Hunters discussing Wyoming's Area 128 for mule deer focus primarily on understanding the intricacies of draw odds and points management, emphasizing the impact of choice in applications on point retention. Nonresidents should target second-choice applications to avoid using points and consider participating in the Nonresident Special draw pool to increase chances. Bear activity is noted, though not seen directly, indicating some presence in the area. There's a consensus on the high-quality deer potential during the November rut, but caution about crowded conditions due to the popularity of the region amongst elk hunters, and the reduced number of available tags makes it wise to prepare thoroughly and adjust expectations accordingly.
Unit 128 consists of National Forest throughout the unit, with Wilderness areas taking up portions as well. The unit portions around Dubois have scattered private ranches that border the Wind River Indian Reservation to the southeast.For nonresidents, this area is part of Region L and tags drawn for this area are also valid in: 92, 94, 148, 160, 171.
Large mule deer and whitetails are both located throughout the unit. Mule deer are found all throughout the unit while whitetail are found in lower elevations, closer to private agriculture fields.
The lower country consists of private ground with agriculture fields and broken canyons draining to the bottoms. Middle elevations will have long ridge lines with deep canyons and hidden pockets, perfect for a big buck to hide in. The high country consists of alpine basins with shale slides and rocky outcrops.
Wilderness
Under Wyoming law nonresidents are not permitted to hunt big game or trophy game in any federally designated wilderness areas without the presence of a licensed guide or resident companion. The resident companion must first get a free non-commercial guide license from a Game and Fish office. The law does not prohibit nonresidents from hiking, fishing or hunting game birds, small game, or coyotes in wilderness areas.
Lower elevations have limited access due to private property in the area. Wyoming Game and Fish run properties like Spence Moriarity WHMA, Inberg/Roy WHMA and Whiskey Basin WHMA. National Forest areas have maintained roads that run throughout the area. Wilderness areas have restricted travel with no motorized travel permitted.
Most of the unit is made of conifer forests, sagebrush flats, prairie grass ridge lines, wildflower fields and nutrient rich grasses above timberline. Willow patches are found along creek bottoms with cottonwood trees also present in lower areas.
Camping is permitted inside of the National Forest with no permit required. Lodging, grocery stores and restaurants are located south central of the unit in Dubois.
Roughly 1,247 square miles
86% public land
Elevations from 6,559-11,847 feet
45% Wilderness
Wet and snowy conditions make for slick and muddy roads; four-wheel drive and tire chains are recommended for these conditions