Set Your Sights on Fall Hunting in Rock Springs & Green River
Game and Locations
As summer comes to an end, hunters from around the country are preparing to come to Sweetwater County to take advantage of the fall season. From September to November, a variety of wildlife becomes available in the bountiful and beautiful high desert surrounding Sweetwater County. Find your trophy hunt this season!
We’ve highlighted the most prominent species and the locations where you can get them in your sights.
Hunting Resources
We recommend using the Wyoming Game & Fish Department’s site to ensure you follow all laws and regulations on your hunting trip in Sweetwater County, Wyoming.
Sage Grouse
Sage Grouse call Sweetwater County home thanks to the open terrain and ample sagebrush and grass patches to nestle under. In the fall, the cooler weather brings the birds together into bigger coveys, making it easier to ensure a catch.
Where to Hunt Sage Grouse
Sage Grouse are abundant all around Sweetwater County. Consult the Private Lands Public Wildlife Access Program site and the Wyoming Game & Fish Department to ensure a legal and safe hunt this season.
Antelope
This could be the season that you claim the trophy pronghorn you’ve always wanted. From as early as September 1 to as late as October 31 (depending on the hunt area), antelope are fair game in Sweetwater County. See our favorite spots for antelope below.
Where to Hunt Antelope
Red Desert – The Red Desert’s dry and barren landscape is approximately 9,320 square miles in size and arguably the best place in the state to find antelope. The Red Desert is located on both sides of I-80 between Rock Springs and Rawlins. You can also expect to find elk in this region.
White Mountain – This long mountain features 240,416 acres of Bureau of Land Management public land. White Mountain supports significant wildlife populations, in addition to antelope you can expect to see wild horses. North of I-80 between Green River and Rock Springs, White Mountain is easily accessed and is close to excellent lodging. You can also expect to find deer in this area.
Little Mountain — 40 miles south of Rock Springs, Little Mountain is a public land space that has been protected from development by sportsmen who seek to ensure that it remain, as former Wyoming Governor Freudenthal called, a “crown jewel for wildlife and recreation.” You can also expect to find elk in this region.
Miller Mountain — Between Rock Springs and Little Mountain on US 191, Miller Mountain is the high country and a great place to find antelope in Sweetwater County this fall. You can also expect to find elk in this region.
Elk
This could be the season that you claim the trophy buck you’ve always wanted. From as early as September 1 to as late as October 31 (depending on the hunt area), elk are fair game in Sweetwater County. See our favorite spots for elk below.
Where to Hunt Elk
Killpecker Sand Dunes – The Killpecker Sand Dunes are home to the only desert elk herd in North America. The Wyoming Game & Fish Department recognizes the region as Hunt Area 100, where hunting typically opens mid-August and closes at the end of November (dates depend on type and license, please visit the Wyoming Game & Fish Department site for more info).
Deer
While both white tail and mule deer can be found in Wyoming, the Sweetwater County region is particularly renowned for the mule deer that inhabit our lands. Deer hunting in the Green River Area opens in early October, so start planning your trip now.
Where to Hunt Deer
South of Rock Springs – Deer Hunt Area 102 lies south of Rock Springs and goes all the way to the Colorado/Wyoming Border. The east side of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Vermillion Creek, and Sage Creek are all public lands inside Hunt Area 102 and are good places to spot deer this fall.
Suggested Outfitter
Whether you’re a first time hunter or have many seasons of experience, it always helps to tap the resources of a local to ensure you get the most out of your hunting experience. Here’s an outfitter we recommend:
Red Desert Outfitters
Phone: 307-254-1877
Website