Just curious on W.

mobertok · Oct 4, 2023

Just curious if anyone is seeing any deer in region W. I was there last year but kinda wondering if anything survived the winter.
Thanks

elks96 · Oct 5, 2023

I have been in 82 for over 20 days this year, I can count the number of legal bucks I have seen on my fingers with a few left over. I have seen only 1 buck that 4 or older. The other legal bucks were all 2-3 year olds and barely legal. All hunting season I have heard 4 shots and only seen 2 deer in camps. Neither were worth shooting.

No body I have talked with has seen much.

Up until 4 days ago i had seen more bears (7) than I had seen legal bucks. On the one weekend I saw more moose than I did deer total.

So no the place sucks and Kim and the biologist did a huge disservice by only cutting a 100 NR tags.

So no thre is not ****. The most deer seen in a single day were 19. The fewest elk I have seen in a single day has been over 40.

one_dryboot · Oct 5, 2023

elks96 said:
I have been in 82 for over 20 days this year, I can count the number of legal bucks I have seen on my fingers with a few left over. I have seen only 1 buck that 4 or older. The other legal bucks were all 2-3 year olds and barely legal. All hunting season I have heard 4 shots and only seen 2 deer in camps. Neither were worth shooting.

No body I have talked with has seen much.

Up until 4 days ago i had seen more bears (7) than I had seen legal bucks. On the one weekend I saw more moose than I did deer total.

So no the place sucks and Kim and the biologist did a huge disservice by only cutting a 100 NR tags.

So no thre is not ****. The most deer seen in a single day were 19. The fewest elk I have seen in a single day has been over 40.

How many resident tags did they cut? ?

muleylover · Oct 5, 2023

one_dryboot said:
How many resident tags did they cut? ?

Million-dollar question there!

Deercy · Oct 5, 2023

Go to Wyoming mulies Facebook. Elks96 has been very convincing that residents kill only big bucks, and are the new standard in self-regulation. I'm starting to doubt his rhetoric. "Not a big buck, but meat in the freezer"

elks96 · Oct 5, 2023

Deercy said:
Go to Wyoming mulies Facebook. Elks96 has been very convincing that residents kill only big bucks, and are the new standard in self-regulation. I'm starting to doubt his rhetoric. "Not a big buck, but meat in the freezer"

Haha. I passed on the only 170” buck I saw. But sure what ever you say. I have not even put a round in the chamber. Both my lope and deer tag are still unfilled.

elks96 · Oct 5, 2023

one_dryboot said:
How many resident tags did they cut? ?

Haha. None because we should not cut a single resident opportunity until we have eliminated NR opportunity. However I did see 5 dink bucks in the back of the NR camps today. They all seemed super proud of the 2 year 3 points they killed.

Resident did their season length cut in half. But again, they lost a huge chunk of the population and made minimal cuts to the NR tags which is the side of the equation the Game and a fish could control.

one_dryboot · Oct 5, 2023

elks96 said:
Haha. None because we should not cut a single resident opportunity until we have eliminated NR opportunity. However I did see 5 dink bucks in the back of the NR camps today. They all seemed super proud of the 2 year 3 points they killed.

Resident did their season length cut in half. But again, they lost a huge chunk of the population and made minimal cuts to the NR tags which is the side of the equation the Game and a fish could control.

Just like I thought. Put all your problems on NR and tell everyone how Nobel you are self regulating.

So you saw 5 dink bucks in the back of NR trucks and you’ll scream it to the world. Yet you also saw 20 dink bucks in the back of resident trucks. But we won’t talk about that. ???

Deercy · Oct 5, 2023

But if I remember correctly, without reading back of course, you assured some guy he was full of poo because residents, I repeat, RESIDENTS, would never do certain things. And now you try to redirect, which in my experience, says you are full of poo.

Deercy · Oct 5, 2023

And for the record, I personally don't care if you shoot a dink or "pass a 170, because it was out of range on private" If the state issues tags, and you draw one, fill it with whatever you and the law allows.

Deercy · Oct 5, 2023

Hunans are humans regardless of residential status, and a cross section has the same issues practically anywhere

Deercy · Oct 5, 2023

Humans, not hunans. Now I'm hungry for some fried rice.

elks96 · Oct 6, 2023

one_dryboot said:
Just like I thought. Put all your problems on NR and tell everyone how Nobel you are self regulating.

