Wyoming Elk Mule Deer Antelope

Unit 007 (Laramie Peak)

Wyoming Hunting Guide — Elk, Mule Deer, Antelope

Area 7 covers the Laramie Peak region of the Laramie Mountains in southeast Wyoming — pine-covered mountains rising sharply from the surrounding plains. With 65% public land on Medicine Bow National Forest, moderate hunting pressure, and solid trophy potential, this area produces bulls in the 280-320 class. The terrain ranges from open grassland foothills to dense ponderosa pine ridges above 8,000 feet. Elevation tops out near 10,276 feet at Laramie Peak itself.

View Draw Odds Wyoming Hunting Guide

Elk Hunting in Unit 007

Where to Find Elk in Area 7

Elk in Area 7 follow seasonal patterns driven by the pine-covered ridges and grassland transitions of the Laramie Mountains.

Archery Season (September)

Bulls hold in the dark timber and aspen pockets between 7,500 and 9,500 feet on and around Laramie Peak. Focus on the upper drainages of La Prele Creek, Deer Creek, and the timbered benches along the crest of the Laramie Range. Wallows concentrate in the spruce-fir stringers and north-facing aspen stands.

Rifle Season (October–November)

Once rifle season opens, elk shift from the high timber toward lower transitional terrain. The pine-covered ridges between 7,000 and 8,500 feet hold the most animals. Key areas include the drainages feeding east toward the North Platte and the timbered draws on the west side of the range above Esterbrook.

Late Season Movement

Late-season snow pushes elk off the Laramie Peak summit area into the lower foothills and sage-grassland edges. The transition zones along Forest Road 671 and the La Prele Creek corridor see significant late-season elk movement.

How to Hunt Elk in Area 7

Area 7 rewards hunters who combine timber skills with knowledge of the mountain's elevation-driven elk movements.

Timber Ridge Hunting

The ponderosa pine ridges and mixed-conifer slopes of Laramie Peak are prime still-hunting terrain. Work slowly along the ridgeline benches between 7,500 and 9,000 feet, glassing through the open pine stands. Elk bed on north-facing timber slopes and feed on the grassy south-facing openings.

Calling During the Rut

September archery hunters find responsive bulls in the upper drainages around Laramie Peak. The steep, timbered canyons amplify bugles and make locating bulls straightforward. Set up near wallows and meadow edges in the dark timber and call aggressively during peak rut.

Grassland-Timber Edge

The transition where ponderosa pine meets open grassland on the lower slopes is productive during rifle season. Set up overlooking these edges at dawn and dusk — elk feed on the open grass and retreat into timber cover by mid-morning.

Access Routes

Forest Road 671 and the network of spur roads off it provide vehicle access into the core of the Laramie Peak area. Hike 1-3 miles from road access for reduced pressure and better elk concentrations.

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle44%

Area 7 elk success rates average 20-28% for rifle and 10-14% for archery. The timbered terrain filters out casual hunters and rewards those who invest time learning the mountain. Success improves after early October snowfall pushes elk out of the highest timber into more huntable transition zones.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— General	672	30	100.0%
Rifle— General	294	123	100.0%
Rifle— General	1007	3,496	28.8%

Data from 2024 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Wyoming uses a preference point system with a 75/25 split — 75% of tags go to max-point holders and 25% are drawn randomly with weighted bonus point entries. Non-resident elk tags for Area 7 Type 1 (any weapon) require 5-8 preference points. Type 6 (archery) tags are more accessible at 2-4 points. The random component means lower-point applicants occasionally draw.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 007

Area 7 offers quality mule deer hunting in the transitional zones of the Laramie Mountains. Bucks in the 150-170 class show up regularly in the pine-grassland edges, and the 65% public land base on Medicine Bow NF gives walk-in hunters real opportunity. The lower creek bottoms and grass-covered benches below Laramie Peak hold the best deer concentrations, particularly during the November rut.

Where to Find Mule Deer in Area 7

Mule deer in Area 7 occupy the mid-elevation transition zones of the Laramie Mountains, favoring the pine-grassland edges below the elk country.

Early Season (September–Early October)

Bucks hold in the aspen draws and mountain mahogany patches between 6,500 and 8,000 feet. The north-facing draws along La Prele Creek and Deer Creek concentrate deer on browse-rich slopes. Glass the edges of aspen and pine stands at dawn and dusk.

