Snow chains, shovel and four wheel drive is preferred during rifle season
The Shoshone and Clarks Fork Rivers both provide excellent fishing
Species
General Size
Trophy Potential
Mule Deer
140"-160"
160"+
Whitetail Deer
110"-130"
130"+
On The Ground
Terrain
Vegetation
Access
Camping and Lodging
Historical Temperatures
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Low
Moon Phases
November 2024
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Area 121 in Wyoming makes up part of the western edge of the Big Horn basin. The northern border of the unit forms the state line with Montana, the western edge running south towards the town of Cody. Heart Mountain looms tall over the landscape in an otherwise low elevation, desert like area. At the east face of the Beartooth Mountains, this area is the edge transition from high mountains to lower broken country stretching out to the east. This area is a general unit for both species of deer and offers a wide variety of terrain and challenges to hunters wanting a true western experience.For nonresidents, this area is part of Region X and tags drawn for this area are also valid in: 122, 123, 124, 127
While a few true trophy deer are taken in this area each year, with generally arid conditions, vast landscape and an active resident hunting population, older age class bucks can be very challenging to find here.
The landscape in area 121 is a generally dry, broken one with little timber or tree cover except in the few creek and river bottoms. A large percentage of the ground here will be hills elevating hundreds of feet up off the basin floor, broken by small, jagged canyons, washes and protruding sandstone outcrops. The eastern portion of the unit will be mostly irrigated crop land that is privately owned. The central, western and southern portions of the unit have private land checkered amongst large tracts of BLM ground.
Sagebrush, bunch grasses and some cactus make up a large portion of the vegetation in this area. Creek and river bottoms where water can be found will contain cottonwoods and russian olive trees. Very few places in this area will contain more than a handful of trees in any location.
Access in this unit is good. While there is a moderate amount of private land, there is also a high percentage of public ground that has numerous access points providing enough country to last for weeks of exploration. It is strongly suggested that a GPS with current mapping and ownership information be used along with the most recent BLM and state land maps available. This area has good road access, though the roads are not frequently maintained, a four wheel drive vehicle is recommended. There are also some walk-in areas available to hunters.
The towns of Cody and Powell offer hunters multiple motel, restaurant, grocery, service and sporting goods options. Both towns also offer camping choices and places to park a vehicle, camper or trailer. Camping on BLM ground is also an option for those looking to get away from it all. Local businesses here are typically very hunter friendly.