Hunters interested in Area 110 - Upper Platte River in Wyoming will find a mix of opportunities and challenges. The unit boasts good elk populations, but non-resident hunters must be aware that parts of the area, specifically the wilderness zones, require a guide, limiting independent exploration. There is a common concern about draw odds as non-residents face high competition for tags, which are based on general rifle season data, even if planning to archery hunt. Despite the impact of the Mullen fire, some hunters express optimism about future regrowth and elk behavior, although the overall success rate of 22% suggests considering a guide might be beneficial, especially for first-time elk hunters. ATV access is recommended primarily for road use.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Elk | 270"-300" | 300"+ |
High
Low
Comprised of high plains desert and the Medicine Bow Mountain Range, this unit can be found in the southeast part of the state. There are a lot of BLM and state lands here, as well as a part of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. It is bordered by Wyoming Highway 130 on the north, the Laramie River-North Platte River divide, and Wyoming Highway 230 on the east.
Decent populations of elk are found here along with a healthy distribution of public lands. Nonresidents will need to be aware of wilderness boundaries here.
This unit goes from Wyoming Highway 230 along the North Platte River valley floor, and east across the high desert plains and ranch lands into the National Forest. Terrain in the lower elevations is mainly flat, but becomes more rugged and steep as hunters gain elevation in the Medicine Bow Mountains. A few small wilderness areas are located within the unit and nonresident hunters will need to pay close attention to these boundaries.
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.
Public access in this area is good with several well-maintained roads, a network of forest roads and smaller two tracks. Most roads here are well maintained, with a few passable only with four-wheel drive or ATVs. This unit also has a big trail system. Packing in with horses or backpack hunting is possible, but day hunts are more common.
The timbered slopes here have a lot of upland areas dominated by sagebrush, grass and mountain shrubs. Timber stands consist of limber pine, lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine, subalpine fir and pockets of aspen.
Saratoga is the closest town, and has a lot of options for lodging. Groceries, gas stations and other stores can be found here as well. Camping is allowed on all public ground for up to 16 days in one location. Hunters can camp in remote locations.
Roughly 456 square miles
73% public lands
Elevations from 6,900-10,700 feet
12.9% Wilderness