At a Glance
Quick Tips
- Bring fishing gear
- Certified “weed free” hay required on National Forest
- Elk hunters here have to buy an Elk Feedground Special Management Permit
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Elk | Dummy | Dummy |


Area 78 in Wilson, Wyoming, offers challenging terrain but rewarding hunting opportunities, particularly for mule deer and elk. Hunters report that the rugged landscape requires good physical conditioning and careful planning to navigate effectively. The unit's elevation and weather patterns can be unpredictable, impacting game movement, so being prepared for variable conditions is crucial. Success often hinges on local knowledge, including understanding animal behavior across different seasons, which can significantly improve one's hunting strategy and outcomes in this area.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Elk | Dummy | Dummy |
This unit is made up of scenic mountains found in the Bridger-Teton National Forest on the western edge of the state. This area is bordered by Wyoming Highway 22 on the south, with the divide between the Bridger-Teton Forest and Caribou-Targhee Forest on the west. Grand Teton National Park can be found on the north, and U.S. Highway 191 on the east and south. There is no wilderness area here. The majority of this unit is comprised of private property. The huntable public ground is going to be found on the west side, but one thing to consider is the amount of recreational traffic throughout the summer and fall months.
This area is rugged and steep with elk found throughout. This is a smaller-sized area with a few drainages to hunt and I would expect to see a lot of recreational traffic throughout the summer and fall months.
This unit reaches from the Snake River valley floor, west to the mountaintop divide. Terrain is more gently contoured at lower elevations, but gets extremely steep and rugged in high elevations, with timberline at about 9,000 feet.
Public access here is good along Wilson North Road and Wyoming Highway 22. There are not a lot of secondary roads here. The area is covered by several trails, but hunters have to do some bushwhacking to get through them. Packing in with horses or backpack hunting is possible, but day hunts are more common.
Low and middle elevations have grassy and sage-covered meadows mixed with Douglas fir and aspen. Higher up near timberline, the vegetation has thick spruce fir forest, with intermittent grassy meadows, rough ridges and alpine basins.
Jackson is the closest town, and has a lot of lodging options. Grocery stores, gas stations and other stores are also available. Camping is allowed on all public ground for up to 16 days in one location. There are no designated campgrounds located in the unit. Hunters can camp in remote locations.
Roughly 27 square miles
37% public land
Elevations from 6,200–10,900 feet