Wyoming Unit 38 Elk Hunting Guide

Wyoming Unit 38 presents a compelling opportunity for nonresident elk hunters willing to invest significant preference points for a premium hunting experience. Located in southeastern Wyoming, this 361,031-acre unit spans elevations from 3,762 to 10,325 feet and offers 79% public land access, making it one of the more accessible premium elk units in the state. The unit's diverse terrain and substantial elk populations have made it a coveted destination for hunters seeking both opportunity and trophy potential.

Unit 38's draw structure reflects its desirability, with multiple tag types catering to different hunting preferences and point levels. The unit offers archery seasons in September, rifle seasons from mid-September through December for cow tags, and prime rifle seasons in October and November for either-sex tags. With zero wilderness designation, nonresident hunters can pursue DIY strategies without guide requirements, though the steep point requirements demand careful planning and patience.

HuntPilot Analysis

Unit 38 represents a top-tier Wyoming elk hunting opportunity that requires substantial point investment for nonresidents. The data from HuntPilot reveals this unit demands patience but delivers quality hunting experiences for those who draw tags. For Type 1 either-sex rifle tags, nonresidents need 14+ preference points in the regular draw, while the special draw offers slightly better odds at 10+ points with higher tag fees. The Type 9 archery either-sex tags require even more points, with 15+ needed in the regular draw and 13+ in the special draw.

The unit's 79% public land provides excellent access for DIY hunters, eliminating many of the access challenges that plague other premium Wyoming units. Combined with zero wilderness designation, nonresidents can hunt without guide requirements while still accessing quality elk habitat across varied terrain. Harvest success rates demonstrate the unit's productivity, with Type 6 cow tags showing 49-56% success rates and Type 1 either-sex tags achieving 32-54% success depending on the year.

However, hunters must weigh the significant point investment against other opportunities. The Type 4 cow rifle tags offer a more attainable option at just 1-2 points for nonresidents, though success rates are slightly lower at 36-57%. For hunters seeking consistent elk hunting opportunities rather than waiting over a decade for premium tags, consider building points while pursuing cow tags or exploring other Wyoming units with lower point requirements.

Draw Odds & Tag Availability

Unit 38's draw odds reflect its status as a premier elk hunting destination, with point requirements increasing steadily across recent years. For 2025, Type 1 either-sex rifle tags in the regular preference point draw required 14.5+ points for guaranteed draws, with 100% success at that level. The 14-point level showed 33% draw rates, indicating the competitive nature even at high point levels. In 2024, the minimum successful draw occurred at 11 points with 92% success, while 2023 saw 100% draws at 11+ points.

The special preference point draw for Type 1 tags offers improved odds at higher cost. In 2025, hunters with 10+ points achieved 80-100% draw rates in the special draw, compared to requiring 14+ points in the regular draw. The 2024 special draw succeeded at 9+ points with 100% rates, while 2023 required 9+ points with some variation at the threshold level.

Type 9 archery either-sex tags demand even higher point investments. The 2025 regular draw required 15+ points for guaranteed success, while 2024 needed 14+ points and 2023 required 13.5+ points. The special archery draw has shown 13+ points as the threshold in recent years, though competition remains intense with hundreds of applicants at lower point levels.

Type 4 cow rifle tags provide the most accessible option for nonresidents. In 2025, hunters with 1+ points achieved 73-100% draw rates, while 1.5+ points guaranteed draws. The 2024 draw succeeded with 0.5+ points at 100% rates, and 2023 required similar minimal point investment. The special Type 4 draw often goes to zero-point applicants with 100% success rates.

Type 6 cow rifle tags fall between the premium either-sex tags and accessible cow tags, though specific nonresident draw odds data for this tag type was limited in the provided dataset. The 2025 aggregate data showed 35% nonresident draw rates with 34 applicants for 12 tags.

Season Dates & Weapon Types

Unit 38 offers multiple season structures catering to different weapon preferences and hunting objectives. The archery season runs September 1-30 annually for Type 9 either-sex tags, providing hunters with pre-rut and early rut hunting opportunities when elk are transitioning from summer to fall patterns.

Rifle seasons begin with Type 6 cow tags opening September 15 and running through December 31, offering the longest season length in the unit. This extended timeframe allows hunters flexibility to pursue elk during various behavioral phases, from early fall feeding patterns through winter concentration periods.

