Hunting in Wyoming: 4 Animals Designated Nongame, Endangered, Threatened, and Protected Species

There are many species that can be hunted in Wyoming, but some are off limits as endangered, threatened and protected. While bison and bighorn sheep can be on a hunting itinerary, grizzlies cannot be hunted. Hunting mountain lions in Wyoming is fine, but don't confuse that big cat with the Canada lynx, which is on the threatened list.

The following are four species that are designated as nongame in Wyoming.

1. Canada Lynx
It should be easy to differentiate the pointed-ear Canada lynx from the likes of a mountain lion. The lynx's prime area of influence in the state is northwest area of Wyoming, which is the location of Yellowstone National Park. However, lynx can also be found in north central and south central portions of the state, and can be found outside their areas of influence. The lynx is listed as threatened, making it off limits as far as hunters are concerned, according the the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

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2. Grizzly Bear
The grizzly is primarily located in the western half of Wyoming, particularly around Yellowstone National Park, according to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service website.

As the species is listed as threatened, making it illegal to kill, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's website has grizzly reports and bear identification tests so hunters – and those outdoors – can spot the difference between a grizzly bear and a black bear and avoid accidental killings. That goes both ways, as well, letting the hunters know where grizzlies have been active and can be a potential danger.

3. Gray Wolves
The wolves were re-introduced in Wyoming in the mid-1990s and, as the population grew, were opened up to hunting status briefly, with 42 being killed in the trophy area during the 2012 hunting season, according to the Casper Star-Tribune. However, in September 2014, a judge placed the gray wolf on the endangered species list, which made them illegal to hunt.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department lists gray wolf noted that hunting the wolf has been suspended. There is legal action to fight the judge's ruling and take the wolf off the endangered list, allowing that species to be hunted in Wyoming.

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4. Whooping Crane
The sandhill crane is on the list that can be hunted in Wyoming, but the whooping crane is off limits. But it should be easily distinguishable from the sandhill crane. Located mainly in the southeastern portion of Wyoming, the whooping crane is the tallest bird in North America, with some birds measuring close to five feet tall.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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