in the beginning stages on planning a Wyoming antelope hunt for 2017 with my 2 oldest sons 18 and 26. Been reading up on some of the antelope units out there and trying to figure out exactly which one to put in for is alittle confusing, never being out there. Was wanting do maybe a guided hunt if I could find one a little more reasonably priced, but actually leaning more to the DIY type Hunt on public ground or more likely looking to pay a tresspass fee to a ranch where I can camp with my kids. Was hoping maybe someone that lives out there could help me out with some ideas on where to hunt (units)or maybe some reputable ranches with trespassing fees. Not really looking for a trophy, more interested in the experience. Any help would be appreciated.
Antelope hunting
- Thread starter Wjesswheel
- Start date
lawman29
Gold $$ Contributor
First of all there is actually drawing a permit - see: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Hunting/Drawing-Odds
Getting preference points if unsuccessful in the draw is important so down the road you can get a permit in your preferred area. As you look at the drawing odds, units with better odds, probably lots of private land (look at maps and private vs public lands in particular units). Call the regional offices and talk to the regional biologist for ideas. They will have info on private land owners etc.
Getting preference points if unsuccessful in the draw is important so down the road you can get a permit in your preferred area. As you look at the drawing odds, units with better odds, probably lots of private land (look at maps and private vs public lands in particular units). Call the regional offices and talk to the regional biologist for ideas. They will have info on private land owners etc.
Yes I understand there is a draw just can't figure out what units to apply for. Was hoping for someone with some experience in maybe what area aren't hunted so hard, with lower animal populations. From what I have read some of the units don't get all that much pressure and are considerably easier to draw, iam sure it probably a lot harder to harvest an animal due to animal population. Never been out there so I don't know for sure just me speculating
If it is your first time going hire a guide .
Larry
Larry
This is a good place to look over especially the landowner assistance link for those places that want game removed, some free others a trespass fee.
https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Public-Access/Access-Yes
https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Public-Access/Access-Yes
Both the Kemmerer and Cody regions have lots of public land and Hunter Management Areas (easy access to private land), and loads of pronghorns. Most of Wyoming's public land is in the western half of the state, so drawing odds are generally lower there than in the eastern half (where access to private land can be the problem).
There's lots to do in/around Cody (e.g., Buffalo Bill Museum, prime rib buffet at the Irma) and plenty of places to stay; not so much around Kemmerer (although the first JC Penney's is there).
About 25 years ago, when pronghorn populations were very high, you could get up to 9 doe/fawn tags for $25 each. Now that was fun.
Gratuitous 6BR/95gr BIB FB exit wound photo attached.
There's lots to do in/around Cody (e.g., Buffalo Bill Museum, prime rib buffet at the Irma) and plenty of places to stay; not so much around Kemmerer (although the first JC Penney's is there).
About 25 years ago, when pronghorn populations were very high, you could get up to 9 doe/fawn tags for $25 each. Now that was fun.
Gratuitous 6BR/95gr BIB FB exit wound photo attached.
Haha, A guide for antelope hunting, now that is funny! Unless you are looking for a book quality trophy, or access to private land in area with nothing but private.
If you can shoot more than 300 yards accurately, any of the areas in the western half of the state (my half) with some public BLM land will be a piece-of-cake DIY hunt. But... If you want to do it in 2017 and you don't already have preference points, your options will be limited and trespass fees may be the only way to go.
I'll second those that said to call the warden/biologist for whatever areas you're interested in and ask about public access and which landowners offer access with or without a trespass fee. Before you do that, get on the Wyoming Game and Fish website and look up the Non-Resident preference point draw odds and the harvest reports. That way you can narrow down your choices to areas that; (1) you can draw with 0 preference points and (2) That have a good harvest success rate, I'd look for >75%
I'll P.M. a few other tips
Apparently you have hunted before .
If was going to spend That much for a hunt without any previous experience . A guide would be my choice . .
Sound like he didn't have much expierence.
