Hunting Unit 17 in Gillette, Wyoming presents challenges primarily due to limited public land access, with much being landlocked by private property. Hunters often emphasize the necessity of thorough GPS and map research to find public entry points, and the potential need for contact with local Game and Fish officials to identify trespass opportunities or landowner access. While some hunters have had successful hunts here by finding smaller pockets of public land or utilizing strategic timing, others have experienced overcrowding on accessible public spots, especially during opening weekends. For a more rewarding experience, hunters suggest either waiting out good opportunities on public land or securing private access beforehand, and being ready to hike further away from roads to escape competition.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Antelope | 65"-70" | 70"+ |
High
Low
Area 17 is located on the north east boundary of the state and lies just northwest of Gillette. Made up of high plains desert, this unit contains a mix of private lands with fair amounts of BLM and State lands. Antelope are found is good populations throughout this area and hunters who work hard can find some great opportunities here.
This hunt area has fair public access and a high success rate for harvest. Hunters can use an outfitter to gain access to private lands and find quality bucks but success on public lands is diable through hard work.
This unit includes of a variety of grassy or desert-like open prairie with large basins, creek bottoms and rolling hills that provide good opportunities for stalking. Private ranch and farm lands found in this area can draw antelope from the surrounding prairie.
Public access in this unit is fair and provides hunters with State highways, county roads and smaller two-tracks. Gas and oil drilling activity provides access roads in places. This area is bordered by U.S. Highway 14 and Interstate 90 on the south, County Roads 269 and 11 on the west, the Montana state line on the north and Wyoming Highway 59 on the east.
The vegetation in this area is typical, open high desert prairie with sagebrush and grasslands. Rocky bluffs, sagebrush, cedars and small trees are scattered throughout the unit, with some private croplands in areas.
Gillette is the closest town to the unit and offers many options for lodging, groceries, gas and other amenities. Camping is allowed on all public ground for up to 16 days in one location. Hunters can camp in remote locations.
Roughly 1,789 square miles
20.8% public land
Elevations from 3,500–4,900 feet