Wyoming Elk Area 16-2

[Elkoholic307]

I'm throwing this out there to see if anyone knows anything about Area 16. Specifically type 2, the late season hunt.

It's been so warm and dry that I'm concerned it will disrupt the migration pattern and the elk won't be where they 'should be' come November. The season is coming up quickly so any and all information is very much appreciated.

Again, I'm not looking for any places to hunt... just would like to know if we should go down for the opener or wait for some weather to move in. And yes, I have already tried calling the G&F Dept.

 

[ScottR]

I have some friends that hunt that unit for cows, and bulls when they draw the tag. It sounds like the elk are all over that unit, it's just a matter of what the densities will be based on snow.

 

[Elkoholic307]

Snow is what I'm concerned about. There's none of it and no sign of any coming any time soon. Looks like opening day will be a sunny 65-70 degree day.

We're mostly looking at hunting the Beer Mug HMA so I guess I'm just wondering if it's weather dependent or not. I thought that HMA was their wintering grounds but now I'm hearing elk are there all the time?

 

[Triple BB]

I'd be surprised if there's much on the Mug on opening day. When the elk start to move down, a lot of them like to go on the middle chunk of the Mug which now belongs to the Q and is out of the program. Best thing you could do is show up a couple days early to scout and talk to the cow hunters.

 

[Elkoholic307]

I noticed on the G&F site that the Difficulty Ranch is no longer part of the HMA. I'm assuming that's what got sold to Q?

A lady in the Laramie office told me yesterday that there must be elk on Beer Mug because the harvest report via game check stations showed them being killed on that HMA. I was very confused by that because I didn't know anyone could hunt there in October.

The website shows three options: November 1-30 (for type 2 license holders only), December 1-15 and January 15-31
http://wgfd.wyo.gov/plpwhmprogram/frmHunterManagementDetail.aspx

I called back to verify that information. She said it was true that type 1 hunters can hunt there in October. It's good to know there are a few elk around there. But, also a pretty big bummer because I thought we would have the first crack at some unpressured bulls.

 

[SouthernWyo]

The landowners and anyone that they give permission can hunt HMA's during the type 1 season prior to the type 2 opener.

There are so many elk in that unit, they can be anywhere at any time. The only unpressured bulls anywhere in Wyoming, will be prior to September 1st.

 

[Elkoholic307]

Are landowners in 16 (besides Q Creek) pretty good about allowing hunting?

 

[Cobbhunts]

Are landowners in 16 (besides Q Creek) pretty good about allowing hunting?

I may have missed it, but how did your hunt end up? I am looking at that unit my self for a future hunt. Thanks!