Area 119 in Wyoming offers challenging but rewarding hunting opportunities, especially for those prepared for varied weather conditions. Winterkill concerns are valid, with reports suggesting notable impacts in certain seasons, potentially affecting deer numbers. While draw odds may be competitive, hunters have successfully tagged quality bucks, although recent seasons appear to vary in deer quality and sightings, possibly influenced by seasonal specific factors like snow and hunting pressures. Grizzly bear activity is generally low but present, necessitating awareness and caution during hunts, particularly in more mountainous areas.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-130" | 130"+ |
This unit is located southwest of Meeteetse and is made up of fairly rugged BLM, state land and National Forest. This is a limited quota area for both residents and nonresidents.
Being a limited quota area, there will be low hunter densities on this hunt. The two week season in November provides hunters a great opportunity to hunt bucks in the rut. The additional archery season with type 1 tags is a great opportunity for high country mule deer bucks.
The lower portions of this unit have large sagebrush flats with rugged little canyons spread throughout. As you reach higher elevations, you will have steeper canyons with long ridge lines and drainages leading into the higher country. The high country is fairly rocky and rugged with large basins.
There is good public access throughout the unit on BLM ground and National Forest access points. Grass Creek Road and Upper Cottonwood Creek Road will be the two main access points with a number of smaller four-wheel drive roads off of them. Maps showing land ownership will be critical in deciphering public from private ground.
Low elevations have sagebrush, prairie grasses and a few agriculture crop fields. The sagebrush and prairie grasses hold true most of the way up in elevation. There are conifer forests and aspen patches in the mid to high elevations. Highly nutritious grass can be found in the very high country, providing perfect nutrition for bucks.
Meeteetse is located on the eastern side of the unit and has a gas station with basic grocery items, as well as a couple of bar/restaurants in town. Cody is 30 minutes north of Meeteetse and has a number of places to eat, hotels, grocery stores and other services. Thermopolis is also located south of the unit and has a number of grocery stores and other services as well. Camping on state land in the state is not allowed, but hunters can camp on any BLM land unless specified otherwise.
Roughly 439 square miles
61.9% public land
Elevations from 4,900-12,500 feet
ATVs are useful here
Wet and snowy conditions make for slick and muddy roads; four-wheel drive and tire chains are recommended for these conditions