This Wyoming small game guide covers what you need to plan a Wyoming small game hunt, whether you’re a longtime resident or planning your first out-of-state trip: where to find land, what the rules require, and how to gear up. Wyoming’s 2026 hunting seasons were formally adopted through the 2026 Wyoming hunting seasons commission process, so the dates and limits below reflect the current regulatory cycle. Double-check current Chapter 11 regs with WGFD before you head out.
Here’s what’s ahead:
- Exact 2026 season dates & bag limits for cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, squirrel, and prairie dog
- Resident & nonresident license costs, plus permit and hunter education requirements
- Where to hunt — from public land and Wildlife Habitat Management Areas to vetted private leases and guided hunts
Quick Overview: 2026 Wyoming Small Game at a Glance
These dates and limits, set by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, govern legal small game hunting statewide for the 2026 season.
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag | Possession | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottontail Rabbit | Sept 1 – Mar 31 | $10 | 20 | Conservation stamp required |
| Snowshoe Hare | Sept 1 – Mar 31 | $10.00 | 20 | Same season as cottontail |
| Squirrels (red, gray, fox) | Varies by species/local area | Varies | Varies | Check WGFD Chapter 11 regs |
| Prairie Dogs | Year-round (open) | No limit | No limit | Classified as non-game animals |
For more on each species and how the season plays out month to month, see our full Wyoming small game season breakdown.
Before heading afield, every hunter needs to meet a few basic requirements:
- Small game license — required for anyone hunting cottontail, hare, or squirrel (resident or nonresident)
- Conservation stamp — required in addition to your license per WGFD regulations
- Hunter education — mandatory for anyone born after 1965 hunting with a firearm
- Shooting hours — legal only from ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset, with no artificial light allowed
Licensing costs and permit details are covered in full further down. First, here’s what each species offers this season.
2026 Wyoming Small Game Hunting Seasons
Wyoming small game hunting covers a handful of distinct species, each with its own rules and rhythm. The table above gives you the numbers; this section covers what’s behind them, per WGFD’s regulatory framework.
Cottontail Rabbit & Snowshoe Hare
Cottontail rabbit and snowshoe hare share the same season window: September 1 through March 31, with a daily bag limit of 10 and a possession limit of 20, per WGFD. It’s one of the longest and most generous small game seasons in the state, with plenty of chances to get out regardless of your schedule.
The two aren’t quite the same animal to hunt. Snowshoe hares are found in most mountain ranges throughout Wyoming, favoring a mix of aspen and conifers near willows and young aspen stands — their oversized feet are built to run across deep snow, according to the WGFD small game FAQ. Cottontails stick closer to brushy lowland cover, fence lines, and riparian edges where they can dive for shelter quickly. Knowing the difference helps you scout the right terrain for whichever species you’re after.
Squirrels & Other Small Game
Wyoming small game hunters may also pursue red, gray, and fox squirrel, though seasons and limits vary by specific species and local-area regulations outlined in WGFD’s Chapter 11 regs. Because these rules shift by region, check the current regulations booklet for your specific hunting area before targeting squirrels this season.
Prairie Dogs
Prairie dogs fall into a different category. They’re classified as non-game animals in Wyoming, open to hunting year-round with no bag limits. Prairie dog hunting doesn’t fall under the same season restrictions or bag limits as licensed small game.
Wyoming Small Game Licenses & Permits
Before you can legally hunt any small game species in Wyoming, you’ll need the right license in hand. Licenses are purchased directly through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and costs differ by residency status.
Wyoming Hunting Licenses
Small game license types and costs for the 2026 season:
| License Type | Residency | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Game Bird / Small Game (12-Month) | Resident | $27 |
| Game Bird / Small Game (12-Month) | Nonresident | $74.00 |
| Game Bird / Small Game (Daily) | Nonresident | $22 |
| Youth Small Game | Nonresident | $40 |
A conservation stamp is required in addition to your license, per WGFD regulations. It’s a small add-on cost that supports wildlife habitat and conservation work statewide, and you’ll need it alongside your small game license before you head out, regardless of residency.
Wyoming Hunting Permits & Hunter Education
Anyone born after 1965 who plans to hunt with a firearm in Wyoming must have passed a certified hunter education course, per the WGFD small game FAQ. Youth hunters 13 and under can hunt cottontails without a small game license, provided they’ve completed a certified hunter safety course. Unlike big game, small game hunting doesn’t require a separate archery license during archery season.
Both residents and nonresidents can purchase licenses and applications online, though you’ll need a username and password set up with WGFD to complete the purchase. Carry proof of your hunter education completion in the field — wardens do check.
A few terms worth knowing: your conservation stamp is a required add-on that funds habitat work statewide; your possession limit is the total number of animals you can legally have in your possession at one time, not just per day; and shooting hours run from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset — hunting with artificial light outside those hours is illegal.
Where to Hunt Small Game in Wyoming
Knowing the season and having your license squared away gets you halfway there. The other half is figuring out where you’re actually going to hunt. Wyoming offers a mix of public access and private opportunities, and understanding both helps you avoid wasted trips and crowded ground.
Best Public Lands
Wyoming has a substantial amount of public land open to small game hunting, making it a solid starting point for residents and visiting hunters alike. A few categories to know:
- BLM & National Forest lands — vast tracts across the state are open to small game hunting with no special access permit required beyond your license.
- Wildlife Habitat Management Areas (WHMAs) — many are open to small game hunting. Fluorescent orange or pink is required for pheasant hunting on these areas and recommended as a general safety measure for small game.
- State trust lands with public access — often overlooked by hunters chasing big game, these parcels can hold solid small game populations with far less pressure.
If you’re unsure where boundaries fall or which tracts are open near you, WGFD’s public access mapping tools are the most reliable way to confirm before you go.
Private Land Hunting with Hunting Locator
Public land works, but more hunters means more pressure, and more pressure means fewer opportunities on any given weekend. Private land offers quieter ground, less competition, and — especially if you’re traveling from out of state — guaranteed access before you leave home.
There are two paths to private land access worth considering. Leasing gives you exclusive rights to hunt a specific property for the season, often at a fraction of what you’d pay for a guided hunt. Buying land outright is a longer-term investment that guarantees you a home base for small game, big game, and everything in between for years to come.
Hunting Locator connects you directly with Wyoming landowners who are ready to lease or sell, without a middleman or cold calls to strangers. Every listing is built to help you find the right fit, whether you’re after a quiet 200-acre parcel for weekend rabbit hunts or a larger property with long-term potential.
Browse live Wyoming hunting leases and connect directly with landowners. It takes a few minutes to see the acreage, location, and terms — no waiting on a callback.
Guided Hunts
If you’d rather have someone else handle the scouting and logistics, a guided small game hunt can be a good option, especially for nonresidents making the most of a short trip. A few things worth considering before you book:
- What’s typically included — guided hunts often bundle land access, local knowledge of game movement, and sometimes lodging, so ask upfront what’s covered.
- Book early for the 2026 season — quality guides and outfitters fill their calendars fast, particularly during peak fall and winter months.
- Match the guide to your target species — some outfits specialize in upland birds and hares, others focus more on cottontails or mixed-bag hunts, so confirm the fit before committing.
Whatever route you choose, Hunting Locator’s platform is built to help you find the access and resources you need — public, private, or guided — from one starting point.
Wyoming Small Game Hunting Tips
Once you’ve got your license, land, and season dates sorted, a little strategy goes a long way. These tips will help you hunt smarter and stay legal all season long.
- Hunt legal hours — Shooting hours run from ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset, and hunting with artificial light is illegal, per WGFD. Plan your outings accordingly.
- Wear blaze orange or pink — It’s required on WHMAs for pheasant hunting and recommended as a general safety measure for small game hunters statewide.
- Know your habitat — Snowshoe hares favor aspen and conifer mixes near willows and young aspen stands, while cottontails stick to brushier, lower terrain. Scout accordingly.
- Gear for winter conditions — Since the season runs deep into March, snowshoes are worth packing for navigating deep snow when tracking hares.
- Match your firearm to the hunt — Small game hunting doesn’t require specialized big game equipment, but a reliable shotgun or small-caliber rifle suited to close-range shots will serve you well.
When it’s time to stock up, gear up at the Hunting Locator store for cold-weather layers, blaze orange gear, and other essentials for long days in the field. If seven months of small game hunting still isn’t enough, stretch your season with waterfowl or turkey hunting, both of which pair naturally with a small game trip.
More Resources from Hunting Locator
Wyoming has a lot more to offer than small game, and we’ve built out a full library of guides to help you plan every hunt on your calendar. Here’s where to go next:
Start Here / Wyoming Overview:
- Hunting in Wyoming — Your start-here overview of hunting in Wyoming.
- Wyoming small game hunting season — The deep-dive companion to this guide.
- Hunting Locator homepage — Find your next hunting spot.
- Wyoming leases — Browse live Wyoming leases and connect with landowners.
- Hunting Locator store — Gear up for your Wyoming hunt.
Big Game Guides:
- Wyoming antelope hunting season — Wyoming antelope seasons.
- Wyoming deer hunting season — Wyoming deer seasons.
- Wyoming elk hunting season — Wyoming elk seasons.
- Wyoming moose hunting season — Wyoming moose seasons.
- Wyoming bighorn sheep hunting season — Wyoming bighorn sheep seasons.
- Wyoming mountain goat hunting season — Wyoming mountain goat seasons.
Birds & Waterfowl:
- Wyoming waterfowl hunting season — Wyoming waterfowl seasons.
- Wyoming turkey hunting season — Wyoming turkey seasons.
Predators & Bears:
- Wyoming black bear hunting season — Wyoming black bear seasons.
- Wyoming grizzly bear hunting season — Wyoming grizzly bear info.
- Wyoming gray wolf hunting season — Wyoming gray wolf seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Wyoming small game hunting license in 2026?
A resident 12-month game bird/small game license costs $27, while nonresidents pay $74 for the same 12-month license, $22 for a daily license, or $40 for a youth nonresident license. A conservation stamp is also required in addition to your license, per WGFD.
What are the 2026 Wyoming cottontail and snowshoe hare season dates?
Both cottontail rabbit and snowshoe hare run September 1 through March 31, with a daily bag limit of 10 and a possession limit of 20, according to WGFD. It’s one of the longest small game seasons in the state.
How do I legally hunt rabbits in Wyoming?
Buy a small game license, pick up your required conservation stamp, complete hunter education if you were born after 1965, and hunt only during legal shooting hours. Follow those steps and you’re covered, per the WGFD small game FAQ.
Do nonresidents need hunter education to hunt small game in Wyoming?
Anyone born after 1965 hunting with a firearm must have passed hunter education, regardless of residency. Children under 16 must complete a hunter education course before purchasing a license, though youth hunters under 14 may hunt small game under the direct supervision of a qualified mentor, per WGFD.
Can I hunt prairie dogs year-round in Wyoming?
Yes. Prairie dogs are classified as non-game animals in Wyoming, open to hunting year-round with no bag limits — a different set of rules than licensed small game like rabbits and hares.
Where can I find private hunting land in Wyoming?
Hunting Locator connects you directly with Wyoming landowners offering land to lease or buy, giving you quieter ground and guaranteed access without cold calls to strangers. Check out Wyoming leases on Hunting Locator to see current listings and connect with landowners directly.
Can I extend my small game season with other hunts?
Yes. Wyoming’s waterfowl and turkey seasons overlap nicely with small game timing, letting you stretch your time in the field and make the most of a single trip if you’re traveling from out of state.
The Final Shot
Wyoming’s 2026 small game season runs seven months, September 1 through March 31, with a 10 daily and 20 possession limit on cottontails and snowshoe hares. Between resident licenses at $27 and nonresident options ranging from $22 daily to $74 annually, there’s a path that fits most hunters’ plans. The remaining work is locking in your license, confirming current WGFD Chapter 11 regulations for your hunting area, and deciding where you’ll spend your days afield.
WGFD remains the final word on season dates, shooting hours, and everything in between, so verify details before you head out — regulations can shift, and staying current keeps you legal and safe. Hunting Locator is built to connect you with the land, information, and gear you need for the season, whatever stage of planning you’re at.
If you’re ready to lock down quality ground for the season ahead, take a look at the current Wyoming leases and start turning your 2026 small game season plans into an actual hunt.
