I'm in the process of planning an elk hunt for myself and 4 other guys. Our total elk hunting experience is two elk hunts. One went with an outfitter rifle hunting in Colorado, and myself OTC DIY archery in Colorado. So not a lot of experience. I've narrowed my search to units 86, 92, and 94. We have not decided whether we want to go archery or gun. So far as a group we are leaning towards archery hunting. Hunt dates, elk location at various times of the season, grizzlies, and whether we want to possible hunt in snow are all factoring into this decision. We are willing to pack in on foot a couple miles to spike camp and hunt from there, but would be willing to hunt from a camp where we can park a truck. I feel that most likely we will have better success getting a few miles away from the truck, but I'm not sure. Also, all of the other guys would have to buy some gear to be able to spike camp. With this all being said I've got a few questions that maybe you guys can help me with.
1. What's our chances of running into a grizzly in any of these units?
2. It seems as though 92 and 94 get quite a bit of hunting pressure. How true is this? 86 has far fewer hunters according to the Wyoming harvest, hunting pressure, and hunter success data. How true is this?
3. Is this data reliable?
4. 86 has a much lower success rate than 92 and 94. 86 was the original unit that I concentrated on, but the success rates have made me doubt this unit. The non-resident success rate is much higher than the resident. My thoughts were that this was due to non-residents using outfitters to get them in deeper via horses to where the elk are. Is the a correct assumption? 86 does have a Sept 26th gun opener opposed to Oct 15th in 92 and 94. This makes gun hunting more appealing in this unit opposed to archery in any of the three units.
5. Does 86 only hold elk part of the year? I'm just really wondering why the success rate is so low.
since there is no wilderness in any of these units I feel like we can give ourselves a chance at an elk as long as there are elk there through out the hunting season. I should say that none of us are trophy hunters, and really just want a chance at any elk. I've already told the guys if you aren't going to be happy with the trip unless you shoot an elk then you will most likely be disappointed. I've stressed the most important thing is to go an enjoy the whole experience. At the same time do everything we can to be successful. I believe we would all shoot a cow if the oppurtunity presented itself. Of course a bull would be optimal.
Is there anywhere that I can get bull/cow ratios for Wyoming? This would helpful information as well.
Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.
Thank you.
1. What's our chances of running into a grizzly in any of these units?
2. It seems as though 92 and 94 get quite a bit of hunting pressure. How true is this? 86 has far fewer hunters according to the Wyoming harvest, hunting pressure, and hunter success data. How true is this?
3. Is this data reliable?
4. 86 has a much lower success rate than 92 and 94. 86 was the original unit that I concentrated on, but the success rates have made me doubt this unit. The non-resident success rate is much higher than the resident. My thoughts were that this was due to non-residents using outfitters to get them in deeper via horses to where the elk are. Is the a correct assumption? 86 does have a Sept 26th gun opener opposed to Oct 15th in 92 and 94. This makes gun hunting more appealing in this unit opposed to archery in any of the three units.
5. Does 86 only hold elk part of the year? I'm just really wondering why the success rate is so low.
since there is no wilderness in any of these units I feel like we can give ourselves a chance at an elk as long as there are elk there through out the hunting season. I should say that none of us are trophy hunters, and really just want a chance at any elk. I've already told the guys if you aren't going to be happy with the trip unless you shoot an elk then you will most likely be disappointed. I've stressed the most important thing is to go an enjoy the whole experience. At the same time do everything we can to be successful. I believe we would all shoot a cow if the oppurtunity presented itself. Of course a bull would be optimal.
Is there anywhere that I can get bull/cow ratios for Wyoming? This would helpful information as well.
Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.
Thank you.
