Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Other Big Game => Topic started by: elkboy on May 29, 2020, 08:49:12 AM

Title: my first antelope application
Post by: elkboy on May 29, 2020, 08:49:12 AM: 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!
Title: Re: my first antelope application
Post by: HUNT JR on May 29, 2020, 08:54:45 AM: Be careful, they are really fun to hunt. Can cause an addiction :chuckle:
Title: Re: my first antelope application
Post by: mburrows on May 29, 2020, 09:13:46 AM: 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.
Title: Re: my first antelope application
Post by: elkboy on May 29, 2020, 09:15:30 AM: Like I need another addiction beyond deer and elk... at least it's a legal addiction... good problem to have, I guess? :chuckle:

They are really some of the most beautiful animals... and the speed they can put out will always boggle my mind...
Title: Re: my first antelope application
Post by: theleo on May 29, 2020, 09:44:45 AM: Quote from: elkboy on May 29, 2020, 09:15:30 AM
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.
Title: Re: my first antelope application
Post by: Bill W on May 29, 2020, 09:55:12 AM: 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.
Title: Re: my first antelope application
Post by: Bob33 on May 29, 2020, 10:10:26 AM: Here's an interesting article. It's from the perspective of an archery hunter but has some good insights.

https://wyomingwildlife.org/pronghorn-persistence/
Title: Re: my first antelope application
Post by: greenhead_killer on May 29, 2020, 11:22:08 AM: is there a points option when applying? ive looked and cant seem to find it
Title: Re: my first antelope application
Post by: Stein on May 29, 2020, 11:24:25 AM: Yes, there is a point system for buck antelope.
Title: Re: my first antelope application
Post by: greenhead_killer on May 29, 2020, 11:26:03 AM: ill look again thanks!
Title: Re: my first antelope application
Post by: Stein on May 29, 2020, 11:33:44 AM: 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.
Title: Re: my first antelope application
Post by: greenhead_killer on May 29, 2020, 11:40:23 AM: i just wanted the point for next year without having to actively apply this year.
Title: Re: my first antelope application
Post by: Stein on May 29, 2020, 11:43:17 AM: July 1
Title: Re: my first antelope application
Post by: elkboy on June 03, 2020, 10:58:25 AM: 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.
Title: Re: my first antelope application
Post by: Stein on June 03, 2020, 11:00:17 AM: .243 is more than enough, zero doubt about that. They are not big animals.
Title: Re: my first antelope application
Post by: bobcat on June 03, 2020, 11:45:50 AM: 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.
Title: Re: my first antelope application
Post by: Bob33 on June 03, 2020, 01:37:41 PM: Quote from: elkboy on June 03, 2020, 10:58:25 AM
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. :tup:
Title: Re: my first antelope application
Post by: Widgeondeke on June 03, 2020, 03:49:46 PM: My .243 has taken 10 antelope :tup:
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 :drool:
Title: Re: my first antelope application
Post by: millerwheeler on June 04, 2020, 02:45:47 PM: :man wasn't paying attention to calendar and deadline was June 1st not July 1st crap
Title: Re: my first antelope application
Post by: Bill W on June 04, 2020, 04:30:03 PM: 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.
Title: Re: my first antelope application
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on June 05, 2020, 12:59:33 PM: Quote from: elkboy on June 03, 2020, 10:58:25 AM
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
Title: Re: my first antelope application
Post by: elkboy on June 05, 2020, 01:22:18 PM: 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...

:tup: