Elk 53-1

BCDEER · Mar 9, 2017

I drew this tag with 10 points special tag. I have talked to the local game warden (Travis)and he gave me some great info along with some good info from Guy Eastman. The only problem I face is that the suggestions work as long as it is dry. Has anyone hunted this area during rain/snow on the first hunt that might have some suggestions?

BCDEER · Mar 11, 2017

No responses but not many tags out there to draw so no biggie. Just got the Wyoming road and recreation atlas Awesome, shows all the forest roads and campgrounds so I am pretty set, Will get there a few days before the season opener so I can learn all the access points of interest and get some much needed scouting done. Good luck to everyone this year and I will be more than happy to share any info after my hunt to anyone asking.

crcountry · Mar 11, 2017

Hell0 BCDeer
I'm sure you're aware of the wilderness boundaries that will impede your access as a non-resident/unguided hunter? With that being said, The wilderness to the west of Pat O'Hara mountain/dry fork is certainly the travel corridor for big bulls. There is a FR off Chief Joseph that takes you through unit 54 up to the 53 boundary, but once again, that is wilderness. I don't know the rules about unguided/hunting with a WY resident in the wilderness...I believe that is ok. In all fairness, I have no idea why unit 53-1 is wilderness, and 53-2 isn't. There is ample access to the top/eastern boundary via monument hill road or FR102, but in both instances you need to walk through unit 54 with an unloaded firearm. If your legally hunting in the wilderness, I would access it from FR102 and take the ATV trail up to the parking spot. Walk uphill to the west for 300yds with an unloaded weapon, get up on that abandoned jeep trail that heads south toward Pat Ohara peak on the spine of 53/54, and then head downhill to the west and have some fun. Remember that your on Unit 54-1 for a few hundred yards. FR102 stays in pretty good shape even when it snows a bit since the road winds through timber....it doesn't get wind-swept. #1 issue: Grizzlies...be careful. There were quite a few wolves in there this past season when all the deer migrated down, but they won't bother you. I'd imagine you could kill a nice bull on opening day near the 54-1 boundary in any of those open parks at 1st light. Everything is a big hike in that country, and spike camping isn't a great idea....too many bears. Last tip: don't leave your kill. Take pics, and start quartering asap. Doing that solo with grizzlies around is challenging. Get your quarters 300-400 yards away from the carcass and hung in a shaded pine. Then start the process of shuttling the quarters back to the forest road. I'm sure a grizzly will be on your carcass in no time. I'd go the last 2 weeks of the hunt and hunt right up on the top of Pat Ohara on the 53 boundary....that's a 3+ mile hike in and out everyday....but an easy hike. Start walking 3 hours before sunlight and stay up there until dark...walk back in the dark...watch out for bears at every second.

goldhunter · Mar 12, 2017

Its such big country I would try hard to find a partner and a pony to help get an elk out or consider a guide. Its darn right scary sleeping in a small tent by yourself in Grizzly country. I hunted the old 121, south of the wilderness in 2013. I had originally planned on DIY hunting early but had some health issues at the time so went late. Used an outfitter but it was a half day hunt so didn't learn much direct knowledge, except its a long way back if you are on foot. Snow makes it tough to get around and cover the miles that are needed unless there is lots of snow pushing the elk really low. I wish I could be more help.

Question for you crcountry, can you please discuss the unloading of rifle in a unit you do not have a license for? I totally understand the logic but at the same time don't you have a right to be armed for self defense against the Grizzlies if you are hunting or not. Is there a rule for hand guns only? Do guides travel unloaded where they do not have a license?

crcountry · Mar 12, 2017

Agreed Goldhunter-No need to have an unloaded gun....but, The temptation to grab your gun & put a 380" bull in your scope while he's on the 54 border may be more than most can handle. I figure having a gun unloaded would give me the last few seconds to think about "doing the right thing"!!! There's no fences up there from what I remember, and the boundary lines are what they are (and they've changed over the years). Just having fun of course but I'm sure anybody could fall victim to temptation and that's an easy spot to make a mistake since your walking through unit 54. Thankfully the consequences of doing the wrong thing are just too grave these days. The best option for sure is horses. Hunt off the horses and cover that country everyday. the area isn't gigantic by any means, so going back over it everyday in hopes to catch a monster drifting through would save the legs a daily beat down. I wonder who would guide that area since most of the guides are busy with sheep hunters and their own elk camps. If I were to do that area again I would find a solo guide that had a small team of horses. He wouldn't have to know that area too well, just be a darn good horseman and a hardcore partner. We'd ride up that mountain everyday before sunrise, and find a big one together. drop a monster, quarter him up, load up, and walk him out
Fun hunt
Crcountry

crcountry · Mar 12, 2017

I see that 54-2 and 53-2 both took 7 points this year. High quality hunts for sure, but daily horses would be best.

BCDEER · Mar 13, 2017

Thanks for the input guys, I appreciate any and all input. With the big bears around I will definitely be walking with a loaded rifle, The temptation of a big bull is a non factor. I have passed up shots on some very big animals, Mainly Mule deer (my Favorite!) because I didn't like the shot or wasn't sure of the legality. I agree with the quarter and shuttle idea of getting my Elk out, I had to do that here in AZ this last season. Since it is an any Elk tag do I still have to leave proof of sex on the animal? I tried to find a guide that did drop camps or could at least pack out my Elk but no luck so far but I have time still.

TOPGUN · Mar 13, 2017

Since it is an
>any Elk tag do I
>still have to leave proof
>of sex on the animal?

Nope, and several years ago the law changed so even if you only have a doe or cow tag the evidence of sex doesn't have to remain attached. When we shoot a cow or doe deer/antelope we just put the udder in a ziplock bag, keep that with the meat, and the GWs are happy!