Hunters interested in Area 64 - Owl Creek, Wyoming, should note that the southeastern part, including the Wind River Indian Reservation, is not open to public hunting. Understanding the Wyoming draw odds is crucial, especially when applying as a party; preference points are averaged and calculated to the fifth decimal, affecting draw rankings. Elk behavior during the later rifle season suggests a potential movement to lower elevations, as some have been observed there in late September, although this varies with seasonality and weather conditions. For those using significant preference points (e.g., 15), collaborating with an outfitter could be beneficial for maximizing the early part of the hunt, with flexibility to continue independently if tags remain.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Elk | 320"-340" | 350"+ |
High
Low
Together these units make up one of the most sought after trophy bull elk hunts in Wyoming. This area lies just south of Area 63, with Grass Creek separating the two units. Wilderness areas are found within the unit, so all nonresident hunters should plan to hire an outfitter or hunt with a Wyoming resident if planning to hunt within the wilderness areas. There is tribal land on the southern end of this unit as well, so be cautious of boundaries.
Unit 64 is a great area to hunt mature bull elk. Plan to work physically hard. With good preparation this can be a great experience. Grizzly bear encounters are a very real possibility.
The terrain varies from deep narrow valleys to mountain peaks. The valleys have been deeply eroded into the volcanic ridges leaving behind irregular step like buttes and cliffs. Upper elevations are comprised of meadows, heavily timbered pine pockets and open rocky faces. Mid elevations are timbered pine pockets and open grassy faces. Moving to the east the land ownerships of this unit transitions into BLM and privately owned parcels. These areas are rolling sagebrush, juniper woodland and sagebrush.
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 the USFS and wilderness section of the unit is through the Grass Creek Road which can be accessed off of State Route 120. The upper Cottonwood Creek Road off of 120 runs west into the lower country of unit 64. This area is a checkerboard of private and BLM acres. A good map and GPS with land ownership and hunt boundaries overlaid is highly recommended. Access can be tough in unit 64 because of private land.
The river and streams provide riparian habitat with a diversity of willows, cottonwoods, shrubs, grasses and forbs. Moving up in elevation vegetation transitions into grassy open hillsides and faces mixed with dark heavy timber pockets. Typical trees species include lodgepole pine, subalpine fir, Douglas fir, whitebark pine, and limber pine. A variety of native grasses, forbs, and sagebrush exist throughout mid elevations. Moving to higher elevations there are wet meadow grasses, forbs and sedges. The eastern portions of the unit has rolling grassland and sagebrush flats and hills with some juniper woodland pockets.
The Pitchfork and then Wood River Road run to the west out of Meeteetse WY. Meeteetse is a rural town with relatively few amenities. The Wea Market on State Street is your typical convenience store stop offering 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. The nearest sporting goods stores is an hour’s drive north from Meeteetse, in Cody. Horseback and backpack style hunting is common. Day hunting from main road access points are another option, but will limit the amount of country you can cover. Camping is allowed on most public lands.
Roughly 1023 square miles
35% public land
Elevations from 4,300 - 12,518 feet
1.2% Wilderness