#8 on this list
Fitzpatrick Wilderness (Unit 90)
Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming, USA
The Fitzpatrick Wilderness is located in the northern Wind River Range, directly east of Grand Teton National Park, and encompasses some of Wyoming's most glaciated peaks. This is a truly high-altitude environment, featuring rugged granite, vast snowfields, and numerous alpine lakes. What makes it special for mule deer is the extremely challenging terrain that funnels deer into specific basins and keeps human pressure low. Access points are limited, primarily from the Torrey Creek and Trail Lakes trailheads near Dubois, requiring a significant pack-in, often 7-15 miles, over steep passes. The ideal season is early archery or the first week of rifle season (September into early October) before heavy snows make higher elevations inaccessible. This is a hunt for expert mountaineering-style backpack hunters with top-tier fitness and navigation skills. Standard Wyoming deer tags are required, and wilderness permits are generally self-issued. Trade-offs include extreme physical demands at high elevations, significant exposure to weather, and the presence of grizzly bears. Expect to be above 10,000 feet for much of the hunt. **Highlights** * Extreme high-alpine hunting in a stunning glacial landscape * Opportunity for truly isolated hunting above timberline * Potential for spotting and stalking bucks in open, rocky terrain * Exceptional solitude due to challenging access and terrain * Iconic views of the Wind River Range's highest peaks **Watch-outs** * Extreme high altitude and demanding physical exertion * Significant exposure to severe, unpredictable mountain weather * Grizzly bear presence, especially in lower river bottoms * Steep, rocky, and potentially dangerous terrain; route-finding critical * Very limited access points and difficult bail-out options
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#9 on this list
North Absaroka Wilderness (Units 105/106)
Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming, USA
The North Absaroka Wilderness, stretching north from Cody towards the Montana border, is a rugged and remote expanse of volcanic plateaus, deep canyons, and high ridges. Its character is defined by the Absaroka Mountains' unique geology and the wildness born from its limited human presence. What makes it special for mule deer is the vast, untouched habitat where deer can seek refuge from pressure. Access is difficult, typically from trailheads northwest of Cody, requiring multi-day pack-ins of 8-20 miles to reach productive high country. The ideal season is late September through early October. This is a hunt for very experienced backpackers with excellent navigation skills and the physical endurance to tackle truly wild country. Standard Wyoming deer tags are required, and wilderness permits may be necessary for some trailheads. Trade-offs include severe and sudden weather changes, extensive grizzly bear activity, and challenging navigation through broken terrain and dense timber. This area can feel truly vast and isolating. **Highlights** * Vast, remote wilderness with minimal human impact * Potential for encountering mature, unpressured mule deer * Dramatic volcanic landscapes and unique geological features * Excellent opportunities for extended, self-supported expeditions * High chance of solitude and true wilderness immersion **Watch-outs** * Extreme remoteness and multi-day pack-in requirements * Significant grizzly bear population and heightened awareness needed * Severe and unpredictable mountain weather, including early snows * Rugged, broken terrain and dense timber can make travel slow * Limited cell service and no quick access to resources
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Fitzpatrick Wilderness (Unit 90) | North Absaroka Wilderness (Units 105/106) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Shoshone National Forest, Wind River Range, Wyoming | NW Wyoming, USA |
| Unit Designation | Unit 90 | — |
| Elevation Range | Predominantly above 10,000 feet | — |
| Primary Access | Torrey Creek, Trail Lakes trailheads (Dubois) | Trailheads NW of Cody |
| Permits | Wyoming Deer Tags, self-issued wilderness permits | — |
| Optimal Season | Sept - early Oct (archery/first rifle) | — |
| Designation | — | Wilderness Area (Units 105/106) |
| Best Season | — | Late Sept - Early Oct |
| Terrain | — | Volcanic plateaus, canyons, ridges, timber |
| Key Wildlife | — | Mule Deer, Grizzly Bear |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Fitzpatrick Wilderness (Unit 90)
- Opportunity for truly isolated high-alpine experience
- Exceptional solitude due to challenging access
- Stunning glacial landscapes and iconic peak views
- Potential for spotting and stalking in open terrain
- Unpressured game due to terrain and limited access
- Extreme physical demands at high elevation
- Significant exposure to severe, unpredictable weather
- Grizzly bear presence requires constant vigilance
- Very limited access points and difficult bail-out options
- Steep, rocky, and potentially dangerous terrain
North Absaroka Wilderness (Units 105/106)
- Vast, untouched wilderness with minimal human impact
- Potential for encountering mature, unpressured mule deer
- Dramatic volcanic landscapes and unique geological features
- Excellent for extended, self-supported expeditions
- High chance of solitude and true wilderness immersion
- Extreme remoteness requires multi-day pack-ins
- Significant grizzly bear activity, heightened awareness needed
- Severe, unpredictable mountain weather, including early snows
- Rugged, broken terrain and dense timber make travel slow
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