Wyoming Region G

[Fracer]

Well here I am looking like it's my first post. ( I forgot my old password and reregistered. Lol)

I put in for a Region G tag in Wyoming and have my fingers toes and boot laces crossed hoping to draw the tag. Not sure where to start but am getting ready to start my research to get a head start for this year or next year. Either way sooner or later I will get there.

Just looking to see if anyone has any info on the herd and if it's even worth the effort. I hope everyone gets the tags of their dreams this year.

Andy!

 

[m48goat]

How many points did you have going into the draw? just curious how many it takes now to draw G.

Goat

 

[Fracer]

It takes 4 pp's for 100% draw. I went in with 3.


We can only do what we can do while we can do it!

 

[mmwb]

Whether it is worth it or not, depends on your definition of worth it. If you need to see a lot of Boone and Crockett bucks, then no.

The herd is far from what it used to be, but I've not seen much change over the last five years or so. There are bucks to be had, but the mature bucks are not as plentiful and they are more timbered up (even in the summer and early season), so you won't always see them, even with a lot of glassing. There are also small basins with deer that get little, if any pressure, but you need to think areas besides where everyone has traditionally gone. Think small, and in very steep areas. Not necessarily five miles off the beaten path. They are tough to hike into and you won't get a horse into some of these little basins. Packing an animal out would be a serious challenge.

If you can appreciate the beautiful country, clean air, and the multitude of wildlife to be seen (including mulies), and are good with a decent (what ever that means) buck, then you will enjoy your hunt. If you are looking for a world class buck, then you have your work cut out for you, but then isn't that the case anywhere?

I've lived in G for 16 years. When I hear people complain about the hunting here, I think, "If you can't enjoy a hunt here, then you really should hunt somewhere else."

 

[Fracer]

Thanks for the input. It sounds like every other place that I have hunted. I am looking for a great hunt in a area that I have never hunted first and foremost. Isn't that what it is all about?

Not sure I will draw but I am looking forward to hunting in a new spot for a new adventure.

Andy


We can only do what we can do while we can do it!

 

[llamapacker]

Most people are disappointed with Region G the first time they hunt there. The terrain is far more rugged than people anticipate, and virtually none of the deer live near the roads. As mentioned previously, a considerable portion is heavily timbered as well, making glassing difficult. There are a few good deer in the unit, but mostly these are taken by those with extensive knowledge of the area and habits of the local deer. This is true in most areas, BTW. Given the high number of hunters in this region every year, it is no surprise that a few good deer are taken. And if a basketball racked 4x4 meets your definition of a "good deer" (150-160"), then most people that hunt hard will see a couple.
The genetics exist to produce some very nice deer. But this isn't an easy hunt, nor a high success trophy hunt. People think since it is hard to draw deer will be standing around and can be shot from the road. Nothing is further from the truth. With very rare exception, hunters really earn their good bucks in region G.
Bill

 

[BillyBoB]

I will be purchasing my 3rd point this fall and plan on applying for Region G next year. I too will be hoping that 3 points will get me the tag. I have been scouring over maps and google earth looking for areas id like to put my boots on the ground. I plan on making a couple trips this summer.

The idea of backpacking into the high country to try and harvest a mule deer gets me very excited. I can't wait.

Keep us posted on your results and your hunt if you draw.



Theodore Roosevelt's guidance concerning
conservation...
"The movement for the conservation of wildlife,
and the conservation of all our natural resources,
are essentially democratic in spirit,purpose and
method."

"We do not intend that our natural resources shall
be exploited by the few against the interests of the
majority. Our aim is to preserve our natural
resources for the public as a whole, for the
average man and the average woman who make
up the body of the American people."

"It is in our power...to preserve game..and to give
reasonable opportunities for the exercise of the
skill of the hunter,whether he is or is not a man of
means."

 

[piper]

I think most people are disappointed in region G because of crowded hunting conditions, it has little to do with rugged terrain.
The Wasatch mnts above SLC have more rugged terrain and more vertical relief than the Salt Rivers do.