Larry
do some research before you put in. Make sure you can access hunting areas. Antelope are everywhere in Wyoming. Practice at longer ranges, know your drops. Bring good glass and a rangefinder. You will spend a lot of time looking through your binos and spotting scope. learn to judge bucks, a lot of them look alike. Although the season is early, be prepared for cold weather too. It gets cold early sometimes at 5000 feet. Good luck. Learn your drops and ranges, If you misjudge a buck by 100 yards, you could shoot right under him. Bring the best glass you can afford, 10x50 is a common size. A "big eye" (spotting scope) is essential for judging bucks without wasting time sneaking up on a lot of 14 inchers. You are going to see a lot of bucks everyday, judging them is a must. Oh, and don't shoot at them when they are running, you will hit behind them almost all of the time! They are way faster than a whitetail!
TheOtherZilla
Pull my finger
Here's my take.. And advice.. There is a ton of BLM land in Wyoming.. You just need to figure out where the best place for you to hunt is.. The BLM has websites for the different BLM units and should have BLM maps online showing BLM, Private and state lands.. Look for an area that has a LOT of BLM land such as north or south of Rock Springs Wyo, or Kemmerer, or where ever.. Next order the paper maps from the BLM. Then if you don't have a GPS buy one and also buy the hunting chip that goes with it for the state of Wyoming. The chip shows land ownership as well as delineating each hunt area.. There is usually some doe/Fawn permits available every year..
Finally each county has a GIS map that shows ownership of ALL lands in that county online..
https://wgfd.wyo.gov/
https://www.blm.gov/wy/st/en.html
https://www.huntinggpsmaps.com/hunt-wyoming-garmin-gps
Kemmerer GIS
http://maps.lcwy.org/flexviewers/Zoning/
Finally each county has a GIS map that shows ownership of ALL lands in that county online..
https://wgfd.wyo.gov/
https://www.blm.gov/wy/st/en.html
https://www.huntinggpsmaps.com/hunt-wyoming-garmin-gps
Kemmerer GIS
http://maps.lcwy.org/flexviewers/Zoning/
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I have hunted Antelope in Wyoming the last 4 years. Find an area where there is a likely chance to draw if you want to hunt in 2017 (see the draw statistics page). There is a ton of public land in the south central (red desert) and west. The units in the eastern part of the state have more difficult access and usually have leftover tags you can buy. Problem with these units is that land access is VERY difficult. Any more, ranchers are charging $500 per hunter and up for trespass fees and limiting your time to hunt (to get more people through and more revenue). The eastern part of the state is highly developed for energy production, so if you are looking for a wilderness adventure, go west. There are lots of mapping tools and information on line. Also, BLM maps ($6) so you can find public land easily.
As far as a guide, you really don't need one. I have never hired a guide as I prefer discovery, and to succeed or fail on my own. My first hunt in Wyoming was DIY without having ever been to the state to hunt. Pronghorn were over every ridge and not hard to find. Quality bucks are everywhere with a few booner bucks thrown into the mix. You can also grab doe tags over the counter to fill the freezer and keep your boys engaged with a kill while you scout for your buck. None of my hunts took more than 2 days to fill my tags. Spot and stalk in the wide open spaces is a blast and helps kids develop core hunting skills.
My only last consideration is what part of the season is best to hunt. I have friends that insist on hunting the opener, but hunters are everywhere driving around, shooting, and pushing the antelope all over the place. That first week, you will be competing with other hunters scouting the same herds. It can be frustrating (if not a safety concern), and for teaching kids, not the best environment. Lots of sloppy hunting to witness, and you get a sense that you should shoot the first buck that comes along or somebody else will. My preference is to hunt the second weekend into the second week or later. After that first week, there's not much competition, antelope are less pressured and go back to more normal behavior. Big bucks come out of hiding and return to their herds. In South Dakota, I used to go on the opener and have had the buck I was scouting shot out from under me as I was looking at him through my scope. Swore after that I would avoid the opener and have not regretted that decision.
As far as a guide, you really don't need one. I have never hired a guide as I prefer discovery, and to succeed or fail on my own. My first hunt in Wyoming was DIY without having ever been to the state to hunt. Pronghorn were over every ridge and not hard to find. Quality bucks are everywhere with a few booner bucks thrown into the mix. You can also grab doe tags over the counter to fill the freezer and keep your boys engaged with a kill while you scout for your buck. None of my hunts took more than 2 days to fill my tags. Spot and stalk in the wide open spaces is a blast and helps kids develop core hunting skills.
