Area 85 - Fall Creek in Wyoming presents a mixed bag of challenges and opportunities for hunters, especially non-residents planning a bow hunt. The unit is characterized by extremely steep and rocky terrain, requiring hunters to either hike extensively or utilize horses to access higher meadows. While motorized vehicles are restricted in the Wilderness Study Area, the general area permits flexible movement across other general zones for those with a nonresident general tag and an archery stamp, allowing both archery and rifle hunts. Grizzly presence is noted, which requires heightened awareness, and while elk are present, they can be silent and elusive, suggesting careful strategy and persistent effort is needed for a successful hunt.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Elk | 270"-300" | 310"+ |
High
Low
This unit is made up of scenic mountains in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, on the western edge of the state. Located just west of the town of Jackson Wyoming, it opens the door to some amazing country. One thing to keep in mind is that the eastern and northern portions of the unit have seen more and more grizzly activity. This is also a wilderness free unit, so nonresidents aren't under any special restrictions.
Hunters should expect the terrain to be rugged and steep, with elk found all throughout the area. This is a smaller-sized area with a lot of drainages to hunt and is a good place for hunters to take branch-antlered bulls.
This unit goes from the Snake River valley floor, west to the mountaintop divide and back to the lower-elevation mountains and foothills on the Idaho line. Terrain is more gently contoured at lower elevations and gets steep and rugged with higher elevations, and timberline at about 8,500 feet.
Public access here is excellent along Fall Creek and Mosquito Creek Road. There are several maintained side roads and a lot of secondary logging roads. The unit is covered by a large trail system and packing in with horses or backpack hunting is possible, but day hunts are more common. This area is bordered by the Idaho state line divide on the west, with State Highway 22 on the north, and the Snake River on the east and south. There is no wilderness area here. Some popular trailheads within this unit are Cabin Creek, Coburn Creek and Elk Creek.
Low and middle elevations have grassy and sage-covered meadows mixed with Douglas fir and aspen. Higher up near timberline, the country consists of thick spruce fir forest, with intermittent grassy meadows, rough ridges and alpine basins.
Alpine Junction 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 several designated campgrounds throughout the unit. Hunters can also camp in remote locations.
Roughly 280 square miles
93% public land
Elevations from 5,600–10,800 feet