wyoming antelope

[splitshot]

next year(2013) my friends and i are planning an antelope hunt to wyoming.  we are all in good shape and average respectfull hunters.  we have never done this and are total greenhorns.  any help is welcome.  places to hunt, to stay ,to eat, contacts, etc.    we are not up for a guided hunt.  thank you, mke williams

[ecnclan]

Should be plenty of public land so access isn't an issue in a lot areas.  We used a camper when went so a place to stay is easy enough.  I recommend buying a map and researching the Wyoming fish and game web site for success and draw percentages.  Used to be a slam dunk draw but now it can take some years to draw depending on the unit.  Fun hunting the speed goats if you do go.

[Bob33]

There are lots of antelope in Wyoming, and lots of public land, and lots of tags. The challenge is finding all three together.  It's really not that hard.

There is a spring draw. The application deadline is March 15. If you don't draw, and even if you do, there are surplus tags that go on sale in July. Most units have surplus doe/fawn licenses. Some of the units have 500 or more.

Here's my advice: (1) pick a general part of the state that you want to hunt. If you don't have a clue, contact Wyoming Fish and Game.  My experience is with the I-90 / I-25 corridor all the way from Montana to about Douglas. (2) Get BLM maps, or better yet buy the Wyoming chip from Hunt GPS Maps: http://www.huntinggpsmaps.com/store/gps-maps?hgm_map_states=484. This will show you exactly where the public land is; (3) if you're interested in applying for a buck in the spring draw, look at draw odds in the units you're considering. Wyoming has regular and "special" tags which are more expensive but generally have better draw odds. http://wgfd.wyo.gov/web2011/HUNTING-1000157.aspx; (4) plan to purchase some surplus tags in the summer. Even if you draw a buck tag in the spring, why not buy a few more doe/fawn licenses; (5) start thinking about where you want to stay; (6) think about a plan for what you'll do with your meat after you kill the animals.

The hunting is fun and not at all strenuous unless you make it so.

[MuleySniper]

Thanks for the info Bob! Just copied and pasted it... That is a hunt I hope to do next year. Anyone hunt WY for elk? Saw a thread on On Your Own Adventures of a couple that did well on Elk and lopes.
MS

[sled]

Thanks for the info Bob! Just copied and pasted it... That is a hunt I hope to do next year. Anyone hunt WY for elk? Saw a thread on On Your Own Adventures of a couple that did well on Elk and lopes.
MS

. Bob is the man!  Still can't thank him enough for helpin me out with our trip.

[ORCA_SIX]

There are a few DIY threads on here to search for. Bob hooked it up with some info. Depending on the area, you might hunt on state/federal land or you might end up paying a trespass fee for private land. Some units have over 1500 tags and never sell out. However, those units are typically the ones where you pay a trespass fee.

Antelope hunting is really fun and as easy as you make it. Definitely have a plan to process, clean and store the meat. Each hunter can typically shoot up to 4-5 Antelope. It ends up being a lot of meat and a lot of work but so worth it.

You will want to skin them out pretty fast too or at least cool them off.

Definitely call the Wyoming Fish and Game office, super helpful.

[chukar hunter]

Any opinions on best Unit for Greatest % Public Land(No Tresspass Fee) with best Quality Bucks?

[splitshot]

i am like chukar in that i want to find shootable bucks and no treapass fee.  thanks for the info, you guys are great.  i am sure we will have more qns.  mike w

[Bob33]

Any opinions on best Unit for Greatest % Public Land(No Tresspass Fee) with best Quality Bucks?

There are several, but you also need to consider draw odds. The units that get the most attention for having the best bucks and good access have low draw odds.

[Bigshooter]

This is from eastmans it should help you find a unit.

[Bean Counter]

*TAG* 

[SemperFidelis97]

This is something I have been looking at as well for myself, and the family.  I personally wouldn't mind paying a trespass fee if it was reasonable for a better experience does anyone have any recomendations on some ranches that offer fee access for pronghorn, and perhaps mulies that a working man can afford.

[Bob33]

Help stop the commercialization of hunting and hunt public land! 

If you are really short on time, must have a nice buck, and don't want to do any homework then paying a trespass fee may be a consideration.

This year I bought four surplus doe/fawn licenses, hunted public land, and filled the tags in two half-days.  If I had a buck tag I could have shot several that were 13"+.

I've hunted Wyoming since 2005. I've killed 40 antelope and never paid a penny to someone to hunt private land.

It can be done.  Good luck.

[ORCA_SIX]

I would call the Wyoming Dept. of Wildlife. They can hook you up with farmers/ranchers once you decide what unit works best for you. The Eastern side of Wyoming has a lot of tags. Especially up in the Gillette area. But you will most likely be paying a trespass fee up in those areas as there is limited Walk-In-Areas.

[SemperFidelis97]

Help stop the commercialization of hunting and hunt public land! 

If you are really short on time, must have a nice buck, and don't want to do any homework then paying a trespass fee may be a consideration.

This year I bought four surplus doe/fawn licenses, hunted public land, and filled the tags in two half-days.  If I had a buck tag I could have shot several that were 13"+.

I've hunted Wyoming since 2005. I've killed 40 antelope and never paid a penny to someone to hunt private land.

I look at this no differently than I look at paying Hancock for access.  Honestly Bob if it wasn't a 20 hr drive I would just scout, and make due.  I will be bringing my kids, and I really don't want them in the middle of the shooting frenzy that much of the public land has turned into at this time.  I have been asking around, and doing research for awhile now I would prefer not to have to pay a trespass fee, but I on the other hand have heard allot of horror stories about some of the areas there.  Hell if there was someone on here that hunts there regularly, and doesn't mind company I will be bringing over a cargo trailer with all of our gear I would gladly share our camp, and feed them while we were there in exchange for their company as well as knowledge.

It can be done.  Good luck.