Hunters considering Area 78 - McCullough Peaks in Wyoming should be aware of the persistent "point creep" affecting draw odds, as it increasingly takes more points to secure a tag each year. With potential license reductions, hunters with 6 points now may only have a 60% chance, and opting for the special draw could be advantageous for better odds. Although there is plenty of public land, the strategy of targeting bucks moving from private cropland to public areas remains in question due to variable success rates. Additionally, while the general quality of antelope may be overestimated, the area still provides ample opportunity for a good hunt, and those looking to hunt with family and less physical strain should find the landscape accommodating.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Antelope | 70"-75" | 75"+ |
High
Low
This unit can be found in the northwest part of the state, east of Cody. This area is made up of plains desert, and had a lot of BLM and state land. It is bordered by the Shoshone River on the north, the Bighorn River on the east, the Greybull River, Wyoming Highway 30 and U.S. Highway 14 on the south.
This hunt area has excellent general access to public land, a high success rate for harvest, and good trophy potential. This type of terrain is also good for stalking in most parts of the area.
There are different types of desert-like open prairies here, with big basins and deep creek bottoms. There are also private ranch and farm lands near the rivers that can bring in antelope from the nearby prairies.
Public access in this unit is good, with several BLM roads and smaller two track roads. The gas and oil drilling that goes on here opens up roads in several places throughout the unit.
Open high desert prairie land with sagebrush and grassland makes up some of the vegetation here. Rocky bluffs and sagebrush dominate the rest of the area, with some private croplands along the rivers bringing in antelope from the prairies.
Cody is the closest town and has a lot of lodging options. Grocery stores, gas stations and other amenities can be found here as well. Camping is allowed on all public ground for up to 16 days in one location. Hunters can camp in remote areas.
Roughly 941 square miles
78.4% public land
Elevations from 3,700–6,500 feet