Wyoming Elk unit 111 Type 1

P

pdkfull

Member
Messages
16
I'm considering applying for Elk in Unit 111 or Unit 24 type 1 this year. If successful I would archery hunt early and then rifle hunt the late hunt if I don't tag out. Any thoughts about these two units would be appreciated.
 
According to gohunt 111 has a higher success than 24. The special took more points to draw in 111 than the regular draw but I would expect that to correct.
 
There are some large chunks of 111 with private land...there is public on Ferris but you better watch your step and where you drive. Also, the elk in 111 often get pushed onto the Pathfinder Ranch and the ranch to the south during rifle season and/or after snow where they aren't available. There are a pile of cow elk hunters in 111. Access can be super tough to impossible during the late season.
 
There is no way I would burn 14.5 points for a 11 type 1 tag... We have never hunted 24 so I can't comment about that area....
 
16 is similar to 111 with a different ranch (the q) covering a large chunk of the unit with gobs of cow hunters with long seasons pushing elk onto the q. 24 and 100 are mostly public.
 
Last edited:
Oops! Made a mistake 24 and 100 are mostly public land.

22 could be super tough access during the late season if there is deep snow (talking from experience). There were a couple ATV's on snow tracks a couple years ago in 22 when there was super deep snow and pretty much no access with 4 WD trucks or regular ATV's. One of the track machines had to get rescued because they got stuck or broke down and stranded! Snow depth obviously changes from one year to the next but could potentially be a game changer if you can't get to the elk?

One of the big criticisms about both of these units and seasons is the bull hunters kind of get screwed over by all the cow hunting pressure. As an example, in 2021 there were 150 cow hunters in 111 that were pressuring elk for 2 weeks immediately before the later bull season opened on Nov 15. Do you think the elk know where to go in that country when pressured on public land? Both the elk in 22 and 111 tend to both head to the Pathfinder Ranch where they are safe....especially during the late hunt. There are some super nasty canyons where bulls may also hang out late but can you get there?
 
jims said:
One of the big criticisms about both of these units and seasons is the bull hunters kind of get screwed over by all the cow hunting pressure. As an example, in 2021 there were 150 cow hunters in 111 that were pressuring elk for 2 weeks immediately before the later bull season opened on Nov 15. Do you think the elk know where to go in that country when pressured on public land? Both the elk in 22 and 111 tend to both head to the Pathfinder Ranch where they are safe....especially during the late hunt. There are some super nasty canyons where bulls may also hang out late but can you get there?
Click to expand...
You are absolutely wrong with your assessments here. For some reason you are actively trying to discourage NR from applying here. Anyone that hunts late season bulls and/or late cow elk, know they are found in different areas and different terrains. Cow elk hunters do not screw up the bull hunting. Besides that, the Pathfinder Ranch does not have a refuge for bull elk. Plenty of public land elk available in both areas and everyone I know who has had this type one tag has filled with a 6x6 bull. Some big ones too!

Now that should be worth some point creep!
 
JM, I guess we will agree to disagree on this one. If you don't think 150 cow hunters in 111 hunting for 2 weeks before the late hunt opens to public hunters moves elk to private....good for you. If you take a look at the cow harvest reports they tedder back and forth between around 10 and 50%. The years with lots of snow it is super tough. It would definitely be a consideration if you ask me. Pathfinder Ranch and the other ranch to the south are definitely a refuge for elk....especially during the late hunt. You are right that great bulls are harvested in both units. If it were me with either of those tags I would get done early and not depend upon the late season. Yep, there are straggler bulls that hang out in 22 and 111 late but if you can't get to them due to deep snow you are screwed!
 
If you don't want to mess with private and don't mind 280 to 320 bulls, 24 is a great hunt.
 
jims said:
JM, I guess we will agree to disagree on this one. If you don't think 150 cow hunters in 111 hunting for 2 weeks before the late hunt opens to public hunters moves elk to private....good for you. If you take a look at the cow harvest reports they tedder back and forth between around 10 and 50%. The years with lots of snow it is super tough. It would definitely be a consideration if you ask me. Pathfinder Ranch and the other ranch to the south are definitely a refuge for elk....especially during the late hunt. You are right that great bulls are harvested in both units. If it were me with either of those tags I would get done early and not depend upon the late season. Yep, there are straggler bulls that hang out in 22 and 111 late but if you can't get to them due to deep snow you are screwed!
Click to expand...
Really jims?

When was the last time you saw mature bulls in any numbers with large cow herds in 111, 22 or any other hunting unit in Wyoming.

