Non-Resident Elk Applications Increase

Hunters seeking a western adventure continue to choose Wyoming to pursue elk.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department saw an increase in non-resident elk applications for the 2019 season. According to a new report, nonresidents submitted 23,750 applications – that’s a 2.9 percent increase from 2018. Interest in reduced-price cow/calf licenses also grew by just over 6 percent since 2018.

Each January, Wyoming opens a month-long application period for nonresidents. The application period is short and the draw is earlier than most other Western states to help nonresidents plan their hunts.

Brian Nesvik, director of Game and Fish, says that hunters are drawn to the state because of the quality of wildlife, the hunting access programs, large tracts of public land and the spectacular views.

Annually, wildlife managers provide a preliminary quota of elk licenses for the state. This year, 4,372 general licenses were available, which remains close to the average.