Hunters inquiring about Area 70 - Shirley Mountain, Wyoming, should note that while a general tag previously had a three-point restriction, it now allows for the harvest of any antlered deer due to a regulation change. The confirmed season opening for Area 70 starts on October 15th, differing from the earlier start dates of other units in Region D, with a type 3 license for whitetail starting October 1st. This unit has a notably short season of seven days, reflective of previous regulatory changes since 2019. Although Area 70 is a general deer hunt unit, hunters are advised that draw trends are displayed to aid in understanding historical patterns for those considering draw-type hunts.
This unit has a lot of private land, BLM land and state-run land. Public land access can be tough. Mature mule deer and whitetails are commonly found here.For nonresidents, this area is part of Region D and tags drawn for this area are valid in: 66, 70, 74, 75, 76, 77, and 88
The canyons that lead down off of Shirley Mountain and Pyramid peak are good spots for big mule deer. The hills in the lowlands and the river bottoms in the west are good places to find big whitetail.
The rolling hills here are mainly found in private property in the lower elevations. The mountain areas in the south of the unit and the northwest have juniper trees and rocky terrain that mule deer can typically be spotted in.
There are a lot of county roads that give access to parts of the unit to BLM, state land and walk in access areas. Getting access to private property can help a hunter’s opportunity to take deer that are less pressured.
There is a lot of short grass prairie and sagebrush that cover the unit from the lowlands to the higher elevations. There are not a lot of juniper trees in the higher elevations, but they can be good places for deer to bed.
Most hunters will camp remotely on BLM lands with no permits needed. Lodging is also found southeast, in Rawlins.
Roughly 1,149 square miles
58.4% public land
Elevations from 5,925-8,753 feet