Wyoming Unit 105 Mule Deer Hunting Guide

Wyoming Unit 105 represents a compelling opportunity for mule deer hunters seeking a blend of accessibility and consistent harvest success in the Wind River Range region. Located in west-central Wyoming, this 228,963-acre unit spans elevations from 4,011 to 11,428 feet, offering diverse terrain from sagebrush foothills to high alpine basins. With 84% public land access and recent harvest success rates consistently in the 30-35% range, Unit 105 attracts hunters looking for a manageable draw with solid hunting opportunities.

The unit's harvest data tells a story of steady performance across recent seasons. In 2025, 544 hunters achieved a 32% success rate with 175 deer harvested, while 2024 saw 591 hunters post a 35% success rate with 209 animals taken. This consistency, combined with the unit's substantial public land access, makes it an attractive option for both resident and nonresident hunters willing to invest in a limited-entry draw.

HuntPilot Analysis

Unit 105 merits serious consideration for hunters seeking a balance between draw difficulty and hunting quality. The unit's 32-35% harvest success rates over recent years demonstrate consistent performance that exceeds many general areas. While not approaching the trophy potential of Wyoming's premier limited-entry units, the moderate trophy history in counties overlapping this unit indicates hunters can encounter quality bucks with proper planning and execution.

The tag quota increases tell an interesting story about unit management. Type 1 tags doubled from 25 in 2025 to 50 in 2026 — a 100% increase that suggests wildlife managers are responding to either improved deer populations or hunter demand. Type 8 tags remained stable at 75, providing additional hunting opportunities. These quota adjustments typically reflect multi-year population assessments and indicate the unit can sustain current or increased hunting pressure.

For resident hunters, Unit 105 represents one of Wyoming's more drawable limited-entry opportunities. The combination of substantial public access and consistent harvest rates makes it particularly appealing for hunters who prefer self-guided hunts over general areas with higher pressure. Nonresidents face more competitive conditions but should view this unit as a reasonable mid-tier investment that doesn't require the point accumulation of premium units.

The unit's 84% public land access significantly enhances its appeal for do-it-yourself hunters. Most of Wyoming's landscape in this region provides adequate access for hunters willing to hike beyond road systems, and the 10% wilderness designation means the majority remains accessible without guide requirements for nonresidents.

Harvest Success Rates

Recent harvest data from Unit 105 demonstrates reliable performance across multiple seasons. The 2024 season produced the highest success rate at 35%, with 591 hunters harvesting 209 mule deer. This represented both the largest hunter field and highest absolute harvest in the recent data set, suggesting the unit can accommodate increased hunting pressure while maintaining productivity.

The 2025 season saw hunter numbers drop to 544, resulting in 175 deer harvested at a 32% success rate. While the absolute harvest decreased with fewer participants, the success rate remained within the unit's typical range. Earlier seasons in 2023 and 2022 showed similar patterns, with 338 and 430 hunters achieving 32% and 29% success rates respectively.

These multi-year figures establish Unit 105 as a consistent performer in the 29-35% success range. The variation appears driven more by annual hunter participation than dramatic swings in deer populations or hunting conditions. For planning purposes, hunters can reasonably expect roughly one-in-three odds of filling their tag, assuming average hunting skills and reasonable weather conditions.

The harvest success rates compare favorably to many Wyoming general areas, where success often hovers in the 20-25% range due to higher hunting pressure and more limited deer densities. Unit 105's limited-entry status clearly provides advantages in terms of hunter-to-deer ratios.

Trophy Quality

Counties overlapping Unit 105 show a moderate history of trophy production, though hunters should calibrate expectations accordingly. The area has produced trophy-class animals over multiple decades, but record-book bucks remain uncommon relative to Wyoming's premier limited-entry units further north and east.

Trophy potential exists for hunters willing to invest time in the unit's higher elevation zones and less accessible terrain. The elevation range from 4,011 to 11,428 feet provides diverse habitat zones, with the higher basins and timbered slopes typically holding the unit's better bucks. Hunters focused purely on trophy potential might consider other Wyoming units with stronger track records, but Unit 105 offers reasonable opportunities for hunters seeking quality animals without extreme point investment.

The moderate trophy assessment reflects the unit's position as a solid mid-tier limited-entry area rather than a destination trophy unit. Hunters should approach Unit 105 with realistic expectations focused on the overall hunting experience and solid buck opportunities rather than wall-hanger potential.

Herd Health & Population Trends

Wildlife survey data from 2021-2024 shows an average buck-to-doe ratio of 28:100 across eight surveys, indicating a healthy breeding population structure. This ratio falls within normal ranges for mule deer herds under moderate hunting pressure and suggests the unit maintains adequate buck escapement for population sustainability.

