Area 92 in Piney-Horse Creek, Wyoming offers hunters a promising elk hunting experience marked by noteworthy archery and rifle seasons, with the archery season beginning on September 1st. While grizzlies are present, they are not in high concentration, though carrying bear protection comes advised by regional wildlife biologists. Successful hunts have been reported, often benefiting from early starts and focusing on national forests, with good early October odds for locating rutting herds. Early snow and scouting reveal favorable elk concentrations at lower elevations, but hunters should expect significant competition with high numbers of other hunters and equestrian-supported activities, making still-hunting in less accessible dark timber productive for elk, even amidst bustling hunting pressure.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Elk | 260"-300" | 310"+ |
High
Low
This unit is made up of scenic mountains in the Bridger-Teton National Forest near the western edge of the state. This area is bordered by the divide between the Grey’s and Green River to the divide between the Green River and Hoback River on the west. The Hoback Rim on the north, U.S. Highway 189 and County Road 110 can both be found on the east, with Cottonwood Creek and South Cottonwood creek on the south. There is no wilderness area here.
This area is rugged and steep near the forested areas with elk found all throughout. This is a decent-sized area with plenty of country to hunt. Those willing to put in the work can find good success in this unit.
This unit reaches from the Green River Valley floor to the mountaintop divide on the west. Terrain is more gently contoured at lower elevations, but becomes steep and rugged in the higher elevations, with timberline at about 9,500 feet.
Public access is great to the west of Daniel Junction on County Road 129. There are several maintained side roads and several secondary logging roads. The unit is covered by a big trail system. Packing in with horses or backpack hunting is possible, but day hunts are more common. Some popular trailheads for this unit are Maki Creek, South Horse Creek and Mill Creek.
Low and middle elevations have grassy and sage-covered meadows mixed with Douglas fir and aspen. Higher up near the timberline, the country has thick spruce fir forest, with intermittent grassy slopes and meadows, rough ridges and sedge-filled alpine basins.
Pinedale is the closest town, and has a lot of options for lodging. Grocery stores, gas stations, sporting goods and other amenities are also available. Camping is allowed on all public ground for up to 16 days in one location. There are several designated campgrounds located throughout the unit. Hunters can also camp in remote locations.
Roughly 598 square miles
53% public land
Elevations from 6,900–11,100 feet