Open 05/15-12/31. This area open to all human presence at 8:00 am May 15.
Please review the general regulations.
14 day camping limit. No camping outside designated camping areas. Weed free certified hay only.
Closed Jan. 1 - May 14
Closed to vehicles Sep. 1 - Dec 31. Foot and horse traffic only during this time.
Fishing, Hunting, Camping, Hiking, Trapping
Parking
3835.62
Sheridan Regional Office & Visitor Center
700 Valley View Drive
Sheridan, WY 82801 (307) 672-7418
Commonly Found Species
Big and Trophy Game in this Area
Below are specific Big and Trophy Game species commonly found within this WHMA area.
Antelope - 21
Deer - 163
Elk - 33
Mountain Lion - 15
Black Bear - 6
Fish Species in this Area
Below are specific Fish species commonly found within this WHMA area.
Brook Trout
Small game and Birds in this Area
Below are specific Small game species commonly found within this WHMA area.
Doves
Partridge
Rabbit
Sage Grouse
Sandhill Crane
Sharp tailed Grouse
Waterfowl
Mountain Grouse
The 3900 acre Ellis WHMA was established in 2022. Ellis WHMA provides quality hunting and fishing opportunities for everything from large cervids like elk, to trophy animals like mountain lion. One can find high quality fishing in Sullivan Creek with abundant rainbow and brook trout and the Middle Fork of the Powder River where numbers of fish place the stream in the blue ribbon category.
This area provides crucial winter range and parturition areas for elk, deer, and antelope that inhabit the region, as well as summer range and transitional range between upper and lower elevations. Located on the backbone of the southern end of the Bighorn Mountains, elevations average around 8,800 feet and the land is characterized by large, open, high mountain grass areas, intermixed with stands of timber on higher rocky ridges. Deep limestone canyons form as you travel east away from the headwaters of the Middle Fork of the Power River, creating vast, dramatic views and amazing fishing opportunities within those waters. Sullivan Creek offers fishing for brook and rainbow trout while Middle Fork of the Powder River offers rainbow, brook, and brown trout species.
Hiking and stock use are numerous, but vehicle access is limited due to seasonal closures to protect wildlife and to reduce natural resource damage. All roads within the unit are two-tracks, often requiring four wheel drive, and are not recommended for cars or low clearance vehicles.
You can access Ellis WHMA off of the Hazelton Road. Two gravel parking areas have been established for parking and for camping convenience. The north lot is for vehicle parking only, and does not allow trailers. The larger south lot was created with trailer parking in mind and has ample room for your stock trailer or ATV/UTV trailers. From the parking lots, only foot and horse traffic are allowed during hunting seasons to reduce pressure on big game and allow increased hunting opportunities. During spring, summer, and fall, most roads will be open allowing access for hiking and fishing to the two streams that traverse the unit.
Camping is permitted with a 14 day camping limit and only in designated camping areas at either the north or south parking lots.