Wyoming Unit 39, type 9
Elk
Contributors to this thread:
Guys, looking for advice. Me and my group have 9.75 points. My group consists of me, my 2 brothers and Dad who is going to be 81 years old by next elk season. We need to pull the trigger on these points and are looking at this unit. Looking for advice on if this unit is worth the points or are there other suggestions we should look into. We're done a bunch of research on draws and success rates and found this one to be up there with a high likelihood of drawing this year. It looks like pretty rough terrain which is our biggest concern for my Dad. I know there are many of you out there with lots of knowledge and willing to provide good suggestions so I thank you in advance.
I drew that tag in 2015. The good: Shot my best bull to date (330" gross) on day eight of the hunt. The bad: That bull was the first bull I saw in eight days of hard hunting. I'm told that is a bit of an anomaly for the unit. The weather was unseasonably hot and dry. I believe most of the elk were deep in the canyons. I was hunting solo, and had not yet ventured into the deep canyons for that reason.
The terrain is steep in the canyons....not so much on top. Deadfalls are definitely the biggest obstacle on top. Makes it very difficult to navigate through the timber. Nearly all secondary roads are closed to motorized traffic...so be prepared to lay down some boot leather.
Having four hunters on one application for this tag is risky. They only issue 6 non-resident tags in the regular draw and four non-resident tags in the special draw. Last year, three tags in the regular draw went to the 11pt pool. A group of four with less than 11pts would have been disqualified. On the other hand, three tags were awarded in the 8pt pool on special draw. Risk there being it only takes one application with ten points or more to disqualify your group of four. May be a better strategy to pair up on two applications?
Wyoming does not disqualify apps based on party size. If there is 1 tag available the whole party draws.
Thanks for the correction...did not know that...
Grave: Good for you getting “Pops” out there at 81. That will be a great hunt what ever you decide. Good luck! C
Steep county that seems to be hit or miss, at least in the short time I hunted the unit with buddy who had a 39-9 tag.
I started this thread and just so everyone knows, for their planning purposes, we are not applying for this unit 39-9 this year. Maybe this will change plans for others that would have reduced their odds had we applied.
Have you considered a type 1 tag and getting an archery permit? This could give your dad a crack at one with a rifle?
We have considered a bunch of different options for different units and types of tags. We have a plan for 2 of us this year and the other 2 next year. Thanks