#1 on this list
Thorofare Wilderness (Units 100/101)
Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming, USA
The Thorofare is the epitome of Wyoming's high-country mule deer hunting. Nestled between Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, this vast, remote wilderness requires a multi-day pack-in to even reach its fringes. The setting is classic Greater Yellowstone ecosystem: sprawling meadows, timbered ridges, and alpine basins, all cut by the Yellowstone River and its tributaries. What makes it special is its sheer size and remoteness; pressure from road hunters is non-existent. Access is primarily from the east via Dubois or Cody, requiring a lengthy horse pack-in or a serious backpacking trip over numerous passes. Ideal season is the late archery or early rifle season before heavy snows, typically late September through early October. This is for experienced backpack hunters with excellent physical conditioning and advanced navigation skills. Permits are standard Wyoming deer tags, but wilderness permits may be required for camping in certain areas, which are generally free but must be acquired. Trade-offs include extreme weather variability, long packing distances, and significant grizzly bear encounters. Being self-sufficient and carrying bear spray is non-negotiable. **Highlights** * Vast, roadless wilderness with minimal hunting pressure * Potential for mature, old-growth bucks * Spectacular scenery, often compared to the Tetons or Yellowstone's interior * Excellent opportunities for combined elk and deer hunts * Experience true solitude in the Lower 48's most remote wilderness **Watch-outs** * Extreme remoteness and multi-day pack-in/pack-out * High density of grizzly bears, requiring constant vigilance * Unpredictable and severe mountain weather, even in early fall * Demanding physical exertion and navigation skills required * Limited cell service and no easy bail-out points
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#2 on this list
Cloud Peak Wilderness (Units 39/40)
Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming, USA
The Cloud Peak Wilderness, situated in the heart of the Bighorn Mountains, offers rugged, high-alpine hunting for mature mule deer. It's a land of granite peaks, glacial lakes, and dense timber, with expansive open basins above timberline. The Bighorns are often overlooked for mule deer compared to western Wyoming ranges, but the Cloud Peak Wilderness holds some impressive bucks for those willing to climb. Access points are numerous around the perimeter of the Bighorns, with trailheads originating near Buffalo, Sheridan, or Ten Sleep. A pack-in of 5-10 miles is typical to reach the prime deer country. Late archery and early rifle seasons (mid-September to early October) are ideal, coinciding with crisp, cool weather before heavy snows. This hunt demands good physical fitness, particularly for traversing steep, rocky terrain at elevations often exceeding 9,000-11,000 feet. Permits are standard Wyoming deer tags; wilderness camping permits are generally self-issue at trailheads or not required. Trade-offs include rapid weather changes, potential for early-season snow, and crowded trailheads on weekends, though the backcountry disperses hunters well. **Highlights** * Stunning alpine scenery with abundant lakes and dramatic peaks * Good numbers of quality bucks, especially in less accessible basins * Varied terrain from timbered slopes to open, rocky tundra * Relatively shorter pack-ins compared to Thorofare, but equally steep * Opportunities for high-elevation glassing for trophy animals **Watch-outs** * Steep, demanding climbs at high elevations * Sudden and severe weather shifts, including early snowstorms * Grizzly bears are present, though less common than in western WY * Limited water sources in some of the highest, exposed areas * Trailhead parking can fill up on popular weekends
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Thorofare Wilderness (Units 100/101) | Cloud Peak Wilderness (Units 39/40) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming, USA | Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming, USA |
| Deer Units | 100, 101 | — |
| Primary Access | East via Dubois/Cody (multi-day pack-in) | — |
| Elevation | 7,000 to 11,000+ feet | — |
| Key Terrain | River valleys, timbered slopes, alpine basins | — |
| Primary Wildlife | Mule Deer, Elk, Grizzly Bear, Moose | — |
| Permits | WY Deer Tags, Wilderness permit (free, required) | — |
| Primary Target | — | Mule Deer |
| Elevation Range | — | 9,000 – 11,000+ feet |
| Typical Pack-in | — | 5-10 miles |
| Key Seasons | — | Mid-September to Early October |
| Terrain | — | Rugged alpine, granite peaks, timber, basins |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Thorofare Wilderness (Units 100/101)
- Vast, roadless wilderness with extremely low hunting pressure
- Excellent potential for harvesting mature, old-growth mule deer bucks
- Spectacular, untouched scenery comparable to national parks
- Strong opportunities for combined elk and mule deer hunting
- Experience true solitude and self-reliance in a remote setting
- Extreme remoteness requires multi-day pack-in and pack-out
- High density of grizzly bears demands constant vigilance and bear safety
- Unpredictable and severe mountain weather, even in early fall
- Demanding physical exertion and advanced navigation skills are essential
Cloud Peak Wilderness (Units 39/40)
- Stunning high-alpine scenery with abundant lakes and dramatic peaks
- Good numbers of quality mule deer, especially in remote basins
- Varied terrain offers diverse hunting tactics
- Relatively shorter pack-ins compared to some wilderness areas
- Excellent opportunities for high-elevation glassing
- Steep, demanding climbs at high elevations
- Sudden and severe weather shifts, including early snow
- Grizzly bears are present, requiring caution
- Limited water in some exposed, high-altitude areas
- Trailhead parking can be crowded on popular weekends
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