My only last consideration is what part of the season is best to hunt. I have friends that insist on hunting the opener, but hunters are everywhere driving around, shooting, and pushing the antelope all over the place. That first week, you will be competing with other hunters scouting the same herds. It can be frustrating (if not a safety concern), and for teaching kids, not the best environment. Lots of sloppy hunting to witness, and you get a sense that you should shoot the first buck that comes along or somebody else will. My preference is to hunt the second weekend into the second week or later. After that first week, there's not much competition, antelope are less pressured and go back to more normal behavior. Big bucks come out of hiding and return to their herds. In South Dakota, I used to go on the opener and have had the buck I was scouting shot out from under me as I was looking at him through my scope. Swore after that I would avoid the opener and have not regretted that decision.
Plan going on the last week, 7 days. A lot of hunters tag out fairly early I hear from ranchers that live out there, then pressure tapers off. Camping out so I can get where I want early. Looking at units 6,8,9 and southern part of 24 all easy draws. You have Any experience with these units, they have lots of left over tags due to the land issue. Sound like there are a lot of local truck hunters and if you willing to walk a few miles and they are not as npressured. At least that what iam hearing Also some of them areas above have more public areas if you do a little research then most people think. At least onyx maps seems to show accessible land to public roads and public land. You can find county road maps at most county office sitesfor free. If all else fails I have a couple phone numbers of ranchers in those units that will let us hunt the last week 500 a gun guaranteed. One of the ranchers said he will just drive out to where they are and pick one out to shoot. So there are antelopes out there. Just haven't decided might just pay for the special license to hunt known good units to avoid the trespass fees. Right know leaning toward the public ground just for the experience of hanging out with my two sons.
nmkid
Gold $$ Contributor
When I lived in Wyoming I spent many good hunting days in area 59-112. Many, many goats and very few hunters. Big trophy animals?...Saw a few but, most were, (if I remember correctly) 11"-13". We hunted one "monster" for several days but, couldn't get within our shooting ranges. I didn't bother to check the regs'. but, I seem to remember my brother-in-law telling me that the area is now 2 separate areas. When it was combined it was a huge area. The area is just directly South of Rock Springs. First is 59 and then 112. Not very much water. Some stock ponds and that's about it. Would be dry camping for sure. Used to be mostly all BLM, wide open, no fences. Never did it but, we, on many occasions found many small, hidden dry creek beds perfect, (for camping) for getting out of sight and the wind. Matter of fact, got my first bow kill goat in that area. To me this area always seemed, "desolate" so go prepared.
Here is a great link to a blog on Wyoming Antelope Hunting: http://www.n4thehunt.com/2013/01/30/wyoming-diy-antelope-hunt-part-3-hunt-areas-and-public-access/
I have hunted around those areas, but I refuse to pay up to or over $1000 per person to kill an antelope. By the time you add up the tag, the conservation sticker, and the trespass fee, you're right there or above $1000 a person. I apply to my first choice area (I know I wont draw and get pref points) and then have found areas with lots of public land to hunt as second choice and third choice. I have not had an issue drawing second choice units with better access than the ones you mention since starting this venture. Keep in mind, there is also a "special license" that will increase your draw odds of a better unit with access for less than what you would pay for a regular tag plus the trespass fees. It's $240 more. You will save about $400 to $500 per person with this approach and have a better hunting experience IMHO. Read the article. It is the best explanation I have found.
As far as camping. Heck ya. But don't do it because you feel you need to be out there a half hour before sunrise. I used to do this because it was always what I did deer hunting. Has not been so critical in my pronghorn hunting and I have shot them at all times of the day. Unlike whitetail deer hunting, you're not trying to catch them moving to and from food to beds and they seem to be up and around all day. Just get out and hike. Take each rise like there will be a herd of pronghorn just over the hill. There probably will be. Also, don't forget knee pads and heavy gloves for crawling on the stalk. Most shots are taken prone or from the knee and there's lots of cactus. Great optics are a must for viewing from long distances to decide if you want to spend an hour or more stalking a buck.
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