Wilderness and Guides for non Residents

[laxwyo]

First off , I grew up in Wyoming but I don't think I'm any more prepared to hunt a wilderness area than a non resident. Unless, I've been to that wilderness before, I'm just as new. Seems kind of scandalous to require a guide. I feel like the outfitters greased a few pockets to get this done. What's your thoughts? What am I missing?

 

[Againstthewind]

I think the guides had a part in it for sure. I am pretty sure non-residents are only restricted in wilderness areas for big game hunting. There was probably a sale to the legislature about safety with the number screwed statistics that seems to go along with politics (and probably some greased pockets), but hunting I don't think is more dangerous than ice climbing or technical rock climbing. Maybe because there are more hunters than rock climbers in the wilderness, but I would bet there are more backpackers from out of state in the wilderness than hunters over the course of a year. Maybe it is the time of year of hunting seasons, I am not sure.

 

[Alabama]

It's about money for outfitters. Nothing else.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I've hunted in wilderness areas in California Wyoming and Colorado. IMHO you've seen one wilderness area, you've seen them all. Sure there are differences, but basically its the same for anyone using this type of area. Know what your doing, be prepared and make sure someone knows what you itinary is and where you are going.

The only real exception for me at least is the Grizzly situation in Wyoming. When I was hunting in the Teton Wilderness (with a licensed guide) we saw them almost everyday. It was a very different situation than my previous encounters with Black Bears. These bears are very educated and not afraid of humans at all. They come to a gunshot expecting to find a gutpile. Black Bears usually run like hell to get away from humans.

I am sure that the guide requirement for NR's when hunting came from outfitters lobbying the legislature.

 

[bdan68]

Must be easier to get lost in Wyoming wilderness than the wilderness here in Washington. Maybe compasses and GPS don't work there like they do here?

 

[RICMIC]

I'm sure that it was from a push from the outfitters, just like what went on in B.C. All states have issues with resident/NR allocations, NRs don't have a vote, so we have to either accept the states rules or go elsewhere. The state likely spends more S&R funds on skiers and snowmobilers than on hunters, and I doubt that those groups contribute as much to the S&R fund. I solo hunt in a wilderness in Colorado that has five peaks higher than the highest point in WY. I have, and will continue to use an outfitter in WY; there is no way I could backpack back to where we hunt and be able to get the game out. Having said that, I don't like being required to hire a guide when hunting there.

 

[crzy_cntryby]

The NR requirement to have a guide in wilderness is why I don't look at or apply in WY. I'm a DIY public land kinda guy.

 

[Topgun 30-06]

It's strictly a rule passed by the Legislature at the urging of the WYOGA and it's nothing more than a ridiculous subsidy for outfitters when anyone can go in without a gun and they could care less!

 

[Topgun 30-06]

The NR requirement to have a guide in wilderness is why I don't look at or apply in WY. I'm a DIY public land kinda guy.

That is a very poor reason when there are millions of acres of public land, HMAs, and WIHAs for the DIY guy in Wyoming. With the various and numerous tags a NR can easily get it's the most NR friendly state out west!

 

[crzy_cntryby]

Topgun30-06, true enough. I've been spending most my time and money trying to figure those out in CO, I know WY is less populated, always wanted to move there. Aren't the public lands hit real hard like here though? I'm willing to put in extra effort to avoid people.

 

[RICMIC]

I mule deer hunt in Wyoming in a general area, public land. The roads are a circus, but last time I camped only two miles back in and saw no one else for six days. All I had to do was climb a cliff to see the wonderland beyond. Stay away from obvious trails, especially those that lead to saddles that access even more country.

 

[11C50]

First, the need for a guide in wilderness in Wyoming is a total crock, what with a fly rod I won't get lost, but with a rifle I will?? I also hunt in a geneal area, public land that gets beat to death especially opening week. So I have figured out to hike up my skirts and hump in that extra mile or so, but to also avoid opening week. Yes the deer population will be a little lower, but it seems that several days after the madness settles down, so do the deer. Eventually they have to come out of hiding and feed. Also by hiking in that extra mile I have spent 6 days hunting and never seen another hunter, and that is in an area with a lot of tags.