Wyoming Elk Mule Deer Whitetail Pronghorn

Unit 069 (Bighorn)

Wyoming Hunting Guide — Elk, Mule Deer, Whitetail, Pronghorn

Unit 69 covers the eastern slope of the Bighorn Mountains in Johnson and Sheridan Counties — a productive elk unit with 68% public land and above-average trophy potential. The terrain mixes dark timber, aspen parks, and sage-covered foothills accessible from Buffalo and Sheridan. Bulls in the 290-330 class inhabit the timbered mountain slopes, and moderate hunting pressure keeps the herd healthy. The Bighorn NF trail system provides reasonable access without extreme wilderness logistics.

View Draw Odds Wyoming Hunting Guide

Elk Hunting in Unit 069

Where to Find Elk in Unit 69

Elk in Unit 69 use the eastern Bighorn Mountains from the foothill sage to the high timber in Johnson and Sheridan Counties.

Archery Season (September)

Bulls rut in the spruce-fir timber and meadow systems between 8,500 and 10,000 feet. The drainages on the east face of the Bighorns — Clear Creek, Rock Creek, and Piney Creek — hold rutting bulls in the dark timber parks above Buffalo and Story.

Rifle Season (October–November)

Snow pushes elk into the lower timber benches (7,500-9,000 feet) and eventually onto the sage-covered eastern foothills. The transition from timber to sage along the eastern mountain front creates productive hunting as elk stage in predictable patterns moving toward the Powder River basin lowlands.

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 69

The eastern Bighorns offer a range of hunting approaches from road-accessible to moderate backcountry.

Eastern Mountain Front

The transition where timber meets sage along the eastern Bighorn front above Buffalo and Sheridan is prime rifle territory. Set up overlooking these edges at dawn. Elk feed out of the timber onto sage slopes, especially in the early morning and late evening.

Timber Tactics

Still-hunting through the dark timber on windy days is effective. The Bighorn timber is thick but broken by parks and meadows. Work the edges of these openings methodically along the creek drainages.

Trail System Access

The Bighorn NF has an extensive trail system on the eastern slope. Hike or ride 2-4 miles in from trailheads off US-16 or the Red Grade Road to access lower-pressure elk habitat. The trail system makes this unit manageable without extreme wilderness logistics.

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Elk Success Rates

Unit 69 rifle success averages 18-25%. Archery success runs 8-12%. The accessible eastern slope terrain means more hunters, but the extensive habitat absorbs pressure well. Success improves significantly when early snow pushes elk out of the high timber toward the eastern foothills.

Elk Draw Odds

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

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Non-resident Type 1 elk tags for Unit 69 require 4-7 preference points. Type 6 archery tags draw with 1-3 points. This is one of the more accessible quality elk units in Wyoming, offering above-average hunting at moderate draw requirements.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 069

Unit 69 provides solid mule deer hunting along the eastern foothills of the Bighorn Mountains in Johnson and Sheridan Counties. Bucks in the 140-165 class inhabit the sage and aspen transitions where the mountains meet the Powder River basin. The 68% public land base and moderate hunting pressure support consistent deer populations. November rut hunts on the sage-covered eastern foothills are the most productive approach.

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 69

Mule deer in Unit 69 concentrate in the foothill transition zone below the eastern Bighorn Mountain timber in Johnson and Sheridan Counties.

Early Season

Bucks hold in the aspen draws and mountain mahogany patches between 6,500 and 8,000 feet on the eastern Bighorn face above Buffalo and Story. These areas offer quality browse and bedding cover through the warm early season.

Rifle Season

November pushes deer onto the sage-covered foothill benches along the eastern mountain front. The rut moves bucks into the open sage country where they cruise between doe groups. Glass the benchlands between Buffalo and Sheridan for the highest deer density.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 69

Classic sage-foothill mule deer hunting with good road access from the I-90 corridor.

Glassing

Set up on high points overlooking the sage benches at dawn. The eastern Bighorn foothills above Buffalo provide excellent long-range glassing. Cover maximum ground with optics before committing to stalks.

Sage Stalk

Bedded bucks on sage points are approachable using draws and terrain folds. Wind is consistent along the eastern mountain front — use it to your advantage on approach.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule deer success in Unit 69 averages 35-45% for rifle hunters. The open sage terrain on the eastern Bighorn foothills makes deer visible and the moderate hunting pressure supports a healthy population. November rut hunts produce the best results.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

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

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Non-resident mule deer tags draw with 1-3 preference points. Archery tags frequently available as leftover. One of the more accessible deer tags in the Bighorn region.