Rifle Season (October–November)

As temperatures drop, deer shift to south-facing sage-grass benches and the lower creek bottoms along the eastern foothills. The November rut pushes bucks into the open — glass the grassland flats and ridgeline saddles where does congregate. The terrain along the lower Laramie Range foothills near Esterbrook is productive during the rut.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Area 7

Mule deer hunting here rewards glassing-focused hunters who cover ground efficiently across the pine-grassland transition.

Spot-and-Stalk

The open grassland benches and broken foothill terrain allow excellent glassing. Set up on pine-covered ridgetops overlooking the creek drainages at first light. Bucks feed into the open grass early, then bed on timbered points and ridgeline benches by mid-morning. Plan stalks using draws and pine stringers to close within range.

Rut Hunting

November rifle season overlaps the mule deer rut. Glass doe groups on south-facing grass slopes below the pine timber — mature bucks cruise between groups. Saddles connecting the major drainages of the Laramie Range are natural funnels for rutting bucks.

Access

Vehicle access along FR 671 and county roads from Douglas and Wheatland puts you within hiking distance of quality deer habitat. Most deer hunting happens within 1-3 miles of road, making this species more accessible than elk in this area.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule deer success rates in Area 7 average 38-48% for rifle hunters and 12-18% for archery. The area produces good numbers of mature bucks thanks to the timbered terrain filtering out casual pressure. November rut hunts yield the highest success as bucks become more visible and less cautious.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Draw odds data not available for this specific unit/species combination in our database.

Search Wyoming Draw Odds

Non-resident mule deer tags for Area 7 are moderately competitive, typically requiring 2-4 preference points for Type 1 tags. Type 6 archery tags often draw with 1-2 points or occasionally as leftover. Deer tags are generally easier to draw than elk in this area, making it a good option for hunters building elk points who want to hunt the same Laramie Mountains terrain.

Antelope Hunting in Unit 007

Wyoming's Unit 007 pronghorn hunt is administered by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) as a limited-quota big-game tag. Applicants enter through Wyoming's preference-point draw, where accumulated preference points advance you in line for the unit's limited-quota tag pool.

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 007

WGFD manages pronghorn distribution and habitat for Unit 007. Consult the WGFD Hunt Planner and unit management notes for the agency's most current distribution information.

How to Hunt Pronghorn in Unit 007

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Antelope Success Rates

WGFD publishes harvest and draw statistics by unit. The chart above reflects the data WGFD reports for the Unit 007 pronghorn tag.

Antelope Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— General	267	365	73.2%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Wyoming pronghorn tags are drawn through WGFD's preference-point draw. Accumulated preference points advance you in line for the unit's limited-quota tag pool.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

Limited. Some developed campgrounds accommodate smaller RVs. Douglas has full-service RV parks.

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Camp Sites

Dispersed camping along Forest Road 671 and spur roads on Medicine Bow NF. Esterbrook area has developed campground options. Backcountry camping unrestricted on the national forest.

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Trailer Access

FR 671 handles horse trailers to main trailheads. Spur roads narrow quickly — scout before hauling stock trailers.

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Water

Moderate. La Prele Creek, Deer Creek, and seasonal tributaries provide water. Springs on the mountain are reliable at higher elevations. Always treat backcountry sources.

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Road Conditions

FR 671 is maintained gravel. Spur roads are rougher and may require 4WD in late season. Early snow can close upper access quickly.

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Terrain Difficulty

Moderate to strenuous. Pine-covered ridges with elevation gains of 1,500-2,500 feet from access roads. Less extreme than NW Wyoming wilderness but still demands good fitness.

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Hunting Pressure

Moderate. The Laramie Mountains draw regional hunters from Casper, Douglas, and Cheyenne. Pressure concentrates within 1-2 miles of roads.

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Weather

Expect freezing temperatures and snow by mid-October. Winds on exposed ridges are strong and persistent. Pack layers for 15-45°F conditions.

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Cell Service

None on the mountain. Limited service in Douglas and Wheatland. Satellite communicator recommended for backcountry hunts.

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Nearest Town

Douglas (45 minutes from main access). Full services. Wheatland is an alternative staging point from the south.

