Hunting can be a family affair, and taking the children out to their first hunt still can be a rite of passage. That is the case for hunting in Wyoming, where children can be part of the hunt.
Here are four things to know before applying for a child's hunting license in Wyoming.
1. Minimum Age for Big Game and Trophy Game
Children must be at least 12 years old to hunt big game or trophy game, as designated in Wyoming,
according to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Antelope, bighorn sheep, bison, deer, elk, moose, and mountain goats are classified as big game in Wyoming. The state lists the gray wolf – currently suspended from being hunted – black bears, and mountain lions as trophy game.
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2. Those Age 14 and Younger Must Be Accompanied By an Adult
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department mandates that those younger than 14 must have supervision at all times while hunting. If the accompanying person is not a parent or guardian, the person supervising the minor must have a permission slip from the parent or guardian.
A person may only supervise one minor, meaning if two children younger than 14 are on a hunt in Wyoming, they must have a minimum of two adults with them at all times. Those qualified to supervise must either be a hunter currently licensed in Wyoming or have a big game license from the state in the past five years. They can also have a hunter safety certificate.
3. Wyoming Offers a Hunter-Mentor Program
The state designed a free program that was implemented in 2008 to allow a person who does not have their hunter safety certificate to hunt with a mentor at their side. It is structured, in a sense, to give someone a taste of hunting before they pursue it further, with children as an obvious audience.
The mentored person must be at least 12 years old. If they are younger than age 18, they must have a permission slip from their parent or guardian.
Mentors must be at least 18 years old, have a hunter education certificate, possess a valid Wyoming hunting license, and can only supervise one person on a hunt, staying in constant contact with that person throughout the hunt.
4. Hunting Ranches and Outfitters Can Cater to Families
Wyoming has various private ranches that offer hunting experiences.
The Hunting Report noted some that market their excursions as family friendly.
Rockin 7 Ranch said its antelope hunts are perfect for kids because large numbers of the animals will hold the children's attention.
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This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.
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