Private Lands Public Wildlife Access Program

Wyoming has three programs that help make private land available for public hunting.

Hunter Management Program

Through the Hunter Management Program, the WGFD has entered into agreements with landowners to provide access to hunters in Hunter Management Areas (HMAs).

• An HMA is ranch land open for hunting that is on:
  • Private land only or…
  • A combination of private land, state trust land, and federal land that lies within the ranch’s boundaries.
• HMAs are open for hunting only during specific time periods and for certain species.
• To hunt in an HMA, you must have a printed permission slip from the WGFD for that specific area. To apply for a permission slip, go to the Hunter Management Areas information on the WGFD’s Private Lands Public Wildlife Access Program website.

Walk-In Area Hunting Program

Wyoming has Walk-In Areas (WIAs) for hunting on foot only. These areas are on private land where the WGFD has made arrangements with the landowner to allow public hunting. For more information, go to the Walk-In Hunting Areas information on the WGFD’s Private Lands Public Wildlife Access Program website.

Hunter/Landowner Assistance Program

Some landowners do not want to participate in the Hunter Management Program or the Walk-In Area Hunting Program. However, they do want to allow a limited number of hunters on their land to help control wildlife populations, decrease agricultural damage, etc.

• Landowners who are participating in this program are listed by region in the Hunter Assistance Program information on the WGFD’;s Private Lands Public Wildlife Access Program website.
• Hunters must contact the landowners directly.
• Some landowners may have additional rules for hunters and charge fees for hunting on their land.