Plateau Creek Wilderness Study Area (Units 71/72)

While technically a Wilderness Study Area (WSA) and not a full wilderness, Plateau Creek offers a genuine backcountry mule deer hunt in the remote west-central part of Wyoming. This area, west of Dubois, features a mix of sagebrush plateaus, timbered ridges, and rugged drainages. What makes it special is the relatively low hunting pressure and the resident deer herds that find refuge in the broken topography. Access is typically from primitive roads off Highway 26/287, requiring 3-7 mile pack-ins from the end of vehicle travel. Ideal season is the late archery or early rifle season (late September to mid-October), when bucks are often feeding in open areas before the rut. This hunt is suitable for experienced backpackers who are comfortable with off-trail travel and navigating diverse terrain. Standard Wyoming deer tags are required; no special wilderness permits are needed for WSA areas beyond standard BLM regulations. Trade-offs include the potential for limited water sources in higher, drier sections, some grizzly bear presence, and challenging navigation in areas without established trails. It's less 'alpine' than other entries, but equally demanding in its own way. **Highlights** * Less-traveled area offering genuine backcountry experience * Good numbers of resident mule deer, with potential for quality bucks * Diverse terrain from sagebrush flats to timbered canyons * Opportunities for spot-and-stalk hunting in open country * Lower hunter density compared to more popular roaded units **Watch-outs** * Limited water availability in some areas, requiring careful planning * Grizzly bear presence, though less dense than true wilderness to the north * Few established trails, requiring proficient off-trail navigation * Exposure to sun and wind on open plateaus * Vehicle access can be limited by muddy or snow-covered primitive roads