Cow hunters are insignificant on a late bull hunt in every single place I've ever hunted late elk in MT, AZ, WY...they don't live in the same places.

Maybe the reason you don't see big bulls on late hunts is because you spend too much time looking for them in the cow herds?
 
BuzzH said:
Really jims?

When was the last time you saw mature bulls in any numbers with large cow herds in 111, 22 or any other hunting unit in Wyoming.

Cow hunters are insignificant on a late bull hunt in every single place I've ever hunted late elk in MT, AZ, WY...they don't live in the same places.

Maybe the reason you don't see big bulls on late hunts is because you spend too much time looking for them in the cow herds?
Click to expand...
I would never say never, but your general statement is true most times. I saw that in South Central Wyoming on private not that long ago in late October. Over 900 elk in one spread out herd of over a mile and a half. Plenty of nice mature bulls in that herd with a big 350 in the middle of it. Had to hunt the fringes of that herd so I wouldn't spook them out. Picked through 40 or so bulls between 260 to 320 on the south end of it and shot the biggest one a 7.5 year old 320 with 50 inch beams. I would also see this alot in Montana towards the end of the elk season in November. Big herds, dozen or so mature bulls but again on private.
 
30Hart said:
I would never say never, but your general statement is true most times. I saw that in South Central Wyoming on private not that long ago in late October. Over 900 elk in one spread out herd of over a mile and a half. Plenty of nice mature bulls in that herd with a big 350 in the middle of it. Had to hunt the fringes of that herd so I wouldn't spook them out. Picked through 40 or so bulls between 260 to 320 on the south end of it and shot the biggest one a 7.5 year old 320 with 50 inch beams. I would also see this alot in Montana towards the end of the elk season in November. Big herds, dozen or so mature bulls but again on private.
Click to expand...
I remember once in the Bighorns I saw a 340 bull in a big herd of cows in early November. Of course that can happen, but it not the norm. Another year in a different area I hunted twenty days in November, saw many mature bulls, well over a hundred, before I killed one over 350. In those twenty days I never saw a single flathead. I've seen my biggest bulls at or near their winter range as early as mid October. In general, the rut worn big bulls leave the cows by early to mid October and never rejoin them until the following Sept. My profile pic is a bull on Nov 18 from a herd of 23 mature bulls, no cows anywhere to be found.

But what do I know and why didn't you shoot the 350?
 
Last edited:
jm77 said:
I remember once in the Bighorns I saw a 340 bull in a big herd of cows in early November. Of course that can happen, but it not the norm. Another year in a different area I hunted twenty days in November, saw many mature bulls, well over a hundred, before I killed one over 350. In those twenty days I never saw a single flathead. I've seen my biggest bulls at or near their winter range as early as mid October. In general, the rut worn big bulls leave the cows by early to mid October and never rejoin them until the following Sept. My profile pic is a bull on Nov 18 from a herd of 23 mature bulls, no cows anywhere to be found.

But what do I know and why didn't you shoot the 350?
Click to expand...
He was unapproachable right in the middle of the strung out herd of over a mile and completely surrounded on each side. There was no way to work through 200 elk and not spook them to get to him. Also, it was right after surgery and it was painful enough crawling around those 40 bulls on the south side on my hands and knees. Got within 99 yards of my bedded 320. One shot when he stood up from his bed and that was it. Guess I better clarify. Those ranches I hunted in Wyoming and Montana, the elk never leave. They are large enough and contain the Sumner and winter ranges of those elk. Just saying elk behave slightly different in different places. Same as here in Utah they stay in same place all year on some of the big ranches too.
 
jims said:
JM, I guess we will agree to disagree on this one. If you don't think 150 cow hunters in 111 hunting for 2 weeks before the late hunt opens to public hunters moves elk to private....good for you. If you take a look at the cow harvest reports they tedder back and forth between around 10 and 50%. The years with lots of snow it is super tough. It would definitely be a consideration if you ask me. Pathfinder Ranch and the other ranch to the south are definitely a refuge for elk....especially during the late hunt. You are right that great bulls are harvested in both units. If it were me with either of those tags I would get done early and not depend upon the late season. Yep, there are straggler bulls that hang out in 22 and 111 late but if you can't get to them due to deep snow you are screwed!
Click to expand...
I would have to disagree with jimson that. 've said it before and I'll say it again. While the earlier bull seasons in Central Wyoming can be a little easier to get a good bull than the later. I'll always take the later season for a chance at a monster bull. Most Wyoming cow hunters treat cows like antelope. Easy and close to the truck...same as I like it too...who wouldn't. Those really big bulls, not 280 to 320...way bigger, are almost always alone by themselves. My big old bull with over 55 inch beams and heavy as a two by four on top was already solo packed away in deep timber with not a cow within miles in Central Wyoming. So normally those later cow hunters don't have much effect on hunting those really monster bulls. Yes some elk stay on bigger private chunks but they do sometimes find themselves on small parcels of private, state and blm land out their. I know quite a few guys that have taken monster bulls out there late. Wasn't easy, had to do your homework and had to hunt very hard to do it, but shouldn't that always be the case.
 
