my first antelope application

[elkboy]

Just put in for the 700-series units for either-sex antelope in Montana.  Going with a friend from the Big Sky state in mid October...  Hopefully I get a chance to take my first pronghorn!

[HUNT JR]

Be careful, they are really fun to hunt. Can cause an addiction 

[mburrows]

Second that. Ill be getting a 900-20 tag out there and they are a blast to chase. Definitely not the same as elk and deer but it is so fun to get out there and see a ton of game and get in some practice stalking.

[elkboy]

Like I need another addiction beyond deer and elk... at least it's a legal addiction... good problem to have, I guess?   

They are really some of the most beautiful animals... and the speed they can put out will always boggle my mind...

[theleo]

They are really some of the most beautiful animals... and the speed they can put out will always boggle my mind...

The more you're around them, the less theire speed stands out. I'm not saying they aren't fast, but they've got habits and behaviors you just don't see in elk or deer. Have fun, they're a different critter to go after.

[Bill W]

I'll give you first time antelope hunters a good tip.   Don't shoot the first one you see.  Look them over.

Roads were very wet on my first trip and any off road travel was not a good idea.  I hiked back two miles to shoot an 11 inch buck and then had to drag him back out.  Later in the day I found out there were more than 3 bucks in the area.  There were lots more.  Buddy shot a 14 incher by being a bit more patient and his was only a 300 yard drag.

Almost all my antelope hunting was in the 700 area with the exception of a couple trips around Harlowtown and 1 trip up around Circle.   Biggest buck was 15 3/8 and it came from the 700 area.  Next biggest was a 14 incher that would score 79 7/8 and it also came from the 700 area.  Both those were shot hiking around the hunting area instead of driving roads.

[Bob33]

Here's an interesting article. It's from the perspective of an archery hunter but has some good insights.

https://wyomingwildlife.org/pronghorn-persistence/

[greenhead_killer]

is there a points option when applying? ive looked and cant seem to find it

[Stein]

Yes, there is a point system for buck antelope.

[greenhead_killer]

ill look again thanks!

[Stein]

When you buy your license and apply for a buck antelope tag, it will open a box asking if you want to buy a bonus point or not.  You can apply and not buy a point if you want or you can buy the point.  I believe the point isn't added to your account until after the draw, I'm sure others here can verify that.  So, if you have zero points and apply and buy the point your application will go in with zero.  If you don't draw you get that point added for the draw next year.  If you do draw, you actually lose that point and the money it cost which is what will probably happen to me this year. 

[greenhead_killer]

i just wanted the point for next year without having to actively apply this year.

[Stein]

July 1

[elkboy]

Thank you all for the great information! 

Now... I realize I am inviting controversy... but I was thinking to use my .243.  It is a tack-driver, and I am planning to keep my shots to 300 yards or less.  Is this a poor idea? Should I be looking at a larger caliber?  Thanks all.

[Stein]

.243 is more than enough, zero doubt about that.  They are not big animals.

[bobcat]

I used my 223 WSSM on a couple antelope. It worked just fine. I can't imagine a better cartridge than the 243 Winchester for antelope. You can probably even stretch out out a little further than 300 yards if needed.

[Bob33]

Thank you all for the great information! 

Now... I realize I am inviting controversy... but I was thinking to use my .243.  It is a tack-driver, and I am planning to keep my shots to 300 yards or less.  Is this a poor idea? Should I be looking at a larger caliber?  Thanks all.

That's a perfectly fine cartridge. Antelope are small making accuracy more important than energy. The range at which you can hit a 6" to 8" plate consistently under field shooting positions is a good guide to your maximum ethical distance.

Antelope are my favorite specie to hunt, and to eat.

[Widgeondeke]

My .243 has taken 10 antelope 
No lost animals (knock on wood), but if i draw WY tag this year I will be using my new 6.5cm. The .243 will make the trip as the backup rifle.
All my shots have been between 80-160yds

Good luck on your hunt and as Bob33 stated; antelope is my favorite to hunt & eat as well

[millerwheeler]

 :man wasn't paying attention to calendar and deadline was June 1st not July 1st crap

[Bill W]

I used a .25-06 for all of my antelope but two.  The two odd ones were a 7mm Mauser and the .243.   The .25-06 is a Remington 700 Varmint Special in a heavy barrel.  Real tack driver with the load I developed.

[DOUBLELUNG]

Thank you all for the great information! 

Now... I realize I am inviting controversy... but I was thinking to use my .243.  It is a tack-driver, and I am planning to keep my shots to 300 yards or less.  Is this a poor idea? Should I be looking at a larger caliber?  Thanks all.

.243 is the perfect antelope cartridge

[elkboy]

Thanks, everyone!  I really appreciate the input, clearly based on a lot of successful experience.  I am getting excited about the fall...

I've only eaten a few bites of antelope, and it was summer sausage- so I have yet to experience a good antelope steak.  Maybe this October...