2019 wyoming archery trip

[BigNasty]

hi all,
I was lucky enough to pull a tag this year and going on my 1st ever elk trip. I am planning Sept.7-22 and from previous suggestions looking to start in Unit 21. (general tag btw). I have made a couple of trips out to look over 12 & 21 but no "real" scouting per say.... we hiked a little and drove alot to cover ground in a 4 day trip. I have managed to drop 60lbs since those trips and bumped the cardio . looking for any input or tips I have been hitting this forum ALOT as well picking up the tips/tactics which are already greatly appreciated!
I have also been tearing google earth apart on 21,13,15 & 9 for those backup plans within driving distance to utilize boot time.

thanks in advance!
Jason

[Swede]

Jason, If you plan to hunt out of a base camp, you can be more flexible and move around extensively if you are not seeing fresh elk sign. You may only travel a few miles to get onto all new ground. Since you are not familiar with the area, I would start there and go on a pack trip only when I was certain there was something to pack in for.
I don't like solo pack in hunts because I have to pack out everything solo. Elk get real heavy after a couple or long trips and you still have one more.
Check Google Earth for some good game trails. Look over a good contour map for springs and saddles that may get elk use. I would take a tree stand along to hunt from even if you prefer to chase them on the ground. There will be some times and days you feel beat. You might as well be effectively hunting then, and not laying around on some hillside or on your cot. Best wishes.

[BigNasty]

thanks Swede!
I have a buddy tagging along as well... the 1st plan was to backpack the hunt, that has since changed to keep camp by the truck and stay out over night only if needed. Being from Iowa/Ohio.... def underestimated the mountain life on the first camping trip! Better gear and smarter tactics moving forward.

[Tigger]

I have hunted 21. There will be people there! Just a reminder, there is a current thread on here about how nonresidents cannot hunt wilderness areas in WY without a guide. 21 has a lot of wilderness areas. That puts the nonresidents concentrated on the non-wilderness areas. Not trying to dissuade you, just telling you what I know about that area as we saw quite a few people outside of the wilderness areas.

[Wyo67]

All of those general units will get significant pressure due to being OTC for residents. Even during archery. To add on to what Trigger said, the wilderness areas will also concentrate resident hunters.

[BigNasty]

tigger/Wyo,

I appreciate the input! I have seen the threads and also read up on the wilderness as a no-go... I assume no place is better than the other when it is public/general. Just have to weed out "your" spot if you will and hope for the best! I am approaching this as an expensive camping trip honestly and goal #1 is see/hear elk bugle, after that the rest is just a dream into reality of going elk hunting!

[Game Planner Maps]

Good luck. Please contact me if you need a Wyoming hunting map. Never hurts to see the big picture.