Type 4 cow rifle seasons run October 1-November 15, coinciding with prime elk activity during the post-rut period when animals are focused on building fat reserves for winter. This timing often produces excellent hunting as elk establish predictable feeding patterns in preparation for harsh weather.

The premium Type 1 either-sex rifle season operates October 10-November 15, overlapping with the tail end of elk breeding activity and transition into winter patterns. This timing provides opportunities for both bugling and winter feeding pattern hunting strategies.

Season quotas reflect the unit's management objectives, with Type 9 archery tags allocated 250 permits for 2025-2026, Type 1 either-sex rifle tags varying from 100-400 depending on the year, Type 4 cow rifle tags ranging from 375-550, and Type 6 cow rifle tags set at 75-100 permits.

Harvest Success Rates

Unit 38 demonstrates consistent harvest success across tag types, with rates varying by weapon type and hunting conditions. Type 6 cow rifle tags have shown the highest success rates in recent years, achieving 49% success in 2025, 56% in 2024, and maintaining strong performance for hunters targeting cow elk during the extended September-December season.

Type 4 cow rifle hunters experienced 36% success in 2025, 57% in 2024, 45% in 2023, and 47% in 2022, showing year-to-year variation likely influenced by weather patterns, elk distribution, and hunter skill levels. The October-November timing typically provides good hunting conditions and elk behavior patterns conducive to successful hunts.

Type 1 either-sex rifle hunters achieved 32% success in 2025, though this represents a significant drop from the exceptional 100% success rate recorded in 2024. Historical data shows 54% success in 2023 and 46% in 2022, indicating the 2024 results were unusually high while 2025 returned closer to normal patterns. The variation likely reflects differences in weather conditions, elk movement patterns, and the mix of bull versus cow harvest within the either-sex category.

Type 9 archery hunters maintained consistent performance with 39% success in 2025, 38% in 2024, 34% in 2023, and 50% in 2022. The September archery season timing during pre-rut and early rut periods provides opportunities for hunters skilled in calling and spot-and-stalk techniques, though success requires higher skill levels than rifle hunting.

Across all tag types, hunter numbers have remained relatively stable, with Type 4 cow tags attracting the most participants (490 hunters in 2025), followed by Type 1 either-sex (354 hunters in 2025), Type 9 archery (244 hunters in 2025), and Type 6 cow rifles (37 hunters in 2025).

Trophy Quality

Unit 38 demonstrates moderate trophy potential based on historical trophy records from counties overlapping the unit boundaries. The area has produced trophy-class elk consistently over multiple decades, though hunters should maintain realistic expectations given the competitive nature of drawing premium tags. The unit's diverse terrain and substantial elk populations create conditions that can support mature bull development, particularly in less pressured areas of the unit's extensive public land base.

The September archery season provides the best opportunity for trophy encounters, as mature bulls are more vocal and visible during early rut behavior patterns. However, archery hunters must possess advanced skills to capitalize on these opportunities given the demanding nature of bow hunting during this period. The October rifle seasons occur after peak rut activity when mature bulls may be more elusive, though the extended season lengths provide multiple opportunities for encounters.

Hunters should recognize that trophy production varies significantly based on annual conditions, hunting pressure, and individual skill levels. While the unit has demonstrated capability for producing quality animals, success requires thorough preparation, physical fitness for the varied terrain, and realistic expectations about trophy encounters in heavily applied-for units.

Herd Health & Population Trends

Wildlife survey data from 2021-2024 reveals a bull-to-cow ratio averaging 26:100 across four survey years. This ratio falls within normal ranges for hunted elk populations, though it reflects moderate recruitment of bulls into the mature age classes. The consistent survey methodology across multiple years provides reliable baseline data for understanding the unit's elk demographics.

The survey data indicates a stable elk population supporting sustainable harvest levels across the various tag types offered in Unit 38. The relatively balanced sex ratios suggest healthy reproduction rates and adequate habitat quality to support the current population levels. Annual variations in the bull-to-cow ratio likely reflect natural fluctuations influenced by winter severity, predation pressure, and harvest impacts from previous hunting seasons.

Management strategies appear focused on maintaining population stability while providing diverse hunting opportunities across weapon types and skill levels. The variety of tag types from cow-only permits to premium either-sex tags allows wildlife managers to adjust harvest pressure based on population objectives and habitat conditions.

