how is the wyoming elk herd ?

[jimbires]

I've been wanting to hunt elk in the thorofare area for awhile . I'd really like to do it this year , if things work out . I kept hearing the wolves had been really hard on the elk herd . I recently received an email saying the elk herd seems to be fairly stable and the wolves seemed to have moved on to a different area . dose anyone know anything on this ? if I go in there I'd really like it to be more than just a sight seeing trip . thanks for you help . Jim

 

[Oldtrader3]

Not what it was years ago. Wolves in the northern part of that state, around Yellowstone have reduced herds dramatically minus 30-40%. The more southern areas like down around Lone Pine and south are not as affected because there are not as many wolves there.

 

[Dr. Vette]

I've always dreamed of going in that same area. However, wolves have moved in and more so the grizzly bears have moved in. In my mind any hunt in that region is on long-term hiatus until there is a significant reduction in the population of both. Recent hunt reports from those who have been there talk about bear stalkings as well as bears stealing your elk after it has been shot. I really don't need to have them walking by my tent at night.

In 2007 and 2009 we went on elk hunts along the north border of Yellowstone and witnessed how devastating the wolves & grizzlies had been, and it has declined since then. I will not hunt in a wolf area any longer, and I feel sorry for the residents and the game in large parts of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho.

 

[Elkman]

In 2007 and 2009 we went on elk hunts along the north border of Yellowstone and witnessed how devastating the wolves & grizzlies had been, and it has declined since then. I will not hunt in a wolf area any longer, and I feel sorry for the residents and the game in large parts of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho.

Dr. Vette pretty much says it for me. I stay away from the wolves as far as I can. I have already seen a couple of Grizzly bears, and really don't care if I see another.

 

[jimbires]

thanks guys , I appreciate your thoughts on this .

 

[wildgene]

thanks guys , I appreciate your thoughts on this .

...I think I'd call the Cody Regional Office & ask the Wildlife Biologist...

 

[Guy Miner]

Agree. Buddy of mine got a mighty fine bull in Wyoming last year, right after my mulie & pronghorn hunt. He didn't have any trouble finding elk. Just trouble closing to bow range.

Guy

 

[jimbires]

thanks guys , it sounds like I need to make a phone call . I didn't realize anyone at F&G would take the time to talk about this .

 

[Dr. Vette]

Agree. Buddy of mine got a mighty fine bull in Wyoming last year, right after my mulie & pronghorn hunt. He didn't have any trouble finding elk. Just trouble closing to bow range.

Guy

Guy,

Any idea what part of Wyoming he was in?
That would make all the difference.

Patrick

 

[Guy Miner]

True. He was over in North Eastern Wyoming, pretty much a "No Wolf Zone"

Guy

 

[wildgene]

I've been wanting to hunt elk in the thorofare area for awhile . I'd really like to do it this year , if things work out . I kept hearing the wolves had been really hard on the elk herd . I recently received an email saying the elk herd seems to be fairly stable and the wolves seemed to have moved on to a different area . dose anyone know anything on this ? if I go in there I'd really like it to be more than just a sight seeing trip . thanks for you help . Jim

...I know you have your eyes set on the Thorofare, but there are some better options. Elk numbers & success rates have been dropping in most areas bordering the Park. Units 61 & 62 still offer exceptional wilderness hunts, & the elk herds are getting pushed further out towards private lands where they aren't as pressured by wolves & grizzlies

 

[Oldtrader3]

Is that because the land owners shoot, shovel and shut up?

 

[wildgene]

...landowners can remove wolves caught killing livestock, but the USF&WS does most of the killing. Rumor is that a few years ago USF&WS "removed" 3 doz. woofs @ an avg. cost to the taxpayers of $23,000 per wolf, helicopter time & bureaucratic bull adds up real fast. The State of WY figgers each wolf shot by a hunter is worth about $1100 to the economy after everything is added up, but now we can't shoot them & each year adds 15% to wolf population...

 

[jimbires]

I've been wanting to hunt elk in the thorofare area for awhile . I'd really like to do it this year , if things work out . I kept hearing the wolves had been really hard on the elk herd . I recently received an email saying the elk herd seems to be fairly stable and the wolves seemed to have moved on to a different area . dose anyone know anything on this ? if I go in there I'd really like it to be more than just a sight seeing trip . thanks for you help . Jim

...I know you have your eyes set on the Thorofare, but there are some better options. Elk numbers & success rates have been dropping in most areas bordering the Park. Units 61 & 62 still offer exceptional wilderness hunts, & the elk herds are getting pushed further out towards private lands where they aren't as pressured by wolves & grizzlies

I've applied for a thorofare elk license . I've been wanting to hunt this for a long time , and I'm not getting any younger .I guess all I can do is hope for the best , and hunt hard . do you know when the draw results will be known ? thanks Jim

 

[SJB358]

Good luck Jim. We will be in Wyoming this year as well. Hope you score on a good one!

 

[wildgene]

Good luck Jim. We will be in Wyoming this year as well. Hope you score on a good one!

...what license did you apply for, Scotty???

 

[SJB358]

The reduced cost Cow/Calf hunt.

 

[Oldtrader3]

I am concerned that the closer to YNP you are, the fewer elk there we be for predation by wolves?

 

[wildgene]

The reduced cost Cow/Calf hunt.

...which Unit(s)???

 

[jimbires]

Good luck Jim. We will be in Wyoming this year as well. Hope you score on a good one!

thanks Scotty , good luck to you guys too .