 

[Gator]

I can say this Walking around the track/street WILL NOT get you in shape for G you need to climb steep hills to get into shape to hunt G. IMO

"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".
>[Font][Font color = "green"]Life member of
>the MM green signature club.[font/]

 

[Founder]

To answer your question, if you draw the tag, it is worth hunting. There's always whopper bucks taken up there. It is physically demanding. Horses help. Lots of scouting time does as well.
It's a very cool place to hunt.

Brian Latturner
MonsterMuleys.com
Will you LIKE MonsterMuleys.com on Facebook! I need a friend....

 

[Fracer]

Sounds like I will have my work cut out for me. It might be even tougher since I will have to have back surgery in the next year or two.

I appreciate all of the input and insight. Thanks fellas!
Andy


We can only do what we can do while we can do it!

 

[Rambo]

>I think most people are disappointed
>in region G because of
>crowded hunting conditions, it has
>little to do with rugged
>terrain.
>The Wasatch mnts above SLC have
>more rugged terrain and more
>vertical relief than the Salt
>Rivers do.


If you think G is crowded you should go hunt the Wasatch. You are all doom, gloom and tears Piper. I find solitude in G every year. You should move to SLC where you can't even get a deer tag every year. Where the hunting isn't crowded. (Sarcasm intended). Every time a thread about this area comes up I know your complaints are soon to follow. Is seeing region G go limited quota for residents your dream?

 

[buckhorn]

I can tell you from my own experience hunting Bucks in reigon G it's unlikely a DIY hunter is going to find a good buck, especially if your not in top condition. I strongly suggest you hire an outfitter that has a good reputation. That country gets a lot of pressure.
It's awesome country and will leave you with lifelong memories weather you kill a buck or not.
Best of luck.

 

[piper]

I believe I was referring to the terrain when comparing the two areas Rambo, I think my view of G is tainted because I hunted there in the eighties, and it was pretty cool back then.

If you never tasted sweet water, then you never miss it. I love that country also, but more so during summer, I live in region H and the situation is similar there during deer season, elk season isn't so bad though.

I would love it if those high country hunts were limited quota for residents, and even more restrictive for nonresidents, I bet if there were 1/2 or less the hunters as now, the hunting would still be pretty dang good.
It doesn't hurt to dream about things, heck I still dream about big old muleys coming to view in the crosshairs.

 

[Triple_BB]

Most locals in that neck of the woods paint a gloom & doom scenario in G. Its still the best general license area in the state. I've shot several over 175 with my best being a 32" toad. Passed on an even wider freak with short points that year. If you want to see some of what that country produces, get on facebook and check out Big O Tires - Afton, WY. Then go to albums and pull up the deer pic's for 2010 - 2012. Don't know if they did the contest last year. My buck is in one of those pics. Assuming I don't draw a Utard elk tag with 16 points or a Wyoming sheep tag, I'll be back this year...

 

[mmwb]

I've not really noticed the locals commenting much on the deer at all. I think the majority of the locals are far more focused on the elk then the deer. The vast majority of the doom and gloom I hear is from the non residents.

 

[piper]

I have been a local for only 11 years or so, but many of the long time residents have seen a steep decline in the last 20 or so years, I think it makes it pretty hard for them to get excited.

Combine that with most of us getting older, and the realization that in all likely hood it will never be great again, then I think you can get the picture.

I hunted the Salt River range 7 or 8 years ago, it had changed dramatically from 1990, there were three times the hunters and a third the deer, I ripped Gary Fralick so hard at the check station that he didn't even ask to see my license or anything else, he just wanted me to leave.

It is pretty country, and I have no doubt you can find some pockets where there aren't many other hunters, the main canyons and traditional buck pastures are a different story though.

There is always that chance of a big mature buck, the genetics are certainly there.

