Wyoming Region F Deer

[akennedy]

I am a non-resident in Wyoming. I drew Region F Deer as my second choice for 2015. I've hunted deer in WY Region D twice before, as well as two WY antelope units, but I am new to Region F for deer. Eastmans recommended it has one of the better general deer units in the state so I thought I would give it a shot.

Can anyone give me some ideas on where to focus my scouting efforts in Region F? I rifle hunt, spot and stalk, using my binos and spotting scope. I am happy to throw on a pack and get away from the road. I also have a Polaris Ranger for offroad areas, if necessary. I cannot hunt in wilderness of Region F because I want to do DIY as a non-resident.

My goal is to harvest a mature 4-point buck in the 150-160" range. Thanks.

 

[Danbuilder]

I hunted F 2 yrs ago and drew a tag again this yr when you going?
We hunted Crandall creek area saw a few bucks 1 real nice one but couldn't get a shot on him. Ran into a grizzly bear too.

 

[akennedy]

Danbuilder:

Thanks for your reply. Too bad you weren't able to get a shot on the big buck. What size buck do you think I should hold our for? I would be very happy with a mature four-point buck in the 160"ish range, but that may be asking too much.

I am thinking of hunting Region F third week of October (I have a Montana deer tag in late November). I am thinking of backpacking in 2-5 miles, camping, and hunting above 8500 feet elevation (someone told me the deer are up very high that time of year unless snow pushes them down--thoughts?).

Not sure whether to focus on the units 111-112 area southwest of Cody, or on the units 105-106 northwest of Cody. My maps shows Crandall Creek as being in unit 106, if I'm not mistaken. Did you hunt on the wilderness side of Crandall Creek or the non-wilderness part? Because I am a non-resident, I can't hunt in the wilderness without a guide. Are there some backpack (or at least day hike areas) out of the wilderness in 105-106 where I can get away from the crowds?

I am seeking out information from the WGFD for Region F, but I understand he is very busy.

Any advice would be much appreciated, especially since I am considering bringing my 9-year old son along and I want him to have a great experience.

Let me know if I can help you with any Utah hunts.

Thanks,

Alex

 

[Rob P]

Watch out for griz! Backpacking with a 9 yo in that country may require serious thought. I've seen griz tracks down south fork and up in Crandall. Depending on weather it can get really cold there. I'm talking single digits. As far as areas you're on the right track.

 

[akennedy]

Thanks Rob P. I appreciate your thoughts. am going to have to give this some serious thought. Perhaps I should just take my 9-year old on my Southeast Montana deer hunt in November with his older brother. No grizzlies there and we sleep in a motel. Good luck with your hunts this year.