Unit 45 Type 1 Elk

SQTaxidermy · Mar 11, 2017

Hello Monster Muleys,
I have bounced in and out of the forums for years, I especially like the Shed Hunter?s forum with the ATL photos, but have never posted much. I was fortunate enough to start hunting at a young age and started my boys at a young age as well. I have taught Hunter?s Education for 7+ years to help share my passion of the outdoors. I have done European Mounts for years and now have a full taxidermy shop (garage) up and going.
I have hunted several states and now have the opportunity to take one of my boys to Wyoming to hunt Elk in Unit 45 Type 1. I put him in thinking he would build points but, he somehow pulled the tag with two points! Now I am scrambling to learn as much as I can about the unit. I have tried the biologist but have been playing phone tag since I learned that he drew?
So, here I am, first post and asking for any suggestions or input on the area, at least as a starting point. Several guides have contacted us, but we really like DIY hunts and with fees now days DIY is the main option! Thanks in advance for any advice. If I can be any help with Colorado, Nevada, or New Mexico let me know.
Thank and Happy Hunting,

Togwotee · Mar 11, 2017

You can hunt it DIY better than a lot of units. there is a wilderness area you can't hunt and this could limit your trophy quality under some circumstances. I would hunt the last week of season myself but that's just my preference.

If your expectations are reasonable you're going to have a great hunt. in general there are elk just about anywhere early in the season. access is good , don't get hung up on trying to get miles from a road. the biggest bull I've seen in the unit was on the hi way near Lilly Lake. late season if the weather cooperates they come down lower and more in the open. the deer hunters are gone as well as many of the elk hunters. good access then will be out the road from Deer Haven which leads to a LOT great hunting country.

I've hunted Moose and elk in this unit and I know it fairly well but I don't claim to know it all. PM me if you'd like and I'll try to get you started in the right direction.

Stay Thirsty My Friends

SQTaxidermy · Mar 12, 2017

Thanks for the response Togwotee! Expectations are reasonable, I think...
He was able to draw the Utah Late Season tag when he was 12 and harvested a good 4X5. For this Unit 45 tag we are hoping for a six point, not real picky beyond that. I'll keep you posted on what our plan is, thanks again for the response and encouragement.

callsalot · Mar 13, 2017

I also drew 45-1 tag and have another post already started on it from when I was trying to decide what unit to put in for. I'm assuming you talking more rifle hunting. I will be pushing real hard to harvest archery and then rifle as a backup. Keep in touch and as I learn from my research and also from when I'm there hunting archery I would be happy to share with you what I learn.
Good luck to you and your son!

Togwotee · Mar 13, 2017

If a 6 point will make you happy your chances are good. if you said the six point needed to be 330+ I'd say it's going to be tough. if you said 350+ I'd say good luck.

Stay Thirsty My Friends

SQTaxidermy · Mar 17, 2017

That would be great callsalot! I have talked to the biologist, have maps on the way, and have studied Google Earth. I have a couple spots I want to check out for a summer scouting trip...
For his hunt we will be focusing on rifle.
Good luck on the archery hunt, there is nothing like archery hunting elk!