 

[Buckhunter1]

G is always a fun hunt. Not what it use to b tho. Yes! IF g were limited quota for residents it would be a better hunt. Fewer bucks killed each year would get some age on em. It sure seems that controlling the amount of hunters in a unit creates better hunting. Good luck if u draw, look for the little spots away from the trails. BH1

 

[jm77]

>Most locals in that neck of
>the woods paint a gloom
>& doom scenario in G.
> Its still the best
>general license area in the
>state. I've shot several
>over 175 with my best
>being a 32" toad.
>Passed on an even wider
>freak with short points that
>year. If you want
>to see some of what
>that country produces, get on
>facebook and check out Big
>O Tires - Afton, WY.
> Then go to albums
>and pull up the deer
>pic's for 2010 - 2012.
> Don't know if they
>did the contest last year.
> My buck is in
>one of those pics.
>Assuming I don't draw a
>Utard elk tag with 16
>points or a Wyoming sheep
>tag, I'll be back this
>year...


Which one is yours?

 

[lostoutwest]

I have twenty years of experience hunting this area, watching the winter ranges and antler hunting. To be honest im disgusted to the point Ive started hunting elsewhere in the state and it has proven to be a good choice thus far. I scout that area every year hoping to turn up a 190 buck, i can count on one hand how many 190 bucks i have scouted in the past 9 years. The numbers are terribly low and winter range closures seem to harbor predation more than they protect wildlife from human disturbances. The winter ranges that can be accessed have not seen maturity in several years and when your do see maturity it usually isnt always synonymous with large headgear. Im fearing genetics are being lost. Every once in a while you see a smoker buck on the winter grounds, now imagine the vast/rugged/ wooded area it has to hide in, not to mention the way the terrain is not everything can be glassed. I believe areas that are impossible to glass might hold most of these bucks showing up onto winter ranges. Simply because the amount of pressure applied to this herd from scouting and hunting. If a decent buck can be easily glassed in august you can almost bet a hunter ( or several) will be in the right spot come opening morning. I love the country but with the way the area has been going the last 20 years i dont see improvement coming swiftly. There will be some up years in the future but the trend points down. I absolutely fear a severe winter. I hate to sound like a debby downer, but thats my opinion of the area. I spend about 12 days a month in this area each month. I dont post much, but i know enough to know some know-it-alls that live in the wyoming forum will disagree. Funny thing is i never see them when im trolling the wyoming range. this is just a first hand observation.. who knows you might be the guy that kills the biggest buck in the area this year goodluck.

 

[gundog2]

I hunted region G one time couple a few years ago. The weather was too hot on the opening weekend, which made backpacking into my randomly picked basin a little grueling. My son and I hiked up to the top of ridges in morning just in time to watch couple guys take a nice one. That was pretty much all we saw on the opener. I went back a few weeks later (weather stayed clear, but cooled down a little) and I was really surprised by the lack of hunters. I was able to find some nice bucks and came pretty close to tagging one. I would make sure to have your basin scouted out before the opening weekend if you want to hunt the opener and be in place at least one full day ahead of time. I think you have more options later in the season if the weather holds.

 

[wolfhunter]

lostoutwest,

You are 100 percent correct about the trend. Our buck to doe ratio's are going into the toilet with the age class. The managers are ignoring the downward trend. We should ALL be willing to give up some hunting in G&H to protect it from the slow death we are witnessing in western Wyoming. The sad part, there are no other units in Wyoming that are better for trophy potential IMO.

If I had total control of western Wyoming mule deer management I would do one of two things; Either limit the weapons, with a long general season of archery and muzzleloaders with a short rifle season. Or, reduce the total hunter and/or harvest by 50 percent with a limited draw for residents and non-residents. Either option would work IMO...

The long range rifle hunters have done more to change buck survival IMO than any other factor in recent years. Five years ago there were more bucks that survived across canyon at ranges over 500 yards. Now almost every serious hunter will fire shots at these bucks over 500 yards, they either kill or wound them now... This is a resident and nonresident change.

