The discussion about Area 65 in Wyoming revolves around confusion regarding the visibility of draw odds for this specific unit. The draw odds were initially unavailable due to data processing issues, and while the information is now accessible in a standalone section, some confusion persists due to an unusual allocation. In 2024, only one non-resident elk tag was initially allocated, but due to a party application, four tags were actually issued, highlighting the complexities of party draws and tag allocations. Hunters should check the standalone draw odds section and remain updated on allocation practices to better understand future opportunities.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Elk | 320"-350" | 360"+ |
High
Low
Bordering Montana in northwest Wyoming, this area has some great trophy potential. Hunters can have a few good chances and some long season dates to hunt big bulls in this unit. No designated wilderness here, which is good for nonresident hunters. Located northeast of Cody, this unit offers a lot country to choose from.
There are some access issues, but hunters who are hiking, backpacking or hunting with horses can access good country here. Tough draw odds in this unit. Bowhunting can be good at upper elevations. Rugged terrain, but no designated wilderness.
Some of the terrain has a lot of flat top mountains and plateaus with steep rugged canyons. Northern parts of the unit are typically more rugged with deep canyon country and high mountain plateaus and peaks. Open hillsides and meadows with pine-dominated canyons are common throughout the whole unit, while the eastern half has lower elevation and is mainly covered in sagebrush, rolling hills and grasslands.
Highway 296 runs through the southern half of the unit. From Highway 296, roads 102 and 103 run south into great elk country. From the north, off of Highway 296, roads 100 and 1001E also give hunters some good access. In the northern part of the unit, Road 120 heads southeast off of Highway 212 and makes for the western boundary of the unit. Hunters can also take several roads running back to the west toward the mountain regions of the unit from Highway 120. A good map and GPS with land ownership and hunt overlaid boundaries is recommended.
Creeks here have a lot of different kinds of vegetation with willows, shrubs, grasses, forbs and timber pockets. In higher elevations, the vegetation is grassy with open slopes and heavily- timbered pine forests. Hunters can find a lot of wheatgrass and bluegrass here, with pockets of lodgepole pine, subalpine fir, Douglas fir and whitebark pine. In the higher elevations, there are a lot of meadow grasses, forbs and sedges. There are some rocky areas above the timberline, but becomes less rugged and easier through the south part of the unit.
Cody is 25 miles southeast on the southern end of the unit, and has several hotels, campgrounds, gas stations, markets, restaurants and bars.
Roughly 2084 square miles
64% public land
Elevations from 4,500-10,500 feet