Most turkey hunting is found in the eastern half of Wyoming, but there are some wild turkeys in the north-central part of the state as well. The extreme western part of Wyoming does not have turkey seasons, but turkeys are flourishing in the areas that have acceptable habitat. Turkey hunters in Wyoming have the option of participating in hunts that are either general license hunts or limited quota areas. The majority of turkey hunting takes place in general license areas. General licenses can be purchased over the counter and hunters can pursue turkeys in any general license area that is open to hunting.
With limited quotas areas, the hunt operates the same way as does limited quota hunting for big game. There is also a set application period for applying for limited quota turkey licenses and that period for this spring has already passed. But, general license areas do not have a purchase deadline. As the name implies, limited quota areas have a set number of licenses and these licenses are issued in a competitive drawing. As with big game, hunters sometimes try for a limited quota license first, and then opt for a general license area where the license can be purchased over the counter. But some of the finest turkey hunting in the state is found in general license areas.
A quick look at the regulations shows that of Wyoming's 14 wild turkey hunt areas, eight have seasons open to general licenses. Seasons for general license areas stay open through May 20 this year, which means there is still time to get out. The best public access for turkey hunting is found in Area 1 in the Black Hills National Forest in the northeastern portion of the state.