Nonresidents must have a guide to hunt on the wilderness areas
Check weather forecasts and be prepared for a variety of weather conditions that can include cold snowy conditions
Species
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Trophy Potential
Elk
300"-330"
340"+
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Vegetation
Access
Camping and Lodging
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This area is located along the Greybull River in northwest Wyoming. The unit typically offers two hunts for bull elk and several hunting opportunities for antlerless elk. The bulk of the non wilderness section of this unit has a lot of private land, mixed with some BLM. For the nonresident hunter, if you are wishing to hunt the wilderness portion, you'll need to be with an outfitter or a resident guide. Grizzly precautions will need to be taken within the wilderness portions of this unit.
This area usually offers very good opportunities to hunt and harvest some good bulls. This area has been among the top trophy elk areas in Wyoming for several years. Type 1 permits are only valid within the designated wilderness portion of the unit. Terrain is generally steep and rough although good trail systems are in place. Elk populations are good.
The terrain in the Washakie Wilderness varies from deep, narrow valleys to towering peaks. Upper elevations are made up of grassy meadows, some pine pockets and open rocky faces. Mid elevations have timbered live/burnt pine pockets and open grassy faces where there is lots of feed. Burnt portions of this unit provide good glassing opportunities. The many creeks and Greybull river bottom are timbered. The type 2 permit allows hunters to hunt outside of the wilderness area where terrain is not as rough, but 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.
Several tributaries flow into the Greybull River that provide riparian habitat with a diversity of willows, cottonwoods, shrubs, grasses and forbs. Middle elevation canyon walls and faces have grasses and timber pockets, many of which have been burned. Typical trees include lodgepole pine, subalpine fir, whitebark pine and limber pine. A variety of native grasses, forbs and some sagebrush can be found throughout middle elevations. Grasses include wheatgrass species, fescue, bluegrass, needle and thread and ricegrass. Wet meadow grasses, forbs and sedges are found at higher elevations.
Access into the Wilderness portion is limited and a good map and GPS with land ownership and wilderness boundaries overlaid is recommended. Primary access is gained from the Jack Creek Trailhead near the eastern wilderness boundary. When hunting areas outside the designated wilderness portions, be sure to have a good 4-wheel drive in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Meeteetse is located east of the Jack Creek Trailhead and is a rural town with relatively few amenities. The Wea Market on State Street has gas and some groceries. The Elk Horn Bar and Grill and the Outlaw Café offer drinks and dining. Lodging is available at the Oasis Motel. Typically guides and outfitters operate wall tent hunting camps in the backcountry. Camping is allowed on public lands.