#6 on this list
Washakie Wilderness (Units 99/101)
Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming, USA
The Washakie Wilderness forms the eastern flank of the Continental Divide in the southern Absaroka Range, directly south of the Thorofare. It's a wild, untamed landscape of high plateaus, deep river valleys, and dense conifer forests, offering immense solitude. What makes it special is its isolation; it's one of the largest roadless areas in the Lower 48, meaning any buck taken here is truly earned. Access is primarily from trailheads near Dubois or through the East Fork drainage, requiring significant pack-in efforts, often 10-20 miles. Best hunting is typically late September to mid-October, taking advantage of crisp fall weather and early deer movements. This unit is for the extremely self-reliant, experienced backpacker who is comfortable navigating remote, rugged terrain. Standard Wyoming deer tags are needed; wilderness permits may be required depending on your exact entry point. Trade-offs include extreme remoteness, significant grizzly bear presence, and highly unpredictable weather that can quickly turn a pleasant day into a survival situation. River crossings can also be formidable. **Highlights** * One of the largest contiguous wilderness areas in the US * Excellent potential for finding unpressured, mature mule deer bucks * True wilderness experience with immense solitude * Abundant wildlife, including elk, moose, and sheep * Challenging but rewarding terrain for experienced adventurers **Watch-outs** * Extreme remoteness and multi-day pack-in/pack-out logistics * High density of grizzly bears, requiring vigilant bear awareness * Severe, rapidly changing mountain weather conditions * Difficult river crossings, especially during high water * Lack of easy exit points in case of emergency
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#7 on this list
Teton Wilderness (Units 99/100)
Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming, USA
The Teton Wilderness lies immediately south of Yellowstone National Park and east of Grand Teton National Park, a vast expanse of rolling timbered hills, high meadows, and broad river valleys. While not as dramatically alpine as some other wilderness areas, its sheer size and strategic location make it a prime mule deer haven, particularly for migratory bucks. Access is typically from trailheads originating near Turpin Meadow or from the Buffalo Fork drainage, requiring significant pack-in distances, often 8-15 miles, or longer for the interior. The ideal season is late archery or early rifle, usually late September into early October, when bucks are beginning to move or have settled into their fall ranges. This hunt is for physically fit individuals comfortable with navigating large, forested areas and dealing with significant grizzly bear activity. Standard Wyoming deer tags are required; wilderness permits are generally self-issued at trailheads. Trade-offs include the dense timber which can make glassing challenging, widespread grizzly presence, and the potential for heavy snows, particularly in October, which can make egress difficult. **Highlights** * Vast, relatively untrammeled wilderness, offering extensive habitat * Critical migratory corridor for mule deer and other ungulates * Good potential for finding older, more reclusive bucks * Excellent opportunities for multi-day, deep backcountry hunting * Less steep than other wilderness areas, allowing for more cover-based hunting **Watch-outs** * High density of grizzly bears; constant vigilance and bear spray essential * Dense timber can limit visibility and make travel challenging * Potential for deep snow in later seasons, impacting travel and deer location * Navigation in large, uniform timbered areas can be tricky * Long pack-in distances mean significant logistical planning
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Washakie Wilderness (Units 99/101) | Teton Wilderness (Units 99/100) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Southern Absaroka Range, Wyoming | SW Wyoming, Bridger-Teton NF |
| Designation | Wilderness Area | — |
| Primary Access | Dubois, East Fork Drainage | — |
| Terrain | High plateaus, deep valleys, dense forest | — |
| Roadless Area | One of largest in Lower 48 | — |
| Typical Season | Late September – Mid-October | — |
| Units | — | 99 & 100 |
| Primary Game | — | Mule Deer |
| Best Season | — | Late Sept - Early Oct |
| Access | — | Long pack-in from trailheads |
| Hazards | — | Grizzly bears, dense timber, snow |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Washakie Wilderness (Units 99/101)
- One of the largest, most remote wilderness experiences in the Lower 48
- Excellent potential for unpressured, mature mule deer bucks
- Abundant and diverse wildlife, including elk, moose, sheep
- True solitude and deep immersion in wild landscapes
- Incredibly rewarding for experienced, self-reliant adventurers
- Extreme remoteness with multi-day pack-in requirements
- High density of grizzly bears demands constant vigilance
- Unpredictable, rapidly changing mountain weather conditions
- Difficult river crossings, especially at high water levels
- Lack of easy emergency egress due to isolation
Teton Wilderness (Units 99/100)
- Vast, unpressured wilderness environment
- Critical migratory corridor for mature mule deer
- Excellent potential for deep backcountry multi-day hunts
- Less steep terrain than some alpine units, allows diverse hunting methods
- Opportunity for a truly wild and challenging experience
- High density of grizzly bears requires constant vigilance
- Dense timber limits visibility and makes navigation tough
- Long pack-in distances demand significant physical fitness
- Potential for rapid, heavy snowfall in hunting season
- Navigation can be challenging in uniform forested areas
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