Photo credit: Mark Gocke

Hunters must already have a Wyoming state bison license, issued by the Wyoming Game & Fish Department, to apply for a Refuge bison permit. Individuals who have not already applied and been selected for a 2016 Wyoming bison license are not eligible to hunt bison this year. 

Hunters apply for a Refuge bison permit by completing an online application. Hunters begin their application by visiting the Wyoming Game & Fish Department's Private Lands Public Wildlife Access Program web site. (Note: the Private Lands Public Wildlife Access Program will soon be changing its name to the Access Yes Program.)

Bison hunters must apply between July 11 through July 29, 2016, initially applying for only one bison hunt period. The results of the computerized random draw will be posted on the application web site by 11:00 am on August 1, 2016. Leftover and alternate permits will be available later in the season. 

A 2016 Bison Hunting Information and Regulations four-page handout thoroughly explains the refuge permit application process, along with general bison hunting information, season and hunt period dates, hunt regulations, and an area map. 

2016 Bison Hunting Information and Regulations (Adobe PDF)

Hard copies of the information and regulations will be available during the hunting season at the following Jackson, WY locations: 

Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center
532 N. Cache Street

Wyoming Game & Fish Department
420 N. Cache Street

National Elk Refuge Administrative Office
675 E. Broadway Street

Hunters are responsible for reading the National Elk Refuge hunting information and regulations specific to the hunt area where they are permitted and have them available while hunting on the refuge. 

It can be difficult to distinguish between a one to two year-old bull and a mature cow. A bison identification exam is available online and is a suggested tool to help hunters differentiate between bulls and cows. Misidentification of of sex or age when killing a bison will result in the seizure of the animal in addition to a criminal fine.