unit 119 deer questions

robAK1972 · Mar 8, 2008

Have talked to biologist who said theres alot of younger deer,large ranches and not what it used to be. Also talked to outfitters said still one of the best units to draw. Researched this unit has excellent success rate and decent drawing odds. Just wondering if anyone has hunted this unit lately could give me the skinny on situation. I have 2 pref. and would like as much info as possible, thanks..

Wyo · Mar 9, 2008

The biologists are right, there are very few larger mature bucks in the area anymore. In fact the number one comment on hunter surveys indicated that the area lacks quality bucks...and I whole heartedly agree. I finally drew this area last year as a resident after 8 different attempts and needless to say I was disapointed in the deer hunting in 119. I know the area like the back of my hand and I hunted hard for 8 days straight and only found one buck worth shooting and he was a 26-28" 4x3. He was on or very near private so I let him go. I was averaging more than 10 miles per day on foot, scouring the area just trying to find a 160" class buck with no luck. I wasn't passing up tons of 150-159 bucks either. Most all of the bucks were 150 or less. I've hunted general areas with better quality bucks. I'm not sure what has happened to this area over the years, (nor do I think the G&F know what has happened), but it is not what it used to be. I hunted mostly the lower country as there are even fewer deer up high and you have to contend with elk hunters. I never saw a shortage of deer, but every time I found a group of does it was being run by small 4 or 3 points. I just kept thinking that due to the remoteness of the areas I hunted and the amount of deer and lack of hunters I would surely find a good buck. I never did. Although I do have somewhat of a mule deer jinx! I may put in for the area again this year in case I draw because I do know of a few bucks that will be definate shooters this year. This area is no longer a good quality deer area, but I still like it because I can hunt in November which spreads my hunting season out some. The reason the success rate is high is because there are lots of road hunters who are happy to blast 20" 4 pointers. This could be a reason not many bucks make it to become big. If I were you I would maybe look at other areas that may interest you. I am not trying to discourage you from applying for this area, because it does still hold a few good bucks, it's just anymore they are far and few between. Check the link below and read the information about area 119 starting on page 49. It will give you some insight as to how this deer herd is doing. In fact if you want to see how any herd in the state is doing just click on the 2006 Job Completion Report about half way down the page on the second link.

http://gf.state.wy.us/wildlife/jobcompletionreports/Region 2 - Cody - b Mule Deer.pdf

2006 Job Completion Report (this link)
http://gf.state.wy.us/wildlife/index.asp