Wyoming Elk

[Jeeper]

My father and I were fortunate enough to draw a Wyoming Area 45-9 tag this year as non-residents. I was hoping to find some help from some forum members regarding our upcoming trip. I?m fairly new to elk hunting-my only experience has been OTC tags in Oregon the last three years. The first year I didn?t see any elk, the second year I had an encounter with a nice bull who creeped in on me but didn?t allow a shot, and the third year and I had a few bulls come in on me including one I shot at- a six point who came walking into my calls but I think I hit him high in the hump. He fell over before taking off, but I lost the weak blood trail after a few hundred yards. He?s been on my mind since last September and I think about my Wyoming hunt scheduled for this year every day.

As for my Wyoming hunt, I?ve somehow talked my wife into making a family vacation/camping trip in June where I?ll get some scouting time in. I?m also planning a more dedicated scouting trip for a week in August.

I?m looking for any help with the following:

Guide/outfitting services- My civil service salary doesn?t allow me to drop 6k on a fully guided hunt. We have a travel trailer and food taken care of but I don?t need to pay extra for lodging, food, etc. However, I know non-residents do not have access to the wilderness areas without a Wyoming resident or licensed guide. Does anyone have any experience with hiring a guide in this area for hunting/calling only? I haven?t seen this option after searching guide services.

Contacting local game biologist- Any advice on using biologists as a resource? Is it just a simple cold call to their office? Any other advice for my "desk" scouting besides mapping?

Campgrounds near the bighorn mountains: Any recommendations on places to park a 28? trailer?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[ScottR]

Paint Rock Outfitters is the only place I know of in 45, give them a call.

 

[buckbull]

Big Horn Outfitters would be another in 45.

We go to Ontario every year on a fishing trip and we stay with friends who have a nice cabin. A few years ago my sister decided to try a fall bear hunt. She paid an outfitter but stayed at the cabin. Although she saved money by not staying with the outfitter, she was given a bear stand that had no bear activity and the guide refused to move her. I bring this up because the guys paying a full price are certainly going to be taken to better spots than say you staying in your camper. Seeing how my sister got royally screwed, I'd never go that route.

 

[RICMIC]

I don't believe that you will be affected by the NR wilderness area rule in 45, but with a fair amount of private land you really need to get the WY GPS chip for your GPS. Buy it from ONYX Maps and use it for your scouting trips. Beware of all non-paved roads because rain or snow will turn it into horrible gumbo, so part of your scouting should be a place to park your trailer. Always turn it around to the going home position because if conditions change you may not be able to do so. Bring tire chains, a shovel, saw, hi-lift jack, etc. for your 4x4. Also, you need to do some serious fore-thought about packing out an elk; if you have never done that it is seriously hard work, and during bow season the temps generally work against you. Good luck

 

[robsev]

Go to Recreation.gov to find campgrounds. There are some very nice ones right in your hunt area. Sitting Bull Campground is one that comes to mind. It is right in the middle of 45, near Meadowlark Lake and some very scenic areas. No hookups, but there are bathrooms. My favorite summer getaway.

 

[Jeeper]

I'm a big fan of the ONYX maps, I have a couple chips for my Rino. I have not packed out an elk before, but after talking with my buddies who have, I have a feeling it will be tougher than I expect. Thanks for the info.

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

I have not packed out an elk before, but after talking with my buddies who have, I have a feeling it will be tougher than I expect.

Plan on five trips to pack an elk, it may take less, but by planning five you should be safe. If you shoot one 3 miles away you have 30 miles for one person to pack an elk....5 trips x 6 miles (in and out). If you have a lot of gear, you may have an extra trip too.

 

[Redbowman]

Using UH example very few people could do that pack in 2 days. For me " if I'm alone I must debone" even 1 less trip in and out is huge.

 

[BuzzH]

Umpqua Hunter gave you good advice on packing elk. I've never made more than 4 trips to pack an elk.

A smart move is to use a pack that you can at least get something packed out on your initial trip out. Even if its a boned front...or the loins and backstraps. Every bit you take out that first trip can make a big difference.

Also, don't try to be the hero and pack as much as you can. I've done some stupid things packing elk...I packed 2 bone in hinds off an average 5 point bull once...that's just too much weight really. I've also packed an entire mature cow elk (boned) in one trip a few times too...just dumb. Good way to hurt yourself.

Its not a race, just take what you can safely and make more trips if you need to.

 

[RICMIC]

The packing out advice is spot on. I also suggest that you have your hiking poles strapped to your pack while hunting. I don't use the poles while hunting, but they are a definite knee saver while packing out a heavy load. Always consider the consequences before you pull the trigger. Believe me, these are lessons learned the hard way.

 

[Tim McCoy]

RE: Calling biologists.

Yep, just cold call. I usually call the local office and ask who covers that area. If they are in, usually talk right then. Same for game officers. Good idea to take notes fast, and have a map in front of you. Even if you don’t use the map during the call, use it with your notes right after the call to locate areas. They are great resources, I’ve found them very willing to help give general areas to focus on.

 

[wy-tex]

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/About-Us/Contact-Us/Field-Personnel

Look them up here and just call. You can email also, it's pretty easy to figure out their email address by the way the state sets them up. Emails can be iffy though as they don't have time to check them or may be in the field.