Area 34 in Upper Powder River, Wyoming, presents significant challenges for nonresident hunters, primarily due to limited access caused by vast private lands and limited public land. Hunters report that animals tend to migrate to these private areas, especially during the rifle season, making the hunt difficult unless one has private land access. Archery hunters have better success, especially in the National Forest in the Northwest, with reports of numerous mature bulls during September. The consensus suggests that obtaining a general tag may offer more flexibility and better hunting opportunities for both archery and rifle seasons, rather than being confined to this unit with its tricky public-private boundaries.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Elk | 290"-320" | 330"+ |
High
Low
This area is made up of high plain desert, large ranches and the Big Horn Mountains located in the central part of the state. This unit has a good distribution of public lands. Good numbers of elk are found here but hunters will still need to hunt hard to find success.
Elk are located mostly in the Big Horn Mountains on moderate/rugged terrain. This is a large unit with lots of country to hunt. The bigger elk taken from this area typically come from the more rugged and remote locations.
This unit runs from Wyoming Highway 196, west across farm land and high desert country to the Big Horn Mountains. Elevations range from 4,700 feet on Crazy Woman Creek to Hazelton Pyramid at 10,500 feet. The area is more gently contoured throughout, changing to steep and rugged in the Big Horn Mountains.
Public access in this unit is decent and has several well-maintained roads, a network of Forest Roads and smaller 2-tracks. Most roads are well maintained, with a few passable only with four-wheel drive or ATVs. Packing in with horses or backpack hunting is possible, but day hunts are more common. With limited public land in this area hunters may struggle to find seculsion at times.
The area is high desert country, dry and mountainous with scattered juniper on rocky slopes. Sagebrush, mountain shrubs, grasslands and lodge pole pine make up most of the habitat. Conifers, wet meadows and rock outcroppings cover much of the remaining land.
Buffalo is the nearest town to this area and offers several options for lodging, groceries, gas, sporting goods and other amenities. Camping is allowed on all public ground for up to 16 days in one location. Hunters can also camp in remote locations. Canyon and Lost Cabin are public campgrounds.
Roughly 776 square miles
41% public land
Elevations from 4,700–10,500 feet