Only straggler bulls left for the late hunts huh? Bahahahaha so where do they go jims? Your saying they aren't wintering in those areas based on your statement so where do they go to winter?. Also ive seen way more elk on public in those areas then I ever have on private I'm not sure where your getting this bull crap from
 
Just saying that access could be extremely tough during the late season. Not only do elk (and a chunk of smart bulls) get pushed onto the larger tracts of private and deep, dark holes but also snow can be a problem during the late hunt. Try hiking up into the canyons of Ferris in a foot+ of snow!

Obviously, this year and last year may not have been a factor since it was so dry but 3 years ago there was so much drifted snow across roads that it was impossible to get within 1-3 miles of Ferris. The areas where bulls tend to go when there is deeper snow and bulls get pushed back in by all the cow hunting pressure can be difficult to reach. Try just hiking 1 or 2 miles to get to the foot of Ferris in 1' of snow if roads are drifted shut! There was so much snow that one of the rancher's cows got totally trapped and they had a tough time getting feed to them. I heard that another rancher in the area had cows die because they got stranded by deep snow. I actually rescued 2 guys that got stuck way back in and also heard a track vehicle also needed rescued.

In years with deep snow you may want to have horses, track vehicle or snow mobile available? That's not only true in 111 but just about every unit in Wyo with late seasons. Everyone knows the wind howls in Wyo and when there is deep snow access can be tough.

I wouldn't put all your eggs in the late season basket because it could be great if it's dry but it also could be extremely tough if it snows! Just be ready for cow hunters during the earlier rifle season....and some private land access issues to deal with and you ought to do fine.
 
Had a LQ tag and the wife and I both shot are bulls early November, mine was hanging around few with bulls and my wife’s was with a heard of cows, guess it depends if your a lady’s man or not ?
 
pdkfull said:
I'm considering applying for Elk in Unit 111 or Unit 24 type 1 this year. If successful I would archery hunt early and then rifle hunt the late hunt if I don't tag out. Any thoughts about these two units would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Call Ed Chipperfield he can tell you all about 111

Wyoming Adventures contact Information for Booking Wyoming Hunting Trips

Wyoming Adventures Trophy Outfitters. Contact information for Wyoming Big game hunting trips. Elk, Mule Deer and Antelope hunts.
www.wyoadventures.com
 
Yep give Ed a call! He knows a bunch about the private access in the unit and how cow hunters hammer the public! You better have your wallet out when you talk to him because he only does guided elk hunts!
 
jims said:
Yep give Ed a call! He knows a bunch about the private access in the unit and how cow hunters hammer the public! You better have your wallet out when you talk to him because he only does guided elk hunts!
Click to expand...
You must take out your wallet for him, I noticed you in his antelope photos. How much for that buck?
 
This is an elk post but now that you bring up deer let’s go. Call him and ask how the muleys are doing! He hasn’t even had hunters quite a few of the seasons. The genetics suck with around 85 to 90% of bucks having 3x frames. Go ahead and burn a bunch of deer pts on 87. Yes, a few knowledgeable locals that know what they are doing get decent bucks but the genetics in 87 is down right pathetic for how few tags are issued. If you want a challenge try to find a 4x4 framed buck in 87….and a 4x without crab claws.
 
Lets change it again to pronghorn...

Sebastian, you never did say how much that pronghorn on Chipperfields website cost you?
 
jm77 said:
You must take out your wallet for him, I noticed you in his antelope photos. How much for that buck?
Click to expand...
Without ever seeing a pic of Jims and basing his face based off his rambling posts I think ray Charles could point him out.

Picture saved for memes.
 
SS!, you are absolutely right that I don't post internet photos. I definitely don't need to post string after string of photos to boast my ego.

I've hunted a lot of different units across Wyo over the years. In fact, I've switched over to hunting elsewhere the last couple years due to the lack of antelope numbers and quality of bucks. One thing I've learned in Wyo is that the quality of bucks changes from year to year and it's nice to remain flexible where to find top bucks.
 
jims said:
SS!, you are absolutely right that I don't post internet photos. I definitely don't need to post string after string of photos to boast my ego.

