Wyoming Bounty Hunter Guide: Requirements and Steps

Though a small state by population with just under 600,000 residents, Wyoming encompasses a large land area.¹ The state allows the practice of bounty hunting to recover individuals who have skipped bail within its borders and does not currently require bounty hunters to become licensed. If a career recovering fugitives from bond interests you, continue reading to learn the steps to become a bounty hunter in Wyoming.

Table of Contents

• Bounty Hunter Requirements
• Steps to a Career
• Related Careers
• Training and Education Options
• Finding Work
• Salary and Job Outlook
• Bounty Hunter Resources

Requirements for Prospective Bounty Hunters in Wyoming

Unlike many other states, Wyoming has no licensing or registration requirements for bounty hunters who wish to work in the state. However, there are recommended steps for pursuing this career based on standard industry practices and licensing laws in other states. In general, you should be at least 18 years of age and have no felony convictions to work as a bounty hunter.

Steps to a Career as a Bail Fugitive Recovery Agent in Wyoming

If you meet the above minimum requirements for bounty hunters, you can begin the process of building your skills and qualifications. Prior to holding yourself out as a bounty hunter, you should follow the recommended steps below.

1. Gain the appropriate training.

Though no training for bounty hunters is set by Wyoming state law, earning a two- or four-year degree in criminal justice or a related field can help you build your skills and understanding of the law. Due to Wyoming’s dispersed population, several schools offer degrees in criminal justice that can be completed online. You can find out more about these options below.

2. Identify a mentor.

Since no formal training systems exist in Wyoming for prospective fugitive recovery agents, it is recommended that you seek out an experienced mentor who can provide career advice. Acting in an assistive capacity for a more experienced bounty hunter can also help you build your skills in real-world situations as well as build your professional network.

3. Begin working as a bounty hunter.

Once you have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge, you are ready to begin work as a bounty hunter. It is a good idea to inform local law enforcement agencies of your activities in order to avoid suspicion of your work. Doing so can also help you expand your professional network, which can yield additional job opportunities.

Related Careers

Bounty hunters often work in similar jobs to supplement their income and gain additional experience. Two common jobs are in private investigation and process serving. Below you will find a brief summary of the requirements for these careers in Wyoming.

Private Investigator/Private Detective

Private investigators (PIs) and private detectives (PDs) specialize in uncovering information for their clients. Private investigators are not required to become licensed at the state level in Wyoming. However, certain localities do require licensing for private investigation activities, most notably Cheyenne, which requires completion of a formal application and criminal background check. You should also note that depending on the scope of your work, you may need to register as a business with the state and collect and submit the appropriate local and state sales tax for the money you earn.

Process Servers

Process servers are tasked with delivering legal documents relating to court matters. In Wyoming, process servers are not required to be licensed; the only requirements are that candidates be of legal age (18 or older) and appointed by the court. For further information and job openings, contact your local court system.

Training and Education Options in Wyoming

As noted above, earning a degree in criminal justice or a related field helps you build a strong foundation for your career. A degree can also demonstrate to potential clients that you are serious about your career. There are various options for earning an education in criminal justice in Wyoming.

Casper College
125 College Dr
Casper, WY 82601
https://www.caspercollege.edu/program/criminal-justice/

Eastern Wyoming College
3200 West C St
Torrington, WY 82240
https://ewc.wy.edu/academic-services/majors/criminal-justice/

Laramie County Community College
1400 E College Dr
Cheyenne, WY 82007
https://lccc.wy.edu//pathways/humanPublic/criminalJusticeProgram/index.aspx

University of Wyoming
1000 E University Ave
Laramie, WY 82071
http://www.uwyo.edu/cj/

Western Wyoming Community College
2500 College Dr
Rock Springs, WY 82901
https://www.westernwyoming.edu/academics/major-programs/human-public-service/criminal-justice/index.php

Finding Work

Bounty hunters rely on their professional networks in order to gain referrals and leads to job opportunities. In order to succeed, you must build relationships with bail bondsmen and convince these contacts that you are the best fit for the job. The Professional Bail Agents of the US (PBUS) does not list any member agents in Wyoming, though you may find members in neighboring states. Below we have listed a few well-known and highly-rated bail bond agents to help you in your search.

Featured Bail Agents in Wyoming

307 Bail Bonds
770 W Collins Dr
Casper, WY 82601
https://307-bail-bonds-llc.business.site/

Action Bail Bonds
630 E A St
Casper, WY 82605
https://www.actionbailbondswy.com/

Teton Bail Bonds
Cheyenne, WY 82007
https://www.tetonbailbonds.com

Bounty Hunter Salary and Outlook in Wyoming

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not track salary or employment data for bounty hunters. However, because detectives and criminal investigators perform similar work in the public sector, we have used this career as a proxy. According to the BLS, as of 2021 there were 170 detectives and criminal investigators working in Wyoming, earning an average annual salary of $81,650.² This was below the national average of $90,370 during the same time period.³ Estimates are that employment for detectives and criminal investigators in Wyoming will grow by 6.7% through 2030.⁴

Additional Resources

• Wyoming Criminal Justice Association (WCJA): An idea-driven and membership-based organization that seeks to promote professionalism and personal growth for those working in the criminal justice field.

References:
1. US Census Bureau Quick Facts, Wyoming: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/WY/PST045221
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Wyoming: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_wy.htm
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2021, Detectives and Criminal Investigators: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333021.htm
4. Projections Central, Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm