I'm researching the best antelope units for the future when my Dad and I have built up more preference points. We both currently have 5. We also have 1 mule deer point a piece. I'm looking to possibly have both of those tags for when we finally get back out there to hunt, but the emphasis would be on a trophy antelope unit. The tags wouldn't have to be for the same unit. We would hopefully have enough time set aside to hunt for both animals. Therefore, I was trying to study some mule deer units that we could draw with 4-5 points. I came across unit 132 today. I was looking at a unit map off of www.mytopo.com to see the type of public land that was available. I see there are Wilderness Study Areas in this unit, as well as other units. For example, unit 132 has the Devils Playground Wilderness Study Area. Are these Areas accessible to non-residents? I ask because I know other Wilderness Areas are not accessible to non-residents without being accompanied by a guide or resident.
Wilderness Study Areas
- Thread starter the wanderer
- Start date
Yes NR hunters can hunt those. The problem might be a.) are there actually animals in there b.) is it land locked like a lot of the BLM WSA's.
The one Im looking at in AZ is completely landlocked and one I researched in WY you needed climbing gear to access bis public land.
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The one Im looking at in AZ is completely landlocked and one I researched in WY you needed climbing gear to access bis public land.
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What exactly are these areas? State or Federal research areas? Areas restricted from any energy company or cattle grazing? I'm just wondering what the reasoning is for labeling that section of land as a Wilderness Study Area. Can the hunting be better due to any of these restrictions?
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
These are POTENTIAL wilderness areas. The only restrictions I know of is vehicle & energy. We have one near me and the grazing is really a big issue here, because there were several permits in the designated area before it was changed to the study area. The permit holders are suing to keep the permits as they are over 70 years old. The one that is here has several roads in it and as I understand it, they will be shut down permanently and "demolished", whatever that means. They are currently closed to vehicles. The President can designate them as National Monuments or Congress can go ahead with a full blown Wilderness classification.
Thanks CC. That answered my questions. If the roads are shut down it seems like these are less accessible areas and the hunting pressure could be less=better hunting.
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
I don't know if all the "study" areas are treated the same, but I'm thinking they probably are. Yep.....might just be better!