I've hunted a lot of different units across Wyo over the years. In fact, I've switched over to hunting elsewhere the last couple years due to the lack of antelope numbers and quality of bucks. One thing I've learned in Wyo is that the quality of bucks changes from year to year and it's nice to remain flexible where to find top bucks.
Click to expand...
So how much was that antelope hunt with Ed?
 
I've spent thousands of my hard earned nonres $ in Wyo over the years on antelope! Does that answer your question?
 
jims said:
I could really care less! It's none of your business and it doesn't matter!
Click to expand...
But you seem to make Wyoming matters your business. I take what another state offers me, no more, no less. It's not my business to tell Colorado how to manage and run their wildlife and it's not your business to tell us in Wyoming how to manage ours.
 
We ended up putting in for unit 111. Now we play the waiting game. Things did get a little sideways on this thread but I wanted to thank everyone for their input. Thank You
 
When I was a kid, back in the early 70s, my dad would send me to run the little timber patches to push elk out while they spotted and searched for nice bulls. I loved that- Seminoes (and Ferris) were our favorite places just to spend a weekend. Oh- and hunt elk when we drew permits! Good luck!
 
Glad you were able to wade through all the BS from a few that tried to hi jack your thread and get in for 111. That’ll be a great hunt if you get drawn.
 
I really hope you draw and have a great hunt! I would keep in the back of your mind what I mentioned earlier about cow hunters, private land, and late season snow drifts!
 
Bumping this thread back up in hopes to pick the brains of guys that have hunted 111 rifle. Was supposed to hunt 22 in December but due to work schedule conflicts I am now looking to hunt 111 in October. Would love to PM some folks to keep it off public eyes. Thanks!
 
Haven't hunted Seminoes in 45 years. But, back in those days, it was pretty darn simple. There are many draws with timber, surrounded by open country. I, as a young stud, would crash those pockets, and out would come the elk for a well-placed hunter.

No idea how the elk run there these days. If like other island mountains, they head for the deserts when pressure is high, I can only say: "good luck".
 
There is a pretty big chunk of private on the east side where elk tend to head once all the cow hunters start spooking them. Pray there isn’t much snow if you hunt late or roads get drifted shut. I rescued a couple guys several years ago and heard another guy had to get rescued when his unit on a track broke down.
 
The drifting snow may not happen every year but just word of caution if you are putting all your eggs in a basket for a late season hunt. They hand out a lot of cow tags. Most cow hunters likely don’t go into very remote locations but the elk are pretty educated with the long cow and bull seasons. They stay pretty clear of roads on the available country that the public can hunt.
 
Yeah I’ve been slightly concerned about the cow tag issue. I didn’t realize the cow season was so long up there. I may have to look into unit 22 once that opens in November. Might be able to squeeze a couple days in up there.
jims said:
The drifting snow may not happen every year but just word of caution if you are putting all your eggs in a basket for a late season hunt. They hand out a lot of cow tags. Most cow hunters likely don’t go into very remote locations but the elk are pretty educated with the long cow and bull seasons. They stay pretty clear of roads on the available country that the public can hunt.
Click to expand...
 

Similar threads

C
NV unit 111 archery hunt!
Replies
0
Views
349
cscott925
C
HuntDad
2 for 1 in Wyoming Elk Unit 100
Replies
26
Views
2k
Allhuntsfish
A
HuntLife17
1st Elk in OTC
Replies
11
Views
991
The_Coloradoboy
The_Coloradoboy

Member Gallery Photos and Videos!

84A54D6D-010E-4902-A8FC-4A9D08B75A25.jpeg
EF8B16C2-24C5-4D94-A984-CFD0F62BB58E.jpeg
20231121_110427.jpg
IMG_6671.jpeg
Big Body, Big Antlered Buck
D66FE92E-DC89-4C25-94D2-3DCD5FEF99A8.jpeg
PXL_20231023_161705150.MP.jpg
ADAA9964-E4B3-42D0-BB0B-5D0E1157EA82.jpeg
1664200872262.png
IMG-5666 (2).jpg
IMG_0824.jpeg
IMG_3560.MOV

Wyoming Hunting Guides & Outfitters

Badger Creek Outfitters

Offering elk, deer and pronghorn hunts on several privately owned ranches.

Urge 2 Hunt

We focus on trophy elk, mule deer, antelope and moose hunts and take B&C bucks most years.

J & J Outfitters

Offering quality fair-chase hunts for trophy mule deer, elk, and moose in Wyoming.


Yellowstone Horse Rentals - Western Wyoming Horses
Back
Top Bottom