Quick Tips
- The rugged terrain within the unit has good elk populations
- Good existing pack trails are located in most drainage bottoms
- ATVs are recommended but not required
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Elk | 310"-340" | 350"+ |
On The Ground
This unit is located in the northwest corner of the state, bordering Montana to the north and Yellowstone National Park to the west. This area has changed recently to a limited entry unit which has increased the trophy potential. A Type 1 and Type 2 rifle season and Type 9 archery only season gives hunters a few options for hunting big bulls. There is some wilderness areas within this unit, so the DIY nonresident hunter needs to be aware of the boundaries. This is also known grizzly country.
The western portion and most of this area is designated wilderness which will require nonresidents to hire an outfitter or hunt with a registered resident. This unit has enough non wilderness public land for a nonresident to have a good hunt or a great guided elk hunt.
Terrain
Terrain on portions west of Highway 296 and 212 are rugged with deep canyons and high elevation mountain peaks. Steep rocky drainages with heavily timbered north and east facing slopes are found here. Open grassy hillsides and meadows are found on southwest facing slopes. Portions of the unit have had wildfires that created good elk habitat that is good for glassing. Areas east of the highway are not as steep or rugged, with a series of benches, meadows and rolling hills.
Roughly 573 square miles
99% public land
Elevations from 6,500-10,700 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.
45.9% Wilderness
Vegetation
Several major creeks including Sunlight, Crandell, Lodgepole, Timber, Squaw, One Mile and Pilot run from the eastern mountain peaks into the main drainage. Creeks provide riparian habitat with a diversity of willows, cottonwoods, shrubs, grasses and forbs. Moving up in elevation, the vegetation transitions into grassy open southwest facing slopes. Typical species include wheat grass species, bluegrass, fescue and some sagebrush throughout mid elevations. Northeastern slopes have heavily timbered slopes and pockets with lodgepole pine, subalpine fir, Douglas fir, whitebark pine and limber pine. Higher elevations have wet meadow grasses, forbs and sedges. Above the timberline the landscape is rocky with intermixed grassy pockets.
Access
Highway 296 and 212 run through the unit, with access roads going to the west and east into some great elk country. The Sunlight Road near the southern boundary and the Lodgepole Creek Road are good access points to the western portion of the unit. From Highway 212 roads 130, 138, 118,142 and 149 provide good access to the eastern portion of the unit. GOHUNT maps for land ownership and hunt boundaries is highly recommended. Good existing pack trails are located in most of the drainage bottoms.
Camping and Lodging
Cody is located near the southeast and has several hotels, campgrounds, gas stations, markets, restaurants, bars and a sporting goods store. Camping is allowed on public lands. Hunter Peak Ranch located near the middle of the unit offers lodging and dining. Painter Outpost also located near the middle of the unit just off of the highway has RV, tent and some cabin rentals available. Hunter Creek, Lake Creek, Crazy Creek and Fox Creek Campgrounds are located farther north up the highway and offer camping. Most backcountry guided hunts will be conducted out of wilderness spike camps.
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