Wyoming Cow Elk

[Big_Pudge]

Howdy!

I'm looking to do a cow elk hunt in Wyoming. I am not looking for anything other than an adventure and an opportunity to kill a cow elk.

I'm thinking about unit 38. What are the opinions on this area for a cow elk hunt and maybe picking up a region Y deer tag also?

The application period as a non resident ends very soon so any help or comments would be appreciated.

I've been to Wyoming twice before for antelope and mule deer. Successful both times. In the previous two trips I've been around the Gillette area. I've driven through region 38 before just sight seeing and loved the area.

Thanks in advance
-Shane

 

[kiddwinner]

what are the draw odds on a cow tag in 38?

 

[ScottR]

Type 6 usually isn't tough at all.

 

[kiddwinner]

lots of people but also lots of elk

 

[Big_Pudge]

Type 6 looks like a sure thing as far as drawing. As far as the amount of hunters it can't be worse than the orange army here in Michigan.

I just want to at least be able to see some cow elks and a shot would be great.

So any advice would be appreciated.

Love the area.

 

[NDHunter]

The 38 Type 6 tag last year was only valid OFF the national forest. The type 4, full price tag could be drawn with 0 points, or else about a 25% chance of drawing it as a 2nd choice.

The type 6 tag though doesn't even have draw odds for non residents last year. Maybe they decided to issue some type 6 licenses after the non resident draw already happened? It sucks that a guy doesn't for sure know season dates when applying for elk as a non resident.

 

[WapitiBob]

38 does not have a type 6 Elk tag.
The 38/39 type cow tags would be a decent hunt but they will need to be drawn as a 2nd choice or you'll burn your points. Some of the other Bighorn units have type 6 tags so you can look to those.

 

[NDHunter]

38 does not have a type 6 Elk tag.
The 38/39 type cow tags would be a decent hunt but they will need to be drawn as a 2nd choice or you'll burn your points. Some of the other Bighorn units have type 6 tags so you can look to those.

The draw odds show the odds for residents for the type 6 license. The regs from last year also show a type 6 season. Assuming I'm looking at it correctly, why were there tags for residents but not non residents? The only thing I can think of is that they decided to add in some type 6 tags after the NR draw.

 

[WapitiBob]

Yep, my bad. They added it after the nr book came out. If was a unit wide Nov hunt it would be good NR tag. You could show up and have enough room to find them.

 

[Big_Pudge]

I don't know why I keep writing down 38-6. It actually is a 38-4, antlerless tag. I'm used to buying the antelope doe tags and that is a type 6.

I appreciate the advice so far. Like I said earlier, I'm just looking for some fun and a chance to fill the freezer.

 

[WapitiBob]

One thing to note is that they often move the 38/39 type 4 dates to Oct 1. If you can go in Nov, 120 or 48 and a small trespass may be an option.

 

[Big_Pudge]

One thing to note is that they often move the 38/39 type 4 dates to Oct 1.

I've already taken the week of October 15th off for vacation, so regardless of what or where I'll be hunting, I'll be in Wyoming that week.

 

[Elkoholic307]

Avoid the type 6 for Area 38. Type 4 should be a good hunt but you definitely want to hunt it October 1-10.

 

[Elkoholic307]

Never mind. It looks like G&F got rid of the type 6 for this year. I think last year was the only season they had one for 38 anyway.

It also looks like the type 4 will start on the 15th along with everything else. I'm interested in that for a 2nd or 3rd choice.

 

[WapitiBob]

They leave the Oct 15 date for nr because their setting meeting between the bios is this week or next. Depending on herd counts and consensus they will move the date to Oct 1 to increase the cow harvest or leave at Oct 15 to reduce it. If you call the 38 bio you may get a feeling for which way they'll swing. Last year they swung opposite of what they told me they were leaning.

 

[PlainsHunter]

They leave the Oct 15 date for nr because their setting meeting between the bios is this week or next. Depending on herd counts and consensus they will move the date to Oct 1 to increase the cow harvest or leave at Oct 15 to reduce it. If you call the 38 bio you may get a feeling for which way they'll swing. Last year they swung opposite of what they told me they were leaning.

Thanks- I was wondering about this as well.

 

[Big_Pudge]

Thanks for the replies so far.

 

[Elkoholic307]

They leave the Oct 15 date for nr because their setting meeting between the bios is this week or next. Depending on herd counts and consensus they will move the date to Oct 1 to increase the cow harvest or leave at Oct 15 to reduce it. If you call the 38 bio you may get a feeling for which way they'll swing. Last year they swung opposite of what they told me they were leaning.

Very interesting. Thanks for the tip. If it does start the 15th, I wonder when it would end? Hopefully it would go longer than the bull season.