At a Glance
Quick Tips
- GOHUNT Maps are recommended to help navigate public and private boundaries
- ATVs are recommended here
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Elk | Dummy | Dummy |


Hunters in Area 116, North Black Hills, Wyoming, report varied experiences, with terrain and draw odds being key considerations when planning a hunt here. The terrain is noted as rugged and challenging, so physical preparedness is crucial. Many hunters emphasize the importance of understanding seasonal migrations and the behavior patterns of game, which can drastically affect success rates. The community often advises newcomers to thoroughly scout the area beforehand to locate promising spots and to manage expectations regarding game density and hunting pressure.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Elk | Dummy | Dummy |
This unit can be found in and around the Bear Lodge Mountains and Black Hills National Forest in the Northeast part of the state. This is an extremely large unit but a smaller distribution of public land can make this a challenging hunt. Roads are distributed through this unit and locating areas to escape hunters and hunting pressure can be tough.
Elk can be found throughout the area, and this area has a lot of country to hunt. The bigger elk typically come from the more remote locations or near the fringes of big ranches.
Elevations range a lot from the Little Missouri River to the other mountains nearby. It is less rugged in some lower elevations, changing to steep and rugged in the Bear Lodge Mountains. This varied landscape offers man different hunting options for hunters from glassing more open expanses to still hunting heavy timber patches. Covering ground in search of elk will be key to initially locating herds.
Public access in this area is good with a lot of maintained roads throughout the unit, as well as some secondary roads. ATVs are recommended here.
Higher elevations have ponderosa pine and mixed-grass prairie, and the lower elevations mainly have bur oak, aspen, sumac and chokecherry. Timbered areas
Sundance is the closest town to this unit and has a lot of lodging options. Groceries, gas, and other stores are available as well. Camping is allowed on all public land for up to 16 days in one location and is an option most hunters will opt for.
Roughly 2309 square miles
21% public land
Elevations from 3,400-5,400 feet