Myself I would like to have big bucks that are hard to kill and/or get away with primitive weapons. Make sure the hunter has plenty of "Opportunity" to Hunt!!! Not just buy a bigger bad'er rifle system to get the one that get away. Sooner or later G&F management is going to have to adapt to higher hunter success...or say good bye to the last bit of quality left.

Another thing I would like to see is the G&F clean our winter grounds of the over population of predators. Predator Control could easily be done with some funding. Even if we asked ALL hunters to buy a $10 predator control stamp that every stinking dollar went to controlling our huge population of coyotes and growing population of wolves and lions in winter closure areas...

 

[Cahunter805]

Wolfhunter
I agree that predators need to be taken care of. My question for wy F&G is why are residents still allowed a statewide tag? Why not have to choose one unit to hunt with tag quotas?
What do the residents feel about this?

 

[piper]

Change is slow and painful in this state, residents are all over the place, some want limited quota, some want it to stay the same, some want this, some want that.

Change is hard anyway, but it seems extra hard here.
Everything is done through surveys, and you can read anything you want in a survey. And then there is the state legislature.

 

[jm77]

>Change is slow and painful in
>this state, residents are all
>over the place, some want
>limited quota, some want it
>to stay the same, some
>want this, some want that.
>
>
>Change is hard anyway, but it
>seems extra hard here.
> Everything is done through surveys,
>and you can read anything
>you want in a survey.
> And then there is
>the state legislature.


I'm glad change is hard here piper, makes it less likely things will get screwed up. Besides, why should Wyoming become like everywhere else?

On the surveys: not always so. If a certain group whines and cries enough, the G&F throws them a bone. That's going to come to an end I think.

 

[lostoutwest]

>>I'm glad change is hard here
>piper, makes it less likely
>things will get screwed up.
>Besides, why should Wyoming become
>like everywhere else?
>
>On the surveys: not always so.
>If a certain group whines
>and cries enough, the G&F
>throws them a bone. That's
>going to come to an
>end I think.

Change isnt hard here,especially when money is involved. How much has "changed" in ten years with hunting in Wyoming? The hoeback to kemmerer has become a city in the months of sept and october. TONS of public land has been shutdown for 4 months out of the year. Im not even going to mention you could draw a goat tag every year no problem. With the increased activity ( more ppl = more idiots )tons of land that was once private and open to what local hunting population used it is forever closed and gated. Which has put even more pressure in certain spots narrowing intermiggling rut migration cooridors thus isolating genetics further. Since hunting and the amount of people doing it in this state has changed there needs to be changes in the way it is managed before it gets so bad we have to go to a severe limited draw or a 3 day season like they did north of rock springs ( which put 5x's the amount of hunters in the wyoming range last year ). If little steps every year are taken the herd just may have a chance to rebound given winter cooperates. Since we have the potential for such severe winters im my little head i would think the g&f would manage for the next severe winter.

 

[nontypical]

G&F WILL manage for the next severe winter...after it happens. Just like they always do. The only time they tried to be pro-active in their management was in the late 80's and early 90's. Back then you could purchase several additional doe tags...as many as 9 per person. That is correct...9. Then the winter of '92-'93 hit and devastated the herd even further. The Wyoming Range herd has never recovered from that winter...nor have the deer in regions K, H, or LQ units 101 and 102. WGF got raked over the coals for giving out too many doe tags. But how many more would have succumbed to winter death if there had been 2 or 3 times as many deer vying for the same limited forage?

In my many years of living in western Wyoming, I too notice the decline of the deer; in quantity and quality. Some years seem better than others. This past winter I found only one bomber buck on the winter range. But I know of several hammer bucks that were killed last season..I know of at least 10 that exceeded 200"...some of those were well over 225. Maybe that's why I only found 1 this winter.

