Wyoming Bird Hunting

Seasons Span September 1 – January 31, 2026

State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.

Season Dates

  • Sage Grouse
    • Season Dates: September 20–30, 2025 (Hunt Area 1); other areas may be closed. 
    • Daily Bag Limit: 2
    • Possession Limit: 4 (some sources note 6 possession limit, but 4 is specified for Hunt Area 1). 
    • Notes: A free sage grouse hunting permit is required, available at Wyoming Game and Fish offices or online. Hunt Area 1 covers west-central Wyoming.
  • Blue (Dusky) Grouse
    • Season Dates: September 1–December 31, 2025 
    • Daily Bag Limit: 3
    • Possession Limit: 9 
    • Notes: Available statewide, found in forested and open habitats.
  • Ruffed Grouse
    • Season Dates: September 1–December 31, 2025 
    • Daily Bag Limit: 3
    • Possession Limit: 9 
    • Notes: Found in timbered areas, less common; hunters may consider self-imposed limits due to low population.
  • Sharp-tailed Grouse
    • Season Dates: September 1–December 31, 2025 (east of the Continental Divide) 
    • Daily Bag Limit: 3
    • Possession Limit: 9 
    • Notes: Found in prairies and grasslands east of the Continental Divide.
  • Hungarian (Gray) Partridge
    • Season Dates: September 15, 2025–January 31, 2026 
    • Daily Bag Limit: 5
    • Possession Limit: 15 
    • Notes: Available statewide, often found in sage grouse habitat.
  • Chukar Partridge
    • Season Dates: September 15, 2025–January 31, 2026 
    • Daily Bag Limit: 5
    • Possession Limit: 15 
    • Notes: Available statewide, typically in steep terrain near sage grouse habitat.
  • Ring-necked Pheasant
    • Season Dates: Varies by hunt area, generally November 1–December 31, 2025; Hunt Area 8 (Springer) includes October 11–31, 2025, and November 1–15, 2025. 
    • Daily Bag Limit: 2–3 (varies by area; Hunt Area 2 is 2, others typically 3; Springer permits allow 3) 
    • Possession Limit: 6–9 (varies by area; Hunt Area 2 is 6, others typically 9) 
    • Notes: Hunt Area 1, 5, 7, 9, 11 typically male-only; Hunt Area 2 allows any pheasant; Springer and Glendo require special permits.

Required Licenses and Costs

  • Resident Licenses:
    • Annual Game Bird/Small Game License: $27 
    • Daily Game Bird/Small Game License: $9 
    • Conservation Stamp: $21.50 (required for most hunting) 
    • Lifetime Game Bird/Small Game License: $311 
  • Non-resident Licenses:
    • Annual Game Bird/Small Game License: $74 
    • Daily Game Bird/Small Game License: $22 
    • Conservation Stamp: $21.50 (required for most hunting) 
    • Youth (12-month Game Bird/Small Game): $40 
  • Sage Grouse Permit: Free, required for sage grouse hunting, available online or at Wyoming Game and Fish offices. 
  • Pheasant Special Management Permit: Required for certain areas (e.g., Springer, Glendo), cost not specified in sources but typically included with license or via separate application (apply April 1–June 2, 2025). 
  • Hunter Safety Requirement: Hunters born after January 1, 1966, must have a hunter safety certification, except residents hunting on family land. 

Additional Notes

  • Bag and Possession Limits: Only one daily bag limit per species can be taken, regardless of the number of hunt areas visited in a day. The largest daily/possession limit applies if hunting multiple areas. 
  • Regulations: Nontoxic shot is required for shotguns in specific areas (e.g., Table Mountain, Springer/Bump-Sullivan WHMAs). Always check the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website for the latest regulations, hunt area maps, and potential changes. 
  • Applications: Apply for Springer pheasant permits April 1–June 2, 2025. 
  • Verification: Season dates and limits may vary by specific hunt areas; always confirm with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department for the most current information. 

For the most up-to-date details, visit the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website (wgfd.wyo.gov) or refer to the 2025 Upland Game Bird and Small Game Hunting Seasons regulation brochure.