Quick Tips
- Cell service is spotty throughout the area
- Be sure to use maps that display land ownership
- Carry extra water
- Fishing licenses can also be obtained to fish the many lakes and creeks in the unit
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 120"-140" | 140"+ |
On The Ground
Unit 30 is located south of Buffalo and west of Interstate 25. Public access can be difficult but the area holds a decent number of both whitetail and mule deer.For nonresidents, this area is part of Region Y and tags drawn for this area are also valid in: 24, 25, 27, 28, 32, 33, 163, 169.
Mule deer can be found throughout the entire unit, and whitetail are mostly found in lower elevations. Hunters should try to gain access to private land, since a lot of bucks can be found in this area. Irrigated crops and creek bottoms hold good numbers of deer. This unit can make for a challenging hunt, but the trophy potential is there.
Terrain
The Horn is one of the main landmarks here along with Lost, Packsaddle and Sackett Canyons.The lower elevations are made up of sagebrush flats and deep cuts, with agriculture land mixed in. As you move up in elevation you get into rocky steep canyons and long drainages.
Roughly 397 square miles
33.1% public land
Elevations from 4,600 - 8,300 feet
Vegetation
Lower elevations are mainly sagebrush flats, prairie grasses and agriculture fields. Irrigated agricultural crops can also be seen here near water, and the grasslands have a lot of buffalo and blue grama. Juniper and ponderosa pine can typically be found on the ridges and hillsides here, with cottonwood and willows lining the creek bottoms.
Access
It can be hard to access public land in this area, since there is no direct public access to the North Fork Wilderness Study Area. Access here is controlled by private landowners and hunters need landowner permission to cross any private lands. BLM land, state and private land can make land ownership here confusing. Maps displaying land ownership will be extremely helpful in this unit.
Wet and snowy conditions make for slick and muddy roads; four-wheel drive and tire chains are recommended for these conditions
Camping and Lodging
Hunters can camp on BLM land. Buffalo is north of the unit along the interstate, and can provide lodging, groceries and fuel along with other services.
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