Hunters considering Wyoming's Area 35 face a complex decision with evolving draw odds and varying hunt experiences. Despite having a special allure, the unit has seen fluctuations in the points required and draw odds, primarily influenced by applicant behavior and early snowfall, which often pushes elk onto private land. Many express disappointment over the quality and accessibility of the hunt, highlighting the high number of tags issued for a compact unit, which can lead to crowded conditions and diminished hunt quality. Hunters advise that while success is possible, those unfamiliar with the terrain or lacking private land access may find alternative units more rewarding, given the increased competition and less predictable game movement.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Elk | 280"-310" | 330"+ |
High
Low
Located near the southeastern end of the Bighorn Mountains this area offers limited entry hunting for a small, but decent population of elk. Succes can be found here but hunters will need to be prepared to hunt hard to find success. This area has a good distribution of public lands and some roadless areas for those looking too escape crowds.
Wilderness areas within this unit cannot be hunted without an outfitter or accompanying resident guide. This area has rough country. Bowhunting can be good for rutting bulls during the September archery season.
Upper elevations within the Cloud Peak wilderness area are rugged, rocky mountain peaks with some pine pockets and high mountain grassy meadows. Moving down in elevation, ridges and valleys are made up of heavy timber and mountain grassy meadows. Several high mountain lakes exist within the unit. Dropping off in elevation to the east, broken canyon country, rolling sagebrush steppes and grasslands near the valley floor can be found.
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.
Good access is provided by Highway 16 which runs through the unit. From Highway 16 several USFS roads allow access into various parts of the unit. The eastern low elevation portions of the unit are largely private and access can be very difficult to access if early storms push elk into these areas.
Typical trees found here include lodgepole pine, Douglas fir and subalpine fir. High elevation wet meadow grasses, forbs, sedges and willows can be found here. A variety of grasses, forbs, and some sagebrush are found throughout mid elevations. Grasses include wheatgrass species, fescue, bluegrass, needle and thread and ricegrass.
Buffalo on the northeastern boundary of the unit has food, gas and lodging. Several campgrounds are located just off of Highway 16 including the South Fork and Tie Hack campgrounds that are centrally located in the unit. Camping is allowed on public lands.
Roughly 252 square miles
71% public land
Elevations from 4,600-12,025 feet
17.7% Wilderness