Hunt Area 138, Boulder, Wyoming

Hunt Area 138 (Boulder) covers approximately 1,628 square miles spanning Sweetwater, Lincoln, and Sublette counties in northwestern Wyoming. Elevation ranges from 6,200 feet in the lower sagebrush flats near the Green River and Fontenelle Reservoir to 11,300 feet along the Continental Divide in the northern Bridger Wilderness. The southern and western portions consist of open sagebrush benches, grass draws, and river-bottom corridors along the Green River and its tributaries. The northern half transitions to aspen groves, mixed conifer, rocky alpine terrain, and high mountain lakes in the Wind River Range foothills. Oil and gas activity has created an extensive gravel road network across the lower elevations. The Bridger Wilderness occupies the high-elevation northeast corner with steep drainages including Boulder Creek, the Middle Fork of Boulder Creek, and the Big Sandy River headwaters.

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CWD POSITIVE: Deer Hunt Area 138 is confirmed CWD-positive (first confirmed case 2021, per WGFD news release; area 138 is in the mandatory CWD sample submission zone per the 2024 WGFD CWD monitoring flyer). Elk Hunt Area 98 (Boulder) is also CWD-positive per WGFD reporting. Mandatory carcass transport restrictions apply — hunters must comply with WGFD CWD zone regulations regarding transport of cervid parts out of positive zones. ANTLER POINT RESTRICTION: Wyoming Game and Fish Commission retained the 4-point-or-better restriction on general-season mule deer in area 138 for 2026 per Chapter 6; applies to both archery and firearm general seasons. NONRESIDENT WILDERNESS: Nonresidents hunting within designated wilderness (Bridger Wilderness) must hire a licensed Wyoming outfitter; this covers the high-elevation northeast portion of the unit. ELK FEEDGROUND PERMIT: All elk hunters in areas 97 and 98 (overlapping deer HA 138) must carry a $15.50 Elk Special Management Permit funding the feedground program. Season dates reflect 2026 Chapter 5, 6, and 7 regulations as adopted by the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission; verify final approved dates with WGFD before hunting.