Moose herds are below desired population objective levels but have seen slow, steady growth in recent years. Exceptional quality moose come from this region as a result of conservative hunting. Moose calf survival has remained average for the past couple of seasons.

This area is not considered to be a top moose area in the state. That being said, occasional 40” plus moose are harvested in this region. A reduction in tag allocation and harvest has been successful in reversing a downward trend in this population.

Various lakes and streams are located throughout this area. Large sage covered flats transition into timber covered slopes with high mountain meadows. At the top of the Bridger Wilderness hunters will find large scree covered slopes with high mountain lakes scattered throughout the area. Terrain varies in this area from very easy to navigate to some of the toughest terrain that can be found in Wyoming.

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.

Cool heavily timbered slopes create excellent moose habitat throughout the area. Rivers and streams have riparian habitat with willows, cottonwoods, shrubs, grasses and forbs. Lodgepole pine, subalpine fir, whitebark pine and limber pine are typical in the area. Native grasses, forbs and some sagebrush are found throughout mid elevations. Grasses and forbs can be found at higher elevations and give good habitat and feed for the moose population.

Access is moderate to difficult. At higher elevations little to no roads can be used to navigate terrain. This area is mostly public land but, does contain the Bridger Wilderness Area and nonresident hunters wanting to access and hunt the wilderness must be accompanied by a guide or outfitter.

Boulder and Pinedale are the closest cities to the area and contain a small number of lodging options. During hunting season these lodging options fill up quickly so book early if hotel accommodations are desired. Food and groceries may also be purchased in these locations. There are a small number of designated campgrounds in the area and hunters may camp on Forest Service and BLM land with no permit.