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Looking at drawing this tag in 2016. Anyone hunt there recently and have any opinions/advice.
Not the first time I have heard that one...same goes for a couple other bighorn areas.
google "Bowsite unit 38" lots of info
Some reading material. Don't know why it didn't post full link. Input Wyoming unit 38 and there are many discussions.
Found some good info and got a couple very helpful PM's. Thanks guys.
I personally like Unit 38.... But to each their own
I have never hunted there but my research definitely agrees with overrated.
"Overrated" would depend on your goals and expectations.
If you are looking for an elk bowhunt in Wyoming that offers:
- Beautiful country with moderate terrain
- Good access, but also plenty of room to roam.
- No competition from early Type 1 tag hunters
- No wilderness area restrictions (non-residents)
- No grizzly bear concerns
- Above average opportunity at 300"+ bulls
Then, Area 38 might not be so overrated?
If you in pretty good physical shape, don't mind getting off the beaten path and not overly concerned with grizzlies...then yes, you can get a good elk tag with fewer points.
38 is a very good unit, and an excellent hunting experience. Another one not to over look is 39. Kind of a sleeper, and easier to draw, but some HUGE bulls...
PAV I think you hit it on the head. After speaking to several guys that have hunted it in the last few years I think Iam going to go for it. At 63 and being solo 38 sounds like a doable unit.
38 has monster bulls harvested every year. If you draw I would recommend keeping an eye on the weather and get off the beaten track.
Well the application is in. Now its time to gather some maps of the area and find a starting spot where to camp. Looking for something centrality located so I can get around the unit. Any restrictions to ATV on the roads.
"Any restrictions to ATV on the roads."
Yep. You'll need an ORV sticker, and there are restrictions based on what roads/trails are enrolled in the ORV program. Also additional restrictions on ATV's over 50" wide. I get a detailed ORV Trail Map every year when I get my sticker. I'm sure they also have a map that details your area.
Check out www.wyotrails for lots of info. If you still have questions, call Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources @ (307) 777-6323. Best of luck on your hunt!
How many points do you have going into this years draw?
Most the roads in that unit you can drive a car on they are so nice.........
My question is what makes 38 so much better than 37, 39, 40 and 41? There is no magic fence to keep the elk in 38 and they do travel in, out, back and forth throughout all these areas. Where 37, 38, 40 and 41 boundaries meet I have observed the same herd of elk move around depending pressure given. The same can be said about 39, 38 and 40 where their borders come together.
Overrated? Maybe, but if you are a good hunter you can kill just as big of a bull in any of the above mentioned areas year after year.
Good luck with the draw as it getting harder every year for everyone to get their tags.
Bowsite has hurt 38 after year after year banter like this. It has an almost cult following here. Yet year after year you see the same thing. Hunters that have never hunted it, draw it... Only to never be heard from again after they're unsuccessful hunt.
I was successful in unit 38 in 2012
The success ratio in 38 is not high, something to consider. Several years ago deer hunters had otc tags and were plentiful.
To be honest I did not see a lot of units that had great success ratio's that had a guarantee chance of drawing at my point level. Plus I like the success odds a lot better the OTC areas in Colorado I have been hunting. Overall I think 38 will provide me the hunt I am looking for with a good chance at a bull. Area looks neat and I can do a little fishing while there. I have killed several bulls in the past and don't need to kill one on this hunt for it to be successful. I grew out of that attitude awhile ago.
Good luck, Tracker. With that attitude, you are bound to have a great hunt!
Well your in for a treat if drawn...Beautiful place to be in Sept.
"May the odds, ever be in your favor".... Hunger games quote.
