How far from the trailhead?

[chancey]

I am planning a hunt for western WY next year and am wondering how far on overage most people hunt from a trailhead that are just day hunting? In one unit I have what looks like a good area that I have camps, glassing knobs, water, etc mapped out. Problem is there are quite a few trailheads within 3-4 miles and only about 1,500’ of vertical to get into the area. A bonus here is if we take two vehicles we could turn this into a one way hunt and keep moving if we are not getting into bucks. Moving every few days and ending up at the other vehicle.

In another unit I have the same features mapped out but it’s almost 8 miles and 2,300’ of vertical. No one way option in this area but will still move camp if needed, doesn’t look as necessary due to the many options of directions to go from camp though.

I know we won’t get away from backpack hunters, people with stock and outfitters but trying to avoid crowds as much as feasibly possible. What are your thoughts?

 

[CMF]

I am planning a hunt for western WY next year and am wondering how far on overage most people hunt from a trailhead that are just day hunting?

I would guess 2-3 miles max for 90% people. The furthest I've ever planned to day hunt was about a 3.5 mile hike in, but ended up chasing a bull that crossed the road on the way to the trail head. Anything that far, and I'll usually spike.
You could just as well run into spike campers in there. The other spot may have horse camps. Just have to get out there and see.
I've seen alot of critters within a .75-1.5 miles of the trailhead too.

 

[chancey]

Thanks CMF, I’m not expecting no company just hoping to be able to get away from a guy on every knob for opener is all. I should have clarified in my original post, not that it makes much difference, but we will be targeting mule deer. We will be in to wherever we decide 2 days before opener.

 

[CMF]

Archery or Rifle?

 

[chancey]

Rifle. Would be happy to discuss unit numbers via pm if your familiar with the area and willing to help!

 

[CMF]

I haven't done WY, I've done mule deer in CO, MT, and NM.

 

[Indian Summer]

Western Wyoming. Not at all, but most of the big bucks are in the high country. I know a few starting points at high elevation. But most trail heads real require an elevation gain of about 2000 feet to hunt mature mule deer.

You can hunt elk from a base camp along the river roads but if you are mule deer hunting, you best consider a high country camp if you don’t have horses.

 

[chancey]

Western Wyoming. Not at all, but most of the big bucks are in the high country. I know a few starting points at high elevation. But most trail heads real require an elevation gain of about 2000 feet to hunt mature mule deer.

You can hunt elk from a base camp along the river roads but if you are mule deer hunting, you best consider a high country camp if you don’t have horses.

We definitely plan on camping high regardless of which unit we choose to hunt. Both spots I’m looking at camping are over 9,000’. I’ve been staring at maps trying to find “less obvious” places to hunt to try and avoid as many people as possible. I know it’s not possible to get away from everyone but trying to do what I can to have less competition.

 

[mtnbound]

I am planning a hunt for western WY next year and am wondering how far on overage most people hunt from a trailhead that are just day hunting? In one unit I have what looks like a good area that I have camps, glassing knobs, water, etc mapped out. Problem is there are quite a few trailheads within 3-4 miles and only about 1,500’ of vertical to get into the area. A bonus here is if we take two vehicles we could turn this into a one way hunt and keep moving if we are not getting into bucks. Moving every few days and ending up at the other vehicle.

In another unit I have the same features mapped out but it’s almost 8 miles and 2,300’ of vertical. No one way option in this area but will still move camp if needed, doesn’t look as necessary due to the many options of directions to go from camp though.

I know we won’t get away from backpack hunters, people with stock and outfitters but trying to avoid crowds as much as feasibly possible. What are your thoughts?

As you already know, you cannot control or foresee everything. Conduct thorough E-scouting, develop multiple hunting plans, and remain flexible once on the ground to adapt to what you encounter. Having the ability to adjust IMO is the most underrated skill a hunter can have.

 

[CMF]

I’ve been staring at maps trying to find “less obvious” places to hunt to try and avoid as many people as possible.

That's how you end up hiking 6 hours/2500' up unmaintained trail and to run into another rokslider

 

[chancey]

As you already know, you cannot control or foresee everything. Conduct thorough E-scouting, develop multiple hunting plans, and remain flexible once on the ground to adapt to what you encounter. Having the ability to adjust IMO is the most underrated skill a hunter can have.

Good call. We will have a few backup plans.

 

[chancey]

That's how you end up hiking 6 hours/2500' up unmaintained trail and to run into another rokslider

I’ll take that any day over running into a big outfitter camp where I least expect it!

 

[wytx]

Why use a trail?
Avoid that and just hike in.
Good bet you'll find a nice game trail to use instead of a main trail from a trailhead.
Outfitters and hiker will be on the marked trails.

 

[chancey]

Why use a trail?
Avoid that and just hike in.
Good bet you'll find a nice game trail to use instead of a main trail from a trailhead.
Outfitters and hiker will be on the marked trails.

Point well taken. I really like the idea. If I could spend more time scouting I would be all over it. I’ll probably get one trip to wherever I decide to hunt in August prior to the season so not tons of boots on the ground time to figure it out.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Not to be flippant, but you are talking about Western Wyoming and it is 2025. Most of the guys that are grinding it out in that country are the most serious mule deer guys around. I think finding a place where you will be alone is a pretty tall task in alot of that country especially the first part of the season. The two places you mentioned would most likely have other guys in there. I'd be flexible and have multiple options lined out and don't be afraid to adjust on the fly. If you can scout all the better for all the usual reasons. Or plan your hunt towards the end of the season, still will be shooter bucks but less folks for sure.

 

[chancey]

Not to be flippant, but you are talking about Western Wyoming and it is 2025. Most of the guys that are grinding it out in that country are the most serious mule deer guys around. I think finding a place where you will be alone is a pretty tall task in alot of that country especially the first part of the season. The two places you mentioned would most likely have other guys in there. I'd be flexible and have multiple options lined out and don't be afraid to adjust on the fly. If you can scout all the better for all the usual reasons. Or plan your hunt towards the end of the season, still will be shooter bucks but less folks for sure.

Understand completely. I’m not expecting to be alone by any stretch. Just hoping to not have a guy on every glassing point there is.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Well if there is a guy on every glassing point there is you are probably in the right spot and there is a monster running around in there.

In all seriousness Western Wyoming is a great place to hunt mule deer, scenery is unbelievable and you never know how big of a buck you will glass up. Deer herd is still down quite a bit, I hunted it this year and we had to work hard to turn up bucks, but we ended up with a couple good bucks(but not the monsters WW) is known for.

 

[199p]

The way i look at it is the further you go in the more distance you get away from the average hunter.
Bit like the 1% better everyday motto, if you have a steep climb and no trail to follow that get me more and more excited to cheek it out.

I dont know what the rules are over there but i carry a little folding hand saw everywhere and it gets used a lot, Last weekend used it with a mate to drop a tree because it was all rotton about 1/3rd of the way up and hanging over one of our camping, glassing spots.

 

[Pafarm]

I have found if you head up a trailhead around 2 miles then cut up a canyon/spine you get away from tons of people. Have done this in both Idaho and Colorado. Opening weekend here in Idaho I had one guy 5 miles away on a spine all opening weekend. Just get away from the trail and you’ll loose most of the people. Not saying everyone but most.