The discussions around Area 95 in the Green River, Wyoming, highlight key considerations for non-resident hunters, such as requiring an outfitter or resident companion to hunt in the Bridger Wilderness. The area primarily offers Type 2 tags, which provide hunting opportunities in the wilderness, resulting in better draw odds for non-residents due to the challenging access and terrain. Hunters recommend looking at trending harvest success and considering the advantages of the earlier season, where fewer hunters and active rutting behavior improve chances. There is a heavy emphasis on being bear aware, as grizzly encounters are becoming more frequent, and the limited non-wilderness hunting areas complicate planning.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Elk | 280"-320" | 320"+ |
High
Low
This unit is made up of scenic mountains in the Bridger-Teton National Forest near the west-central part of the state. There is also a small part of the Bridger Wilderness Area here.
This is a rugged and steep area, but hunters can find elk all over this area. This is a decent- sized area with plenty of country to hunt and is a good place for hunters to take branch-antlered bulls. Those willing to put in the work will most likely find success. Later in the season can be more beneficial with weather moving in.
This unit goes from the Green River valley floor to the mountaintop divide on the east. Terrain is more gently contoured at lower elevations, but becomes steep and rugged the higher you climb, 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. The area contains a couple of maintained roads and a few rough secondary roads. The unit is covered by a large trail system. Packing in with horses or backpack hunting is possible, but day hunts are more common. This area is bordered by the Union Pass Road and Continental Divide on the west, north and east. The divide between Green River and Pine Creek can be found on the south. There is also a small part of the Bridger Wilderness Area here. Some of the more popular trailheads are Warm Springs, Porcupine and Clear Creek.
Low and middle elevations have grassy and sage-covered meadows and hills mixed with Douglas fir and aspens. Higher up near timberline, the country consists of 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 and other stores are also available. Camping is allowed on all public ground for up to 16 days in one location. There is one designated campground in the unit. Hunters can also camp in remote locations.
Roughly 321 square miles
100% public land
Elevations from 7,700–13,800 feet
46.7% Wilderness