The discussion around Wyoming's Area 59 - Boulder Basin reflects a complex mix of rules and logistical challenges, particularly for non-residents navigating wilderness access laws and draw odds. While enhancements to GOHUNT's platform, like boundary maps, are in progress and can aid in planning, many hunters express confusion over Wyoming's restrictive tag allocation, especially for non-residents. Hunters also discuss critical timing for peak rut activity, suggesting mid-September as the optimal period for archers. Despite these challenges, the area's reputation for producing quality bulls attracts interest, though potential hunters are advised to consider guided hunts to navigate the demanding terrain and wilderness regulations effectively.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Elk | 300"-340" | 350"+ |
High
Low
The South Fork of the Shoshone River flows through this area which sits near the heart of the Washakie Wilderness Area. More than half of the unit is within designated wilderness, so nonresident hunters will need to be with an outfitter or a resident guide. Hunting opportunities for bull elk consist of two general seasons. The late season Type 1 tag can have 340” plus bulls or much bigger if winter conditions push elk out of the rugged terrain. This is definitely grizzly country, so proper precautions should be taken.
The late season November hunt typically offers a very good opportunity to hunt and harvest a branch-antlered bull. This can be a tough bowhunt, but trophy potential bulls definitely can still be found. The late season hunt is one of the better hunts for a big bull in this state. Grizzly bear encounters are a possibility.
Terrain in these areas varies from deep, narrow valleys to towering peaks. Upper elevations have grassy meadows, some pine pockets and open rocky faces. The terrain is very rugged within these portions of the unit. Mid elevations are made up of timbered live/burnt pine pockets and open grassy faces with lots of feed. Lower elevations near the northeastern boundary are rolling grasslands and sage steppe. Terrain in this portion is not as rough, but is still physically demanding.
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.
Primary access into this unit is through the South Fork Road running southwest from Cody. A good map and GPS with land ownership and wilderness boundaries overlaid are recommended.
Several tributaries flow into the South Fork of the Shoshone River. The river and streams provide riparian habitat with willows, cottonwoods, shrubs, grasses and forbs. Moving up onto mid elevation canyon walls and faces, the vegetation transitions into grasses and timber pockets. Typical trees include lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, subalpine fir, whitebark pine, and limber pine. A variety of native grasses, forbs, and some sagebrush are found throughout mid elevations. Grasses found here include wheatgrass species, fescue, bluegrass, needle and thread and ricegrass. Higher elevations have wet meadow grasses, forbs and sedges.
Cody is located to the northeast and has several hotels, campgrounds, gas stations, markets, restaurants, bars and a sporting goods store. If winter weather has pushed elk to lower elevations, it is possible to day hunt out of Cody during the late season hunt. Typically guides and outfitters operate wall tent hunting camps in the backcountry. Camping is allowed on public lands.
Roughly 393 square miles
91% public land
Elevations from 6,000-12,020 feet
75.3% Wilderness