In my opinion, this is a direct result of flying for scouting, and long-range shooting. We don't have the winter range we once did...and the range that is there is in poor condition. We can only support the numbers of deer that the range will allow; winter OR summer. It stands to reason there would be less deer than there were 25 years ago. Throw in some wolves, coyotes, lions, and bears, and of course you're going to have less deer and less trophy class deer. Oh, yeah..I forgot 4-wheelers. Anything else I forgot??( internet???)

As more restrictions come down on more deer units, folks will go hunt where they can. More LQ( Platte Valley) units, shorter seasons( unit 131), 4pt or better, 3pt or better. I don't foresee hunting getting better in G...it's probably going to get worse if things stay the same. There are many options to consider; but if no changes are made in region G to coincide with the increased pressure it will receive due to changes in other units, you will definitely see G trend even further downward...

Go enjoy your hunt! G is still a good place to hunt. For now...

 

[wolfhunter]

I would much rather every hunter fly for scouting than every hunter shoot at bucks over 400 yards!! The plane or helicopter does not kill the bucks or wound them!! It's really not as big of an advantage as some think it is(you should try it).

What is funny, scouting was completely foreign to most Wyoming locals 5 years ago... Now every Tom, ##### and Harry is scouting! The regulations do not adjust to the change in pressure. The G&F does not have a clue the pressure put on these bucks. I wish numbers of tags were determined by the health of the herd, not by the G&F bank account. Speaking of flying, the biologists and wardens fly for winter counts. If they were being honest... they have seen this same decline in quality...the pilot they fly with admits negative changes.

 

[jm77]

nontypical

There is already a problem with the regulation on locating game with an aircraft. I believe we can put an end to scouting from a plane. Could you muster some support in your neck of the woods?

wolfhunter

I know a Casper hunter who scouted western Wyoming from the air and was responsible(him & three buddies) for taking four big mule deer, one a giant, in 2013. You're high on wolfbane if you don't think scouting from the air has an impact on big mulies.

 

[wolfhunter]

jm77,

Soo, we are talking about a dozen bucks killed by aerial scouting, maybe. I bet that many bucks were wounded on opening day by unethical long range bangers... jm77 your smoking CRACK! if you think planes do more damage than long range shooting....

How about we ban long range shooting with aerial scouting.... I am game!!

 

[jm77]

>jm77,
>
>Soo, we are talking about a
>dozen bucks killed by aerial
>scouting, maybe. I bet
>that many bucks were wounded
>on opening day by unethical
>long range bangers... jm77 your
>smoking CRACK! if you think
>planes do more damage than
>long range shooting....
>
>How about we ban long range
>shooting with aerial scouting.... I
>am game!!

These days a dozen big muley bucks is an aweful lot!

We can ban aerial scouting, it's in statute already. Nothing in place on long range guns.

Did you forget to mention it to the Commission last week?

 

[buckhorn]

We have Planes,Spotting scopes Cameras, Radios, Rangefinders,1000 yd rifles, ATV's, 2 or 3 scouts for every tagholder, GPS, Application services, Magazines and videos. The Auction tags with extended seasons taking the cream of the crop.
Will it ever end.
We must control ourselves somehow!

 

[wolfhunter]

>These days a dozen big muley bucks is an aweful lot!

Thats why the weapon restriction would do far more to benefit the herd. Your ignoring the ELEPHANT in the room. I am aware of many dozens of big bucks that would not have been killed in region G if it wasn't for the weapon system. One old fat slob of a hunter from Smoot WY shoots a deer himself as well as helps his "friends" kill big mature bucks and bulls every year. Most of the bucks get killed at 700-900 yards(nothing to be proud of there). If you gave this guy a muzzleloader, he would be stuck with killing cow elk, that is about all the hunting skills he has with out the weapon system. That is one example only, I could fill the rest of the forum with other examples. I understand your feelings on flying but it's not what is going to make the difference on our herd. Long range hunting has tipped the scale here in western Wyoming, it's the straw that will break the camel's back IMO...

