A heavy winter season has resulted in winterkill to Sheridan County’s mule deer and antelope looking, though the unlucky outcome hasn’t extended to elk hunting opportunities. Despite troubled conditions for local wildlife, elk can still be hunted, with good public land access and the ability to draw elk tags in the area.
Despite a challenging winter season resulting in winterkill among the Sheridan County mule deer and antelope herds, elk hunting opportunities remain abundant. Bill Mynatt, who works the firearms counter at the Sportsman’s Warehouse store in Sheridan, reported that chronic wasting disease (CWD) has not been as bad this year, news which hunters in the area welcomed.
Access and Tag Draws
Access to the Bighorn Mountains in Sheridan County is excellent due to its public land offerings, making it the ideal place to hunt elk. Moreover, hunters also have a good chance of drawing tags for the area. To maximize their chances of a successful hunt, people should plan and apply for the elk tag draws in the spring.
Sheridan County’s Bighorn Mountains provide an incredible opportunity for elk hunters, offering excellent public land access and a good chance of drawing tags for the area. Elk herds often stay in the mountains, making it the ideal place to hunt them. Even though hunting elk on private property can be challenging elsewhere in Wyoming, Sheridan County has plenty of resources to ensure successful hunts. People should plan and apply for the elk tag draws in the spring.
Impact of Disease and Winter on Sheridan County Wildlife
Sheridan County has drastically decreased its mule deer and antelope populations due to disease and the harsh winter. Many animals have died or been severely weakened, leading to a sharp decline in numbers. Despite these conditions, the antelope population is expected to recover much faster than the mule deer, as their smaller size and greater agility make them more resilient to environmental changes. However, the disease’s and winter’s long-term effects on the county’s wildlife are yet to be determined.
Sheridan County experienced a significant decline in mule deer and antelope numbers due to disease and the harsh winter, yet despite these adverse conditions, the antelope population is expected to recover much quicker than the mule deer.
Hunting in Sheridan County
Sheridan County is a Prime Destination for Whitetail Hunters
-Tag Allocations Remain Generous
-Avoidance of Winterkill & Blue Tongue Disease
-Story: A Mountain Town Renowned for Abundance of Whitetails
Sheridan County is a prime destination for avid whitetail hunters. Tag allocations remain generous, and the area has primarily avoided winterkill and outbreaks of bluetongue disease that have affected neighboring counties. The story, a small mountain town in Sheridan County, is renowned for its abundance of whitetails, creating an excellent hunting opportunity.
Pheasant and Turkey Hunting in Sheridan County
Sheridan County is renowned for its pheasant and turkey hunting. Game agents often release pheasants onto public hunting grounds, creating tremendous opportunities for those prepared to take advantage of them. For those looking for turkeys, the Ucross area is affluent in these birds, with impressive tom turkeys regularly spotted. Therefore, it is highly recommended that hunters ensure they have a shotgun at hand when planning their bird-hunting trip.
However, Montana’s vast grain fields offer the best opportunity for those looking for an even more significant challenge and the chance to hunt geese. This has prompted many hunters to travel to Montana for these majestic birds.
Hunting Opportunities
Hunting in Wyoming
Wyoming offers various hunting opportunities, including big game, waterfowl, and upland bird hunting. With access to some of the best game in the country, Wyoming is an ideal destination for hunters.
Big Game:
Wyoming provides opportunities to hunt elk, mule deer, antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black bears, and more. The state also has a large population of predators such as coyotes, bobcats, and wolves.
Waterfowl and Upland Bird Hunting:
Wyoming offers excellent waterfowl and upland bird hunting opportunities. Species that can be hunted include ducks, geese, pheasants, quail, grouse, and chukar.
Fishing:
In addition to hunting, Wyoming has excellent fishing spots offering anglers diverse species and various techniques. Popular species include trout, bass, walleye, catfish, and panfish.
Wyoming is an ideal destination for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts alike. It offers a variety of hunting opportunities, from big game-like elk to waterfowl and upland bird hunting. Wyoming also has a great network of public and private lands for hunting, providing access to some of the best games in the country. Additionally, the state is home to excellent fishing spots, offering anglers diverse species and various techniques. With its picturesque landscapes and rich wildlife, Wyoming is the perfect place to experience the thrill of the hunt.
Hunters in Sheridan County have plenty of options for hunting elk despite a challenging winter season. With the Bighorn Mountains and private land access available, it is easy to obtain necessary tags and capitalize on excellent use of the land. Although mule deer and antelope populations have decreased significantly this year due to disease and the harsh winter, the antelope numbers are expected to recover quickly. However, the recovery of the mule deer might take a bit more time.