Whitetail Hunting in Unit 069

Unit 69 holds a huntable whitetail population along the irrigated creek bottoms and agricultural edges of Johnson and Sheridan Counties on the eastern Bighorn Mountain front. Bucks in the 120-145 class inhabit the cottonwood riparian corridors along Clear Creek, Piney Creek, and adjacent hay fields near Buffalo and Sheridan. While not a destination whitetail unit, it offers a bonus opportunity for hunters already in the area pursuing mule deer or elk. Access requires landowner relationships or Walk-In Area (WIA) parcels.

Where to Find Whitetail in Unit 69

Whitetail in Unit 69 are tightly associated with the agricultural creek bottoms along the eastern Bighorn foothills in Johnson and Sheridan Counties.

Habitat

Look for whitetail in the cottonwood-lined creek bottoms, irrigated hay fields, and shelterbelts along Clear Creek near Buffalo, Piney Creek near Story, and the agricultural lands between Buffalo and Sheridan. Deer concentrate where agriculture meets natural riparian cover. They do not range into the mountain timber like mule deer.

Rifle Season

November rut activity makes bucks visible along field edges and creek crossings. Focus on the transitions between agricultural fields and cottonwood cover at dawn and dusk.

How to Hunt Whitetail in Unit 69

Whitetail hunting here follows classic agricultural-country patterns along the eastern Bighorn creek bottoms.

Stand Hunting

Treestand or ground blind hunting along creek crossings and field edges is the most effective approach. Identify travel corridors between bedding cover and feeding fields along Clear Creek or Piney Creek, then set up downwind.

Spot-and-Stalk

During the rut, bucks cruise the creek bottoms in daylight. Glass from high points overlooking the riparian corridors and intercept moving bucks at terrain pinch points.

Access

Most whitetail habitat is on private agricultural land in the Buffalo-Sheridan corridor. Wyoming's Walk-In Areas (WIA) provide some public access. Building landowner relationships is important for consistent access.

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Whitetail Success Rates

Whitetail success in Unit 69 is variable and depends largely on access. Hunters with private land permission report 40-50% success. Public-land-only hunters face lower odds due to limited WIA parcels. The November rut is the most productive window.

Whitetail Draw Odds

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

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Whitetail tags in Unit 69 are relatively easy to draw, often requiring 0-2 preference points or available as leftover. Demand is low since most hunters focus on mule deer and elk. A whitetail tag is a good add-on for hunters already planning a trip to the area.

Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 069

Area 69 runs north of Rawlins along the Great Divide Basin edge and Ferris Mountains foothills. It combines classic sage pronghorn country with BLM access and scattered HMAs. Buck quality is solid (13-15 inches common) and the unit offers a good balance of access, distance from major population centers, and reasonable draw odds for non-residents.

Where to Find Pronghorn in Area 69

Area 69 pronghorn range across BLM sage country north of Rawlins and into the Ferris Mountain foothills.

Opening Week

Glass bachelor groups on benches along WY-287 north of Muddy Gap and in the country toward the Ferris Mountains.

Mid-Season

Animals disperse to less-pressured BLM parcels. HMA walk-in areas produce good mid-season bucks for patient hunters.

Late Season

Winter herds concentrate on south-facing benches and near reliable water sources.

How to Hunt Pronghorn in Area 69

Area 69 is a classic glass-and-stalk unit with meaningful HMA access for walkers.

Road Circuits

Plan a morning loop along WY-287 and the BLM mains leading east and west. Glass every ridgetop.

HMA Walk-Ins

WGFD walk-in blocks deliver access to private ranchland. Sign in and hike — mature bucks often bed 800+ yards off parking areas.

Water Ambush

Windmill tanks and spring seeps produce consistent midday shots in dry conditions.

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Pronghorn Success Rates

Area 69 rifle success averages 78-86%. Days-per-harvest runs 3. Hunters who combine road circuits with at least one HMA walk-in consistently beat the average.

Pronghorn Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— General	59	186	31.7%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Area 69 Type 1 non-resident tags draw at 1-3 preference points in most years. Wyoming's 75/25 preference/random split gives all applicants annual opportunity. Doe tags draw at 0 points.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

Some developed campgrounds handle RVs. No hookups in the forest.

