Landlocked & Loaded

Published on June 9, 2025
Duration: 11:42

This video details a challenging hunting expedition into landlocked public land in Wyoming, requiring helicopter access due to private land encirclement. The hunt, planned over three years, highlights the logistical hurdles and the rewards of accessing remote areas. It showcases successful harvests of an elk and mule deer, emphasizing the value of thorough planning and utilizing resources like OnX Maps for identifying such opportunities.

Quick Summary

Accessing landlocked public land, which is public property surrounded by private land, requires specialized methods like helicopter transport. This often involves navigating FAA Part 135 regulations for pilots and understanding varied land use rules for camping and landing on BLM, State Trust, or Forest Service parcels.

Chapters

  1. 00:09Introduction & Background
  2. 00:23The Problem of Landlocked Public Land
  3. 01:14Defining Landlocked Access
  4. 01:58Planning the Landlocked Hunt
  5. 02:18Helicopter Logistics & Challenges
  6. 02:40Landowner Interactions
  7. 03:11Legal Hunting Rights
  8. 03:21First Hunt: Elk Sighting
  9. 03:53Elk Harvest
  10. 04:56Field Dressing & Breakdown
  11. 05:10Reflections on Planning
  12. 05:38Field Dressing Tools
  13. 06:07Pilot's Perspective on Part 135
  14. 06:38Landing & Camping Logistics
  15. 07:42Day Two: Mule Deer Hunt
  16. 08:00Mule Deer Sighting & Spooking
  17. 08:13New Plan & Buck Harvest
  18. 08:46Rifle & Trigger Discussion
  19. 09:13Day Three Plan
  20. 09:35Basin Hunt & Deer Sighting
  21. 09:55Joel's Stock & Shot
  22. 10:14Second Deer Harvest
  23. 10:44Departure & Reflection
  24. 11:06Hunt Summary & Value Proposition

Frequently Asked Questions

What is landlocked public land and why is it difficult to access?

Landlocked public land is public property completely surrounded by private land, making legal ground access impossible without landowner permission. This situation exists across millions of acres in western states, requiring alternative access methods like helicopters for hunting and recreation.

What are the key challenges in arranging helicopter access for hunting landlocked areas?

The primary challenge is finding pilots with the necessary FAA Part 135 certification for on-demand charter services and who are willing to fly hunters into remote public lands. Many pilots are hesitant due to regulations and potential landowner conflicts.

What regulations govern camping and landing on landlocked public lands?

Regulations vary by land management agency. BLM land in Wyoming allows camping, while State Trust land does not permit overnight stays. Forest Service land may require a permit from the district ranger for landing and camping activities.

How long did it take to plan and execute the landlocked hunting trip?

The planning phase for this specific landlocked hunt took over three years, involving extensive research and coordination. The actual hunting expedition was executed in just over three days, resulting in successful harvests.

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