Hunt Area 140, New Fork, Wyoming

Southwest Wyoming (Sublette County), New Fork drainage. Approximately 326 square miles. Lower elevations dominated by sagebrush-steppe flats and river-bottom riparian corridors along Pine Creek and the New Fork River. Mid-elevations transition to aspen groves and mixed conifer stands. The northeastern portion reaches into the Bridger Wilderness (Bridger-Teton National Forest), where alpine meadows, talus, and high-country basins characterize the terrain above 10,000 ft. Watershed divides along the Green River/New Fork River and Green River/Pine Creek form the eastern and southern boundaries near Summit Lake. The area offers both early-season high-country and late-season lower-elevation sagebrush hunting as deer and elk migrate downward with snow pressure.

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CWD PRESENT IN HERD: Chronic Wasting Disease was first detected in the Sublette Mule Deer Herd in April 2017. From 2020-2024, 631 CWD samples were collected from this herd; 9 adult mule deer bucks tested positive (1.8% prevalence) and 1 white-tailed deer buck tested positive (5.9% prevalence). CWD has been confirmed in adjacent deer hunt areas 142 (2023), 152 (2019), 153 (2025), and 154 (2023). No confirmed positive has been documented specifically in area 140 based on available records through 2024, though it is on WGFD's mandatory CWD sampling list. Hunters should check current WGFD carcass transport and disposal regulations before hunting. CWD has also been detected on the Muddy Creek elk feedground (elk hunt area 98, announced May 2026) and at the Scab Creek feedground (winter 2024-25). NONRESIDENT REQUIREMENT: Wyoming statute requires nonresidents hunting big or trophy game in federally designated wilderness areas to be accompanied by a Wyoming-licensed guide or Wyoming resident (with a free non-commercial guide license). This applies to the Bridger Wilderness portion of area 140. HERD RECOVERY: The Sublette Mule Deer Herd experienced major losses in the 2022-23 winter (estimated 70% fawn loss, 30% adult female loss). The 2025 post-season estimate of 22,437 represents an 18% increase from 2024 but remains well below the 32,000 population objective. The 4-point-or-better antler restriction on general mule deer licenses is retained for 2026. DEER SEASON SHIFT: 2026 general license regular season for areas 138-140 and surrounding areas was modified to Sep 15–Oct 4 (adopted with Chapter 6 modifications by the WGFD Commission). NONRESIDENT REGION H QUOTA: 2026 nonresident Region H deer licenses increased to 400 (up from 350 in 2025). Valid across areas 130, 138-140, 142, 146, 149-156.