The Teton Wilderness

Blackjack Wilderness Co. offers exclusive, small-camp rifle elk hunts in Wyoming’s Elk Unit 71, located in the heart of the Teton Wilderness and bordering Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. This is designated wilderness, and non-resident hunters are required to be accompanied by a licensed guide.

This is a true backcountry wilderness hunt. These hunts focus on mature, migrating bull elk moving out of the parks during the rut rifle season. It’s a rare opportunity to experience traditional Western hunting in one of the most remote and untouched landscapes in the Lower 48. Early in the season, bulls are found high in the country as they begin migrating out of Yellowstone, gradually making their way toward lower-elevation wintering grounds.

Timing is everything. We are extremely deliberate about when we hunt this migration, offering clients the optimal window for encountering rut and post-rut bulls. Years of experience in Unit 71 have allowed us to dial in elk movement patterns and behavior, targeting mature bulls scoring 320+.

Most hunts are conducted on horseback, allowing us to cover country efficiently and access remote basins. We also offer on-foot hunts, with horses used for packing in and hauling meat out. It’s traditional Western hunting the way it was meant to be — remote camps, hard country, and fair-chase bulls in big wilderness.

Rifle hunting elk during the rut in Wyoming is a rare opportunity, and Units 70 and 71 remain among the few places where it can still be done under genuine wilderness conditions. If you’re looking for a true backcountry wilderness hunt rooted in authentic Western tradition, this is it.