I have hunted it off and on since 76. Lots'a hunters,lots'a outfitters( Actually too many outfitters).Certain areas get a lot of road hunting other areas are not accessible unless you have a horse or shanks mare.
The dividing line that runs roughly from Meeker or Trappers Lake, allows ATV's to the south,but none to the north.Of course any wilderness areas do not permit any type of wheeled vehicle, bicycles and game carts included.The northern areas run a lot of sheep that you have to contend with in the early seasons.
It does boast the largest elk herd, but also emcompasses one of the largest areas. Consequently, there isn't an elk behind every tree.
You can go up on top in July and early August and see herds a few hundred. Once the first arrow is slung and muzzle loader cap is busted,they peel off the top and head for the rocky sides and dense blow down timber,which there are miles of.
To make matters worse,the DOW has been running a rifle ,cow season in mid sept and if the archers and ML 's don't do it, then the elk get pushed harder from that. A few ares,25 etc.,offer OTC cow tags with a cap and I think they let 2000 tags out ,which are neve completely sold out.
I don't known if all units are B tag areas which permit two elk, but many of them are. In addition some of the units are B tag for deer also. I have taken quite few bulls out in the early years,but they are few and far between.My biggest was a 5x6 , but 5x's and 4x's are the rule and one best shoot the first legal bull they see or more often than not they will go home empty handed.I haven't had a problem taking a cow each year, but they don't come easy for sure.I usually hunt elsewehere with ML tag and then pick up a cow tag for the later season, but on occasion I have been able to take a cow and a bull or two cows.
Generally it is as has been posted. Any pressure and the elk head for private ground and the DOW isn't helping that problem much.
Couple years ago a guy from PA gave me because I sat under a big pine tree that I have sat under for 20 years or so and he claimed I screwed up his hunting area. A lot of new guys think thyey have found some kind of honey hole I guess.
Good area to get your feet wet, but get use to hunter orange, ATV's, road hunters, generators running all night and outfitters pack strings of 25+ animals all over the place.
Hellava good time though!!!!!
