Hunting, Fishing and Shooting

The forest offers abundant opportunities for hunting game, fishing in clear streams and lakes, and practicing shooting in wide-open spaces.

Lake and Pond Fishing

Lake and pond fishing on the Bridger-Teton National Forest is a relaxing way to enjoy its pristine waters and reel in some fun! With countless alpine lakes and quiet ponds scattered throughout, it’s a fisherman’s paradise. Here’s what you need to know for a great day by the water:

Where You Can Fish: The forest is full of fishing spots—grab a map at ranger offices or online to find the perfect one. Popular places like Slide Lake offer easy access and beautiful views, while remote gems in the Gros Ventre or Teton Wilderness give you peace and a challenge. Most lakes and ponds are open for fishing, from roadside stops to backcountry treks—just follow Wyoming fishing rules.
What’s Special: You’ll cast into clear waters teeming with trout—think cutthroat, brook, and rainbow varieties. High-country lakes like Turquoise dazzle with mountain reflections, making every trip a scenic win. Spring and summer are hot for bites, but fall’s cool days bring bright colors and eager fish. Whether you want a quick catch or a quiet escape, the forest has it all.
Tips to Be Prepared: Bring your rod, tackle, and a valid Wyoming fishing license (get one online or in town). Pack water, snacks, and bug spray—mosquitoes can be pesky! Bear spray’s essential (and know how to use it)—grizzlies hang out near water, so keep food sealed and make noise. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes for rocky shores, and check regs for catch limits. A map or app like Avenza helps you find the best spots.

Fishing here is all about calm vibes and wild beauty—grab your gear, pick a lake, and enjoy the Bridger-Teton’s watery treasures!

River and Stream Fishing

River and stream fishing on the Bridger-Teton National Forest is an exciting way to cast a line and enjoy its wild waters! With miles of rushing rivers and babbling streams winding through the landscape, it’s a haven for anglers. Here’s what you need to know for a great day on the water:

Where You Can Fish: You’ll find plenty of fishing spots—pick up a map at ranger offices or online to choose your perfect stretch. Favorites like the Snake River and Hoback River offer big flows and easy access, while smaller streams in the Wyoming Range or Gros Ventre Wilderness give you quiet, hidden gems. Most rivers and streams are open for fishing, from roadside riffles to backcountry waters—just stick to Wyoming fishing rules.
What’s Special: These waters are alive with trout—cutthroat, rainbow, and brown are waiting for your hook. The Snake’s wide bends and the Greys River’s clear runs mix challenge with beauty, surrounded by pines and peaks. Spring and summer bring strong bites, while fall offers crisp air and colorful banks. Whether you’re wading in or casting from shore, it’s a thrill every time.
Tips to Be Prepared: Bring your rod, flies or lures, and a valid Wyoming fishing license (grab one online or in town). Pack water, snacks, and bug spray—riverside bugs can bite too! Bear spray’s a must (and know how to use it)—grizzlies love these areas, so keep food secure and make noise. Wear waders or sturdy shoes, check regs for catch limits, and use a map or app like Avenza to find prime runs.

River and stream fishing here is all about the rush of the water and the tug of a fish—gear up, pick a spot, and dive into the Bridger-Teton’s flowing wonders!

Hunting

Hunting on the Bridger-Teton National Forest is a thrilling way to experience its vast wildlands and abundant wildlife! From elk to mule deer, this forest offers prime opportunities for hunters of all levels. Here’s what you need to know to plan your hunt and stay in line with Wyoming Game and Fish rules:

Where You Can Hunt: The forest has plenty of public land open for hunting—grab a map at ranger offices or online to scout your spot. Popular areas like the Gros Ventre, Wyoming Range, and near Jackson are loaded WITH game—think elk, deer, moose, and black bear. Most zones follow Wyoming Game and Fish hunt areas, so check their boundaries and seasons. Wilderness areas like the Bridger or Teton are fair game too, but no motorized vehicles are allowed there—just your boots and grit.
What’s Special: You’re in big game country here—elk herds roam the high country, mule deer thrive in the sagebrush, and you might even spot a bighorn sheep. Fall’s the sweet spot, with crisp air and animals on the move, but seasons vary by species and weapon—bow, rifle, or muzzleloader. The forest’s mix of timber, meadows, and ridges gives you endless options to stalk or stand. Wyoming Game and Fish sets quotas and tags, so you’re part of managing healthy herds.
Tips to Be Prepared: Get with Wyoming Game and Fish first—grab a valid hunting license and the right tags online or at local vendors (visit wgfd.wyo.gov). Pack bear spray (and know how to use it)—grizzlies are around, so make noise and store food smart. Wear blaze orange for safety, bring a map or Avenza app, and check regs for your hunt area—some spots need special permits. Weather’s wild, so layer up, and always tell someone your plans.

Hunting here means epic days in nature and a chance at a trophy—team up with Wyoming Game and Fish, gear up, and dive into the Bridger-Teton’s wild chase!

Archery

Archery on the Bridger-Teton National Forest is a quiet, skill-packed way to enjoy its wild spaces, whether you’re hunting or target shooting! With wide-open lands and plenty of trails, it’s a bowhunter’s or archer’s dream. Here’s what you need to know to draw your bow and hit the mark:

Where You Can Shoot: The forest offers tons of room—pick up a map at ranger offices or online to find your spot. For hunting, areas like the Wyoming Range or Gros Ventre are hot for elk, deer, and black bear, all open during Wyoming’s archery seasons. Target practice is good on most public land—just steer clear of trails, campsites, and busy zones, and keep it safe. Wilderness areas like the Bridger or Teton welcome hunters on foot, but no motorized access means you’re packing in.
What’s Special: Archery here blends stealth with stunning scenery—stalking through pines or aiming across meadows feels like stepping back in time. Fall archery seasons (set by Wyoming Game and Fish) line up with elk bugling and deer on the move, giving you prime shots. The forest’s mix of thick cover and open ridges tests your aim and patience. Even for practice, the peace and space make every draw a joy.
Tips to Be Prepared: For hunting, get with Wyoming Game and Fish—snag a license and archery tags online or in town (visit wgfd.wyo.gov), and check season dates. Bring bear spray (and know how to use it)—grizzlies roam here, so stay loud and store food safe. Pack a map or Avenza app, wear blaze orange during hunts, and practice your range—wind and terrain can trick your shot. For target fun, bring your own setup.

Recreational and Target Shooting

Traditional and target shooting on the Bridger-Teton National Forest is a fun, hands-on way to enjoy its wide-open spaces and test your aim! Whether you’re plinking with a rifle or honing skills at a makeshift range, this forest has plenty to offer. Here’s what you need to know to shoot safely and responsibly:

Where You Can Shoot: You’re free to shoot on most public forest land—grab a map at ranger offices or online to pick a spot. Quiet areas away from trails, campsites, and roads—like the flats near Greys River or open ridges in the Wyoming Range—are great for setting up targets. No official ranges exist in the forest, so it’s DIY, but stay out of wilderness areas like the Bridger or Teton for target shooting (hunting’s okay there). It is illegal to shoot across trails. Always keep 150 yards from buildings, campgrounds, or busy zones per forest rules.
What’s Special: The forest’s natural backdrop—think sagebrush hills and pine-lined valleys—makes every shot a scenic one. Traditional shooters can enjoy classic rifles or shotguns, while target fans can set up cans, paper targets, or clays for practice. Spring and fall offer cool, calm days, perfect for dialing in your aim. It’s just you, your gear, and the great outdoors—no crowds, no fees, just freedom. Make sure to clean up your targets after shooting. Pack it in, pack it out.
Tips to Be Prepared: Safety first—bring your own targets (no glass or junk!), ear and eye protection, and a first-aid kit. Check with Wyoming Game and Fish (wgfd.wyo.gov) for any local firearm regs, though no special permit’s needed for target shooting. Pack out all trash—shells, casings, everything—to keep it clean. Bear spray’s smart (and know how to use it)—grizzlies roam here, so make noise. Use a map or Avenza app to avoid private land and stay legal.

Shooting here is all about skill and solitude—load up, find a spot, and enjoy the Bridger-Teton’s wild target range!