For non-resident hunters aiming to hunt both archery and rifle seasons in Wyoming's Area 23, securing a Region C mule deer tag and purchasing an archery stamp is essential. Draw odds for this tag have historically been favorable for applicants with zero points, though they experienced a notable drop in 2018. Late-season archery hunting for mule deer in this unit appears to be challenging, with public land access and a 16% success rate being potential hurdles. Meanwhile, those with a 23-2 deer tag may want to verify the specific game restrictions, as clarity on whether it includes only white-tail or also mule deer could impact hunting plans, particularly for modern gun users.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 120"-130" | 140"+ |
High
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This unit is south of the Montana border to U.S. Highway 14 and is home to mule deer and whitetails. Complex federal, state and private landholdings can make it hard to access public land.For nonresidents, this area is part of Region C and tags drawn for this area are also valid in: 17, 18, 19, 26, 29, 31.
Getting access to whitetails and mule deer on public land can be hard. Hunters will want to acquire access to private prior to applying for this hunt.
There are a few rugged hills here and the drainages that can be found here are The Powder and Tongue Rivers and Clear Creek. Hunters should expect tough hiking conditions anywhere in the hills and draws.
It is hard to get public access since land ownership is split between state, BLM land and private ranches. Secondary and county roads can get hard to travel through in wet conditions. Four-wheel drives are recommended.
Hills and ridges have big stands of ponderosa pine here, with willows and cottonwoods found near the creek bottoms and river banks. Grasslands support buffalo, blue grama and sagebrush that takes up more than half of the unit.
There are no improved state or federal campsites here. Sheridan and Buffalo along Interstate 25 have motels, cafes, medical care and gas stations. Clearmont has limited options for food and not a lot of gas stations.
Roughly 1,142 square miles
16.1% public land
Elevations from 3,785-4,710 feet