Wyoming Unit 16 Elk - Bow Hunt Timing

Benjblt

WKR
Joined
Dec 1, 2016
Messages
1,347
Location
Western Oregon
My Dad and I drew Unit 16 Type 1 and are planning on going from September 19th through October 4th and utilizing rifles if we can't get it done with bows. I've heard there is much more pressure in unit 16 than one would expect. Would anyone that has been in there during bow season have any insight? I'm debating leaving a week or even 2 earlier to avoid the crowds? It would eliminate the opportunity to get it done with a rifle but may give us an advantage. My dad is shooting a crossbow as he's 70, can't get around very well, and doesn't have any experience shooting a bow. If you have any thoughts and are willing to share please PM me. Thanks in advance!
 
First of all, congrats on drawing your tag!

One of the first things I do when headed into unfamiliar territory is call and talk to a biologist and/or game warden for that unit. Do your own e-scouting before you approach them so you can run your plan(s) by them to get their input. If you already know names of roads, rivers, peaks, etc. your conversation with them will be much more productive and they will hopefully get the sense that you aren't just asking them for a spot to go kill an elk.

I've had really good luck getting useful information from WGF personnel with this approach and keep their contact info saved on my phone in case I need to contact them from the field for any reason.

The harvest data for this unit looks very promising to me for both archery and rifle. It looks like General deer hunting in this unit doesn't start until mid October, but there are a few deer seasons that start Oct 1. I would personally favor doing the whole hunt before October 1 to avoid the rifle pressure.

This unit has a lot of 2-track so I would expect there to be a decent number of people who just drive around and listen for bugles from their vehicle. I would be curious if the archery hunting pressure is condensed into certain areas or if the archers are pretty spread out. Pick out a few roadless areas with good cover and have a chat with someone at WGF to confirm your suspicions and answer general questions.
 
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