Wyoming Elk Hunting DIY & Guided Options

[Steve Chappell]

Have been hunting CO for Elk DIY the last three years and would like to give WY at trip one of these years.  I have a couple preference points so I think I am good to go in the next year or so.   Are there any restrictions in WY for out of state hunters to DIY Elk hunting?  Any suggestions where a good area for an out of state hunter to go?  Any suggestions on outfitters who are traditional friendly and reasonably priced?

[centaur]

As a non resident, you can't hunt designated wilderness without a guide. That still leaves lots of public land that is available. Sorry, can't help with trad oriented outfitters. If you aren't worried about grizzlies, look at the area around Dubois (areas 67,68, 69). There are usually leftover type 9 (archery only) tags in those areas that would be valid for the month of September.

[Steve O]

Steve,

If you are going guided, the Wilderness areas play to your favor.  You typically don't need as many points there as a NR.

Can't help with outfitters, sorry.

[FerretWYO]

I can't really say what outfitters cater to trad per say.  Though the northwest corner is some good country.

[8Crow]

So, from the WY Game & Fish site:

"No nonresident shall hunt big or trophy game animals on any designated wilderness area, as defined by federal or state law, in Wyoming unless accompanied by a licensed professional guide or a resident guide. There shall be at least one (1) licensed professional guide or resident guide accompanying each two (2) nonresident hunters. A resident guide shall not guide more than two (2) hunters in any calendar year on any national forest, wilderness area, national game refuge, or national park. Any resident possessing a valid big or trophy game animal license shall apply for and receive a free resident guide license prior to guiding any nonresident in designated wilderness areas. A resident guide license may be obtained at no charge from Cheyenne Headquarters, Regional Offices and district game wardens. "

So basically, any Wyoming resident with an elk tag could be a guide for up to two people...  I'm in a similar boat as the OP and wondering where to get started in this process.  Is it worth the effort to find someone in WY that would go with you, or are the other non-Wilderness areas just as good?

[Lost Arra]

Dumb rule