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Are there any special rules for tagging elk in Wyoming?

April 5, 2026

Quick Answer

In Wyoming, nonresident elk hunters must tag their elk with a valid Wyoming Game and Fish Department elk tag, which includes a harvest reporting requirement. The tag must be attached to the elk within 72 hours of harvest.

Required Tags and Reporting

Nonresident elk hunters in Wyoming must obtain a valid elk tag, which includes a harvest reporting requirement. The tag must be attached to the elk within 72 hours of harvest. Elk tags are available through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s online licensing system or at a license vendor. When purchasing an elk tag, hunters must choose a specific sex and either a bull or cow tag, depending on the type of elk they seek.

Tag Specifications

Elk tags in Wyoming have specific specifications. Bull elk tags are valid for elk with at least 4 points on one antler beam, and cow elk tags are valid for female elk. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department uses a points system to classify bull elk, with a minimum of 5 points required for a Class A bull elk and a minimum of 3 points required for a Class D bull elk. Hunters must check the antler beam of the elk they harvest to determine the correct tag to use.

Harvest Reporting Requirements

After harvesting an elk, hunters must report the harvest to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Harvest reporting is required for all elk tags, and hunters must provide information about the elk they harvested, including the location and date of harvest and the tag number. Hunters can report their harvest online or by mail, and failure to report a harvest may result in fines or other penalties.

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