Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Other Big Game => Topic started by: huntindoc on July 06, 2011, 10:50:47 PM

Title: Oregon Antelope
Post by: huntindoc on July 06, 2011, 10:50:47 PM: So I guess I'm lucky. Bombed out in Wa state this year. Since I grew up in Eastern Oregon, I have been building points for years for deer and elk there, even though it's getting stupid expensive. Just before I moved back here, I hunted the Maury unit for antelope with a bow. Had a great time, didn't score from a number of hunter blunders. What the heck. I threw my name in the hat and guess what....

3 OTC tags, I drew one of them with no points. Cool. Last time, it was rather overrun with hunters- elk, deer and there are 99 lope tags. I know the area a bit, won't be able to do much scouting. Last time I found a hooter buck way up in the mountians no one else had found. Hunted him 3 days. Plan on going back there.

Anybody have much luck hunting lopes with a bow? I really don't like blinds, but that sounds like the best bet. What about that "be the decoy" hat and shirt thing? I've got to try it even if it looks completely idiotic. Anybody try one? Love all feed back.
Title: Re: Oregon Antelope
Post by: Elkstuffer on July 07, 2011, 04:27:43 PM: Congrats on the tag! I've got 11 in OR. for antelope but I'm holding out for awhile until I draw the Hart Mt tag. I've used the "Be the Decoy" hat before. Very heavy and hot for early season in my opinion. I have archery hunted antelope 3 different years in MT. Always wanted to try the blind over water but it seems to always rain the last couple days before I get there. So I've just done the spot and stalk thing. It is tough but can definitely be done. Stalking is best early in the am or late in the evening. This is when there eye sight is at it's poorest. Also try and have the sun at your back if you can get the wind in your face. If you can find a water hole off the beaten path I would dig a pit blind or pack in a pop-up and sit it during mid day when the temps are at there hottest. With your tag being Sept 3rd thru 11th it is a little early for decoying don't completely overlook it. Have a decoy with you in case you see some rutting behavior. I've seen it in late Aug before. Good luck and keep us updated. I'm going through pronghorn withdrawls this year. Because of an elk hunt I won't be going in Aug. :(
Title: Oregon Antelope
Post by: NWWA Hunter on July 07, 2011, 04:45:59 PM: I love antelope hunting too. None this year or last. The withdrawals have definitely kicked in but three elk tags instead.