Pronghorn Doe Tags in Wyoming

[Bean Counter]

How long do antler less seasons run? I'm curious about deer as well as pronghorn. Thanks

[bobcat]

The seasons are different in every unit. But many of the doe seasons go through November, or even December. Some begin and end in September.

You need to print out the seasons and the deer area and antelope area maps from the WGFD website. That way you can figure out where you want to hunt, and when.

Keep in mind that deer units are different from antelope units. Elk units are entirely different as well. Wyoming sure has Washington beat in the confusion department!

One other thing- I wouldn't refer to antelope does as being antlerless. For one, antelope have horns, not antlers. And, both sexes have horns, the does' horns are just smaller.

[Bob33]

Most pronghorn seasons start in mid September or October and run two to six weeks.

Bobcat is correct about pronghorn antlers/horns. They are the only animals that shed horns annually. Females can have horns, and it can be very difficult to determine the difference between a mature doe and a young buck. It is entirely possible for a doe to have longer horns than a buck. The determining factor is a black cheek patch on males.

[Bwana Bob]

The 2014 WY hunt booklets are on line and will have all the opening dates for antelope and deer. Unless you know the area you want doe tags in has left over tags,  buy them in the regular draw that takes place in mid march.  I got burned one year trying to buy them as left overs tags and they were all sold out. Left over tags are $14 cheaper in the left over draw, no app fee. Good luck

[WAcoueshunter]

The antelope tags are "doe or fawn", and the determining factor is whether the horns are less than 5" long. So in theory it's legal to shoot a buck with 4 1/2" horns. 

They print the opening dates now, but don't print the number of tags or closing dates until after the application deadline.  You can modify or withdraw your application until June 3 in case the closing dates don't work for you or they drop the number of tags way down, etc.

[Bean Counter]

Amazing guys--everyone had something different, yet informative 

Bobcat: I will change my verbiage, thanks. Horns, not antlers. If this happens it will be my first pronghorn hunt.

Bob: I'll look for that black patch and/or carry a can of shoe polish   

Bwana: yes, I made that mistake last year. Wound up having to stay home  This year I will be ahead of the game.

"Cows" hunter: I'll mark my calendar for that withdrawal date, thanks. I'm also going to check the box that says "refund if not drawn for a regular priced tag." So really--its it "coooooze" or "cows"? 

[jackmaster]

How does speed goat taste, those are cool lookn critters

[bobcat]

How does speed goat taste, those are cool lookn critters

Some say it's the best meat they ever had and others say the dog won't even eat it. From my experience with a buck I killed in Montana many years ago, I'd agree with the latter. But too many people I trust have said it's their favorite meat so I'm hoping to try it again this year and find out if my one bad experience was a fluke. I did eat all the meat from that Montana buck, but to do so I had to have it made into pepperoni sticks.

[sirmissalot]

I've antelope hunted several times, and have yet to have a bad tasting one. All the locals act weird when you are antelope hunting, asking if you're really going to eat those dang things?? One year we had several of them just cut into steaks and burger, they were great and everyone I gave it to agreed. They are not large animals though so steaks aren't real big, so they are great for grinding up.

[WAcoueshunter]

"Cows" hunter: So really--its it "coooooze" or "cows"? 

Cooooze, of course!  Only the bios call them "cows"!

[Bigshooter]

I think antelope tastes great.  But opinions vary greatly when it comes to antelope meat.

[Bob33]

Antelope meat: I've hunted them since the mid 90s in three different states. I've killed and eaten 62. I've never had a single bad bite. Our family eats deer, elk, antelope, and the rare special specie like moose. We rank antelope at the top. "We" includes two young children, grandparents, friends, relatives, and the occasional man off the street.

[WAcoueshunter]

I've had both awesome and terrible antelope, and I attribute the difference to how well the meat was taken care of.  They have a distinct oil/smell.  Like a nasty rutting mule deer, if you touch their fur and get that oil/smell on your hands, then touch the meat...well, the meat then tastes terrible.  I think the blood can also taint the meat.  One time we didn't hang one properly - it was transported whole to WA before it was butchered, and that one tasted terrible.  But those that were well taken care of have all been awesome. 

[Bean Counter]

Interesting on how well one processes it will affect taste.

I'd better tag this thread... oh wait 

[Bluemoon]

Here is two from Montana from last fall.   The one on the left is a Doe.
Our rule of thumb for eating is if they are running don't shoot them.  If shot while grazing delicious....