Choosing an area in Wyoming.

[grundy53]

So I want to hunt deer in Wyoming. I've never been there before so picking a region is kind of intimidating. I don't plan on hunting there for probably two more years. So for the mean time I'm just building points (started last year) and trying to decide where to put in for. I'm looking for a public land DIY hunt. So, my question for those with experience there is which region would you recommend? Obviously I'm not looking for honey holes or even areas really. I'm looking to narrow it down to a region so I can really start researching it. I mainly do day hunts now but also like spiking out. Sorry, don't normally like asking for help but I feel kind of lost just looking for some direction. Thank you.

[jamesfromseattle]

I'm also in the early planning phases for a deer hunt down there next year while I lick my wounds from this year's antelope draw. Looks like there are some good general region tags (not sure if that is the right name for them--but the ones with a letter rather than number) that you can draw every year. My very preliminary Google research makes it seem like they might not have as high quality hunts as the tags for more specific units, but the ability to hunt a large area is important for me because I won't be able to do much scouting, if any.

Curious to see what advice you get here.

[grundy53]

I will also add that I'm not really worried about trophy quality. My main incentive is the experience and just to hunt somewhere new really.

[jamesfromseattle]

I'm in that same boat. My goal is to find a unit that I can hunt at least every other year or so and see animals on a regular basis...a below average to middling Washingtonian hunter, I consider any hunt where I punch a tag to be very successful.

[Bean Counter]

There's a couple ways you can go about it.

1. Pay to play. $500-2,000+ depending upon what and where. In a most tacky manner lots of ranches have signs posted advertising prices. This is where my cheapskate genes override my lazy genes and I go in search of other options.
2. WYGF website. Lots of information on public land, walk in hunter areas, G&F lands, etc.
3. Just look at a map. Obviously large areas of national forest are a good option, as well as BLM. But, you need to be aware of little pockets of land owned by jackwagon landowners that block access to your public lands.
4. Call the G&F biologists and wardens. When you can actually get ahold of them, they're quite helpful. Often the biologists are out in the field which I guess is a good thing. The folks at the office are good at clarifying questions if you're new to looking over the odds and want to make sure you understand things right.
5. Look through the list of the drawing odds. Once you get used to reading them, they're pretty darned helpful. You can get an idea for which units are more in demand and likely higher quality hunts this way. There's also a separate list that breaks down harvest statistics for does vs bucks, residents vs. non residents etc. and that will give you an idea how easy it is to be successful in that hunt. Combine that info with the draw odds and you can really narrow down your options based on whats important to you.
6. Pay a few hundred extra bucks for the special draws. You can draw really good tags every year or every other year instead of 3-5+ years with regular points.

Some frustrations I've ran into:
1. Shiester guides have locked non residents out of wilderness without hiring a guide or having a resident accompany. I'll eat an OIL tag in that state before hiring one of those crooks.
2. There are lists of private property owners that will welcome hunters on their lands to kill does only. They specifically tell you not to ask permission to kill a buck whilst on their land. I called many and found that they often won't let you on their property to kill does until after the buck season is over, to preclude the possibility of you legally killing a buck. This can be a PITA if you're trying to kill a buck and fill the freezer with a few does along the trip.
3. State law seems overly draconian about trespass, IMHO. Some landowners are purported to be Nazi's. IIRC you can be ticketed or possibly arrested for wandering onto private land even if it wasn't fenced or posted. Glad I don't have that kind of crap where I live now.

HTH

[Skyvalhunter]

Don't let that post make out Wyoming to be a gloom & doom state to hunt.

[huntnnw]

region G is where Ill be headed when i do decide to hunt deer. Takes a couple of points now to draw and might be 3 here soon.

[bobcat]

Region G was definitely the most popular regional tag this year. It took 5 points for 100% odds.

[Bwana Bob]

Regions F, H R and G have lots of public land to hunt deer on. You should not have a problem to kill a small buck in these units with bigger bucks possible.

[grundy53]

Thank you guys. I really appreciate the help.

[CAMPMEAT]

I have a friend who lives in Kemmerer Wy and I'll ask her where see goes.

[grundy53]

Thank you.

[GUscottie]

I hunt in one way, shape, or form in region r every year. Lots of public land and some good bucks to be had. I've shot a 140 white tail and a 150 mule deer there. I drew every year I put in as first choice. Good luck, yes and pretty decent odds.

Another thing to think about is the winter from 2010-2011, was rough so a few people held off on points for a couple of years so the creep just set in. There are some units like g that took 5 this year to guarantee a tag and h that took 4 I believe to draw. The point creep should subside...should...

If you want lots of public land choices I'd suggest considering region h due to sheer size or even region e. Region has a lower success rate but that also seems to be due to checkerboard areas in the south.

My two cents are region h.

[WAcoueshunter]

Yeah, G took 4 in the special and 5 in the regular draw this year.  May be awhile before it gets back down to a couple points to draw.

H could be had with 2 points, I believe.  Big, beautiful country.  More difficult to day hunt, but it can certainly be done.  I got my rear handed to me in H the year after the winterkill (fall of 2011), but I think that might be my next tag after I go to G this year. 

[Carl]

Tagging... Would love to make a trip like this.