Anyone have an opinion on hunting whitetails on public lands in WY? I have a 12 year old who I'd like to take on a whitetail hunt in WY (to take advantage of the youth license prices). Not looking for anyone's special place, just general info if you are willing.

We see many along the private river bottoms. Never seen a whitetail on the public lands where I have hunted in WY. I would wager that he'd be thrilled to shoot any whitetail buck. Thanks guys.

Why would any 12YO be that selective in what kind of deer he killed? Or is that daddy talking?

MC,
Look to the northeast in the Custer National Forest. Yes, it is a long drive, but there are usually lots of left over whitetail licenses available. Be aware that most of this part of the state is private, and leased to outfitters. There is ample National Forest to have a great hunt, however.
Another option is SE to South Central WY near Saratoga. Prvate property is an issue here as well, but there is some limited public land with good whitetails.
Good Luck,
Bill

Bill- Thanks for the reply. I will look into the possibilities.

Wasbeemen- I will take your post as ignorant rather than the snide tone it contains. We live in a state without a viable whitetail population. Wyoming has whitetail only permits which seem to be easier to draw as a non-resident. Youth tags are also much cheaper and he can only qualify for a youth tag for 5 years. The kid has wanted to hunt a whitetail which is where you missed the "he'd be thrilled to shoot any whitetail buck" part of my post. I'd rather not pay a trespass fee if it is possible for him to hunt on public land. Is that too hard to believe or do you have some other conspiracy theory you'd like to share with me?

Wasn't being spiteful, just curious. With my sons, getting to go hunting with daddy was a big thrill regardless of what we were hunting.

Fair enough. I took the skeptic tone the wrong way.

Last year was his first year hunting big game. He shot a mule deer buck (yearling) and an antelope doe. He has tagged along with me on many hunts with great memories made, no matter if we draw blood or not. Just trying to get a feel on opportunities elsewhere. Gotta make the memories while they are at home.

Best of luck to you and your kids this year.

Good deal that your Boy likes to be with you.Call up Wyoming Fish & Game and ask to speak too a Game Biologist or Warden.I am sure they can tell you where to Hunt or how to find an obliging Rancher.Good luck with your Hunt,OB

I am a Wyoming native, and my parents still live there.

I recommend you take a look near Kaycee. The river bottoms around that area always held whitetails. Not sure of the public land availablility there. As suggested earlier NE Wyoming is good.

SW Montana would be a good area as well. The area to the east of Mount Powell near Deer Lodge Montana has a lot of white tail deer.

My father killed a big 5x5 buck there about 15 years ago. You have to access the National Forest through the Montana State Prison farm. It's worth looking into.

The Bearlodge Moutains outside of Sundance, WY offer plenty of public lands hunting. Call the game and fish and ask for suggestions as to where to camp and hunt. You'll do well.

Like the other posters have said, the Northeast corner of Wyoming would be good. Be advised that most of the deer tend to stay near the agricultural fields and private land. Look on a good map where the National Forest get close to the private agricultural land and you will see more deer. Hope this helps.


ddj

Thanks for the input guys. It seems there could be some possibilities so now I can spend some time on more research. I appreciate the ideas.