While Colorado activists push to shut down prairie dog hunting across their state line, Wyoming officials are taking the opposite approach to an expanding rodent population. Guided and semi-guided prairie dog hunting in Wyoming typically runs from late May through July, providing high-volume target shooting across expansive private high-plains ranches.
State officials encourage the hunts because Wyoming is overrun and needs to bring down the population. According to Wyoming Game & Fish, prairie dogs are classified as non-game animals, which means hunters face no license requirements, no stamps needed, and no bag limits.
Regulations and Hunter Requirements
Although the state places no limits on harvesting the rodents, several specific rules govern the practice. Anyone born after 1965 who hunts any wild animal with a firearm in Wyoming must possess proof of hunter safety certification, unless they are hunting on family-owned land or using archery equipment.
Road hunting is strictly prohibited for safety reasons. Hunters cannot drive slowly, stop temporarily, or shoot from a vehicle, nor can they hunt from the road or the ditch.
Where to Hunt and Using Guides
Hunters can legally pursue prairie dogs on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property, eligible state lands where shooting is permitted, or private land with explicit landowner permission. Because crossing private boundaries can prove difficult, using mapping apps or hiring professionals can prevent trespassing violations.
A search reveals roughly a dozen outfitters offering guided or semi-guided excursions. Utilizing these services helps participants avoid wandering onto private land and prevents trouble regarding safety rules.
