Elk Hunting in Cody, Wyoming
To travel through the awe-inspiring landscape of northwestern Wyoming is to be transported back in time to an era when the West was still young and wild and the possibilities for the land seemed limitless. To hunt for elk today in the area around Cody, Wyoming, is to know this purity first-hand. It's a wonderful opportunity to experience the thrill of adventure that captured the imagination of settlers from centuries gone by.
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Location
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Cody is a small town nestled in the northwest corner of Wyoming, not far from the southeast border of arguably the most famous national park in the United States, Yellowstone. The region is absolutely teeming with wildlife; massive elk herds of 13,000 head or more mingle in the high mountain meadows with bighorn sheep, moose and deer.
Elk Seasons
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In Wyoming, elk hunting takes place between September and January with varying dates depending on location. In the Cody region, there are several different hunting areas and each potentially has a different hunting season and different rules governing the application process. Most areas around Cody have seasons that open on the first of October. It is important that hunters know which area they intend to hunt in so they can apply for the correct license in the right location. Consult updated hunting regulations as issued by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
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Applying for Tags
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You must apply for a hunting tag through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to hunt elk by the end of January in the year in which you intend to hunt and for the specific area you intend to hunt. The state sets a quota on the number of elk that can be harvested in each hunting area based on available information on the size of the elk herd. In the Cody region, there are upwards of 15 separate hunting areas and, in each one, there are on average 100 to 300 tags issued each year. Consult current regulations for updated information on the application process and current quotas.
Private Lands Public Wildlife Access Program
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A number of private land parcels around Cody are available to hunters, but it is required that every individual obtains written permission before taking advantage of these hunting locations. Applicable Hunter Management Areas (as they are commonly known) in the Cody area are Heart Mountain, Carter Mountain and Pitchfork. Refer to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website for details on the permission process. It is the hunter's responsibility to know an understand the ranch rules created by each landowner before hunting.
Public Lands
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There is ample room on public land for the many hunters who venture into the mountains around Cody in search of elk. The Shoshone National Forest is a well-known area for hunting, and the Washakie Wilderness and the Bridger Teton National Forest south of Cody are areas that continually reward hunters with trophy elk.
Outfitters and Guides
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The land around Cody is rugged with plenty of difficult terrain. One of the best ways to ensure that you navigate the landscape effectively and maximize the opportunity for a successful hunt is to hire an experienced guide or hunt through a reputable outfitter.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit elk image by Brett Bouwer from Fotolia.com
