted brood survival, and biologists are reporting strong numbers. While sage-grouse hunting remains closed across much of the region, other game bird seasons look promising. Wild turkeys are thriving, with hunters able to pick up up to three fall turkey tags until quotas run out. The Sheridan Bird Farm also had another strong year, meaning pheasant releases will be steady throughout the season. Just don’t forget your Pheasant Management Stamp if you’re hunting release areas.

From rebounding pronghorn to thriving elk, Sheridan’s forecast is a mixed bag — but there’s plenty of opportunity if you plan smart. Game and Fish stresses hunters should review the latest regulations, stay mindful of CWD and invasive species, and above all, respect land access rules.

Want to dive deeper? The full statewide hunting forecast is available on the Wyoming Game and Fish website, with region-by-region details to help hunters across the state prep for the 2025 season.

The original story by Floyd Whiting for Sheridan Media.