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Camp Sites

Dispersed camping along Bighorn NF roads. Developed campgrounds along Clear Creek and the US-16 corridor.

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Water

Good along Clear Creek, Rock Creek, Piney Creek, and other eastern Bighorn drainages.

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Road Conditions

US-16 over Powder River Pass is paved. Forest roads are gravel, 4WD helpful in late season. Red Grade Road provides access from Sheridan side.

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Terrain Difficulty

Moderate. The eastern Bighorns are steep but not extreme. Trail access is good.

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Hunting Pressure

Moderate. The accessible terrain from Buffalo and Sheridan draws hunters. Push away from roads for better hunting.

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Weather

Snow and cold from mid-October. The east slope can get early storms. Prepare for winter conditions.

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Cell Service

None in the forest. Good service in Buffalo and Sheridan.

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Nearest Town

Buffalo (20-40 minutes from main access). Basic services including gear shops and lodging. Sheridan offers full services 30 minutes north.

Note: Buffalo is a well-equipped staging town for eastern Bighorn hunts. The I-90 corridor between Buffalo and Sheridan provides convenient access to the mountain front. Stock up before heading into the NF.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Unit 69 good for a first Wyoming elk hunt?

Yes. The Bighorn Mountains offer quality elk hunting with more manageable terrain and lower draw requirements than the NW Wyoming wilderness units. Day hunting from a vehicle camp is feasible, making it a good option for first-time Wyoming hunters.

How does Unit 69 compare to Unit 70 for elk?

Unit 69 is more accessible with slightly lower trophy potential but easier draw odds. Unit 70 (Cloud Peak) offers wilderness-quality hunting with higher trophy potential but requires more points and deeper backcountry commitment.

What size mule deer bucks does Unit 69 produce?

Bucks in the 140-165 class are realistic. The unit is a solid all-around deer destination rather than a trophy-first unit. The open sage terrain and moderate pressure make for enjoyable, productive hunting.

Is Unit 69 a good whitetail destination?

It is a bonus opportunity rather than a destination. Bucks in the 120-145 class are available along the agricultural creek bottoms, but access is the main challenge since most habitat is private. Best as an add-on to a mule deer or elk hunt in the same unit.

Do I need private land access for whitetail in Unit 69?

Strongly recommended. Most quality whitetail habitat is on private agricultural land. Wyoming's Walk-In Areas provide some public access, but the best hunting typically requires landowner permission.

How does Area 69 compare to nearby Areas 25 and 48?

Area 69 sits between them — easier to draw than Area 48, similar access profile to Area 25. Good choice for hunters wanting a balanced unit.

Are there lodging options in Sinclair?

Sinclair has limited lodging. Rawlins (10 minutes west) is the practical base with multiple motels.

Best caliber for this unit?

Flat-shooting .243-6.5 PRC class rifles handle the wind-affected 300-500 yard shots typical in Area 69.

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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 69 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 69 Profile — GOHunt · supports: Hunter-community unit profile, Historical draw odds snapshot, Public-land access overview · accessed 2026-04-16
WGFD Hunt Planner — Pronghorn — Wyoming Game and Fish Department · supports: Area 69 boundary, Quotas and license types · accessed 2026-04-17
BLM Rawlins Field Office — Bureau of Land Management · supports: Area 69 BLM landownership, Access road network · accessed 2026-04-17
WGFD Walk-In & HMA Access — Wyoming Game and Fish Department · supports: Area 69 HMA and walk-in listings · accessed 2026-04-17

Unit 069 (Bighorn)

Elk Hunting in Unit 069

Where to Find Elk in Unit 69

Archery Season (September)

Rifle Season (October–November)

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 69

Elk Success Rates

Elk Draw Odds

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 069

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 69

Early Season

Rifle Season

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 69

Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Whitetail Hunting in Unit 069

Where to Find Whitetail in Unit 69

Habitat

Rifle Season

How to Hunt Whitetail in Unit 69

Whitetail Success Rates

Whitetail Draw Odds

Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 069

Where to Find Pronghorn in Area 69

Opening Week

Mid-Season

Late Season

How to Hunt Pronghorn in Area 69

Pronghorn Success Rates

Pronghorn Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources & Verification