WGFD report concludes with small game
Boasting first-class trophy elk hunting and the largest population of Greater sage grouse in the U.S., Wyoming is a premier destination for hunting come fall.
Just in time for hunters to take to the hills this season, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) released its 2025 hunt forecast, providing a comprehensive breakdown of big and small game outlooks across the state’s eight regions.
Game birds
The Cowboy State’s sprawling sagebrush steppe is home to over one-third of the global sage grouse population, with the highest population densities in the “Golden Triangle” of southwest Wyoming.
In the Green River region, sage grouse lek counts were similar to last year and remain favorable, although WGFD notes prolonged dry conditions could affect brood survival.
WGFD reports, “Hunters should still expect to put in significant effort to find sage grouse, but quality opportunities still exist. Other upland opportunities exist within the region for partridge, but are somewhat limited.”
Additional game birds in the area include an abundance of dusky grouse in the Sierra Madre and Wyoming Range, while ruffed grouse are available in the Uintas and Wyoming Range.
In the Pinedale region, sage grouse numbers are trending upward, with lek counts suggesting populations are recovering from previous lows.
WGFD says hunters should expect to see more sage grouse this fall, while dusky and ruffed grouse will provide good opportunities in forested habitats from September through December.
Wet, mild spring conditions benefited upland birds across the Lander region with likely population gains for sage grouse, dusky and ruffed grouse, pheasants, chukars and gray partridge, according to WGFD.
The department further notes pheasant hunting at the popular Sand Mesa and Ocean Lake Wildlife Habitat Management Areas (WHMA) continue to draw hunters from across Wyoming and beyond.
“WGFD will continue to stock pheasants for the Springer Special Hunt on the Springer WHMA and in areas enrolled in the AccessYes program for the general season throughout November and a portion of December,” the report reads.
WGFD also mentions, given recent precipitation at higher elevations, dusky grouse should be in better shape in the Lander region.
In Laramie, dry conditions in 2025 may dampen brood survival for sage grouse, sharp-tailed grouse and pheasants, although dusky grouse are faring better due to high-elevation moisture and vegetation recovery in the Mullen Fire burn scar, according to the WGFD report.
Pheasant stocking will continue at Spring WHMA for both the special hunt and the general season, with releases also occurring on AccessYes properties. Release site details will be available to the public before the Nov. 1 opener.
Due to its small, isolated sage grouse population, the Jackson region does not offer a sage grouse hunting season.
WGFD says hunters will instead find strong opportunities for dusky and ruffed grouse in some of the best habitat in the state. The department notes seasons run through December, and hunters should be aware of winter range closures beginning in December.
Upland and small game conditions remain favorable in the Cody region as well due to recent precipitation. WGFD says hunters can expect similar or slightly better opportunities than last year.
“Chukar and Hungarian partridge populations are rebounding but still aren’t at the peak of their cycles, and field managers aren’t seeing as many broods as they normally do when populations are high,” WGFD reports.
Additionally, sage grouse production in the region seems to be improving, and hunters are encouraged to contribute to population monitoring by placing wings in collection barrels across the southern Big Horn Basin.
The Sheridan region’s mild winter weather and timely spring moisture set the stage for good upland bird production.
While sage grouse seasons remain closed in much of the region, according to WGFD, pheasant, grouse and turkey hunting opportunities look strong.
“The Sheridan Bird Farm had another excellent year, and pheasants will be released throughout the season on publicly accessible land,” WGFD says. “For those who hunt in those areas where pheasants are released, don’t forget to purchase a Pheasant Management Stamp.”
Small game
When it comes to small game, WGFD notes rabbit populations, including cottontails and snowshoe hares appear to be on the rise in the Pinedale region, with hunting seasons open until the end of March. However, hunters should be aware of winter range closures beginning in November and December in some areas.
While cottontail numbers appear down in some areas of the Lander region, snowshoe hare and red squirrel populations remain stable, offering consistent hunting opportunities, according to WGFD’s report.
In the Cody region, WGFD says rabbit hunting should be steady or slightly improved from the previous season, while tree squirrel hunting is expected to be excellent in 2025.
Additionally, hunters in the Green River region will find steady opportunities for cottontails and snowshoe hares in 2025-26.
Look back on the Sept. 20 and Sept. 27 editions of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup for the WGFD’s 2025 hunting outlook for elk, deer, moose, bison, pronghorn, Bighorn sheep and mountain goats.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
