Bring fishing gear to fish in the nearby Snake River and Gros Ventre River
Certified “weed free” hay required on National Forest
Elk hunters in this unit must purchase an Elk Feedground Special Management Permit for $12.50
Species
General Size
Trophy Potential
Elk
Raghorn-290"
290"+
On The Ground
Terrain
Vegetation
Access
Camping and Lodging
Historical Temperatures
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Low
Moon Phases
December 2024
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Hunt area 80 is comprised of scenic mountains located in the Bridger-Teton National Forest east of the town of Jackson. Called Sheep Creek, this area includes a large portion of the Gros Ventre Wilderness. There is very little room for the nonresident hunter to work with, unless they plan on a guided trip. The areas that are open do provide a lot of access though, which can be both good and bad. There are a good number of animals in this unit, but I would expect to find them in the more remote areas. Hard and heavy weather late in the season can get animals on the move for lower country. This is well known grizzly country, so be sure to take the proper precautions.
A rugged and steep area with elk located throughout, this is a small unit and can get crowded with hunters. There are some decent bulls here and always the chance at bigger bulls with an early snowstorm. Grizzly bears can be present.
This unit spans from Snake River valley floor, east to the mountaintop divide along Sheep Mountain. It is more gently contoured at lower elevations, changing to steep and rugged the higher you climb, with timberline occurring about 9,500 feet.
Wilderness
Under Wyoming law nonresidents are not permitted to hunt big game or trophy game in any federally designated wilderness areas without the presence of a licensed guide or resident companion. The resident companion must first get a free non-commercial guide license from a Game and Fish office. The law does not prohibit nonresidents from hiking, fishing or hunting game birds, small game, or coyotes in wilderness areas.
Low and middle elevations are a mix of grassy and sagebrush covered meadows and hills mixed with Douglas fir and aspens. Higher up near timberline, the country consists of thick Spruce and fir forest, with intermittent grassy meadows, rocky ridges and sedge-filled alpine basins.
Public access in this unit is difficult unless horses are used. Flat Creek, Sheep Creek and Cache Creek are the only roads available. There is trail access from Sheep Creek Road. Packing in with horses or backpack hunting is recommended, but day hunts are possible as well.
Jackson is the closest town of any size, and offers many options for lodging. Groceries, gas, sporting goods and other amenities are available as well. Camping is allowed on most public ground for up to 16 days in one location. You may also camp in remote locations.
Roughly 88 square miles
100% public land
Elevations from 6,300 – 11,200 feet
69.8% Wilderness
Curtis Canyon is a public campground off the Sheep Creek Road