The discussion around Area 48 in Wyoming reveals that draw odds can indeed be better for regular tags compared to special tags, depending on applications and availability, as noted by experienced hunters. Elk hunting in this area seems challenging primarily due to limited access on public land and an apparent migration of elk to private lands, especially during high pressure periods like the opening weekend of rifle season. Hunters advise targeting this unit later in the season, such as in November, when pressure decreases and elk may re-enter the area. The overall sentiment suggests that although the landscape is beautiful, hunting success here may not align with expectations due to these access and timing challenges, recommending careful consideration before committing resources to hunt this unit.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Elk | 270"-310" | 320"+ |
High
Low
Located in the central part of the state, this area is made up of high plains desert, the Lysite Mountains and the southern foothills of the Big Horn Mountains. The unit has large amounts of BLM and State lands. There are good numbers of elk in this unit, but access could be an issue in some places do to private lands.
This large area has lots of country to hunt and moderate/rugged terrain with elk located in the rugged and sparsely timbered foothills of the Big Horn Mountains. Elk can also be found throughout most of the unit, in and around the agricultural fields.
This unit stretches from U.S. Highway 20, north across high desert country to the Lysite Mountains and the foothills of the Big Horn Mountains. The terrain is gently contoured throughout the unit and changes to steep and rugged around Lysite Mountain and the Big Horn Mountain foothills.
Public access is good and several well-maintained roads and a network of BLM roads and smaller 2-tracks can be found here. Four-wheel-drive vehicles and ATVs are recommended when traveling off the maintained roads. The area is bordered by County Roads 7, 259 and 176 on the west, Black Mountain Road and Devil’s Slide Road on the north, County Roads 104, 103, 102, 101 and 109 on the east and U.S. Highway 20 on the south. Some good maintained roads within the unit are Hazleton Road, Cherry Creek Stock Drive and Oakie Trail.
This is high desert country and it is dry and mountainous with scattered limber pine and juniper on rocky slopes. Sagebrush, mountain shrubs and grasslands make up most of the habitat. Conifers, wet meadows and rock outcroppings cover much of the remaining land in the unit.
Thermopolis or Casper are the nearest towns to the unit and offer several options for lodging, groceries, gas, sporting goods and other amenities. Camping is allowed on all public ground for up to 16 days in one location. Hunters can also camp in remote locations.
Roughly 932 square miles
58% public land
Elevations from 4,700–8,300 feet