Hunt Area 122, Shoshone River, Wyoming

West-central Big Horn Basin, Park and Big Horn counties. Elevation roughly 4,100-6,547 ft. Lower basin terrain is arid desert with sandstone hills, coulees, and deep washes. River corridor along the Shoshone River and its tributaries includes irrigated farmland and riparian cottonwood. The unit transitions from classic high-desert benches in the north (near Powell and Lovell) to rougher dryland breaks south and west toward Cody. The Big Horn Mountains form the eastern boundary but the unit itself sits in the basin rather than in forested mountain habitat.

moderate

CWD: The Shoshone River herd (Hunt Areas 121-123) is a WGFD priority CWD sampling area. The 2024 CWD Surveillance Report shows a five-year average (2020-2024) prevalence in adult male mule deer of 47.6% (95% CI: 26.3%-55.0%) for this herd, among the highest in Wyoming. WGFD requests voluntary sample submission from all mule deer bucks and adult elk harvested in this unit. Hunters should wear gloves when field-dressing, avoid spinal tissue and brain contact, and bone out meat in camp. Review carcass transport restrictions on page 7 of current regulations. Population status: The Shoshone River herd is estimated at approximately 1,400 animals against a 5,000-deer management objective (roughly 22% of objective) as of 2024 survey data. The 2024 survey recorded the lowest 10-year classified count but also the best fawn ratio in 10 years at 81:100 does. Buck ratios maintained at a five-year average of approximately 39:100 does through conservative antlered harvest. Nonresident general licenses fall under Region X (quota 100 nonresident region general licenses), valid in Areas 121-124 and 127. Unit numbering note: WGFD uses number 122 independently across species chapters -- Deer Area 122 is Shoshone River (this unit), Elk Area 122 is Pine Ridge near Casper (unrelated geography). Season type note: In the 2026 Chapter 6 regulations, the reduced-price doe/fawn private-land deer license is designated Type 67; prior harvest reports used Type 6 for the equivalent license.