Wyoming Mule Deer

Unit 020 (Gros Ventre)

Wyoming Hunting Guide — Mule Deer

Unit 20 provides mule deer hunting in the Gros Ventre Range east of Jackson — mountain terrain with aspen draws, timbered ridges, and sage transition zones along the Gros Ventre River drainage. Bucks in the 140-170 class occupy the mountain slopes between 7,000 and 9,500 feet. With 80% public land on Bridger-Teton NF and low-to-moderate pressure, the unit offers a scenic mountain mule deer experience. November rut timing overlaps rifle season for excellent buck visibility.

View Draw Odds Wyoming Hunting Guide

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 020

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 20

Mule deer in Unit 20 occupy the timbered slopes, aspen draws, and sage openings of the Gros Ventre Range.

Early Season

Bucks hold in the aspen draws and mountain mahogany patches between 7,500 and 9,500 feet on the Gros Ventre slopes. The drainages feeding the Gros Ventre River provide quality browse habitat. North-facing timber and aspen stands offer bedding cover during warm early-season days.

Rifle Season

November snow pushes deer to south-facing sage slopes and the lower Gros Ventre valley terrain. The rut moves bucks into the open where they cruise between doe groups on exposed mountainsides. Glass the sage benchlands and aspen edges along the Gros Ventre Road corridor for the best hunting.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 20

Mountain mule deer hunting in the scenic Gros Ventre Range.

Glassing Strategy

Set up on the sage ridges above the Gros Ventre valley at dawn and glass the aspen draws and timbered slopes. The mountain terrain provides excellent long-range visibility across drainages. Bucks feed on exposed slopes early and bed on timbered points by mid-morning.

Rut Tactics

November rut hunting is the most productive approach. Focus on doe concentrations on south-facing slopes of the Gros Ventre Range and watch for cruising bucks. Ridgeline saddles and the draws connecting sage parks serve as natural travel corridors for rutting bucks.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule deer success in Unit 20 averages 28-38% for rifle. The mountain terrain and quality Gros Ventre habitat support consistent deer populations. November rut timing produces the best results as bucks become visible and active on the open mountain slopes.

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 draw with 2-4 preference points. The Jackson Hole area location attracts slightly more applicants than comparable-quality units. Archery tags are more accessible.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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Camp Sites

Dispersed NF camping along Gros Ventre Road. Developed campgrounds in the drainage.

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Road Conditions

Gros Ventre Road is maintained gravel. 4WD helpful for upper forest roads. Snow may close upper access by late October.

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Terrain Difficulty

Moderate to strenuous. Mountain terrain at 7,000-9,500 feet with significant elevation changes.

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Hunting Pressure

Low to moderate. The mountain terrain limits casual hunters.

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Weather

November: 5-35°F. Mountain weather brings early snow and cold. Prepare for winter conditions.

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Cell Service

Good in Jackson. None in the Gros Ventre valley.

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Nearest Town

Jackson (30-45 minutes via Kelly). Full services but expensive. Kelly is the nearest small community.

Note: The Gros Ventre Range offers quality mountain mule deer hunting on expansive public land. Jackson is expensive for lodging — dispersed NF camping keeps costs manageable. Combine with a pronghorn tag for a multi-species trip.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pinedale a good base for mule deer hunting?

Yes. Pinedale puts you in the center of quality mule deer habitat with quick access to hunting areas in all directions. The town has hunter services, reasonable lodging, and a culture built around outdoor recreation.

What size mule deer bucks does Unit 20 produce?

Bucks in the 135-160 class are realistic. The unit is a solid all-around option rather than a trophy-first destination. The scenic setting and multi-species opportunities add value beyond the deer hunting alone.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below.

WGFD Hunt Planner — Pronghorn (Antelope Hunting) — Wyoming Game and Fish Department · supports: Wyoming pronghorn 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 Pronghorn Antelope Area 130 Profile — GOHunt · supports: Hunter-community unit profile, Historical draw odds snapshot, Public-land access overview · accessed 2026-04-16