Area 68 in Warm Springs, Wyoming, presents hunters with both opportunities and challenges, particularly with its significant increase in harvest success from 2015 to 2016, attributed to cooler temperatures and habitat changes following a wildfire. However, hunters must be prepared for the prevalent grizzly bear activity, which is often cited as a major concern, with frequent sightings and encounters reported. The terrain offers good access with plenty of public land for hunting, though there's high pressure from other hunters and recreational activities, making it crucial to remain vigilant and practice safety, perhaps avoiding solo hunts. Drawing advice suggests reviewing draw odds carefully and considering leftover tags to avoid burning valuable points, as resident and non-resident draw situations differ significantly.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Elk | 270"-300" | 300"+ |
High
Low
This unit is made up of the scenic mountains in the Shoshone National Forest, on the east side of the Wind River Range. There is very little wilderness within this unit, which can be inviting to the DIY nonresident hunter. You'll find fairly good access through most of the unit and still plenty of good areas to get away from roads and trails. There is a healthy number of animals here and those who are willing to work hard and put in the effort should find success.
There is rugged and steep terrain here, but elk can be found all throughout the area. This is a big area with plenty of country to hunt. Horses can be helpful while hunting here. This is also a good place for hunters to take some good bulls.
This unit reaches from the foothills along the Wind River Indian Reservation and the valley floor along U.S. Highway 26/287. Terrain is more gently contoured at lower elevations, but gets steep and rugged as elevations get higher, with timberline at about 10,000 feet.
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.
Public access here is decent, with several maintained roads coming into the unit from the north, as well as a few secondary roads. The area is covered by a big trail system. Packing in with horses or backpack hunting is recommended, but day hunts are possible as well. This area is bordered by U.S. Highway 287 on the north, Jakey’s Fork Creek on the east and the Continental Divide on the southwest. This unit has a lot of public land in the Wind River Mountain Range. Some popular trailheads within this unit are Sheridan, Devil's Hole, Warm Springs and Jakey's Fork. ATV's and UTV's would be nice to have for when the weather rolls in and makes the roads a little more difficult.
Low and middle elevations have grassy and sage-covered meadows mixed with Douglas fir and aspen. Higher up near timberline, the country has thick spruce fir forest and some whitebark pine with a lot of grassy slopes, meadows and alpine basins.
Dubois is the closest town and has lodging options. Grocery stores, gas stations and other stores are also available. Camping is allowed on all public ground for up to 16 days in one location. Hunters can camp in remote locations.
Roughly 216 square miles
87% public land
Elevations from 6,500–12,400 feet
7.2% Wilderness