So you saw 5 dink bucks in the back of NR trucks and you’ll scream it to the world. Yet you also saw 20 dink bucks in the back of resident trucks. But we won’t talk about that. ???

Actually the only resident I know to fill a tag down there killed a monster. But sure…

I love it because next year I will farunatee they cut the NR tags in the area again.

What I did not find was a resident who only had one day to hunt and who was shooting the first thing they saw…

Again I stand by the idea. The very last group to see their seasons restricted should be resident hunters. We should do all the possible cuts we can to Nonresidents first.

look at all my post I never once said it was anyone’s fault. Show me one place where I blamed NR. In my experience NR are more desperate to fill tags. With points and only hunting every few years they are more desperate to kill. It is not a big deal for residents because we all know we have a tag again next year. And if we really need we can spend 2 months hunting and moving all over the state. All things that greatly decrease pressure to just fill tags.

Oh and we also have general elk tags that give us months to fill the freezer.

So I stand by my observations.

Either way. Residents should be the last group to cub opportunity.

Deercy · Oct 6, 2023

So all the times you hunted as a nonresident, you were "more desperate ".

Deercy · Oct 6, 2023

A lot of nonresident hunters are out there for the 1st time. Not "desperate ". Just not as experienced.

dvolmer · Oct 9, 2023

W buck shot a few days ago.

dvolmer · Oct 9, 2023

On public ground.

willfrye027 · Oct 9, 2023

dvolmer said:
On public ground.

Awesome buck! Can’t imagine there were too many of those around this year, let alone on a good year ????

Joe2Kool · Oct 10, 2023

Nice buck! Headed to WY Thursday. If his twin steps out in front of me, he gets a hole thru both lungs and a free ride in my truck!

MrDoe · Oct 13, 2023

elks96 said:
Haha. I passed on the only 170” buck I saw. But sure what ever you say. I have not even put a round in the chamber. Both my lope and deer tag are still unfilled.

Have you killed a 170? Not attacking, genuinely curious just based on the pictures you've posted the past few years.

elks96 · Oct 13, 2023

What pictures are those? Last years buck only went 163… my 12 year olds buck went 158. But yeah you got me never killed anything decent…

MrDoe · Oct 13, 2023

I didn’t say that, just asked

buckspotter7 · Oct 13, 2023

Almighty “R” elks96, maybe you’ll start killing some decent bucks once you’ve lived in Wyoming for a few years.

elks96 · Oct 13, 2023

MrDoe said:
I didn’t say that, just asked

You can see the pics shared by anyone under thier handle: if you really want to know there are a few in my pics that go over 170….

JB1975 · Oct 13, 2023

@elks96 I see you didn't comment on the "meat buck" thread by a resident in the Wyoming forum.

Not sure that buck ever got his 2nd birthday party.

MrDoe · Oct 13, 2023

elks96 said:
You can see the pics shared by anyone under thier handle: if you really want to know there are a few in my pics that go over 170….

I saw a couple mounts that looked over 170 but didn’t know the story or anything. Didn’t see any kill pics over 170. Anyway, just curious since you’re passing 170’s and all the terrible NR’s are slaughtering forkies.

jm77 · Oct 13, 2023

MrDoe said:
Have you killed a 170? Not attacking, genuinely curious just based on the pictures you've posted the past few years.

MrDoe said:
I saw a couple mounts that looked over 170 but didn’t know the story or anything. Didn’t see any kill pics over 170. Anyway, just curious since you’re passing 170’s and all the terrible NR’s are slaughtering forkies.

Apparently now you're attacking.

MrDoe · Oct 13, 2023

No just tired of the tone against NR’s everywhere. I’ve been guilty of it myself too. Just irks me.

elks96 · Oct 16, 2023

MrDoe said:
No just tired of the tone against NR’s everywhere. I’ve been guilty of it myself too. Just irks me.

Funny it turned to
An attack. There are 3 on my wall over 170. 193, 184 and 178.

