Unit 89, 90, 91 for archery Elk

[FitToHunt]

Hey Fellas,

Anyone willing to share any info on these units for archery elk? I just applied for the "special" general license for Wyoming, which I believe is almost a sure thing even with no points... I've never hunted WY or any state besides WA for that matter.

I've been talking with some guys over at huntin fools, and I just did a road trip to Jackson/Bondurant and talked to several locals there as well. I think I wanna focus on the Greys river area, pack in as far as I can, and "coyote out".

I guess the only specific question I have is; when is the best time to hunt this area? I know that's pretty dependent on the year but from anyone who's hunted there before in Septmeber, do you prefer the begging, middle, or end of the season?.. I'm hoping to have about 10 days to hunt hard...

Also, any other tidbits or advice I would greatly appreciate..

THanks bro's.

 

[Korcan]

Keep in mind that non-residents can't hunt in wilderness areas without a guide or Wyoming resident.

 

[FitToHunt]

Yep, not talking about the wilderness areas.

 

[Retterath]

i think in region G for deer hunting the rifle season opens up during elk archery season. Make sure u think of that but make sure u check that out, I'm not a 100% on that but pretty sure archery hunting elk with mule deer rifle season could be tough. Im not sure what the dates are i haven't looked, u might want to check into that.

 

[FitToHunt]

I will thanks for the heads up.

 

[norcalhunter]

I'm not an expert elk hunter, I've only been a couple times. I hunted the Greys last year. I went 9/22-9/27. I heard multiple bulls bugling everyday but they were always timbered up. I chose the last week because of the rifle deer opener being 9/15. I was only hiking into the drainages 1-3 miles. I hunted 10 years ago before the deer opener and heard only 1 elk bugle. I prefer to hunt later so I can locate elk. If you are packing in and glassing from a high point you probably could locate some Bulls early in the season before they are cowed up. The 9/15 deer opener puts a damper on things.


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[FitToHunt]

Thanks Norcalhunter for the reply. I had heard that the early deer season isn't really a big deal since the deer are at quite a bit lower elevations....Did you find this to be true or did it feel like you were having to compete for the same ground as the rifle guys? I do plan to hike as high and as far back as possible to avoid other hunters. Unless that is just impossible there...?

 

[mntnguide]

You are talking about hunting the area of one of the most wanted high-country mule deer tags in the west..The deer are definitely not low in elevation in the early season. The majority of deer hunters are sitting on the highest peaks and ridges looking for bucks. The elk hunting down there is not talked about much because it is not the focus of that area. Not saying you wont have a good hunt, but I would expect to find the bulls are going to be more nocturnal and timber bound especially once the deer hunters start blasting away. Most people deer hunting down there, are doing strictly that, so blowing out a herd of elk isnt something that bothers them and once the herds start getting pressured around they will definitely be harder to hunt.

 

[NDHunter]

I do plan to hike as high and as far back as possible to avoid other hunters.

How far are you thinking? You sound like you're hellbent on packing in 5 miles or maybe more.

 

[minn elk chaser]

I have hunted the Greys river several times. It is a big area and has allot of drainages to hunt. I always hunted the head of river area and had good success over the years. What part of the unit do you intent to hunt?

 

[FitToHunt]

How far are you thinking? You sound like you're hellbent on packing in 5 miles or maybe more.

Not really sure. I'm totally unfamilar with that area, just going off recommendations I've gotten. I guess I'm willing to go back as far as necessary. Not trying to compete with rifle hunters though.... Mt. Guide, is that rifle hunt all of units 89, 90 ,and 91?

 

[FitToHunt]

I have hunted the Greys river several times. It is a big area and has allot of drainages to hunt. I always hunted the head of river area and had good success over the years. What part of the unit do you intent to hunt?

Not, sure. Where ever the elk are and the hunters aint!

 

[stevevan]

Mtn guide is absolutely right. The deer hunters are way back and high. Elk will be in the timber on North facing slopes and feed out in the openings. Elk are not really pressured 'til 10/15 when they become the targets of the rifle hunters as that is the opener. Go hunt with your bow in Sept. and don't worry a bunch about the rifle deer hunters. You'll have an enjoyable hunt. Been there, done that.

 

[Triple BB]

I hunt G every year for deer. We see elk every year. Most are down low with a few being higher up. The deer hunters are at all elevations. You'll see guys road hunting and glassing from the roads. We watched one older fella shoot a small 3pt 200 yards off a forest service road year before last. There are guys day hunting from the trailheads and others horse backing up to the higher basins like we do. Last year they had a snowstorm towards the end of Sept that pushed a lot of deer down low. As such we hunted lower than we ever have. I also saw more elk than I've ever seen. They were out in the open bugling like crazy in the evenings and first thing in the morning. I think the best bull we saw was a 300 - 305 bull. I don't think I'd bother elk hunting that country without horses...

 

[FitToHunt]

The Rifle Deer opens 9/15, and Elk opens 9/1? Seems like the early part of that season may be best....

 

[norcalhunter]

The Greys is a huge area. You can get away from other hunters. My only thought is between 9/13 and 9/20 there will be a lot more hunters there. My other thought is, why climb to 11,000 feet and 10 miles in when you can find elk at 8,000 feet and 1-2 miles in. Without hunting there before do a couple day hunts until you find an area you want to pack into. You should be able to get away from others and have a good hunt.


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[NDHunter]

Not really sure. I'm totally unfamilar with that area, just going off recommendations I've gotten. I guess I'm willing to go back as far as necessary. Not trying to compete with rifle hunters though.... Mt. Guide, is that rifle hunt all of units 89, 90 ,and 91?

Just don't go 8 miles in and put a bull down by yourself!

 

[FitToHunt]

Just don't go 8 miles in and put a bull down by yourself!

Haha. That's a problem I wouldn't mind having. I'm up for the challenge. I enjoy pushing my limits.

 

[NDHunter]

Haha. That's a problem I wouldn't mind having. I'm up for the challenge. I enjoy pushing my limits.

I get that but shooting a bull that deep is a bad idea.

 

[FitToHunt]

You're probably right.