Wyoming Non-Res Elk - Seeking Backcountry DIY Units

[payton1333]

Hey guys. Seeking advice on Wyoming non-res DIY backcountry archery elk hunts. I have 5 pts and my buddy has 6 pts. We would like to go this year and hunt cow elk in a unit that we intend to burn our points in 2-3 years for bull tags. Looking for a unit that has public land (not wilderness areas) that we can hunt without an outfitter / resident. As of now I have narrowed it down to the West or South zones. Any feedback is much appreciated!!!

 

[Laramie]

Hey guys. Seeking advice on Wyoming non-res DIY backcountry archery elk hunts. I have 5 pts and my buddy has 6 pts. We would like to go this year and hunt cow elk in a unit that we intend to burn our points in 2-3 years for bull tags. Looking for a unit that has public land (not wilderness areas) that we can hunt without an outfitter / resident. As of now I have narrowed it down to the West or South zones. Any feedback is much appreciated!!!

Good luck finding true "back country" in the South General. Outside of wilderness, everything is fairly road dense. The few spots where it is possible are well known so you will have plenty of company. I would also say that drawing a cow tag has become challenging in most of the south zones. The West zones have back country possibilities but you may have to deal with bears in some of the areas.

My advice to everyone wanting a good hunt in Wyoming is to build up enough points for a LQ area. It will probably be the only time you will be able to build enough points to draw one. Wyoming will likely go to 90/10 eventually (even though some will tell me I'm crazy) due to enough vocal resident support for it. Even if they don't, It may take you another 10-15 years to draw a great tag but if you cash your points in now, my best guess is you will be looking at 25-30 points to draw the same LQ tag the next time... if ever.

If you decide to cash in, make the most of that tag. It will likely take 10-15 years to draw general the next time.

 

[payton1333]

Thinking we will burn our points on the general tag in the next year or two. Bears are not preferred but also not a deal breaker for us. Sounds like the West zones are where we need to hone in on.

 

[Backyard]

Too many roads, hunters, and WA’s in the south. Definitely go for west.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[cnelk]

Too many roads, hunters, and WA’s in the south. Definitely go for west.

Not to mention all the deadfall

 

[Laramie]

Not to mention all the deadfall

Yeah, the beetle kill is stupid. A 1/2 mile pack can feel like 5 through that crap.