Also I am sorry you feel like I attack NR. I don’t, I simply say that no resident in any state should see their opportunity cut when there is still NR opportunity. The animals are there for the people of the state first. As such, the last people to see season shortened, tags cut, should be residents. What you see as an attack on NR is simply just standing up for residents first!!!

buckspotter7 · Oct 17, 2023

Are they Wyoming bucks? Did you kill them as a Non Resident?

Deercy · Oct 17, 2023

Thanks, man. When you argue that nonresidents are more likely to kill small bucks, because the need to take something home from their investment, it gets personal. I can argue the exact opposite personally. If I put in for what is technically becoming a once in a lifetime hunt, I'm wanting something special to go with it. Whatever that is, doesn't need to be judged by anyone. My 1st wilderness solo hunt as a much younger man (also my 1st nonresident experience) ended with a tiny 2x3. Shot way back in the hills. I remember the way it rained or snowed almost constantly for 8 days. The crazy borrowed horse that about killed me. The clothes from goodwill. Extremely cheap pack. Freezing at night with all my clothes on because my bag was cheap, and also wet. And the thing that refreshes those memories is that tiny 2x3 skull in the garage. (Would sure help if it was a giant on the wall in the den)

DoubleDropMuley · Oct 17, 2023

It’s just crazy to me that so many people nonres/res feel they have to kill a buck no matter what!! Nothing against people harvesting bucks but I feel if you have killed your first buck, biggest buck ect there really is no reason to kill just to kill another especially when the herds are in the shape they are in. But with that being said when I was working in sept I seen a truck coming out of unit 131 and they had a young smaller 4 point in the bed , maybe first archery harvest ? Don’t know but that herd condition is terrible, so I think we as hunters should consider all our options to kill or not to kill. Elk are better eating at least IMO and there are plenty if you want to just fill the freezer.

DoubleDropMuley · Oct 17, 2023

I’m a Muley guy myself, bought a tag for wife sent it to let a deer walk, bought me a tag spent 1/2 a day looking for a buck, still got the tag unused. Don’t bother me one bit and the freezer is packed full already with elk between me and the kid. It all depends on the individuals , I personally know several nonres that have ate their tags in the last couple years. Even a few from Utah lol kudos to them. Sad part is there will always be the ones that have to kill, but it is America so we should be able to choose what action we take as long as it’s legal. Pretty proud of my son this year he hunted hard found a buck worthy of harvesting, blew it on a missed shot, then sent me videos of young bucks laying in there beds chewing away, let them walk even one that had some extras. And I know before that would have sent him over the edge and he would have sent one. Now we both have are tags and we plan to head east here in a few weeks to try and put some whitetail in the freezer!!! Now let’s prey winter don’t suck again !! Good luck to all the rest of the season !!

Ridn9high · Oct 17, 2023

Here is one of those residents that just had to fill a tag. Saw it on the book face

DaveD · Oct 17, 2023

Ridn9high said:
Here is one of those residents that just had to fill a tag. Saw it on the book face

View attachment 123201

Could be a trophy to that person? It would have been to me when I was a new hunter 35 years ago.

I get both sides of the res/nonres argument. I do see and hear more nonres "settle" for smaller deer on the last day or two so they don't go home empty handed but I know some residents that will shoot the first fork horn they see. As long as it is legal, up to them.

Even though I'm a nonres now, I do agree states should protect resident tags first. I can't imagine not being able to hunt in my home state while nonres were able to be hunting.

MrDoe · Oct 18, 2023

elks96 said:
Funny it turned to
An attack. There are 3 on my wall over 170. 193, 184 and 178.

Also I am sorry you feel like I attack NR. I don’t, I simply say that no resident in any state should see their opportunity cut when there is still NR opportunity. The animals are there for the people of the state first. As such, the last people to see season shortened, tags cut, should be residents. What you see as an attack on NR is simply just standing up for residents first!!!

You need some thicker skin if you think I attacked you. I asked a question and made an observation. Did you get a picture of the 170 you passed?

kickerbuck · Oct 18, 2023

Ridn9high said:
Here is one of those residents that just had to fill a tag. Saw it on the book face

View attachment 123201

That's terrible!!!

elks96 · Oct 19, 2023

MrDoe said:
You need some thicker skin if you think I attacked you. I asked a question and made an observation. Did you get a picture of the 170 you passed?

