Legal Firearms and Archery Equipment

Recommended Optics & Gear

Western hunts often require longer shots and tough conditions. Here’s what we recommend to help you stay sharp in the field:

• Rifles should be topped with a quality scope, minimum 3x9 power with a 40mm objective or larger. Long shots and low light are common out here, cheap scopes won’t cut it.
• Binoculars should be 10x and built to withstand field use. Quality glass makes a huge difference.
• Range finders are essential. While your guide will carry one, we recommend bringing your own for independent confidence.
• Spotting scopes are optional but highly recommended. Feel free to bring yours on any hunt if you have one.

Legal Firearms for Wyoming & Montana Big Game

Firearms used for big game hunting in Wyoming must meet these minimum standards:

• Centerfire rifle with a barrel bore diameter of at least .23 inches
• Must be chambered to fire a cartridge with a minimum overall length of 2 inches
• Must use a lead or expanding point bullet

Other legal firearm options include:

• Any cartridge of at least .35 caliber that produces 500 ft-lbs of energy at 100 yards
• Shotguns firing “00” or larger buckshot or slugs
• Muzzleloaders of at least .40 caliber with a minimum of 50 grains of black powder or equivalent

Montana Firearms Regulations

In Montana, there are no specific caliber restrictions for big game firearms. However, some regulations may apply depending on the species and season, so always review the current Montana hunting regulations before your hunt.

Firearm Transportation

Wyoming and Montana have no restrictive firearm laws for legally possessed weapons under your home state’s laws. Still, we strongly recommend the following:

• Keep all firearms unloaded with the action open while in a vehicle
• Firearms may be transported uncased, but safety comes first

Legal Archery Equipment

When hunting big or trophy game animals in Wyoming, the following archery equipment regulations apply:

For Antelope & Deer:

• Longbow, recurve, or compound bow with a minimum draw weight of 40 pounds
• Arrows must be equipped with a fixed or expanding broadhead that cannot pass through a 7/8-inch solid ring when fully expanded

For Elk, Moose, & Bighorn Sheep:

• Longbow, recurve, or compound bow with a minimum draw weight of 50 pounds
• Arrows must be equipped with a fixed or expanding broadhead that cannot pass through a 7/8-inch solid ring when fully expanded

For Crossbow Hunters (For All Species Listed):

• Minimum peak draw weight of 90 pounds
• Bolts must be at least 16 inches in length
• Bolts must be equipped with a fixed or expanding broadhead that cannot pass through a 7/8-inch solid ring when fully expanded