General questions

[Ty208]

Let me try this without getting my teeth kicked in lol. I’m planning my 2020 archery elk and rifle speed goat Hunt in southern WY. That being said I’ve picked my areas and have researched everything I can. I’m planning my hunts in September in hopes of missing “most“ weather until I learn local conditions. I have yet to call the biologist and local county offices only due to the fact I’m waiting a bit on that.

My question really is based on weather and road conditions / drivability. I haven’t been to WY since I worked on a Hotshot crew and chased fire there. Even then it was summer. I keep reading Forest road conditions are bad during wet weather but, how so? Is it a soft material you sink in or, hard pack clay that’s like ice. I own a 4wd and have chained up more than once for mud. Works great. Anyone with any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry For not being more area specific but, I’ll be glad to share via PM. Just trying to get a general impression of conditions and probable weather scenarios. For what it’s worth, I can offer incredible west coast offshore fishing opportunities in trade for help. Nothings free right? Thanks again guys..

 

[LaHunter]

In areas where I have been hunting in the mountains in WY and CO, the mud turns to 'grease'. It can get really slick. The FS roads have enough good sized rocks that seem to emerge when it rains or the snow melts, that it makes the roads tough on a vehicle. If you have an ATV or UTV, I would recommend bringing it to save your vehicle the wear and tear. September is typically dryer & warmer than October, but you never know about the weather.

 

[Nickofthewoods]

This is highly variable and dependent on what type of soil exists in your hunting area. For example, where I live there is shale down low and rocky soil up high. The Shale/Clay is nasty stuff when wet and sometimes even chains won't bail a person out and you just have to wait for it to dry. I think you are either going to have to spill the beans on what region you plan to hunt and see if anyone has firsthand knowledge or better yet contact the FS or BLM offices in the area and ask them. I've been stranded too many times in bad soil types like shale that I just avoid them now and stick to maintained roads if there is any moisture in the forecast.

 

[Bighorner]

The things no one talks about is the fact that when it rains on those roads you can chain up and get in and maybe get out, but in reality you should stay off of them. Taking a chained up pickup in and wrecking roads is what gets things shut down and hunting a bad name. I know it sucks when you have a costly hunt on the line, but you are well served to be in the area you want to hunt and wait out the rain or staying on good roads. That said, crap happens and having a set of chains for emergencies is a good idea.

In all reality it is also generally pretty dry that time of year, in general.