Wyoming draw confusion

ironranger · Dec 29, 2007

LAST EDITED ON Dec-29-07 AT 08:17PM (MST)[p]I'm just struggling trying to figure out which is the best way to go with the draw. My hunting partner and I have two points for elk and I was wondering if anyone had some suggestions. We thought about the general draw as it would allow us more options to hunt but don't really think we want to waste 2 points on GEN tag. I've looked at Unit 7, 24, 114, 16, 100, 111, 118 and also some general areas on west side such as 89, 90, 91. I think we'd prefer to hunt farther east and I thought about putting in for Unit 7 as I've heard it's a good archery unit but there is also limited access to land and I'm not sure how much time we'll have to work on securing a trespass fee. I was scoping out the HMA's like Duncan Ranch, etc too. Lots of options and we may just go rifle season so that hasn't been decided yet. I'd just like to find an area that has plenty of public land and a decent elk herd. Any input would be appreciated via PM or reply here.

BuzzH · Dec 29, 2007

It really comes down to how long you want to wait for a good tag or if you want to hunt elk this coming year.

I dont know for sure, but I'd bet the best units in those you mentioned will take quite a few years to draw.

On the other hand, you could easily draw a general tag and hunt this year...and probably do so again in a couple more years.

Lots of public land to hunt with a general tag.

WapitiBob · Dec 29, 2007

my reply to another WY topic in the elk forum:

my opinion which doesn't amount to much would be to determine where and how bad you want to hunt WY.

A difficult unit like 31, 100, etc is going to be a once in a lifetime draw more than likely. Once you get that tag, you're behind by hundreds if not thousands of apps.

If you want to hunt "good" areas every other year I would do a GEN tag figuring a tag every 2 years. I would research hard to find a spot and if my intell worked out, would stay with that area, branching out each year but always having the base area to fall back on. Once you do a GEN tag it's my opinion that you will be relligated to Gen units from that year on. You're just too far behind and there are just too many ahead of you.

A aquaintence of mine hunts a GEN unit every other year and sees 350 bulls on a regular basis. He hikes in to the wilderness and hunts high, no guide. He never sees another hunter.

PleaseDear · Dec 29, 2007

Farther East..... ever give LQ-19 a look?

Why waste max points on a Gen unit tag....get your LQ tag and then rotate into the Gen pool every 2 years...just my thoughts though.

Robb

groundhog · Dec 30, 2007

It has been a while since I hunted Wyoming but I thought it was illagal to hunt the wilderness area unless you were with a guide. Did this change? I hope so becuase this law never made sense to me. If someone could answer this I would really appreciate it. thanks

nochawk · Dec 30, 2007

Nope...law has not changed. all non-residents must have a guide or a resident with a guide type permit to hunt wilderness area's.

WapitiBob · Dec 30, 2007

>Farther East..... ever give LQ-19 a
>look?
>
>Why waste max points on a
>Gen unit tag....get your LQ
>tag and then rotate into
>the Gen pool every 2
>years...just my thoughts though.
>
>Robb

I agree with Robb.
Stay in while you have a chance, then once you get the "good" tag, move over to the gen side and go every other year.

Chesterwyo · Dec 30, 2007

There is no place in Wyoming where 350 class bulls can be seen on a regular basis. Except maybe the feedground in jackson.

BuzzH · Dec 30, 2007

"There is no place in Wyoming where 350 class bulls can be seen on a regular basis."

You need to get out more...

ironranger · Dec 30, 2007

Thank you all for your input as I appreciate it! Probably just hang in there for the draw area and I can always go over the counter in CO in the meantime!

Chesterwyo · Dec 30, 2007

LAST EDITED ON Dec-30-07 AT 09:14PM (MST)[p]There is one area I've heard they are pretty common. Area 19. Any thoughts on that Buzz?

BuzzH · Dec 30, 2007

LAST EDITED ON Dec-30-07 AT 09:23PM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Dec-30-07 AT 09:10?PM (MST)

LAST EDITED ON Dec-30-07 AT 08:53?PM (MST)

Ever been to units 5, 7, 24, 22, 38, 51, 52, 61, 100, 124? Just wondering. Good bulls over 350 to be had in those units if you put in the time.

Dont know much about 19.

Maybe your definition of "regular basis" is different.

Chesterwyo · Dec 30, 2007

LAST EDITED ON Dec-30-07 AT 09:22PM (MST)[p]I've been to all of those units except for 5 and 7. My cousin killed a big bull in 52. I am aware of the fact that there are big bulls in all these units. But as far as 350 type bulls being common, I don't think so. But it's not my job to be in the woods everyday like it is yours. So I'm sure you know more about it that I would. And I've been all over area 100 and area 124 never seen a bull close to 350 out there.

BuzzH · Dec 30, 2007

LAST EDITED ON Dec-30-07 AT 09:30PM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Dec-30-07 AT 09:29?PM (MST)

LAST EDITED ON Dec-30-07 AT 09:25?PM (MST)

LAST EDITED ON Dec-30-07 AT 09:22?PM (MST)

Agreed, 350 bulls arent common.

But I think some WY units they are just as common as 95% of the units in most any other states/areas.

There are 350 class bulls in 124, I also havent seen a 350 bull in 100, but I havent spent any amount of time looking either.

Chesterwyo · Dec 30, 2007

LAST EDITED ON Dec-30-07 AT 09:32PM (MST)[p]Glad we could come to some kind of agreement. From what I have seen and heard you are a good hunter who plays by the rules. So I respect your opinion. Did you see some 350 class bulls in 124 when you were there last year? Good luck in the upcoming draws for moose sheep and goat.

BuzzH · Dec 30, 2007

LAST EDITED ON Dec-30-07 AT 09:39PM (MST)[p]No, not last year.

It was 3 years ago...one of the best bulls I've seen anywhere. Maybe a fluke, I dont know...but real impressive.

Good luck to you in the draws as well.

DonVathome · Dec 30, 2007

I agree with Robb 100%, might as well hold out for a good unit, since you likely will never draw again. I am doing just that, going to wait for a good hunt, then once I draw go general. I have never drawn in WY after 8 years trying, and wished there were points with my bad luck BUT once I draw I will wish there were not points! Grass is always greener..........

Good luck, DonV