Bighorn Unit 39 Elk Hunting: A Self-Guided Basecamp Guide
October 19, 2026 · 6 min read read · Wyo Stays Journal
Unit 39 is a solid choice for self-guided elk hunters, offering a mix of accessible Forest Service roads, mid-elevation timber, and public land blocks large enough to get away from truck traffic without requiring a multi-day pack-in. Wyo Stays sees this unit come up constantly with hunting guests. Season windows typically run archery in September and rifle from October into November, with exact dates set annually by Wyoming Game and Fish.
The unit sits on the western flank of the Bighorns, and once you're a mile off the main access road, the noise of the highway disappears fast — replaced by wind through lodgepole and the kind of quiet that makes a bugle carry half a mile in September. Wyo Stays books hunters into Sheridan every fall specifically because Unit 39 access points sit close enough to town that a hunting party can hunt hard all day and still sleep somewhere warm, dry out wet gear, and store meat properly overnight instead of fighting a cooler in the truck bed.
Key takeaways:
- Unit 39 combines drivable access with genuine public-land elk habitat, good for DIY hunters
- Archery season generally runs September; rifle season runs October into November
- Terrain ranges from mid-elevation timber near access roads to steeper basins farther in
- A Sheridan basecamp with game storage beats camping once temperatures drop
- Always confirm current-year season dates and quotas directly with WGFD
Is Bighorn Unit 39 Elk Hunting Good for DIY Hunters?
Yes — Unit 39 is regularly rated a solid unit for self-guided hunters because of its combination of public land access, real elk numbers, and terrain that doesn't require technical mountaineering to reach. It's not the easiest unit to draw or hunt, but it rewards hunters willing to walk a mile or two off the main roads rather than hunting straight off the truck, and word among Sheridan-area outfitters is that pressure stays lighter here than in the more heavily trafficked units to the south.
Bighorn Unit 39 Access, Terrain, and Season Snapshot*
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| General elevation range | 6,000–9,000 ft |
| Primary access | Forest Service roads off US-14 and adjacent county roads |
| Terrain type | Mixed timber, mid-elevation basins, some steep drainages |
| Archery season | Typically early September – late September |
| Rifle season | Typically early October – mid-November |
| Recommended basecamp | Sheridan (garage/game-storage lodging within reasonable drive) |
*Estimate based on typical multi-year patterns for Bighorn units; confirm exact dates, boundaries, and quotas with WGFD before applying or planning travel.
Where Should You Access Bighorn Unit 39?
Most self-guided hunters access Unit 39 off Forest Service roads branching from US-14 and the surrounding county road network, with trailhead parking that fills up fast on opening weekend of both archery and rifle seasons. Scout your specific access point on a current Forest Service map before the season, since road conditions and gate closures can change year to year, and always confirm public-private boundaries before you set up a stand or start glassing.
Bighorn unit 39 elk hunting access rewards hunters who scout in the weeks before the season rather than showing up cold on opening morning — walk your planned route at least once beforehand so you're not learning terrain in the dark on hunt day.
How Should You Prepare for a Self-Guided Hunt in Unit 39?
Prepare like you would for any Bighorn hunt at elevation — real layering for temperature swings between dawn glassing and midday hiking, a GPS or offline map with your access route saved, and a plan for game recovery and transport that doesn't depend on cell service. Most of Unit 39's better terrain sits far enough from paved roads that a dropped elk means real work getting it out, so plan your pack-out route before you take a shot, not after.
Weather in September can still bring warm afternoons, while October and November hunts should assume real cold and possible snow — check WYDOT road conditions before any drive up forest roads that could be affected by an early storm.
Why Base Out of Sheridan for a Unit 39 Hunt?
Because Sheridan sits close enough to Unit 39's main access points that a basecamp rental beats a wall tent for most self-guided hunting parties, especially once temperatures drop in October and November. Wyo Stays is a licensed, insured Wyoming vacation rental brokerage, and we consistently hear the same needs from hunting groups: garage or covered space for gear and game, a kitchen that can handle field-dressed meat, and enough beds that the whole party isn't crammed into one room.
A self-guided Unit 39 hunt is hard enough without also fighting to keep meat cold or dry out wet gear every night. That's exactly the gap our hunter-friendly basecamp listings are built to fill. — Dalton Goodyear, Wyo Stays
Is Unit 39 Worth the Effort for a DIY Elk Hunter?
Yes, for hunters willing to put in scouting time and walk beyond the first quarter-mile off any access road. Bighorn unit 39 elk hunting isn't a unit where truck-based hunting produces consistent results — the hunters who do well tend to be the ones covering ground and glassing patiently rather than road-hunting.
Bring book.wyostays.com up before your trip to lock in a basecamp with the storage and beds your party needs — hunting-season inventory in Sheridan Wyoming moves fast once opening weekend approaches, and waiting until the week of your hunt often means settling for less space than you wanted.
Book direct at wyostays.com — skip the OTA fees and check our Hunting Prep Guide for a full gear and logistics rundown before you head into the Bighorns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Unit 39 good for elk hunting in Wyoming? A: Yes — it offers a workable combination of public-land access and real elk habitat for self-guided hunters willing to walk beyond the main access roads.
Q: When does elk season open in Bighorn Unit 39? A: Archery typically opens in early September, and rifle season generally runs from early October into mid-November, with exact dates set annually by WGFD.
Q: How difficult is the terrain in Unit 39? A: Terrain ranges from drivable mid-elevation timber near access roads to steeper drainages farther in, making it approachable for most fitness levels with some real walking required.
Q: Where should I stay for a Unit 39 elk hunt? A: Sheridan makes a strong basecamp, offering a manageable drive to access points along with heated lodging and garage or covered storage for gear and game.
Q: Do I need a guide to hunt Unit 39? A: No — Unit 39 is regularly hunted self-guided, though pre-season scouting and a solid game-recovery plan matter more here than in easier-access units.
Plan Your Unit 39 Hunt From a Real Basecamp
A self-guided Bighorn unit 39 elk hunting trip goes a lot smoother with a warm bed, real game storage, and a kitchen waiting at the end of a long day. Book Direct — No Channel Fees and check current listings at wyostays.com before the season opens, since Sheridan's best hunter-friendly rentals book up early every fall.
