wyoming elk units 24 & 118

[dakotabuddy]

I have enough preference points to draw a blue chip unit in Wyoming this year. I was looking at a guided hunt in unit 7 but after visiting with some guides there I decided to try a DYI hunt. Does anyone have any information on units 24 & 118 in Wyoming? I plan on archery hunting first, then would rifle hunt later if my tag is unfilled.

 

[30Hart]

Hunted 118 a couple of times, avg top end 280-320 with not alot of mass. Its not like an Area 100 elk hunt even though it looks the same...those elk in 118 know how to hide, but you can still find them with some effort. Some places will let you on for free and there's public access in NW area of unit. 118 is an area I recommend people already have exact places figured out before applying so 24 might be the better choice for you.

 

[HiMtnHnter]

Hunted 118 a couple of times, avg top end 280-320 with not alot of mass. Its not like an Area 100 elk hunt even though it looks the same...those elk in 118 know how to hide, but you can still find them with some effort. Some places will let you on for free and there's public access in NW area of unit. 118 is an area I recommend people already have exact places figured out before applying so 24 might be the better choice for you.

I've spent lots of time in 118 over the years and I'm not sure why it's a blue chip area. You'd have to work hard to find what 30Hart describes as the top-end. It can be a tough hunt unless you're good with any bull.

 

[MWScott72]

24 has lots of road access, and the pressure on such a small area can get pretty substantial (so I'm told). The success rates fell off in 2012 below 40% (if I remember right). I'd definitely look at past trends and speak to G&F guys before blowing your points on 24. It very well could be a good hunt, but the recent trend I mentioned isn't a great sign. I don't know what the 2013 success rates were and haven't tried to find out as yet.

 

[dakotabuddy]

thanks for all the info guys, I might have to change my strategy a little bit.

 

[30Hart]

Good call HiMTHunter, I'd call 118 a green chip unit too unless you had access to some of the better private which usually requires lots of money.

 

[MWScott72]

I stand corrected on 24. Just looked at the harvest data for 2010, 2011, and 2012 (latest year available). Type 1 (LE bull) tag success was 70.9% in 2010 w/ avg. of 9 hunter days, 52% in 2011 w/ avg. of 12.7 hunter days, and 61.2% w/ avg. of 12.5 hunter days. The harvest surveys did not indicate what types of bulls were being put down, so I'd definitely talk to some of those "in the know" to get a firm idea on what to expect before you apply.

 

[HiMtnHnter]

I would hunt 24 all day long over 118. The size of bulls is about the same. 118 is THE most wide open elk area in the state, which is good and bad. If the elk make you it's over. But, you can see them a LOOOONG way off. There is plenty of public in the area, but many of the elk are on private. It is possible to get access to a lot of the private, but one big holding is off limits, which is where a lot of the elk go. And, we're not talking about hundreds of elk. The bio report shows a few different herds of about 60. Not that many elk. I'm also not sure why the area is rated as a good archery choice. 118 is a desert, and has probably the least amount of cover and flattest terrain of any elk area in the state, including 100.

 

[WapitiBob]

I'd shoot the first 300 bull could in 24.

 

[HiMtnHnter]

I'd shoot the first 300 bull could in 24.

A 300" bull is a good bull in 24. I would give the same advice to anyone who is not looking for something exceptional. If you are looking for something exceptional then I would recommend neither area.