Wyoming Antelope Hunting
- Thread starter durnet
- Start date
There was quite a lenghty thread on WY Pronghorn here:
http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showthread.php?t=239068&highlight=Wyoming+Antelope
And here:
http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showthread.php?t=238623&highlight=Wyoming+Antelope
http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showthread.php?t=239068&highlight=Wyoming+Antelope
And here:
http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showthread.php?t=238623&highlight=Wyoming+Antelope
I have done both.
Went with an outfitter, opening day, private land, it is an afternoons adventure. No trouble getting tags. Animals are not really spooked yet, so they don't bolt at the first sign of trouble. Be ready to shoot out to 300+ yards. Should be lots of animals around so like I said it is an afternoon out. Got a really nice buck, so did my buddy, back then we had film cameras if I can find a picture I will scan it and post it here.
Went on a DIY hunt a couple years ago, had to draw for tags and we got the 3rd season public land. Lots of animals around but they were pretty spooky since they had been hunted as well as being moved around by the deer hunters. Its still just an day or two of hunting, key points being you need good maps.
You can also get a GPS map that shows private vs public land to make sure you are not trespassing.
Cabelas sell the GPS maps you plug into your Garmin and the state of WY sells paper maps which are very good.
Got chances at bucks & does on the DIY hunt but the wind was horrendous and was pushing bullets 5-6 feet so we gave it up and came home.
Some tips:
Usually you judge an antelope from the side view of their head - ears are about 6" tall so horns that appear to be double the ear length is where you want to start.
Bucks have a black cheek patch and a black face (head on) the does don't have either.
Many a time a good buck will be in the middle of his herd of does so you have to watch and wait until there is nothing in front or behind him.
Take knee pads and elbow pads as you will likely be belly crawling to try to get close and the WY landscape is sagebrush and prickly pear cactus which is no fun to crawl through.
Western Camo is pretty much required, antelope have damn good eyes.
Don't try to shoot them on the run, they call them speed goats for a reason.
If you plan to mount your animal, don't drag it as you will drag the hair right off it.
A rangefinder is a must, as are good binoculars and a flat shooting rifle (.257 wby, .270, etc)
Have fun
Went with an outfitter, opening day, private land, it is an afternoons adventure. No trouble getting tags. Animals are not really spooked yet, so they don't bolt at the first sign of trouble. Be ready to shoot out to 300+ yards. Should be lots of animals around so like I said it is an afternoon out. Got a really nice buck, so did my buddy, back then we had film cameras if I can find a picture I will scan it and post it here.
Went on a DIY hunt a couple years ago, had to draw for tags and we got the 3rd season public land. Lots of animals around but they were pretty spooky since they had been hunted as well as being moved around by the deer hunters. Its still just an day or two of hunting, key points being you need good maps.
You can also get a GPS map that shows private vs public land to make sure you are not trespassing.
Cabelas sell the GPS maps you plug into your Garmin and the state of WY sells paper maps which are very good.
Got chances at bucks & does on the DIY hunt but the wind was horrendous and was pushing bullets 5-6 feet so we gave it up and came home.
Some tips:
Usually you judge an antelope from the side view of their head - ears are about 6" tall so horns that appear to be double the ear length is where you want to start.
Bucks have a black cheek patch and a black face (head on) the does don't have either.
Many a time a good buck will be in the middle of his herd of does so you have to watch and wait until there is nothing in front or behind him.
Take knee pads and elbow pads as you will likely be belly crawling to try to get close and the WY landscape is sagebrush and prickly pear cactus which is no fun to crawl through.
Western Camo is pretty much required, antelope have damn good eyes.
Don't try to shoot them on the run, they call them speed goats for a reason.
If you plan to mount your animal, don't drag it as you will drag the hair right off it.
A rangefinder is a must, as are good binoculars and a flat shooting rifle (.257 wby, .270, etc)
Have fun