Haha. Why are you so obsessed with my claim about a 170 deer in W. I am somewhat flattered but a little disturbed by your infatuation with me.

Just FYI. This was the buck when we found him in velvet. Originally thought he was bigger, has a great frame but not so on forks.. when we turned him up he just was not as well forked. We know he and 2 other bucks all made it through the season. Maybe next year her will get me excited… He had a great frame but so-so tines. I got a good look at him had him and another decent buck at 100-150 yards for 30 minutes and just did not feel it this year. But since you insist… here you go… maybe this will be adequate?

Had I got the shot archery I would have taken him…

elks96 · Oct 19, 2023

JB1975 said:
@elks96 I see you didn't comment on the "meat buck" thread by a resident in the Wyoming forum.

Not sure that buck ever got his 2nd birthday party.

Haha. Sorry don’t even know what thread you are talking about? Care to share?

MrDoe · Oct 19, 2023

elks96 said:
Haha. Why are you so obsessed with my claim about a 170 deer in W. I am somewhat flattered but a little disturbed by your infatuation with me.

Just FYI. This was the buck when we found him in velvet. Originally thought he was bigger, has a great frame but not so on forks.. when we turned him up he just was not as well forked. We know he and 2 other bucks all made it through the season. Maybe next year her will get me excited… He had a great frame but so-so tines. I got a good look at him had him and another decent buck at 100-150 yards for 30 minutes and just did not feel it this year. But since you insist… here you go… maybe this will be adequate?

Had I got the shot archery I would have taken him…

View attachment 123372

Nice looking buck. Is he a 3x4? I hear all kinds of people that "pass" 170's and 180's and it's fun to see what they really look like.

Not obsessed with you, all I know is you live in Wyoming and dislike NR's.

elks96 · Oct 19, 2023

MrDoe said:
Nice looking buck. Is he a 3x4? I hear all kinds of people that "pass" 170's and 180's and it's fun to see what they really look like.

Not obsessed with you, all I know is you live in Wyoming and dislike NR's.

No he made 4x4 but his left side fork was only like 3” hence why you can’t see it in the photo in the spotter… he and 2 other decent bucks are still out there…

Southpawshooter · Oct 19, 2023

elks96 said:
Haha. Why are you so obsessed with my claim about a 170 deer in W. I am somewhat flattered but a little disturbed by your infatuation with me.

Just FYI. This was the buck when we found him in velvet. Originally thought he was bigger, has a great frame but not so on forks.. when we turned him up he just was not as well forked. We know he and 2 other bucks all made it through the season. Maybe next year her will get me excited… He had a great frame but so-so tines. I got a good look at him had him and another decent buck at 100-150 yards for 30 minutes and just did not feel it this year. But since you insist… here you go… maybe this will be adequate?

Had I got the shot archery I would have taken him…

View attachment 123372

That's a great photo. Did you take it with a bag phone or what? ?

elks96 · Oct 19, 2023

Southpawshooter said:
That's a great photo. Did you take it with a bag phone or what? ?

I don’t have a phone scope, I was on a spotter with heat waves and just holding my camera. Then I never post an original, I only post a screen shot that I also zoom way in so there is nothing to identify the area.

Southpawshooter · Oct 20, 2023

elks96 said:
I don’t have a phone scope, I was on a spotter with heat waves and just holding my camera. Then I never post an original, I only post a screen shot that I also zoom way in so there is nothing to identify the area.

Mission accomplished. No one will find that 160" buck.

mobertok · Sep 2, 2024

Just curious if any bucks are showing up?

Chesterwyo · Sep 2, 2024

Can’t say anything about deer numbers that’s beyond anecdotal. But the number of people I see hunting in the areas of W with the lowest deer densities the last five years is crazy. The number of trucks and trailers at the jumping off spots at dripping rock, the haystacks, and bitter creek rival anything you’d see in region G.

mobertok · Sep 5, 2024

Chesterwyo said:
Can’t say anything about deer numbers that’s beyond anecdotal. But the number of people I see hunting in the areas of W with the lowest deer densities the last five years is crazy. The number of trucks and trailers at the jumping off spots at dripping rock, the haystacks, and bitter creek rival anything you’d see in region G.

I have never heard of those spots but I will steer clear of them. But, there must be some smokers with that many people being there.