Upland game

[elktaker]

Anyone have any info on upland bird hunting in central Wyoming or between Capser and SLC? Coming up from Utah for the antelope hunt and I would like to run my dog (american water spaniel) for a day or two if I can locate some birds on public land.

It looks like Hungarians, chukars, blue, sharp tail and ruffed will me open (antelope start Oct 15). Wouldn't mind hunting some sharptails, Hungarians or even ruffed grouse since I do not hunt them in Utah.

Thanks for any info,

 

[jtm307]

For sharp-tailed grouse, go to the walk-in areas east of I25. For ruffed grouse, go to the Big Horns. If you're looking for something closer, there are dusky grouse on Muddy Mountain.

 

[Dos Perros]

I understand there can be some tremendous huns in central WY depending on the year. I think there was a guy on here a couple years ago saying there were so many they kept screwing up his stalks on bedded deer.

One dog isn?t much out there, wouldn?t set your sights on limits. A bird or two would be a success IMO and plenty to be proud about.

 

[elktaker]

Thanks for the input.

A couple birds is completely fine with me. Typically, I run my dog for up to six miles in blue grouse country at 10k feet and he would hunt more. I will be hunting just west of I25 for antelope and may get a day lincense and try some of the walkins on the east side.

 

[elktaker]

Which walkins should I be looking at for sharp tails? I am hunting North of Casper up I25.

 

[jtm307]

The walk in areas I was talking about are south of Casper near Wheatland. I should have been more specific.

 

[wy-tex]

I believe the huns can be found near Thermopolis area. Look into the steep terrain to find them.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I have seen lots of huns in central Wyo...unfortunately all were on private land, mostly around hay fields and pastures.

 

[Yell Co AR Hunter]

There is a walk in area in antelope 21 unit which is for sage grouse. I went there but did not see one. It was also not season so I did not look to hard.

 

[elktaker]

There is a walk in area in antelope 21 unit which is for sage grouse. I went there but did not see one. It was also not season so I did not look to hard.

I will be in antelope 21 (if you are talking antelope units)but sage grouse are out of season come the antelope hunt

 

[elktaker]

The walk in areas I was talking about are south of Casper near Wheatland. I should have been more specific.

Thanks this area would not be much of a detour on the way back to Utah. Think it’s $22 a day so won’t mind hunting two days.

 

[elktaker]

Still debating I may leave my boat in SLC area after the waterfowl opener and hunt on the way back for 2 days. Decisions!

 

[Yell Co AR Hunter]

There is a walk in area in antelope 21 unit which is for sage grouse. I went there but did not see one. It was also not season so I did not look to hard.

Yes I know but I drove all the way in on that bumpy road in hopes of seeing one. Good luck I saw several nice bucks in that unit last year and they were still alive when I left to pursue mule deer.

 

[elktaker]

Yes I know but I drove all the way in on that bumpy road in hopes of seeing one. Good luck I saw several nice bucks in that unit last year and they were still alive when I left to pursue mule deer.

I can confirm they are there as of today. My brother who lives in SD and went over to scout for the antelope hunt and since all grouse are open he took his shotgun and took took 2 this morning.

hen and an immature male i believe

 

[Mnbogboy]

Often thought about bringing my Brittany but the cactus everywhere scares me. What do you guys do to keep them out of the dogs feet? Leather booties?
Just asking?

 

[elktaker]

I live in southern Utah in the desert even my yard is full of cacti and dog learned pretty quick how to avoid them and when he gets one in his foot I have to stop him and pull it. Rarely will he stop hunting even 3 legged.

They do make booties for dogs like a durable rubber but too much of a hassle. I run a skid plate on my dog. The skid plate more for barb wire fences.

 

[shootbrownelk]

I have seen lots of huns in central Wyo...unfortunately all were on private land, mostly around hay fields and pastures.

That's where I saw a lot of them too Cowboy. Private land near creeks/pastures/hayfields. For the most part, the landowners won't let you hunt them.....for free.

 

[Dos Perros]

If there are huns in the hayfields they?ll be up in the sage, too. Densities might be lower but you?d be surprised how they can make a living. The highest densities I?ve ever seen in MT were nearly completely independent of agriculture.