Note: Stock up on fuel and supplies in Douglas before heading to the mountain. The Laramie Peak area is more remote than it appears on a map — the last 20 miles to trailheads are slow gravel roads.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many preference points do I need for Wyoming Unit 7 elk?

Non-resident Type 1 (any weapon) tags typically require 8-12 preference points. Type 6 (archery) tags draw with 3-6 points. Wyoming's 25% random component means lower-point applicants occasionally draw.

Are there grizzly bears in Wyoming Unit 7?

Yes. Unit 7 is core grizzly habitat. Bear spray is mandatory, and proper food storage is essential. Report all bear encounters to Wyoming Game & Fish.

Do I need horses to hunt Unit 7?

Not required, but strongly recommended. Pack-outs from backcountry kills can exceed 8 miles over steep terrain. Several outfitters in Cody offer horse-supported drop camps.

What size mule deer bucks does Unit 7 produce?

Bucks in the 160-180 class are realistic for patient hunters. Occasional 180+ bucks come from the more remote drainages. The unit is not a trophy-only destination but consistently produces mature deer.

Can I hunt mule deer and elk in Unit 7 the same year?

Yes, if you draw both tags. Many hunters apply for the easier-to-draw deer tag while building preference points for elk. You can hunt both species during overlapping seasons.

How are pronghorn tags drawn for Unit 007?

WGFD issues pronghorn tags through Wyoming's preference-point draw, administered by the Department for resident and nonresident applicants.

Where do I find the official WGFD hunt information for this unit?

WGFD posts the Hunt Planner, current regulations, and Applications & Drawings pages on wgfd.wyo.gov. Those resources carry the authoritative boundary, season dates, and quota.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-17.

WGFD Hunt Planner — Elk (Elk Hunting) — Wyoming Game and Fish Department · supports: Wyoming elk hunt area boundaries, Season structure (rifle/archery), Non-resident quotas and Special vs Regular license structure, Land-ownership overview · accessed 2026-04-16
WGFD Hunting Regulations Hub — Wyoming Game and Fish Department · supports: Current regulation brochures (Commission Regs Ch. 1, 4, etc.), License classes and draw structure, Season proclamations · accessed 2026-04-16
WGFD Preference Points — Wyoming Game and Fish Department · supports: Preference point system rules, Application deadlines (resident + non-resident), Point purchase periods · accessed 2026-04-16
WGFD Harvest Reports & Surveys — Wyoming Game and Fish Department · supports: Hunter success rates per hunt area, Total harvest data by species and area, Mandatory harvest reporting via 'Make Your Hunt Count' · accessed 2026-04-16
Wyoming Elk Elk Area 7 Profile — GOHunt · supports: Hunter-community unit profile, Historical draw odds snapshot, Public-land access overview · accessed 2026-04-16
WGFD Hunt Planner — Mule Deer (Mule Deer Hunting) — Wyoming Game and Fish Department · supports: Wyoming mule deer hunt area boundaries, Season structure (rifle/archery), Non-resident quotas and Special vs Regular license structure, Land-ownership overview · accessed 2026-04-16
Wyoming Mule Deer Deer Area 7 Profile — GOHunt · supports: Hunter-community unit profile, Historical draw odds snapshot, Public-land access overview · accessed 2026-04-16
WGFD Hunt Planner — Wyoming Game and Fish Department · supports: Unit 007 pronghorn hunt boundaries, Season dates and quotas · accessed 2026-04-17
WGFD Regulations — Wyoming Game and Fish Department · supports: Pronghorn regulation framework, License and tag rules · accessed 2026-04-17
WGFD Applications & Drawings — Wyoming Game and Fish Department · supports: Preference-point draw procedures, Application timelines and fees · accessed 2026-04-17

Unit 007 (Laramie Peak)

Elk Hunting in Unit 007

Where to Find Elk in Area 7

Archery Season (September)

Rifle Season (October–November)

Late Season Movement

How to Hunt Elk in Area 7

Elk Success Rates

Elk Draw Odds

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 007

Where to Find Mule Deer in Area 7

Early Season (September–Early October)

Rifle Season (October–November)

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Area 7

Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Antelope Hunting in Unit 007

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 007

How to Hunt Pronghorn in Unit 007

Antelope Success Rates

Antelope Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Explore Related Units

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Unit 7 — Mule Deer

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources & Verification