If you’re all caught up with your holiday shopping, take a minute to review your Wyoming hunt options because starting Monday, Jan. 4, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) will begin accepting hunting license applications for the 2021 season at 8 a.m. Residents and nonresidents can apply for elk, deer, antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat and spring turkey, according to the Oil City News.

WGFD is accepting applications online and the first application deadline is Feb. 1 for nonresident elk and resident/nonresident spring turkey. There are a few new things to be aware of for 2021, including the ability for nonresident applicants who apply for moose and bighorn sheep to grab a preference point if unsuccessful in the draw; however, they have to opt-in on that choice on their applications. If you don’t choose to do that, you can apply for a point only in July.

Applicants will also be able to make a voluntary donation to Wildlife Crossing, which is “an initiative that funds projects to reduce wildlife and vehicle collisions,” according to the Oil City News. There is also the optional Hunt Planner that is available to help hunters locate “estimated season dates” because the final season information won’t be published until May 1, which still provides time to modify or withdraw applications if necessary.

WGFD will post the deadlines and information here at the end of December. If you have any questions, you can contact the agency at 307-777-4600.