The western boundary of Region Y is the divide on top of the Bighorn Mountains, with the eastern boundary marked at Interstate 25 and Interstate 90. The north boundary is the Montana state line and the south boundary varies between creeks and roads. The demand for this nonresident general deer tag has increased steadily in recent years. Most of the bucks in this area measure between 160-180” Boone and Crockett. Season dates within the region vary for mule deer. Be sure to reference the unit profiles for additional information on season dates.
Units 25 and 28 have steep, mountainous terrain in the Bighorn National Forest, with many roads and ATV trails. Both units contain wilderness area. Units 24, 27, and 30 have gentler terrain and poor general access, with few BLM roads or ATV trails. Units 32, 33, 163 and 169 also have gentler terrain and decent general access, with a few BLM roads and ATV trails. All units, with the exceptions of Units 25 and 28, surround the primary wintering range.
A lot of the land in this region is public and hunters can hike from trailheads or off of paved or gravel roads on National Forest or BLM lands. Units 25 and 28 are 100% National Forest and have many trailheads for access. Units 32, 33, 163 and 169 have much BLM land, BLM access roads and ATV trails.
Region Y has seen a consistent increase in the number of nonresident applicants over the last few years. Early snows can have a significant impact on harvest success. Units 25 and 28 are migratory units and early snows can push many deer into lower or more accessible places, which is when big buck harvest typically increases. There are staggered hunt dates between units, so make sure to verify dates prior to going afield. Even though great deer have been harvested in Region Y, these are still general deer units and hunter pressure is high, even in the more remote locations. Hunters who want a low pressure hunt can look at limited draw units.
Although mule deer dominate the deer numbers in Units 25 and 28 in the Bighorn National Forest in Region Y, Units 24, 27, 30, 32, 33, 163 and 169 have great numbers of whitetail deer. Whitetails are typically found along creek or river bottoms near agriculture fields. Whitetail bucks from these units can score over 140” B&C.