2023 Wyoming Mule Deer
Backcountry Hunt Application Strategy
For Christopher Atkins
HUNT GOAL
A Backcountry Mule Deer Hunt In Preparation For Sheep Hunting
A quality two-person backcountry hunt, and taking home two 3-point (or better) bucks, is an attainable goal for the 2023 mule deer hunting season with a lot of effort and a little patience. Some areas closer to the main roads will see high pressure since these three hunt options are over-the-counter for residents, but backpacking into hard-to-access areas should result in a secluded experience with relatively more opportunities to fill your tags.
As much as physical preparation is important, persistence is key.
IMPORTANT GEAR CHECK
Optics: Binoculars, Tripod, & Binocular Mount (Spotting scope helpful but not necessary for each person)
Snow-Prepared Gear: Warm Sleeping Bag & Pad With Good R-Value, Quality Layers, Gore-Tex Mountain Boots
Kill Kit: Game Bags, Quality Knife, & Plenty of Cordage For Hanging Meat
Note: Federally designated WIlderness areas are off-limits to nonresidents without a resident or licensed guide, however, Wilderness Study Areas are not federally designated, and offer a roadless experience for nonresidents.
HUNT ONE | REGION F
Hunt Summary
Region F only took one preference point to guarantee the draw in 2022. Units 111, 112, & 113 can give hunters both a backcountry experience and areas without designated Wilderness. It’s a migration hunt, and often times the best hunting conditions are not the most enjoyable backpacking conditions. That said, deer hunting can be extremely productive as someone gets high on the mountain and glasses into saddles and high-traffic migration areas. Knowing how to manage the grizzly bear situation is of utmost importance. This is the best hunt for sheep hunting preparation.
Hunt Dates: Oct. 15–Nov. 6, 2023. Ideal Week: Oct. 28–Nov. 5, 2023
Pros:
Great Season Dates For Mule Deer Movement
Ideal Sheep Terrain (Will Likely See Bighorns)
2021 Harvest Success: 48%+
Very large buck potential
Cons:
Heavy Grizzly Bear Country
Physically Demanding Terrain
Designated Wilderness Restricts Non-Residents in the Area
HUNT TWO | REGION Y
Hunt Summary
Region Y also only took one preference point to guarantee the draw in 2022. Units 32, 33, and 163 offer the best backpack hunting experience for largely resident deer populations. The distance from roads may not be far as the crow flies, however moving across the landscape is very tough due to the steep rim-rock-lined canyons. Going earlier with better backpacking weather is OK on this hunt. The deer will not be as easy to find, but overall rifle success remains good.
Hunt Dates: Oct. 15–31, 2023. Ideal Week: Oct. 14–22, 2023
Pros:
Good Hunting in Gardner Wilderness Study Area
NO Grizzly Bears
NO NR Wilderness Restrictions
Cons:
Decreasing Population & Buck Quality
2021 Harvest Success: ~36%
Steep Rim-Rock Terrain Can Be Dangerous/Impassable
Warm Weather Makes Finding Deer Tough
HUNT THREE | REGION C
Hunt Summary
Region C was 66% draw with one point in 2022. This is a better option for a solo backcountry hunt with 2 points going into the draw. Units 17 and 18 offer the best opportunity for a backpack hunt, especially with 17’s Fortification Creek Wilderness Study Area. This is a low-land hunt, but do not let the elevation fool you. There are multiple areas here where someone can get into backcountry experiences by weaving between private lands on BLM and State Land. This region holds the largest deer herd in the state currently, and the hunter success rate is very good. It will be a hot, dry hunt most likely, and finding water may be a challenge. However, someone who is ambitious can get into excellent low-country hunting areas.
Hunt Dates: Oct. 1–14, 2023. Ideal Week: Oct. 1–8, 2023
Pros:
Hunters Report Seeing Many Deer
Average Harvest Success: 60%+
Less Physically Demanding Country
Cons:
Water Can Be a Challenge
Other Hunters May Access Public on ATVs through Private
Private Lands Mean GPS is a MUST