Hunting
is allowed on National Forest lands. There are many hunting opportunities
in the Bighorn National Forest. Big game species include elk, mule
deer, white-tailed deer, black bear, mountain lion and pronghorn
antelope.
Wildlife licensing, regulations, harvest limits, and
seasons are set by the Wyoming
Game and Fish department. Please contact them for more information.
Hunting and the use of ATVs
During hunting season, elk tend to retreat to the
most isolated and remote location they can find.
These are called security zones - areas of excellent
hiding cover and minimal disturbance that will hold big game during
periods of stress (i.e. hunting season).
Over the last decade, the number of people visiting
this area has dramatically increased.
At the same time, more people have begun using All Terrain
Vehicles (ATV's). As
a result of increased ATV use and the impacts of user created roads/trails,
deer and elk have fewer security zones. Some roads and trails you
see are in inappropriate locations and were created by ATV's driving
off road. When you
drive off a road you leave a track that others will follow, and
you may be causing the start of the next illegal user created road
or motorized trail. Some
user-created trails access the same location that an existing, legal
road does. In many areas, this has created a web and criss-cross of needless
roads and trails, adding to the displacement and disruption of big
game security, as well as creating resource damage
There is growing evidence that increased motorized hunting
activity is causing an unintentional, but nevertheless mounting
toll on big game hunting quality and natural resource quality.
Preserving
the Hunting Experience
A
good hunt includes respecting the land and other hunters. ATV's
can make hunting easier, because you can cover a lot of ground quickly.
But they also make it easier to unintentionally cross an
area someone else has staked out since dawn, scaring their quarry
away. Similarly, with
more hunters, scouting for game can often backfire. Rather than pinpoint the best place to hunt, scouting from an
ATV often just adds to the overall traffic displacing game from
an area. Where you
go, and how you get there can mean the difference between a successful
hunt and an unsuccessful hunt - both for you and the next person.
Be prepared to pack your game out by foot or horse in areas where
motorized travel is required to stay on designated routes. Please
remember, discharging a firearm in a campground, occupied
area, across roads or bodies of water, or within 150 yards of a
residence, building, or developed camping area is prohibited.
Outfitters and Guides
Guide and Outfitter services are available and offered
for a variety of services such as hunting, fishing, and horseback
riding. If you use the services of an outfitter, make sure they
are licensed with the State and permitted to operate on the Bighorn
National Forest. If they are not both licensed with the state
and permitted by the Forest Service, they are breaking both State
and Federal laws; steer clear of them! The permitted and legal operators
are regulated and inspected to ensure you get a quality and safe
service. Contact your local Forest Service office to make sure the
outfitter or guide you hire is legal.
Hunting
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to hunt on national forest
land?
The requirements for hunting on national forest land in
Wyoming are that you must have a valid hunting license and follow
all rules and regulations set forth by the Wyoming Game and Fish
Department.
May I hunt anywhere on national forest land?
Much of the general forest area is open for hunting. Designated
recreation areas and administrative sites are not open for hunting.
Wildlife management areas are off limits. Certain hunting restrictions
apply in the Cloud Peak Wilderness Area of the Bighorn National
Forest. Check with the Wyoming
Game and Fish for more information.
It is important to stay at least 150 yards from trails,
roads, recreation areas, buildings, and residences. Pay close attention
to the boundaries; what you may think is national forest land may
be private. National forest land is marked with a yellow sign with
black printing. These signs will be posted along the boundary. You
may purchase a Bighorn National Forest map at any of the visitor's
centers in the Forest.
Even though you may be within the national forest
proclamation boundary, there are pockets of private land within
that boundary. Abide by posted "No Hunting" and "No
Trespassing" signs. Permission from the private property owner
must be obtained prior to hunting.
Are the seasons different for national forest
land?
Please contact the Wyoming
Game and Fish for more information on this subject.
May I carry a gun on national forest land?
Yes, you may. The laws and regulations concerning firearms for Wyoming
also apply on national forest land. Please note these exceptions:
- Fireworks and explosives are prohibited in the National Forests.
- Firing a gun is not allowed: in
or within 150 yards of a residence, building; campsite, developed
recreation site, or occupied area; across or on a road or body
of water; in any circumstance whereby any person may be injured
or property damaged.
Where can I get more information?
Please contact the Wyoming
Game and Fish.
Hunting information is also available through the
U.S.
Geological Survey website.
Hunter Safety Tips
- Tell someone where you’ll be hunting.
- Avoid outings alone. If you go alone, be extra careful and
hunt in familiar areas.
- Dress properly: be prepared for the worst conditions; protect
against hypothermia.
-
Check the weather forecast before going into the
woods.
-
Always wear enough blaze orange to be highly visible
to other hunters.
-
Identify your target before shooting.
-
Check hunting equipment before and after each
outing, and maintain it properly. Familiarize yourself with
its operation before using it in the field.
-
Know all the rules and regulations set forth by
the Wyoming Game and Fish.
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