Wyoming deer region R

[VAspeedgoat]

I am hoping to be able to finally do a mule deer hunt this coming fall. Everyone in the group has two preference points so I have been asvised to look at region R. What I was hoping to get from you guys was a unit to start in. I don't need exact spots because I think I can do ok looking at maps but if I could get it narrowed down to a unit or two that would sure save planning and scouting time. I was looking at 51, 52 ,and 53 but have nothing to base my decisions on except judging topo map releif. This is not a trip for a trophy just a semi respectable buck.

Also, I need some advise on lodging. The other guys are not real keen on camping so can we get it done from a hotel? I fear we will spend too much time on the road that we will not get to where we need to be. Thoughts?

 

[deer_shooter]

Here's a couple thoughts. Greybull is pretty central to where you plan to be. One option would be the KOA there. A cabin would run you about $50 a day, give or take. another would be the Greybull hotel. Besides rooms in the hotel, They also rent small houses too pretty reasonable. If you stay here Lisa's restaurant put out a good steak, or at least they did.

 

[VAspeedgoat]

Good to know. I was wondering about that koa but had trouble looking at their web page. Do you think it is too far from good hunting to travel everyday? I guess I am thinking 45 minutes of travel time or less. I just don't know the roads I would need to travel. To put in perspective oncein Maine I wanted to drive 20 miles on logging roads and it ended up taking almost 2 hours. It was worth it to get there but wasted valuable hunting time.

 

[deer_shooter]

I know what you mean!
Not sure about the hunting in that area. We stayed at the hotel on our way to yellowstone a couple years ago. They offered us a small house nearby for the same price so we stayed there. I'm not sure about that particular KOA but have used others as a 'base'. You don't have to deal with a tent and they are cheaper that a hotel most of the time.....but, travel time can sometimes be an issue.

 

[VAspeedgoat]

Also, forgot to say I am not locked into a region yet. For that matter a state. We do have 2 pp a piece and it seems foolish to look elsewhere but then again not considering all options is foolish no? Just going on game dept recommendation.

 

[VAspeedgoat]

Oh, come on, somebody has to know something. I'm gonna get a tag anyway might as well help a fellow hunt talker out............pretty please!

 

[Stubaby]

With the elk and deer opening the same day on the mountain it is a freakin Zoo.

Get high and glass. Shoot the first buck over 145 you see.

 

[VAspeedgoat]

In your opinion stu, should a first timer look at a different region or will more hunters move the deer around more. By move more, I mean get a better chance for dumb luck. Or would you wait for the second week?

 

[Stubaby]

Hard to say. Some years it's like summer in oct and other years it's the arctic. There are tons of guys either way. I'd find a high point and be sitting there as the sun comes up. If you see guys on horses go into the timber them watch the escape routes.

If I was going to hunt r I would bag the rifle hunt and hunt the first two weeks of sept with a bow. That way I could fish the creeks, listen to elk bugle and watch monster moose scrape the velvet off.

I see way more deer in y and r in the early season.

 

[HighDesertSage]

Also, forgot to say I am not locked into a region yet. For that matter a state. We do have 2 pp a piece and it seems foolish to look elsewhere but then again not considering all options is foolish no? Just going on game dept recommendation.

One thing that never sat well with me in WY is you're hunting a tag that can take a few point to draw as a NR, but residents get it OTC. Also, you have to hire a guide to hunt a wilderness area, which is complete BS. I think region G is up to 5 points now for NR, which is insane for a hunt that runs 40% success, and residents get it every year. Also, region R can be drawn with only 0-1 points with the regular tag. If you are set on WY, I would take a look at Region H. It takes two points for NR to draw.

In the future though, I would highly recommend building some points in CO. I can put you in units where you can get a killer mule deer hunt with 2-3 points. IMO CO is a lot more non-resident friendly. Just a thought.

 

[VAspeedgoat]

Great stuff, thanks guys. I think the trip to Colorado is coming soon. Researching for this hunt has gotten me sidetracked looking at other states as well. Will definately be taking you guys advise. I find its easier to admit you dont know something and let somebody help you. Thanks!

 

[RustyNeal]

Reply to VASpeedGoat

Hi, I saw your post and thought I'd offer my experience. First, I live in Maryland and only hunted Wyoming once, this past October (2014). My soon to be son-in-law asked if I wanted to join him in Wyoming, what a foolish question...of course! So I put in for Region M, I know that it isn't Region R, which you spoke about, but it is very close. We hunted Area 40 very hard and were 100% successful. Three hunters with six tags between us. Here's what I learned....don't shoot the first legal deer you see. I was so conditioned from hunting the George Washington National Forest and how poor the hunting has become because of the huge number of hunters that I was thrilled to see a deer on the first morning. I took the deer immediately not knowing whether I'd see more. Bad decision. Wyoming public land is full of deer. I only had one tag so spent the rest of the week carrying gear for my party and helping to glass. We saw hundreds of deer, many nice bucks. We "camped" out of a rented mobile home in Ten Sleep, which is a cute town on its own. Anyway, good luck.

 

[VAspeedgoat]

Thanks rusty, I've been through tensleep on vacation. You don't have to tell me anything about gw nf. Its a shell of what it used to be unless your a bear hunter.