When Is the Rut in Wyoming? 2026 Peak Rut Dates

Short answer: peak whitetail deer rut in Wyoming typically runs Nov 16 to Nov 26.

Whitetail Deer Rut in Wyoming

Statewide timing.

Region	Pre-Rut	Seeking	Peak Rut	Post-Rut
Statewide	Oct 28 – Nov 8	Nov 8 – Nov 16	Nov 16 – Nov 26	Nov 26 – Dec 5

Bighorn Sheep Rut in Wyoming

Statewide timing.

Region	Pre-Rut	Seeking	Peak Rut	Post-Rut
Rocky Mountain Bighorn	Oct 12 – Oct 28	Oct 28 – Nov 8	Nov 8 – Nov 22	Nov 22 – Dec 10

Elk Rut in Wyoming

Statewide timing.

Region	Pre-Rut	Bugling	Post-Rut
Statewide	Aug 22 – Sep 3	Sep 3 – Sep 22	Sep 22 – Oct 5

Moose Rut in Wyoming

Statewide timing.

Region	Pre-Rut	Seeking	Peak Rut	Post-Rut
Jackson Hole / NW WY	Sep 8 – Sep 22	Sep 22 – Oct 2	Oct 2 – Oct 14	Oct 14 – Oct 28

Mule Deer Rut in Wyoming

Statewide timing.

Region	Pre-Rut	Seeking	Peak Rut	Post-Rut
Statewide	Nov 5 – Nov 16	Nov 16 – Nov 25	Nov 25 – Dec 5	Dec 5 – Dec 16

Pronghorn Rut in Wyoming

Broken out by region. Timing differs by several days across the state, so check yours below.

Region	Pre-Rut	Seeking	Peak Rut	Post-Rut
Northern/Central WY	Aug 20 – Sep 3	Sep 3 – Sep 13	Sep 13 – Sep 23	Sep 23 – Oct 6
Southern WY	Aug 22 – Sep 5	Sep 5 – Sep 15	Sep 15 – Sep 25	Sep 25 – Oct 8

Wild Turkey Rut in Wyoming

Statewide timing.

Region	Peak Strut
Statewide	Apr 15 – May 15

How to use these dates. Rut timing is driven mainly by photoperiod, so the calendar windows above hold up well year to year. What moves is visible daylight activity: cold fronts, wind, and hunting pressure all shift when deer move inside those windows. Use the dates to pick your week, then use the daily forecast to pick your morning.

Check today's hunting conditions → Open the interactive rut map

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