SESSION NOTES

Hunting Strategy and Area Planning

Jaden and Fritz discussed hunting plans in a specific area, focusing on the impact of moisture on animal behavior and habitat. They agreed on the importance of being mobile and adaptable during their hunt, with Fritz expressing a preference for big country and less crowded areas. They also discussed the need for a feed ground permit and Jaden offered to highlight some approaches on a map. Fritz expressed interest in hunting during the opening of rifle season, with Jaden noting that pressure would likely come from the Jackson area.

Teton Pass Hunting Opportunities

Jaden and Fritz discussed hunting and recreation areas in the Teton Pass region. Fritz shared his familiarity with the area, having skied and biked there, and noted the presence of legal trails and motorized vehicle access. They talked about elk hunting opportunities, particularly in less-trafficked areas away from trails and roads. Jaden explained that while the middle zone near roads might have more elk early in the season, there are also good hunting spots further away from main trails, with proper vertical drop and hidden basins.

Elk Hunting Strategy Discussion

Jaden and Fritz discussed hunting strategies in the southern portion of the area, focusing on accessing and utilizing different zones for elk hunting. They agreed on the importance of glassing from high vantage points and planning movements based on elk behavior. Jaden highlighted the challenges of navigating thick brush and aspen stands, recommending side-hill movement over direct crossing. They also discussed the presence of beetle kill and blowdown, noting that these conditions vary by location and can affect accessibility. Fritz inquired about the potential for seeing large bulls, to which Jaden suggested that while not all areas are prime for giant bulls, the southern end of the area offers good glassing opportunities.

Elk Hunting Strategies and Techniques

Jaden and Fritz discussed hunting strategies, focusing on finding and using glassing knobs for optimal elk hunting. Jaden emphasized the importance of finding a 270-degree view off a knob for a successful hunt and highlighted the advantage of hunting areas that are hard to glass from above. They also discussed the challenges of hunting in difficult terrain and the occasional presence of other hunters, with Fritz sharing a personal experience of encountering another hunter who helped him locate and kill a bull elk. Jaden considered creating a podcast to share these hunting strategies with others.

Hunting Strategy and Season Planning

Jaden and Fritz discuss hunting strategies for the area, focusing on different zones and access points. Jaden suggests starting in the southern zone during the weekend and moving northward by midweek when pressure decreases. They consider the challenges of glassing in thick timber and the potential of hunting along state boundaries. The conversation also touches on deer hunting pressure in the area, with Jaden recommending an early September trip to scout elk locations before returning later in the season.

Backup Wyoming Elk Hunting Strategies

Fritz and Jaden discussed backup hunting strategies in Wyoming, focusing on different zones and the challenges of glassing and accessing elk in thick, rocky terrain. Jaden suggested exploring areas 97 and 98, noting that while glassing is difficult due to blowdown and rough topography, there are opportunities to find elk in grassy pockets. They also discussed the possibility of using bugle calls and the importance of having a hunting partner. Jaden mentioned that some areas have type 1 tags, which could be a good option for Fritz to consider in the future.

Wyoming Hunting and Bear Activity

Fritz and Jaden discussed hunting plans and grizzly bear activity in Wyoming. Jaden provided information about grizzly bear densities, noting that while the northern end had higher bear populations, the southern end of the Wind River Mountains had not seen a confirmed sighting in a few years. They also discussed the possibility of encountering black bears, which Jaden described as more common in the area. Fritz expressed his preference for hunting big game and his wife's limit of two main animals per year.

Deer Hunting Strategy Discussion

Jaden and Fritz discussed hunting strategies and deer populations in specific regions. Jaden provided insights on hunting pressure, deer movements, and winter kill impacts in certain areas, while Fritz shared his experiences with deer hunting in his region. They agreed on exploring the southern end of the unit first and considering accessing the area from the Idaho side to avoid hunting pressure. Fritz mentioned he may be hunting in the area from September 7 to 14, and Jaden offered to provide additional support and information via text or email.