Access & Terrain

Unit 38's 79% public land composition provides excellent access opportunities for DIY hunters, eliminating many of the private land barriers common in Wyoming elk units. The substantial public land base allows hunters multiple entry points and hunting strategies without requiring landowner permissions or expensive access fees.

The unit's elevation range from 3,762 to 10,325 feet creates diverse habitat types supporting elk year-round, from lower elevation winter ranges to high alpine summer areas. This elevation gradient provides elk with seasonal movement corridors and offers hunters opportunities to intercept animals during migration periods. The varied topography includes valley bottoms, timbered slopes, and open parks that cater to different hunting preferences and weapon types.

With zero wilderness designation, nonresident hunters can access all areas of the unit without guide requirements, providing significant cost savings and flexibility for DIY hunting strategies. This accessibility advantage distinguishes Unit 38 from many other premium Wyoming elk units that contain substantial wilderness acreage requiring guide services for nonresidents.

The terrain diversity supports multiple hunting strategies, from spot-and-stalk techniques in open country to timber hunting in forested areas. Hunters should prepare for varied conditions across the unit's substantial acreage and elevation range, with appropriate gear for both valley bottom and high elevation hunting scenarios.

How to Apply

For 2026, Wyoming elk applications open January 2 with a deadline of February 2 for nonresidents. Nonresident application fees are $15, with tag fees varying by license type: $288 for regular draw tags, $692 for special draw tags, and $1,950 for governor's tags. The preference point fee is $52 for nonresidents, with a maximum of 19 points allowed in the system. The point deadline extends to November 2 for hunters choosing to purchase points only.

Resident hunters face the same January 2 opening date but have until June 1 to submit applications. Resident application fees are $5, with tag fees of $43 for some license types and $57 for others. Residents do not pay license fees as a prerequisite for application.

All hunters must make strategic decisions about regular versus special draws, as the special draw offers better odds at higher tag costs. Nonresidents should carefully consider their point levels against the draw odds data when selecting which tag types and draw pools to enter. The preference point system in Wyoming awards tags to the highest point holders first, making point accumulation crucial for premium units like 38.

Hunters not ready to use their points can purchase preference points only, advancing their position for future draws. The November point deadline provides flexibility for hunters deciding late in the year whether to build points for the following year's applications.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How many points does it take to draw a Unit 38 elk tag as a nonresident?

Point requirements vary significantly by tag type in Unit 38. Type 4 cow rifle tags require only 1-2 points for reliable draws, while premium Type 1 either-sex rifle tags need 14+ points in the regular draw or 10+ points in the special draw. Type 9 archery either-sex tags require 15+ points in the regular draw or 13+ points in the special draw. These requirements have increased over recent years as the unit's popularity has grown.

What are the elk hunting success rates in Wyoming Unit 38?

Recent harvest data shows success rates varying by tag type and year. Type 6 cow rifle hunters achieved 49-56% success rates, Type 4 cow rifle hunters saw 36-57% success rates, Type 1 either-sex rifle hunters experienced 32-54% success rates, and Type 9 archery hunters maintained 34-50% success rates. Weather conditions and individual hunter skill levels significantly influence these success rates.

When do elk seasons run in Unit 38?

Archery season for either-sex elk runs September 1-30. Cow rifle seasons vary by tag type, with Type 6 running September 15-December 31 and Type 4 running October 1-November 15. The premium Type 1 either-sex rifle season operates October 10-November 15. These dates provide hunters opportunities during different elk behavior patterns from early fall through late season.

Is Unit 38 good for DIY elk hunting?

Yes, Unit 38 offers excellent DIY hunting opportunities with 79% public land access and zero wilderness designation. Nonresident hunters can access all areas without guide requirements, unlike many premium Wyoming units with substantial wilderness acreage. The extensive public land base provides multiple access points and hunting strategies without private land complications.

How competitive is the Unit 38 elk draw for nonresidents?

Unit 38 is extremely competitive for nonresidents, particularly for either-sex tags. Type 1 either-sex rifle tags show only 1-2% aggregate draw rates for nonresidents, while Type 9 archery either-sex tags show 5% aggregate draw rates. Even with maximum points, hundreds of applicants compete for limited tag allocations. Type 4 cow tags offer the most realistic opportunity with 44% draw rates for nonresidents with minimal points.