Wyoming General deer tags

[RICMIC]

I was just curious about how the distribution of the resident general deer tags work out. Specifically, does the state monitor the numbers of residents that end up hunting in each general unit. The state can control hunting pressure by limiting NR numbers per unit, but can't do so with an OTC tag. The reason I was asking is that I likely have the points for a G tag, but with all the hype for G, I suspect there will be much higher resident numbers in G rather than H. Also, is a resident "general" tag limited to a specific unit?
This isn't a resident VS: NR post; I'm just trying to get a handle on hunting pressure in areas where I may apply.

 

[go_deep]

A resident can hunt any unit with a general tag that isn't LQ.

 

[Againstthewind]

Go_deep is right. Residents can go anywhere they want with a general tag. The only info that I know of that the G and F uses to monitor hunter numbers is the harvest surveys and reports from tags coming in to tell how many hunters use the general tag in a specific area. The good thing about that area is that it is one of the least populated areas in the state and many (not all) residents will stay closer to home to hunt deer. Most of the elk units over there are general also, but I think you can get a general feel for some of the ones listed in the elk hunter/mi^2 from the last MRS.

So short answer its really hard telling with a general unit and there aren't good numbers you just have to go with other people's opinions on how much pressure there has been in the past. I have gone late season elk hunting in that area recently, so I am probably of no further use, lol. Well good luck, both areas are really cool areas.

 

[Cobbhunts]

This is the exact reason my group hasn't put in for region G. From what I've found they (WY) does not, or possibly can not, monitor where the residents are hunting with their over the counter tags. I guess they can get a sample from the residents that return their survey cards. But I can't find anything that says X amount of residents are hunting region (fill in the blank) on their OTC tags.

I'll add that I would love to hunt region G or region H for the experience. But I can't hire a guide, don't have horses, and I'm afraid that we couldn't get away from the crowds.

 

[laxwyo]

Many of the early deer hunts are empty during the first week of October because of the other units that open in October.

Opening weekend is always bad, but g and h are September openings for the most part. Second week and the October portions of these hunts are a lot more quiet

 

[Bonecollector]

I hunted General Tag N/R H this past fall and saw only 2 guys (together) in 6 days off the grid.
I hiked in 6 miles, setup camp and hunted between camp and +1 more mile in. I would have been very tough to get a horse to here I was camping and no ATV would have made it either. I saw 20-30 bucks and dozens of doe during my hunt.
Work harder than the rest and you will be successful. I'd never been to this area, but spend a lot of time pouring over maps and preparing physically and mentally for the trip. And yes, I just had to shoot my buck +1 miles from camp. lol 65lb in and 145lb out. Toughest yet most rewarding work I've ever done.
Now get after it!

 

[RICMIC]

Thanks all for the info. I do have an area in H that I am comfortable with. It's only 3 miles back in, but after climbing a cliff that no pack animal can get through, we were all alone and the hunting was good. I agree with Bonecollector; the heavier the pack out, the more memorable the trip. This would likely be my only chance for a G tag, so was just looking at options.

 

[Shooter]

This is the exact reason my group hasn't put in for region G. From what I've found they (WY) does not, or possibly can not, monitor where the residents are hunting with their over the counter tags. I guess they can get a sample from the residents that return their survey cards. But I can't find anything that says X amount of residents are hunting region (fill in the blank) on their OTC tags.

I'll add that I would love to hunt region G or region H for the experience. But I can't hire a guide, don't have horses, and I'm afraid that we couldn't get away from the crowds.

If you go in October there will be very few people. Actually anytime after the first week there are a lot less people. Sometimes the weekends can still get a little crowed but during the week there will be very few people.

 

[Hilltop]

Former long time Wyoming resident here. 99% of the hunters I know stayed close to home for deer. It was a rare day that someone I knew traveled any real distance to hunt deer. On top of that, most of the hunters stayed within 1/2 mile of a road or just road hunted. If you follow the above advice and hunt after opening weekend, and get 1+ miles from a road, you will see very few other hunters. Most residents view deer as a warm up for elk... not real serious about it. I'm sure the guys on this site are a slightly different breed but they are a tiny % of the mass that buys a general deer tag.

 

[Againstthewind]

Former long time Wyoming resident here. 99% of the hunters I know stayed close to home for deer. It was a rare day that someone I knew traveled any real distance to hunt deer.

Except for all those 4 County plates that invaded every fall. That is pretty local, I just had to give those guys some trouble because now that I have 17 county plates I get the same trouble from Buffalo and Sundance guys. Oh great another triple C-S er coming through. Hide the women and children.

 

[Hilltop]

Except for all those 4 County plates that invaded every fall. That is pretty local, I just had to give those guys some trouble because now that I have 17 county plates I get the same trouble from Buffalo and Sundance guys. Oh great another triple C-S er coming through. Hide the women and children.

We used to feel that way about all the Cheyenne guys coming over to the Snowy Range...lol. When I was young I didn't understand they didn't have a decent location any closer. Anyone other than a 5 county plate was an intruder lol.

 

[laxwyo]

If county 4 was opened up to only county 4 hunting, I'd be happy to stay out of your mountains. But since all the great hunting is here and it's limited quota, we need to venture out.

 

[Againstthewind]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c14ATO55VJQ

This isn't very family friendly, but its funny and pretty much what my neighbors think of our town it seems like. Hopefully its alright.

 

[Cobbhunts]

That....was....hilarious hahaha

 

[laxwyo]

That's the greatest song I've ever heard

 

[ssliger]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c14ATO55VJQ

This isn't very family friendly, but its funny and pretty much what my neighbors think of our town it seems like. Hopefully its alright.

That's hilarious. I'm not sure if there are any nicknames for county 5, where I reside now. But I used to be a 4 county f@#k, which I was called numerous times.

 

[NDHunter]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c14ATO55VJQ

This isn't very family friendly, but its funny and pretty much what my neighbors think of our town it seems like. Hopefully its alright.

Man that video is HILARIOUS! And I'm sure it's way more funny if you're a local who understands the dynamics of it all.

 

[okielite]

Good stuff there.

Pretty sure Gillette and Rawlins are the 2 biggest dumps in Wyoming. With all the gypsy oilfield trash from OK and TX along with the local trash both towns are just a mess.

 

[Musket Man]

Ranch I used to hunt on the Powder River said the biggest problem they have is people from Gillette trespassing.

 

[Boehunter]

Gillette aint so bad and its still in wyoming which means i get an over the counter deer, elk, two antelope buck tags, bear, mountain lion, and turkey tag! not to mention i can easily draw late season whitetail tags and cow elk tags every year! what say you and your state?