Unit 61 Wyoming

[tferrari]

Does anyone have any recommendations on unit 61? My partner and I are leaving the end of this month and have been eagerly planning our elk hunt. We have a resident friend that is supposed to hunt with us (and speak with some of the private land owners), however he is not the most reliable person; hence the reason for a back up plan.... We do have other resident friends that can go on the hunt, however none of the others are familiar with 61. We would appreciate the help if any one can offer any knowledge or advice! What trails have you taken? What elevation/areas where the elk at? Where did they seem to push to, and at what point in the season?

Thanks,
Tim

 

[koda]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news. I have that same tag, and that unit has been burning since june. It is completely closed off. If they do open by Oct. 1 who knows if there will be any elk in there. Let me know if you find out anything on that unit in regards to closures. Thanks

 

[kilbuc]

There has been a fire, started in the Venus Creek area and moved north. There are areas that have been closed. Don't know what current status is. Call Game and Fish, Cody office and they will have the latest. Hard to beleive the WHOLE unit is closed.

from the "Heartland of Wyoming"

 

[Triple_BB]

Sounds like you shoulda done more research before putting in for this area. Until the weather pushes them down, 95% of the elk are in the wilderness and national forest. The vast majority of that area is accessible by horse only. The landowners aren't real friendly, but it's moot if the elk are still up in the high country. Roads are almost non existent except to some pieces of forest on the north/central part of the area. Tree's and cover are lacking on this end, so it usually takes some significant weather to get them pushed in this direction. Most hunters are going to be horsebacking it out of the Jack Ck campground up towards Eleanor and Anderson Cks. This is all wilderness and you won't be headed in that direction unless yer resident friend tags along and you have horses. We camped 12 miles up on Little Venus. It's my understanding all of that area has burned, so who knows where the elk are. I'd bet many moved over the top into area 57 and some into area 62. Last I heard the fire had burned 45,000 acres, but that was a couple months ago. Given the fire, if I was wanting to do more than stare at some beautiful mountain country, I'd call outfitter Bob Sundeen and see what he thinks and inquire about any openings. He's the only one operating in 61. If he has anything, I'd go down and take out a loan...

 

[tferrari]

Thanks for the info! Interestingly enough, this is the general area that we had plan to hunt. Yes, we have horses and plan to pack in; usualy dont do the guided hunt thing. We did do some diligence prior to applying for this area, however without guide and with the recent fires we were hoping to get some insight like that you have provided. Wilderness hunts like this we usualy plan with one of our resident friends, but like I said we're not sure if he will flake or not; but in a pinch we can certainly wrangle up another for the trip.
Again, thanks for the info; every bit helps!

 

[tferrari]

I have spoken with some folks from the area, and yes the elk are still there; I guess it goes without saying that it will be a "different hunt". The trail head at Jack creek is now open. If you call game and fish in Cody they can give you more info...