At a Glance
Quick Tips
- Not a lot of water in high elevations
- Check migration routes late in the season
- Hunters can buy a black bear tag
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | Dummy | Dummy |
| Whitetail Deer | Dummy | Dummy |


Hunters discussing Area 143 in South Piney, Wyoming, emphasize the area's challenging access as a significant concern, suggesting that proper planning and an understanding of private land boundaries are essential. The terrain is described as rugged, with varied elevation providing both opportunities and obstacles, which demand good physical preparation. Seasonally, hunters note that game movement seems heavily influenced by weather conditions, particularly snow, which plays a critical role in animal patterns. Overall, thoughtful preparation regarding access, physical conditioning, and monitoring weather impacts are cited as key factors for a successful hunt in this unit.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | Dummy | Dummy |
| Whitetail Deer | Dummy | Dummy |
Area 143 makes up the northeast portion of Region G for nonresident hunters. Most of this unit has high elevation summer and early fall habitat for mule deer. The higher elevation can be found on the western half of the area, while the eastern half has lower terrain. There are not a lot of roads here, so hunters have to rely on the well maintained trails to access remote peaks and basins.For nonresidents, this area is part of Region G and tags drawn for this area are also valid in: 135, 144, 145
Area 143 is a good spot for backcountry mule deer hunters, especially those nonresidents that draw a Region G tag. The western side of the unit has rugged backcountry that holds some good early season deer hunting. A lot of this habitat is summer range with deer usually migrating east to winter. Great unit for backpack hunting.
High elevations have open alpine basins, and most of the canyons and basins are very steep with boulders and shell rock found on the ridges and peaks.
Most of this area has public land consisting of the Bridger-Teton National Forest and BLM property, with no wilderness areas to block access to nonresident hunters. A good trail system can be found in the high country, with decent road systems throughout the lower and middle elevations. Hunters can glass from the La Barge Creek road.
The high elevations are made up of grass and sagebrush with stands of timber that include pines, firs and aspen. Above treeline you will find some high elevation tundra with low-lying alpine vegetation. Middle elevations are mainly canyons with pockets of aspen, meadows, sagebrush and scrub oak along with some pinyon/juniper. Low terrain areas consist of sagebrush, pinyon/juniper, pines and oak brush.
Camping in remote locations on U.S. Forest Service and BLM land is common in this area. Lodging is available in Big Piney.
Roughly 977 square miles
75.4% public land
Elevations from 6,550-10,820 feet
Four-wheel drive and chains recommended
Snow and rain can delay travel as season progresses