Jackson Hole Radio

Covering the Tetons since 1965

Covering the Tetons since 1965

Changes to 2025 Elk Hunting Season on National Elk Refuge

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The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) has introduced updates to the 2025 elk hunting season on the National Elk Refuge (NER) in Teton County, effective for Elk Hunt Area 77. Announced on July 27th, 2025, these changes adjust season dates, introduce a new license type, and modify the permission slip application process to better distribute elk harvests across migrating herd segments, supporting sustainable management in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.New Season Dates
The NER will be open for elk hunting from November 1st to December 19th, with the following structure:

  • November 1–26: Hunters with a general elk license or any unused limited quota license (except Type 8) can apply for permission slips to hunt antlerless elk.
  • November 27–30: A youth-only hunt for any elk, restricted to hunters with full-price youth licenses (Type 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, or General).
  • December 1–5: General or unused limited quota license holders (except Type 8) can apply to hunt antlerless elk.
  • December 8–19: Only hunters with the new Hunt Area 77 Type 6 license can apply for permission slips to hunt cow or calf elk, with slips available anytime during this period.

Hunt periods are split into Monday–Thursday (4 days) and Friday–Sunday (3 days), with a full list available on the WGFD website.Permission Slip Application Process

  • Initial Draw: Applications open August 1st at 8 a.m. and close September 18th at 11:59 p.m. via the NER Elk Hunter Management Area webpage. Hunters may apply for one hunt period, with results posted September 19th at 8 a.m. Leftover slips are first-come, first-served thereafter.
  • Alternate Draws: Weekly applications run from October 20th to November 27th, opening Mondays at 8 a.m. and closing Thursdays at 11:59 p.m., with results posted Fridays at 8 a.m. Remaining slips are available first-come, first-served.

Hunters are limited to harvesting one elk per day, and chronic wasting disease sampling is mandatory for all harvested elk. Compliance with NER ranch rules is required. For details, visit wgfd.wyo.gov or contact the Jackson Regional Office at (307) 733-2321.

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