Unit 7 Elk help

DeerHunter53 · Oct 19, 2016

I was wondering if anyone if knows much about Unit 7 for Elk. My son and I have about 8 preference points built up for elk. I see from the map that part of the unit requires a guide for the hunt in National Forest.
My question is that is that the area that holds the most elk or can we be successful in the areas not remnquiring a guide as my son and I prefer to DYI hunts for the most part.
The other part is that elk is so damn good eating that we are hooked on the meat.
This is for next year as we already filled our tags in Idaho this year but it is not an option for next year as we got two spots from a cancellation and not available next year.
Any help would be appreciated just an old hunter and his son trying to find a place to hunt

mulecreek · Oct 19, 2016

I believe you are mistaken. National Forest does not require a guide for NR's in Wyo. Wilderness areas do. There is no Wilderness in Unit 7. You are good to hunt on Nat Forest, DIY. Do a search of the Wyoming and Elk forums regarding Unit 7 and you will find all the info you could hope for from others that have asked every question conceivable about Unit 7. Short answer is "Yes the Nat Forest holds elk, a lot of private, private is usually better. It will be expensive to hunt private. It is absolutely doable to hunt public land a kill a bull in 7." Good luck and have fun.

DeerHunter53 · Oct 19, 2016

Thanks that really cleared it up for me. Lots of private you say do they charge a trespass fee and do you have or have you heard what that might cost? just doing my homework for next year

mulecreek · Oct 19, 2016

Like I said, search it. That question has been asked every year, multiple times, since about 2002. Usually the questions about 7 start after the current season is over so you are earlier than most.

DeerHunter53 · Oct 20, 2016

Thanks I really appreciate the info I will do what you say

COLOelkman · Oct 21, 2016

fyi, I went with a friend maybe 8 years ago and he paid a very reasonable trespass fee (like $250ish). We got a list of ranchers that allow access via the Game and Fish but I thought I'd heard they do not provide that list anymore but I'm not positive on that. Others we checked on were higher but not what I considered outrageous.

Whiterock · Oct 21, 2016

I had a cow tag that I bought as a leftover a few years ago.hunted on some public land that had a lot of pressure from other hunters.Never saw an animal,lots of old sign was there.It was the opening week of season.
Been told since that late season would have been better,especially for a cow.
If I ever went back to that unit ,I would secure some private land to hunt on.

dillon · Oct 22, 2016

I can see Laramie Peak through my screen door from where I am sitting right now in my house. I have been putting in some time on unit 7 this year scouting and I have determined that it holds a lot of elk, some very good bulls, and you have to be meticulous in knowing where you are all the time. I plan on applying for 7 in 2017 as a resident (23% draw odd). That said, if I manage to draw the tag I also plan on tagging out during the bow hunt if at all possible so I can avoid the sea of orange in October.

There are other units in Wyoming that are more user friendly for non-residents who are limited on time and who want access to more public land.

Good luck.

Dillon
www.dillonhoyt.com

DeerHunter53 · Oct 24, 2016

Yeah but how many points do you need to draw those units and it not be wilderness area. So is it better to try for the late hunt or are both the same with seeing animals