Apply by July 21 to hunt on a G&F hunter management area

If you’re one of the many hunters making plans to head to a Wyoming Game and Fish Department hunter management area this fall, it’s time to apply for permission slips. Applications for HMAs open at 8 a.m., July 21. A successful hunting season begins long before heading afield. Securing permission for access is one of the most important planning steps. 

HMAs are typically ranches where Game and Fish manages hunting access. These properties may include portions of various private lands, as well as intermixed leased BLM and state lands within the HMA boundary. HMAs are part of the Access Yes program that facilitates the partnership between private landowners and Game and Fish to provide hunters and anglers free public hunting and fishing access on private land and inaccessible public land. Access Yes also includes walk-in fishing and hunting areas, each of which has its own rules regarding species and access dates. 

“The Access Yes program thrives because of our incredible partnerships with Wyoming landowners,” said Dan Smith, Game and Fish chief game warden. “Our most sincere thanks go out to these generous individuals who make hunting opportunities possible on their land.”

To obtain access to an HMA, each hunter must apply online and obtain a printed permission slip.

There are currently 65 HMAs throughout Wyoming supported by donations, and a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Wyoming conservation stamps. Funds donated to Access Yes can only be utilized to provide landowner payments in exchange for sportsperson access. The public can support Access Yes through donations on the Game and Fish website or when purchasing a license, either online or from a license-selling agent. For more information visit the Game and Fish public access page.