Looking for info on Deer Unit 81

[Calbuck]

Curious about this unit as I'm not into the crowds in the General hunts. Anyone who has hunted or spent time in 81 care to chat about deer hunting?

 

[HiMtnHntr]

The area is as crowded as any general area. It's open for gen elk and there are a lot of deer tags.

 

[Calbuck]

It's a LQ deer unit, and sounds like the general elk season opens after the deer season..

 

[wytex]

200 deer tags and 100 cow elk tags open at same time, regular elk season opens Oct 15.

 

[highfastflyer]

Not crowded at all as the deer season is limited to only 200 licenses and the General elk hunt doesn’t open until Oct 15th then it turns into a zoo but long after the deer season has closed.

 

[Calbuck]

I'm curious if this unit lends itself to backpacking in or is it covered with roads? Seems like decent access. Not sure what part is better, nearer the Colo border or more north? I've read that the deer there migrate out of Colorado into the unit.

 

[Soccerdude]

Never hunted it... but know a few guys that have. They focused on old burn areas, camped at truck and did day excursions and did pretty good.

 

[wytex]

You'll need early, deep snow to get the migration going from Colorado.

 

[highfastflyer]

I'm curious if this unit lends itself to backpacking in or is it covered with roads? Seems like decent access. Not sure what part is better, nearer the Colo border or more north? I've read that the deer there migrate out of Colorado into the unit.

You will be hunting the resident deer as the season is too early for the migration. The best bucks are seen the last few days of the elk hunt migrating in so well after the deer season has closed. There used to be a late hunt but it hasn’t been offered in quite a few years. There are lots of roads but a few pockets of good backpacking country.

 

[Calbuck]

Thanks for that info HFF, that's what it looks like from satellite imagery and such. I have some ideas on where to look first. Considering applying for a cow tag there too as the seasons run concurrently. I don't know if you need points to draw cow tags though.

 

[wytex]

No PP on cow tags in 13, random draw.

 

[Calbuck]

My luck I'd draw the cow tag but not the deer tag. Oh well would be a good scouting trip

 

[Soccerdude]

26% odds to draw the type 6 cow tag in 2020 in unit 13.

 

[Calbuck]

Saw that. Worth a stab I guess...nothing ventured, nothing gained.

 

[Soccerdude]

I would go hunt it last 3 days of Sept archery then first 5 days of rifle.

 

[Calbuck]

To do that a person just has to purchase the archery permit?

 

[Soccerdude]

To do that a person just has to purchase the archery permit?

That is correct. With the oct 1 rifle opener it makes the most sense unless you live closer and can hunt first week of archery before returning in Oct.

 

[Calbuck]

I also have a tag in Idaho, so I'll be moving from Wyoming to ID to hunt, that will limit the amount of time I have on the beginning of the season..in fact, I'll most likely (if drawn of course) hunt the last week of Wyoming and then move over to the other state.

 

[Soccerdude]

I also have a tag in Idaho, so I'll be moving from Wyoming to ID to hunt, that will limit the amount of time I have on the beginning of the season..in fact, I'll most likely (if drawn of course) hunt the last week of Wyoming and then move over to the other state.

Gotcha. Pray for cold weather and some snow. If you draw a tag you should do a hunt story on your 2 tags. Good luck.

 

[marburg]

Lots of people in that unit during the deer season. I hunted it once, never went back.

 

[highfastflyer]

Lots of people in that unit during the deer season. I hunted it once, never went back.

It has been limited quota for almost a decade now. There are only 200 licenses issued now.

 

[nogoodtags]

Calbuck check your pm, sent you a message

 

[Mossyhorn70]

I think this will be my plan this year too. I have 6 points and don’t want to hunt in G. So I figure why keep waiting? 81 seems to fit the bill for what I’m looking for, with my points. I’d love to hear of anyone’s past experiences in the unit via PM. I imagine being at that elevation could make getting around tough if bad weather hits!