Get Ready for Fall Hunting Season in Southwest Wyoming
Set Your Sights
As summer comes to an end, hunters from around the country are preparing to come to southwest Wyoming to take advantage of the fall hunting season. From September to November, a variety of wildlife, from sage grouse to Red Desert elk, becomes available in the bountiful and beautiful high desert surrounding Rock Springs and Green River. You may just find your big-game trophy this season.
Check out the most prominent local species and the locations where you can get them in your sights.
Game & Local Hunting Spots
Sage Grouse
Sage Grouse call Sweetwater County home thanks to the open terrain and ample sagebrush and grass patches to nestle under. In the fall, the cooler weather brings the birds together into bigger coveys, making it easier to ensure a catch.
Where to Hunt Sage Grouse
Sage Grouse can be found throughout Sweetwater County, especially in public access locations. Consult the Private Lands Public Wildlife Access Program and the Wyoming Game & Fish Department to ensure a legal and safe hunt this season.
Pronghorn Antelope
Claim your trophy pronghorn antelope, from as early as September 1 to as late as October 31 (depending on the hunt area), in Sweetwater County.
Where to Hunt Pronghorn Antelope
Red Desert
The Red Desert’s high-desert landscape is approximately 9,320 square miles and arguably the best place in the state to find pronghorn antelope. You can also expect to find elk in this region. The Red Desert is located on both sides of I-80 between Rock Springs and Rawlins.
White Mountain
This long mountain features 240,416 acres of Bureau of Land Management public land and supports significant wildlife populations. In addition to pronghorn antelope, you can expect to see wild horses and deer in this area. North of I-80 between Green River and Rock Springs, White Mountain is easily accessed and is close to excellent lodging.
Little Mountain
Forty miles south of Rock Springs, Little Mountain is a public land space that has been protected from development by sportsmen who seek to ensure that it remain, as former Wyoming Governor Freudenthal called, a “crown jewel for wildlife and recreation.” You can also expect to find elk in this region.
Miller Mountain
Between Rock Springs and Little Mountain on US 191, Miller Mountain is the high country and a great place to find pronghorn antelope in Sweetwater County this fall. You can also expect to find elk in this region.
Elk
Get your chance to bag a praise-worthy buck in Sweetwater County, from as early as September 1 to as late as October 31 (depending on the hunt area).
Where to Hunt Elk
Killpecker Sand Dunes
The Killpecker Sand Dunes are home to the only desert elk herd in North America. The Wyoming Game & Fish Department recognizes the region as Hunt Area 100, where hunting typically opens mid-August and closes at the end of November. (Dates depend on type and license; please visit the Wyoming Game & Fish Department site for more information.)
Deer
While both white-tail and mule deer can be found in Wyoming, the Sweetwater County region is particularly renowned for the mule deer that inhabit our lands. Deer hunting in the Green River Area opens in early October, so start planning your trip now.
Where to Hunt Deer
South of Rock Springs
Deer Hunt Area 102 lies south of Rock Springs and goes all the way to the Colorado/Wyoming border. The east side of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Vermillion Creek and Sage Creek are all public lands inside Hunt Area 102 and are good places to spot deer this fall.
Suggested Outfitters
Whether you’re a first-time hunter or have many seasons of experience, it always helps to tap the resources of a local to ensure you get the most out of your hunting experience.
Red Desert Outfitters
Phone: 307-254-1877
Website
Sportman’s Warehouse
Phone: 307-209-4500
Website
Hunting Trip Resources
We recommend using the Wyoming Game & Fish Department’s site for details on hunting licenses and any laws and regulations to follow on your hunting adventures in Rock Springs and Green River, Wyoming.
Get inspiration for planning your trip with our three-day fall hunting itinerary. Or share the southwest Wyoming experience with your partner, where they can enjoy a hunter’s widow weekend while you’re out finding your quarry.