The discussion on GOHUNT's Hunting Unit Profiles for Area 53 in Wyoming reveals several insights and areas for improvement. Hunter sentiment highlights the importance of understanding the averaging method for group applications, which uses cumulative points rather than rounding, potentially leading to misinterpretations of draw odds. Some users expressed frustration at perceived inaccuracies in draw odds data, underscoring the need for hunters to account for annual changes in tag allocations and applicant numbers which affect draw outcomes. Feedback from those who hunted the area notes it offers beautiful scenery and average deer hunting conditions, primarily yielding younger bucks, alongside a notable presence of fellow hunters and vehicles on trails, which could impact experiences during peak season.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-130" | 130"+ |
High
Low
Located east of Lovell, this unit consists of lower crop lands turning into steep canyons and cedars in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains.For nonresidents, this area is part of Region R and tags drawn for this area are also valid in: 41, 46, 47, 50, 51, 52.
Mule deer can be found throughout the entire unit, and whitetail are mostly found in lower elevations. Bachelor groups of bucks are found in the highest elevations in the early season. Archery season is the best time to find bachelor groups of bucks in their summer pattern.
The lower elevations are made up of sagebrush flats and deep cuts with agriculture land mixed in. As you move up in elevation you get into extremely rough, rocky, steep canyons, long drainages and rocky bluffs. The high country is filled with fairly rocky basins.
Hunters can find good public access in this unit. In the lower country, there are some BLM roads starting near the Bighorn River. Some of these roads connect to forest roads. Forest Service Roads 11, 12, 13 and 14 can be accessed off of U.S. Highway 14-A.
Sagebrush flats, prairie grasses and agriculture fields will all be located at lower elevations. As you gain elevation, you will find ponderosa pine and juniper pockets. Nutritious grass will be found in the high country basins.
A number of grocery stores, motels, gas stations and restaurants can be found in Lovell. Camping is allowed on BLM and National Forest lands, and there are also a few campgrounds in the area.
Roughly 230 square miles
92.1% public land
Elevations from 3,700-9,800 feet
Maps showing land ownership are recommended
BLM and forest roads can be rough
ATVs are useful here
Wet and snowy conditions make for slick and muddy roads; four-wheel drive and tire chains are recommended for both conditions