At a Glance
Quick Tips
- Bring fishing gear
- Certified “weed free” hay required on National Forest
- Cell phone service is spotty throughout the area
species | general Size | trophy potential |
---|---|---|
Elk | Dummy | Dummy |
Hunters considering Wyoming's Area 97 should note several factors impacting draw odds and success rates. This unit, while relatively easy for non-residents to draw a tag, requires a guide or resident companion due to significant portions being designated wilderness. Rugged terrain necessitates pack stock for successful harvest and transport, limiting DIY opportunities. Those planning to hunt here should be prepared for a challenging experience, primarily relying on outfitters for greater success, as elk remain higher in the wilderness until late in the season. Understanding tag regulations and collaborating with experienced hunters or outfitters can significantly enhance prospects in this unit.
species | general Size | trophy potential |
---|---|---|
Elk | Dummy | Dummy |
This unit can be found in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, near the west-central part of the state near Pinedale.
In the forested areas, terrain can be steep and rugged with elk found all throughout. This is a big unit with a lot of country to hunt on. The bigger elk typically come from the more rugged and remote locations.
This area reaches from the Green River valley floor, to the mountaintop divide on the east. It is more gently contoured at lower elevations, changing to steep and rugged in the higher elevations, with timberline sitting at roughly 10,000 feet.
Wilderness
Under Wyoming law nonresidents are not permitted to hunt big game or trophy game in any federally designated wilderness areas without the presence of a licensed guide or resident companion. The resident companion must first get a free non-commercial guide license from a Game and Fish office. The law does not prohibit nonresidents from hiking, fishing or hunting game birds, small game, or coyotes in wilderness areas.
There is good public access in this area, with a couple of maintained roads, and a few rough secondary roads. Most of this land is covered by a complex trail system. Packing in with horses or backpack hunting can work well here. Some of the more popular trailheads in the unit are Burnt Lake, Boulder Canyon and Sweeney Creek.
Lower and middle elevations have a mix of grassy and sage-covered meadows and hills mixed with Douglas fir and aspens. Higher up near timberline, the country consists of thick Spruce fir forest, with intermittent grassy slopes and meadows, rocky ridges and sedge-filled alpine basins.
Pinedale is the closest town and has a lot of lodging options. Grocery stores, gas stations, and other amenities are available as well. Camping is allowed on all public ground for up to 16 days in one location. There are several designated campgrounds found in the unit. Hunters can also camp in remote locations.
Roughly 473 square miles
84% public land
Elevations from 6,900-12,500 feet
42.9% Wilderness
Half Moon, Fremont Lake and Boulder Lake are public campgrounds