At a Glance
392Square Miles
100%Public Land
6,500 - 11,900Elevation Range
Quick Tips
- Nonresidents in wilderness areas must have a guide
- Horseback highly recommended
- Early snow can push elk out of high elevation
Hunters in area 55 near Grinnell, Wyoming, note that the terrain can be challenging yet rewarding, with opportunities to encounter a variety of game. The region is often praised for its natural beauty and abundance of wildlife, making it a favorable choice for experienced hunters familiar with rugged landscapes. It's recommended to focus on scouting and understanding the movement patterns of the game during different seasons to increase success rates. Planning is crucial, so acquiring detailed maps and up-to-date information on draw odds is essential for a successful hunt in this area.
Unit 55 is mainly rugged and thick timbered. Most of the area is in the Washakie and North Absaroka designated wilderness areas. The different seasons give a hunter a couple of different options here. This is a decent hunt for a guided nonresident looking for a mature bull in the 330” range. For the DIY nonresident you have a very limited range of where you will be able to hunt. This is also big grizzly country and proper precautions need to be taken.
A nonresident will need to hire an outfitter or hunt with a registered Wyoming resident to hunt most of the unit that is covered by wilderness. Backcountry bowhunting with an outfitter, or hunting the rough Shoshone River drainage on public land could be a good hunt. There are good populations of animals that occupy this unit, so those willing to hunt hard should find success.