 

[BeDawg]

I agree! most of the tags should be bow and muzzleloader only! Rifle hunters should be allowed to hunt, but should only get a fraction of the tags that they do now. Muzzleloaders on the other hand can shoot plenty distance they just require a 200 yard or closer shot. I am frankly saddened by how unfair advantage it is to game these days when they are being taken from 400-1300 yards.

 

[lostoutwest]

I agree some winter ranges are in semi poor conditions. BUT there is alot of good winter range that isnt being used anymore due to there simply being no deer.

 

[ICMDEER]

If the winter range in in need of help, let's get on it. We can work with private landowners immediately and the federal agencies can start planning and we can get projects going there in a year or two.

I'm looking to nontypical for help here. I'm willing to put in some time and money. Can G&F start this or can the Muley Fanatic folks take the lead? I'm along ways away, but I'll help when I can.

We may be dong this for our grandkids and that's OK with me, but the longer we wait, the worse it gets and the longer it takes.

Let's tart a specific list of goals we can do to help. I'm serious.

 

[nontypical]

There is a study being done with the Wyoming Range mule deer as we speak. UW and WGF are collaborating on this ( Wyoming Range Mule Deer Initiative). There are many contributors to this study, including Muley Fanatic Foundation. We have pledged $30K for each year of this study. That takes roughly 1/3 of our total annual funds. 35 does each from the LaBarge/Big Piney and Leroy/Evanston winter range complexes are captured in December and March to examine fetal rates and body fat( and other data). So far, every collared doe has been captured every time. I think next year will be the last of a 3-yr study. More info on this study can be found on the WGF website.

I shed hunted on this winter range on May 1( the opener). The condition of the sagebrush is terrible on most of this range. It's amazing to me that those critters are even able to survive on it. I'm no range biologist, but it is readily apparent that work needs to be done here.

MFF has two G&F biologists on our projects committee. I will bring this up at our next meeting( May 8).

 

[CM]

If there are winter range restoration projects and stuff that need volunteers I would come if I knew where and when the project was. I live a couple hours away but I am more than willing to help out.

 

[wolfhunter]

Habitat issues seem to be the go to excuse for the western agencies. When habitat is blamed then the agency seems to wipe their hands of responsibility and pass the buck to the land managers. I wonder if mule deer will ever get managed properly?? Region G&H are not being managed for long term success! The greatest migratory public land mule deer herd is slipping away right under our watch!!!

I sure hope MFF, MDF or concerned WY residents can get some traction saving this herd before it's to late!!

My Hats off to MFF for your 30,000 donation to the migration study!!!! We all need to put our money where our mouth is? Every concerned sportsman should join your efforts!!!!!

 

[Rambo]

>I agree some winter ranges are
>in semi poor conditions. BUT
>there is alot of good
>winter range that isnt being
>used anymore due to there
>simply being no deer.

↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑
This is true.

 

[nontypical]

The problem with the un-used winter range is that the deer don't know it's there, and don't know how to get there. I agree there is un-used range out there, but the deer tend to go where they have gone for the previous years. It's called instinct. If we go to the grocery store and they don't have what we want, we go to another store. It sounds very logical to us humans, but nature doesn't work that way.

As winter progresses, deer will move, but they almost always go where they went in prior years. Movement is mostly according to snow level. I suppose when the present range deteriorates further, deer will move into these un-used areas. One would certainly hope that is the case...

I read today where the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative is involved in several projects across SW Wy. They have a budget of $770,000 for this year, and are involved in many projects across the state(not just wildlife, but also water and livestock related). MFF is looking into the possibility of collaborating with WLCI on future projects. Perhaps this could be one.

I'll try to keep you guys updated on what I find out at our meeting Thursday if we have time to discuss this at the meeting.

 

[nontypical]

For more info on what is being done to improve some of the winter range in region G, go to the Wyoming forum. I just posted up some good info there.