Hunters planning to visit a Wyoming Game and Fish Department Hunter Management Area (HMA) this fall should mark their calendars: applications for permission slips open at 8 a.m. on July 21st. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department emphasizes that securing access through these slips is a critical step for a successful hunting season. HMAs, part of the Access Yes program, provide free public hunting opportunities on private and leased public lands, including ranches and intermixed BLM and state properties.
The Access Yes program, supported by 65 HMAs across Wyoming, relies on partnerships with landowners who open their properties to hunters and anglers. “We are fortunate to have incredible partnerships with Wyoming landowners,” said Dan Smith, Game and Fish chief game warden, expressing gratitude for their contributions. Funding for the program comes from donations and a portion of Wyoming conservation stamp sales, used exclusively for landowner payments to maintain access.
To hunt in an HMA, each hunter must apply online for a printed permission slip, which is specific to the HMA, species, and hunting period. Kelly Todd, Laramie Region Access Yes coordinator, advises hunters to carefully review individual HMA Ranch Rules, which detail species allowed, hunt areas, slip availability, allocation methods, and other access conditions. For example, the Greybull River HMA, open from September 20th to January 15th, allows hunting for antelope, deer, and elk, but restricts doe/fawn white-tailed deer hunters from pivot fields. Similarly, the Pitchfork HMA permits wild turkey, antelope, deer, and elk hunting during specific seasons.
Hunters should note that Type 8 elk licenses are not valid on the National Elk Refuge, as these licenses target specific elk population management areas. Non-compliance with HMA rules violates Game and Fish Commission Regulations, potentially leading to fines, loss of access, or other penalties. Hunters are urged to respect landowners and their properties to ensure continued access.
For planning, hunters can access interactive maps, ranch rules, and GeoPDFs on the Game and Fish website, which updates HMA information in July. Applications for limited draw slips, such as those for the Beer-Mug HMA’s elk hunting or Duncan Ranch’s antelope and deer, close in early August, with results posted shortly after. Unlimited or first-come, first-served slips, like those for Broom Creek HMA’s big game, are available immediately upon application. To apply, hunters need a valid 2025 hunting license, vehicle information, and must submit via the Game and Fish HMA webpage. Support the Access Yes program through donations online or at license-selling agents
