Wyoming Unit 1 (Black Hills)

[Big John]

My partner and I drew Unit 1 tags and are going during archery season. I've done some research but would appreciate any help and input from you all who have set boots in that unit. Just a general area pointers and what to expect. Going to try to get up there this summer to scout. Thanks for your help and consideration. PM's are requested and welcome. Thanks again! Big John

 

[Topgun 30-06]

It's obviously a very small unit encompassing about 50 square miles with almost all of it being the Black Hills National Forest. All of that ls huntable depending on how much and how far you want to walk in from the few two-tracks that are shown on the maps. The archery hunt in September is probably your best hunt during the rut and last year I believe most of that unit wasn't even accessible by the time the rifle season opened due to the freak storm that dropped a ton of snow throughout the area all the way over to Rapid City. The storm literally paralyzed that part of the country because of the road closures in early October, especially up higher where thousands of cattle that were still on the grazing alotments perished. I have not heard whether the deer and elk were greatly affected, but I would imagine that at least the deer were since elk are much bigger and can make it in pretty deep snow. I've never been in that particular unit, but it's definitely advisable to scout it ahead of time not too long before your hunt like you intend to. You will probably have to rely on any Wyoming residents chiming in because there are very few NR tags issued for others to make on the ground comments. Good luck on your hunt.

 

[birdhunter]

I hunt the area lots. You can get about anywhere you want since there are a pile of roads every where. Maps may not show it, but there are plenty of roads. Last year we did get a bunch of snow, about 4-6 feet up there. Many of the elk and deer migrated out of there. Not many elk were taken there last year because it was virtually inaccessible the whole rifle season. You can easily hunt the whole area in 2 or 3 days. There are some spots that hold elk everyday every year. I won't tell you those places, you have to earn that for yourself. Won't be too hard to find since its small unit. I would definitely hold out for a 350+ bull. Be prepared to run into people left and right. Even during archery season. The last 2 years I have never seen so many archery hunters. Good luck, that is one of the most under rated trophy areas in the state.

 

[roscoe]

birdhunter nailed it! Its a great Unit. If your here the second half of September you'll have no problem. Just do a little walking and you'll start hearing bugles.