Snow chains, shovel and four wheel drive is preferred during rifle season
High quality optics will be worth their weight in gold here
The Shoshone River and BigHorn National Recreation Area/Yellowtail Reservoir can provide for some great fishing opportunities
Species
General Size
Trophy Potential
Mule Deer
140"-160"
170"+
Whitetail Deer
110"-130"
130"+
On The Ground
Terrain
Vegetation
Access
Camping and Lodging
Historical Temperatures
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Low
Moon Phases
November 2024
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Area 122 is a very large area, covering the west-central portion of the Big Horn Basin. It runs from the western edge of the BigHorn Mountains across the basin to Cody on the southwest corner, then north to the Montana border. This vast open area is made up of desert country full of sandstone hills and deep washes, but also contains gentle and rolling ground, some of which has been irrigated and converted to farmable acreage.For nonresidents, this area is part of Region X and tags drawn for this area are also valid in: 121, 123, 124, 127
While not being known as a trophy hunting destination, this low elevation area is capable of producing some good bucks.
The country here is relatively diverse with sandstone hills and washes, sagebrush covered rolling expanses and dry creek and riverbed cuts breaking up the landscape. Farming is a very active industry in this area, with privately owned irrigated farm ground often found in large tracts.
Sagebrush, bunch grasses and cactus make up the majority of natural plant material. Creek and river bottoms will be filled with Russian olive trees, along with a few cottonwoods. Most of this unit will hold limited amounts of vegetation except for agricultural crops and tree rows established to help prevent wind erosion.
This area offers good access. Multiple access roads can be found on most all BLM and public ground, though most roads are not frequently maintained. Roads here, especially in the McCullough Peaks area, can lead to some very desolate locations. Those choosing to explore these areas should be adequately prepared in case of vehicle problems. Rain and snow on some roads can lead to inaccessibility, a four wheel drive vehicle or ATV is recommended. Private and public ground are checker boarded here, with large, huntable tracts of accessible BLM and state ground found in nearly every direction. There is little public land located in the few river bottoms that run through the area.
Cody, Powell and Lovell are all found within or near the boundaries of area 122. Motels, food, services, groceries, entertainment, along with camping options can all be found in these towns. Medical services are also available. Camping on public and BLM ground is also an option for those with campers, trailers or hunters just wanting to avoid the beaten path. Businesses in all 3 towns are hunter friendly and appreciative.