Wanted / pronghorn

[huntnphool]

Huntnphool,Are you referring to the combo tag?  If so, he's right, you can always draw with one I believe.

Yep, with one point he should be at about 70%

[jake]

Gutpile,

If you're going to put in for Region 7, buy the preference point.

Just keep in mind tha unit 7 is 90% private land, make sure you have access before spending the money and time.

[Wolf Track]

Any of you guys come this way on I-90, let me know and I'll see if I can meet you for coffee and give you any info that I can about areas or hunting tips for this side of the mountains...

[270Shooter]

Huntnphool,Are you referring to the combo tag?  If so, he's right, you can always draw with one I believe.

Yep, with one point he should be at about 70%

Ok. I didn't know there was an antalope conmbo tag? . I thought you got 3 options for units?

[Ray]

Tons of pronghorns north of highway 2 between Havre and  Malta Montana. Lots of private land. If you call some local sport shops they might give you leads on access. I hear the east side of that unit is easier to hunt because most people mass to the west side of it.

Also have seen plenty between Lewiston and Malta as well. I believe a lot of that is private property as well. You'll have to do legwork on that access.

Word on the street is after the first big cold and snow blast they come out of Canada like rats. But they are there year round as well.... Find a watering hole...

[Pathfinder101]

I made a speed goat my top priority this year (if I can get drawn).  I have been looking at Wyoming mostly.  Put in for Montana a couple of years ago, but didn't get drawn.  Don't underestimate that "filling out the application correctly" advice if you are putting in for MT.  That's what got us.  And just because you talked to someone at Montana Fish and Game and they told you something, doesn't necessarily mean it's true.  I wish I had gotten her name. 
The reason I have been looking at WY, is because in years past if you don't get drawn, they give you a chance to buy a left-over tag from the less popular units.  I guess the difference between "good" units and "bad" units in WY is the public access.  Turns out so many goat hunters have been flooding into WY in the past few years that the ranchers have figured out they are worth money, so the best land is leased out to outfitters, or you have to pay a several hundred dollar trespass fee. 

So, what I have been told is that you put in for "good" units in the draw.  Then when you don't get drawn, you buy a left over tag for a "bad" unit.  Then you get the BLM Maps for your unit, pick out the little patches of legal land, and drive the circuit every day looking for a herd you can hunt.  When you spot one, you make your stalk and hope they don't hop the fence.  I understand it's frustrating, but most guys I have talked to tagged up, as long as they weren't too picky.

I am thinking about going with my sister and her husband this year.  They have some friends in MT, so they are looking into private land.  I am doing the research for WY.  There's also a rumor that WY may not offer left-over tags in '09.  SO we're still waiting to make a final decision.

If anyone has any better info that what I just put out, I would love to hear it.  I don't want to goof up the draw like I did a couple of years ago in MT...

[Craig]

I have hunted Antelope twice in Montana and had good success. I hunt on Private property but have learned that a lot of landowners are more likely to let you hunt Antelope on there land then deer and elk. So ask around and you might get lucky. If you get access to hunt lopes try and keep in contact with them and you might luck out and get a place to hunt other big game. Hopefully I draw one of the top Antelope units in Wyoming 2010.

Here are my two antelope from unit 481.

2006


2008

[Pathfinder101]

wow.  both nice goats.  Congrats.  If my sister gets a lead on private land in Montana, we will go there since it's closer and the tag is cheaper.  Or if they eliminate the left over tag program in WY. 
Good luck getting drawn.  Do you have any preference points for WY?

[Craig]

I have three points in Wyoming and six points in Colorado.

[Pathfinder101]

from what I understand, 3 preference points should make it a done deal.  I heard the point system is only 3 years old in WY, so you should be one of the top dogs.
Gonna be tough to top those 2 Montana 'lopes though.  They're both great animals.  I'll be happy with anything over 12" for my first hunt.
THanx for the Montana advice, I'll be looking forward to hearing your Wyoming story this fall...

[Ridgerunner]

I'm with you on Wyoming, I can't wait to get over there and get a good speed goat. 

[Pathfinder101]

according to what I have heard (and this may be wrong), it is still quite a bit easier to get permission on private land in Montana.  While people go there to hunt antelope, they aren't swarming there the way they have been to Wyoming.  I don't know this firsthand, just what I have heard.  Montana ranchers still view antelope as pests, Wyoming ranchers are starting to view them as a cash crop.  When your state becomes the top hunting destination in the world for a species, if you are smart you'll cash in if you can. 
If anyone has better info, I would love to hear it.  I am still in the research stage right now, but I REALLY want to kill a speed goat this year.

[Ridgerunner]

Mike Eastman just came out with a book that is soley on antelope hunting, would probably be money well spent.

[Pathfinder101]

Yeah, I saw that.  I am planning on getting the book.  But I am sure that it will focus on killing a B&C goat.  I don't think I am at that level yet.  The first thing about Wyoming they are going to say, is plan your trophy hunt for 3 to 4 years from now and start buying preference points. 
I do not harbor any delusions that I will be able to draw the "right" unit and just show up and kill a trophy goat.  I know I will have to pay my dues and learn the game, just like with every other species.  Gotta get a couple of years crawling around in the cactus...

[EastWaViking]

Ranchers in Wyoming are crazy.  They will follow you around like a third world child
trying to get your land owner coupon any way they can.  Know exactly where you are hunting and be prepared to have them lie to you and tell you that you are trespassing.  They will even gate public roads!!!!