Area 82 in Crystal Peak, Wyoming, presents a complex decision for hunters navigating the draw process and wilderness access. Based on past data, special draw odds with one point remained high in past years, but are predicted to continue declining. The terrain is notoriously challenging, with dense wilderness and rough landscapes complicating access for DIY hunters. Feedback indicates limited archery elk success and substantial predator presence, which requires hunters to prepare for a rigorous and potentially unrewarding experience if unguided.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Elk | 260"-300" | 310"+ |
High
Low
This unit is almost 90 percent wilderness, nestled within the Wind River mountain range. This country is steep and deep with a healthy number of animals. Those who are willing to put in the effort are going to find success. Located just east of the Jackson area, hunters can definitely find plenty of secluded areas to hunt. This is well known grizzly country, so take that into consideration. Nonresidents have very little room to work with if they don't plan on using an outfitter or resident guide.
This unit holds good numbers of deer and elk. Those willing to break away from the crowd and hunt hard, are going to find success.
Long and deep canyons and high mountain peaks of the Wyoming Mountain Range make up most of the terrain here. The peaks of the Wind River Mountain Range give hunters better vantage points for glassing and finding elk herds.
Wilderness
Under Wyoming law nonresidents are not permitted to hunt big game or trophy game in any federally designated wilderness areas without the presence of a licensed guide or resident companion. The resident companion must first get a free non-commercial guide license from a Game and Fish office. The law does not prohibit nonresidents from hiking, fishing or hunting game birds, small game, or coyotes in wilderness areas.
Most of the area has Forest Service Wilderness land with good public access, but no motorized transportation in the Wyoming Wilderness. Most roads and trailheads are marked with Forest Service signs. This unit can be found in Western Wyoming, north of the divide between Flat Creek and the Gros Ventre River. To the east, there is a divide between the Hoback River, and to the west there is the divide between the Green and Gros Ventre River that is south of Kinky Creek.
The eastern portion of this area is dominated by mountains with aspen, willows and conifers. Low and middle elevations have grassy and sage-covered meadows and hills mixed with Douglas fir and aspen. Higher up near timberline, the country has thick spruce fir forest, with a lot of grassy slopes, meadows and basins.
Some hunters will camp remotely on Forest Service land in the unit with no permit required. Designated camping areas can be found in specific locations, and motel lodging can be found west of the unit in Jackson Hole.
Roughly 234 square miles
99% public land
Elevations from 7,500-11,300 feet
88.7% Wilderness