I was wondering if anyone hunted this unit this year? If so, how was it? I was there a few years ago and was thinking of going back next fall. Just curious if the unit has changed much since 2010. Thanks.
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I was wondering if anyone hunted this unit this year? If so, how was it? I was there a few years ago and was thinking of going back next fall. Just curious if the unit has changed much since 2010. Thanks.
I was there a couple weeks ago. They issued I believe about 800 tags in 73, I have a hard time believing there are 800 total antelope in this unit. I also hunted there last year - and I did see a few more this year so I think they are coming back from the bad winter a couple of years ago. I have not seen a buck over 14" in the last 2 seasons. Heading that way again today. Wind is supposed to blow like crazy but not much time left before season's end. I've done tons of glassing over the whole unit and you just don't see very many.
I was there opening week , lots of construction but not many goats . I have hunted unit 73 for the last 11 years and the antelope numbers are 1/4 of what they used to be . Might have to look for another unit .
Thanks guys. I guess I will start looking at other areas to use my two points on.
I found the same situation in 74....less than (more like 25-30%) of the animals I saw 5 years ago on my last trip.
I used to hunt units around Casper every year but like others have mentioned they just issue way too many tags for those units. The quality and numbers have plummeted in the last 4-5 years. Hunted a different area this year with fewer tags, had an enjoyable hunt. Hope those units come back eventually but they will need to cut tags. You cant have guys killing pickup beds full of antelope and sustain a population when you have rough winters too.
I really don't thing the winters are the real cause right now. No spring/summer rain is much more likely. I didn't see very many fawns and most of the regular water sources were dry.