Area 27 - Upper Sweetwater in Wyoming is gaining attention for its potential early-season elk hunting before snow drives elk into the unit. This unit shares tag allocations with Unit 25, although harvest statistics are recorded separately, providing a clearer picture of success rates specific to Area 27. Some hunters express concern over point value versus the quality of the hunt, noting that while it may not be worth a high point investment, it offers a reasonable chance for a rewarding experience absent of trophy focus. With noticeable private land impacting access, particularly around mid to northern regions, hunters should verify land boundaries using up-to-date maps from reliable sources like GoHunt, and considering its appeal, Area 27 can be a worthwhile choice for those prioritizing a shared, non-trophy focused adventure.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Elk | 280"-320" | 320"+ |
High
Low
This area is made up of high desert plains and a portion of the mountains in the Wind River Range and is located in the west-central part of the state. The area has expansive amounts of BLM land and National Forest lands. This unit also has some land in the Bridger Wilderness Area. This is a small unit but there are great populations found here.
This terrain in this area is rugged and elk can be found mostly in the northern half of this area. This is a smaller sized unit with lots of country to hunt which gives hunters the chance to take branch antlered bulls. The bigger elk from this area typically come from the more rugged and remote locations in the unit.
This unit stretches from the Sweetwater River valley floor north to Continental Divide. Elevations in this area range from the river bottom at 6,600 feet to some peaks around 12,000 feet. The area is gently contoured at lower elevations and changes to steep and rugged at higher elevations. Timberline is found at about 10,500 feet.
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 unit is good with other roads diverging from the Lander Cutoff Road. The forest portion of the unit lacks many trails and can make travel difficult. Packing in with horses or backpack hunting is recommended, but day hunts are more common.
Low and middle elevations are made up of a mix of grassy and sage-covered meadows and hills mixed with Douglas fir and aspens. Higher up near timberline the country is made up of thick spruce fir forests mixed with grassy meadows, rocky ridges and sedge-filled alpine basins.
Lander is the nearest town near the unit and offers several options for lodging, groceries, gas, sporting goods and other amenities. Camping is allowed on all public land for up to 16 days in one location. There are no designated campgrounds located in the unit. Hunters can camp in remote locations.
Roughly 118 square miles
94% public land
Elevations from 6,600–12,500 feet
6.6% Wilderness