The tag quota adjustments between 2025 and 2026 provide additional insight into population trends. The decision to double Type 1 tags from 25 to 50 while maintaining Type 8 allocations at 75 suggests wildlife managers have confidence in the unit's deer numbers. Such increases typically follow several years of positive population data and indicate the herd can sustain additional harvest pressure.

Wyoming's management approach in Unit 105 appears focused on optimizing hunter opportunity while maintaining herd health. The combination of stable success rates and increased tag allocations points to a deer population that has responded well to recent management decisions and environmental conditions.

Long-term herd health depends on habitat quality and winter survival rates, both critical factors in Wyoming's challenging climate. The unit's elevation diversity provides important seasonal habitat, with higher elevations offering summer range and lower areas providing crucial winter habitat for deer survival.

Access & Terrain

Unit 105's 84% public land composition creates excellent access opportunities for hunters willing to work beyond immediate road systems. The substantial public ownership eliminates many of the access challenges that plague units with significant private land holdings, though hunters should still verify access routes and restrictions before their hunt.

The unit's 10% wilderness designation means most terrain remains accessible to nonresident hunters without guide requirements. Wyoming law requires nonresidents to hire licensed outfitters for wilderness hunting, but the limited wilderness percentage in Unit 105 leaves the vast majority of hunting country available for self-guided pursuit.

Elevation zones from 4,011 to 11,428 feet create diverse hunting opportunities ranging from sagebrush parks in the lower elevations to alpine basins near treeline. The varied terrain typically concentrates deer in different zones throughout the season, with early-season animals often found in higher elevations before migrating to winter ranges as weather deteriorates.

Hunters should prepare for significant elevation changes and potentially challenging terrain, particularly when pursuing deer in the unit's higher basins. The elevation range requires careful planning for acclimatization and appropriate gear selection for varying weather conditions between low and high country zones.

How to Apply

For 2026, Wyoming deer applications open January 2 with a deadline of June 1. Residents pay a $5 application fee and face tag fees of either $22 or $42 depending on the specific hunt type. Nonresidents encounter a $15 application fee with tag fees ranging from $34 to $1,200 based on hunt type, plus a $multi-year points fee. No hunting license fee is required to apply for the draw.

The preference point deadline extends to November 2 for hunters who want to accumulate points without applying for a tag. This option benefits hunters building points for future applications or those uncertain about their hunting plans for the upcoming season.

Wyoming operates a true preference point system for deer, meaning the highest point holders receive priority in the draw process. Nonresidents must navigate this system carefully, as point accumulation becomes essential for drawing most limited-entry units. Residents face less competitive conditions but still benefit from point accumulation for premium units.

Dates and fees are subject to change. Always verify current application details at the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of terrain can hunters expect in Unit 105?

Unit 105 spans elevations from 4,011 to 11,428 feet, creating diverse terrain from sagebrush foothills to high alpine basins. The lower elevations feature rolling sagebrush country with scattered timber, while higher zones transition into dense forest and open parks near treeline. Hunters should prepare for significant elevation changes and varying weather conditions between zones.

How successful are hunters in Unit 105?

Recent harvest data shows consistent success rates in the 29-35% range. The 2024 season achieved 35% success with 591 hunters harvesting 209 deer, while 2025 dropped slightly to 32% success among 544 hunters. These rates compare favorably to general areas and reflect the benefits of limited-entry management.

Is Unit 105 worth applying for as a mid-tier choice?

Unit 105 represents a solid mid-tier limited-entry option for hunters seeking consistent opportunities without extreme point investment. The unit's 84% public land access, steady harvest success rates, and moderate trophy potential make it attractive for hunters who prioritize hunting experience over maximum trophy potential. The recent tag quota increases suggest healthy deer populations and continued opportunity.

What is the herd health like in Unit 105?

Wildlife surveys from 2021-2024 show an average buck-to-doe ratio of 28:100, indicating healthy breeding population structure. Tag quota increases from 2025 to 2026, particularly the doubling of Type 1 allocations, suggest wildlife managers have confidence in deer population levels and can sustain additional hunting pressure while maintaining herd health.

Do nonresidents need a guide for Unit 105?

Unit 105 contains 10% wilderness, meaning most hunting areas remain accessible to nonresidents without guide requirements. Wyoming law requires nonresidents to hire licensed outfitters only when hunting in designated wilderness areas, but the limited wilderness percentage leaves the vast majority of the unit available for self-guided hunting by nonresidents.