Wyoming Pronghorn Elk

Unit 106 (Cheyenne / Laramie County)

Wyoming Hunting Guide — Pronghorn, Elk

Wyoming Pronghorn Area 106 covers the sage and grassland terrain of Laramie County in southeast Wyoming, near the state capital Cheyenne. The unit spans the high plains BLM and state trust lands north and west of Cheyenne, offering accessible pronghorn hunting for front-range hunters. The flat-to-rolling terrain and proximity to major roads make this an approachable first pronghorn hunt option.

View Draw Odds Wyoming Hunting Guide

Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 106

Where to Find Pronghorn in Area 106

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How to Hunt Pronghorn in Area 106

The high plains terrain of Area 106 is excellent for mobile pronghorn hunting from a vehicle base. Drive the BLM and county roads to locate buck groups, then pursue on foot using terrain undulations for cover. Glassing from the top of your vehicle on the open flats allows maximum visibility. This area is well-suited for hunters targeting their first Wyoming pronghorn — terrain demands are minimal and logistics are straightforward.

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Pronghorn Success Rates

Southeast Wyoming pronghorn areas like Area 106 produce consistent rifle harvests given the open terrain and good animal populations. WGFD harvest reports include Area 106 data. The accessible location and straightforward terrain make this one of the state's more beginner-friendly pronghorn areas.

Pronghorn Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— General	76	396	19.2%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Area 106 near Cheyenne draws significant applicant interest from both Wyoming residents and Colorado front-range hunters given its accessibility. Check the WGFD Applications & Drawings page for current Area 106 draw statistics and license availability.

Elk Hunting in Unit 106

Elk Area 106 covers the Snowy Range and Sierra Madre west of Laramie — high-elevation lodgepole and spruce-fir forests on Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. Elk densities are moderate, trophy potential is legitimate in the 280-320 class, and the large public-land footprint gives hunters real freedom. The country is physically demanding with high-elevation basins, dense timber, and genuine backcountry pockets accessible only on foot or horseback.

Where to Find Elk in Area 106

Area 106 elk follow elevation-driven patterns through dense high-country timber.

Archery Season (September)

Bulls hold in the 9,500-10,500 foot basins and cirques below the Medicine Bow Peak area. Focus the headwaters of Rock Creek, Libby Creek, and North French Creek. Wallows in wet meadows and timbered saddles see consistent rut activity.

Rifle Season (October–November)

Snow pushes elk from the highest basins into the 8,500-9,500 foot timbered benches. Ridgelines and saddles between drainages are daily travel routes. North-facing dark timber holds bedded bulls.

Late Season

Heavy November snow drives elk toward the Sierra Madre and lower elevations near WY-130. Migration routes from summer range toward winter range cross predictable pinch points.

How to Hunt Elk in Area 106

Area 106 is a physical, timber-and-basin hunt. Fitness, good optics, and a willingness to get deep pay off.

Basin Glassing

High basins and cirques offer long-distance viewing across open parks and timber edges. Glass from ridgelines at dawn and dusk. Mature bulls often feed on transitional grass benches before retreating into timber.

Still-Hunt the Timber

Dense lodgepole and spruce-fir hold bedded bulls all day. Move into the wind at a slow pace along game trails and benches. Fresh sign — tracks, rubs, wallows — tells you where to spend the day.

Calling During Rut

September rut calling works in the upper basins where acoustics amplify bugles. Locate from high points, then move in on responsive bulls. Timber makes final approaches challenging — commit to the wind.

Backcountry Camping

Spike camps 3-5 miles off trailheads give access to low-pressure country. A reliable backpack setup and cold-weather gear (October-November temps drop below 10°F routinely) are essential.

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle44%

Area 106 rifle elk success averages 18-25%, with archery at 10-14%. Success improves for hunters who backpack away from roads. The Snowy Range's physical demands self-select for motivated hunters, keeping pressure lower than surrounding easier-access units.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— General	126	70	100.0%	0
Rifle— General	42	213	19.7%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Area 106 Type 1 non-resident tags typically draw at 4-7 preference points. Wyoming's 75/25 split gives random applicants a yearly shot. Type 6 (archery) tags draw lower — 1-3 points. Cow tags draw at 0-2 points.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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Road Conditions

County and BLM roads generally accessible by standard 4WD; I-25 and I-80 provide paved access to area staging points

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Terrain Difficulty

Easy — high plains rolling terrain with minimal elevation change

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Hunting Pressure

Moderate to high — Cheyenne proximity and Colorado front-range access drive above-average hunter density

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Nearest Town

Cheyenne (approx. 15–35 mi). Full services — Wyoming's largest city with all hunting supplies, fuel, groceries, lodging, and processing facilities.

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Permit Notes

Check WGFD for current license type and draw requirements for Area 106

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Area 106 suitable for a first-time Wyoming pronghorn hunter?

Yes — Area 106 is one of Wyoming's more accessible pronghorn areas with minimal terrain challenges, proximity to Cheyenne's full services, and good road access throughout the public land. It is a strong option for hunters new to Wyoming pronghorn hunting who want to avoid complex logistics.

Do I need horses for Area 106?

Not required but genuinely helpful. Pack-outs from the high basins can be brutal on foot — 5-8 mile hauls over 2,000 feet of relief. Several Laramie and Saratoga outfitters offer horse-supported drop camps.

Is the Snowy Range Scenic Byway closed during hunting season?

WY-130's high-elevation section typically closes between late October and early November depending on snow. Always check current road status with WYDOT before the hunt.

What's the trophy potential?

Legitimate 300+ class bulls are taken every year. Most mature bulls fall in the 280-300 range. Deep backcountry hunts produce the biggest bulls.

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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 — Antelope — Wyoming Game and Fish Department · supports: Area 106 boundaries, License types, Season structure · accessed 2026-04-17
WGFD Hunting Regulations Hub — Wyoming Game and Fish Department · supports: Season dates, Bag limits, Weapon restrictions · accessed 2026-04-17
WGFD Preference Points — Wyoming Game and Fish Department · supports: Preference point system, Application period, Draw statistics · accessed 2026-04-17
WGFD Harvest Reports & Surveys — Wyoming Game and Fish Department · supports: Area 106 harvest data, Hunter success rates · accessed 2026-04-17
WGFD Hunt Planner — Elk — Wyoming Game and Fish Department · supports: Area 106 boundary, Season structure, Type 1/6/9 license breakdown · accessed 2026-04-17
Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest — USDA Forest Service · supports: Snowy Range and Sierra Madre public lands, Motor vehicle use map, Wilderness boundaries · accessed 2026-04-17