Quick Tips
- A GPS with land status map is recommended
- Snow chains, shovel and four wheel drive is preferred during rifle season
- 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" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-130" | 130"+ |
On The Ground
Area 123 in Wyoming is known locally as Yellowtail. This is due to the presence of Yellowtail Reservoir in this small unit. This area is found at the base of the Bighorn Mountains on the west side and is home to mule deer and whitetails. The Bighorn Basin reaches to the south and west and provides open expanses. For nonresidents, this area is part of Region X and tags drawn for this area are also valid in: 121, 122, 124, 127
This area is small in physical size but can hold potential for bucks that fly under the radar. Mule deer numbers are not high, but quality bucks can occasionally wander through. This area offers a hunt for whitetails on a predominantly desert terrain area.
Terrain
The terrain ranges from irrigated agricultural ground close to the river and large cottonwood river bottoms country, to high desert sandstone in the north and east. Hunters in this area will be attracted to the large river bottom and agricultural areas filled with crops, cottonwood stands that stretch for miles and brushy bottomlands.
Roughly 38 square miles
47% public land
Elevations from 3,700-4,618 feet
Vegetation
This area has a wide variety of vegetation with large cottonwood bottoms filled with grass, occasional cactus, thick brush, large expanses of Russian Olive and irrigated crop fields. Hills will rise out to the north and east covered in sagebrush and grass, along with twisted juniper and pines as elevations rise into the Bighorn Mountains.
Access
With the relatively small percentage of private land in the area, access is excellent from many points. This includes road access through BLM, the Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Area and potentially through private land. Hunters may have some success talking with local landowners to gain access to public lands, and may also have some luck with accessing hunting on private ground. Much of this area will be walk in only. Roads are scattered through much of the accessible hunting area.
Camping and Lodging
There is a camping area available in the Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Area at Horseshoe Bend. There is also camping available in the town of Lovell and also on BLM land outside of town. The town of Lovell can provide motels, restaurants, grocery, medical and vehicle services.
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