How far from the trailhead?

[chancey]

I am planning a hunt for western WY next year and am wondering how far on overage most people hunt from a trailhead that are just day hunting? In one unit I have what looks like a good area that I have camps, glassing knobs, water, etc mapped out. Problem is there are quite a few trailheads within 3-4 miles and only about 1,500’ of vertical to get into the area. A bonus here is if we take two vehicles we could turn this into a one way hunt and keep moving if we are not getting into bucks. Moving every few days and ending up at the other vehicle.

In another unit I have the same features mapped out but it’s almost 8 miles and 2,300’ of vertical. No one way option in this area but will still move camp if needed, doesn’t look as necessary due to the many options of directions to go from camp though.

I know we won’t get away from backpack hunters, people with stock and outfitters but trying to avoid crowds as much as feasibly possible. What are your thoughts?

 

[CMF]

I am planning a hunt for western WY next year and am wondering how far on overage most people hunt from a trailhead that are just day hunting?

I would guess 2-3 miles max for 90% people. The furthest I've ever planned to day hunt was about a 3.5 mile hike in, but ended up chasing a bull that crossed the road on the way to the trail head. Anything that far, and I'll usually spike.
You could just as well run into spike campers in there. The other spot may have horse camps. Just have to get out there and see.
I've seen alot of critters within a .75-1.5 miles of the trailhead too.

 

[chancey]

Thanks CMF, I’m not expecting no company just hoping to be able to get away from a guy on every knob for opener is all. I should have clarified in my original post, not that it makes much difference, but we will be targeting mule deer. We will be in to wherever we decide 2 days before opener.

 

[CMF]

Archery or Rifle?

 

[chancey]

Rifle. Would be happy to discuss unit numbers via pm if your familiar with the area and willing to help!

 

[CMF]

I haven't done WY, I've done mule deer in CO, MT, and NM.

 

[Indian Summer]

Western Wyoming. Not at all, but most of the big bucks are in the high country. I know a few starting points at high elevation. But most trail heads real require an elevation gain of about 2000 feet to hunt mature mule deer.

You can hunt elk from a base camp along the river roads but if you are mule deer hunting, you best consider a high country camp if you don’t have horses.

 

[chancey]

Western Wyoming. Not at all, but most of the big bucks are in the high country. I know a few starting points at high elevation. But most trail heads real require an elevation gain of about 2000 feet to hunt mature mule deer.

You can hunt elk from a base camp along the river roads but if you are mule deer hunting, you best consider a high country camp if you don’t have horses.

We definitely plan on camping high regardless of which unit we choose to hunt. Both spots I’m looking at camping are over 9,000’. I’ve been staring at maps trying to find “less obvious” places to hunt to try and avoid as many people as possible. I know it’s not possible to get away from everyone but trying to do what I can to have less competition.

 

[mtnbound]

I am planning a hunt for western WY next year and am wondering how far on overage most people hunt from a trailhead that are just day hunting? In one unit I have what looks like a good area that I have camps, glassing knobs, water, etc mapped out. Problem is there are quite a few trailheads within 3-4 miles and only about 1,500’ of vertical to get into the area. A bonus here is if we take two vehicles we could turn this into a one way hunt and keep moving if we are not getting into bucks. Moving every few days and ending up at the other vehicle.

In another unit I have the same features mapped out but it’s almost 8 miles and 2,300’ of vertical. No one way option in this area but will still move camp if needed, doesn’t look as necessary due to the many options of directions to go from camp though.

I know we won’t get away from backpack hunters, people with stock and outfitters but trying to avoid crowds as much as feasibly possible. What are your thoughts?

As you already know, you cannot control or foresee everything. Conduct thorough E-scouting, develop multiple hunting plans, and remain flexible once on the ground to adapt to what you encounter. Having the ability to adjust IMO is the most underrated skill a hunter can have.

 

[CMF]

I’ve been staring at maps trying to find “less obvious” places to hunt to try and avoid as many people as possible.

That's how you end up hiking 6 hours/2500' up unmaintained trail and to run into another rokslider

 

[chancey]

As you already know, you cannot control or foresee everything. Conduct thorough E-scouting, develop multiple hunting plans, and remain flexible once on the ground to adapt to what you encounter. Having the ability to adjust IMO is the most underrated skill a hunter can have.

Good call. We will have a few backup plans.

 

[chancey]

That's how you end up hiking 6 hours/2500' up unmaintained trail and to run into another rokslider

I’ll take that any day over running into a big outfitter camp where I least expect it!