Wyoming is one of the most overlooked deer hunting states in the nation. Among western destinations, it offers exceptional opportunities for both Wyoming whitetail hunting and mule deer hunting. Whether you’re a seasoned whitetail hunter or someone seeking a promising new location, Wyoming deserves a spot on your radar. Here’s why, along with insights into the state’s application process, tag availability, and more.
Why Wyoming’s Whitetail Hunting Is Overlooked
Wyoming whitetail hunting is often overshadowed by the state’s reputation for mule deer, elk, and antelope hunting. However, it offers excellent opportunities for hunters willing to explore its hidden potential.
“Wyoming is a very under-appreciated whitetail state,” said Marshall Spires with 157 Outfitters. “There are two reasons. First, mule deer get all of the attention. Wyoming has numerous record-book mule deer bucks. The majority of the state is mule deer habitat. So, if you drop a pin in Wyoming, it’s probably mule deer habitat — not whitetail habitat.”
Despite this, areas with creeks, rivers, and swamps hold thriving populations of whitetails. According to Spires, these areas don’t attract much attention from local hunters, leaving them lightly pressured and teeming with opportunity.
“Another reason it’s overlooked is largely because whitetail hunting is private-land dependent,” Spires said. “In Wyoming, anywhere there is water, is going to be owned by someone.
“In our part of Wyoming, there are very limited opportunities to kill a whitetail on public land,” Spires said. “About the only spots will be walk-in areas. These are not true public land, but private land that are open to the public for hunting.”
For these reasons, Wyoming whitetails are often overlooked. Public-land hunts are challenging, and success depends heavily on private access.
Understanding Wyoming’s Whitetail Hunting Draw System
Planning a Wyoming hunt begins with understanding its tag draw system. Wyoming’s units are highly specific, with considerable variation even within short distances.
“I can party hunt whitetails because the tags are easy enough to draw,” Spires said. “The whitetail tag is the easiest tag I have to draw. Historically, for the past 15 years, it’s a 100% draw rate. We can get you on a whitetail hunt. Plus, we pretty much guarantee an opportunity at a mature whitetail. We never guarantee size or success, but we do guarantee seeing a mature animal.”
The Potential for Trophy Whitetails in Wyoming
Wyoming might not be the first state that comes to mind for trophy whitetails, but the potential here is undeniable.
“Our whitetails are underrated regarding age class and number of deer,” Spires said. “I’ll put us up against anyone in the country for seeing the number of mature deer we do.”
Hunters can expect solid trophy potential.
“While our trophy quality isn’t like Iowa or Illinois, we kill 160-plus-inch bucks every year,” Spires said. “On a normal four- to five-day whitetail hunt, we’ll see 10–15 mature bucks. Our trophy quality is 125 to 145 inches. That’s what you’d expect to shoot. But we do shoot 160s every year.”
This high-quality hunting experience stems from strong age structure and healthy populations, particularly along creek and river bottoms, where mature bucks thrive.
Rifle Rut Hunting: A Unique Opportunity
Wyoming’s rifle season during the rut sets it apart as a destination for whitetail hunters.
“We have extremely long seasons for whitetails,” Spires said. “In my unit, rifle season runs from October 1 to November 30. You can hunt through the early season, pre-rut, rut, and post-rut. You can have weather conditions with 75-80 degrees to below freezing.
“It’s a great experience,” Spires continued. “Being able to hunt the rut with a rifle isn’t common, especially for that length of time.”
In early October, whitetails are predictable, sticking to food sources. As the rut progresses in late October and early November, patterns shift, creating dynamic hunting opportunities.
“Really, every day, you have no idea what you’ll see,” Spires said. “This makes it a little harder on us with expectations, but it’s fun, because you never know when a 150-inch deer will step out in the river bottom.”
By late November, the rut winds down, and bucks refocus on feeding to prepare for winter.
“They’ve already done the rut shuffle,” Spires said. “You have some really big bucks that might’ve been locked down with does, but they’re done breeding now. They’re moving back to the mindset of needing to go eat. That late-November hunt offers a great chance of finding and patterning mature bucks on food sources.”
Success Stories from Wyoming Whitetail Hunts
The numbers don’t lie, and the success stories from 157 Outfitters highlight Wyoming’s potential for whitetail hunting.
This season, a client from Michigan took a high 130s 8-pointer on his first afternoon.
“He came in just wanting to see a mature buck,” Spires said. “At last light, the mature bucks started coming out. He took a high 130s 8-pointer that was tall and heavy. The deer was so old you couldn’t tell based on his jaw — probably 7 ½ or 8 ½ years old. It was a great experience for him to see so many deer in a place that’s really managed.”
Another client, an experienced female hunter, harvested a great 143-inch 9-pointer on her first morning.
“She remarked how different it is being able to sit and see so many deer,” Spires said. “You aren’t just sitting over a corn pile or green field, hoping for days on end that something comes out.”
One particularly memorable hunt saw a client take a 162-inch 10-pointer that had been locked down with a doe.
“I could go on and on about stories of big whitetails,” Spires concluded. “I take a lot of pride in our whitetail experience in Wyoming.”
Final Thoughts
Wyoming’s whitetail hunting is an experience unlike any other. With 100% draw odds for non-residents and exceptional opportunities for seeing and harvesting mature bucks, the Cowboy State is an underrated gem.
“As an outfitter, I never guarantee success,” Spires said. “But on whitetail hunts, I guarantee we will have opportunities at mature whitetails. It just doesn’t not happen. We see mature bucks almost every hunt, and almost always see 10 mature bucks within shooting range.”
For hunters seeking a new adventure, Wyoming offers breathtaking landscapes, abundant whitetails, and a unique chance to experience the thrill of rifle rut hunting. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to the region, Wyoming’s whitetail potential is well worth exploring.
