Antelope or deer?

[Timber Stalker]

I’m highly considering applying for one or the other this year with 7 NR points. I’m on the fence on which I should go for, mule deer or antelope. I can’t take enough time to do both and want to make the best of the week I will have. Any input or suggestions would be much appreciated. I will be solo and am not really interested in a backpack style hunt.

 

[Yell Co AR Hunter]

With 7 points for antelope and deer you should have several options. I can tell you if I had been buying points for 7 years I would not need to ask this question. The research aspect is one of things I enjoy. If you can only hunt one this year I would go after the one I desired the most. Said thing is you are still way short on the blue chip units and would likely be for years to come. I would also think at 7 points for deer you will need to get up in the mountains for quality buck. Which would require some extent of backpacking. I would take a look at all units drawn with 6 points or less last year for deer and 5 points or less for antelope. Pick the best options from those and get that application in.

 

[mosquito]

Speaking from my recent experience. Just go hunting and don't wait. Enjoy the whole experience

 

[Timber Stalker]

With 7 points for antelope and deer you should have several options. I can tell you if I had been buying points for 7 years I would not need to ask this question. The research aspect is one of things I enjoy. If you can only hunt one this year I would go after the one I desired the most. Said thing is you are still way short on the blue chip units and would likely be for years to come. I would also think at 7 points for deer you will need to get up in the mountains for quality buck. Which would require some extent of backpacking. I would take a look at all units drawn with 6 points or less last year for deer and 5 points or less for antelope. Pick the best options from those and get that application in.

I do have several antelope areas in mind, just haven’t researched if and which ones should be at full potential this year.

 

[cking13]

I'm not sure where, but wyoming cut a bunch of antelope tags this year. I would either go deer or find an antelope unit that took 5 points or less last year like AR said.

 

[ScottR]

If you aren't interested in a backpack hunt I would go after an Antelope hunt.

 

[Timber Stalker]

If you aren't interested in a backpack hunt I would go after an Antelope hunt.

What’s considered back pack distance? I can do day hunts hours from my truck, I do it often here in Oregon. I guess I should clarify I’m how much im willing to hike in and out a day. I would rather hike for two three hours and sleep in a comfortable camp, especially when I’m solo.

 

[ScottR]

Message me, if you have TagHub I can show you pretty easy your deer options and why I say that.

 

[Rich M]

7 points in a special draw can do you pretty well for Antelope.

I'm ready for the draw to happen - just want to know what I'm doing this fall. Another month to go.

 

[gonhunting247]

Antelope first

 

[Hilltop]

7 points in a special draw can do you pretty well for Antelope.

I'm ready for the draw to happen - just want to know what I'm doing this fall. Another month to go.

What 7 points in the special bought last year has no relevance unfortunately. Major tag reductions are going to really change the numbers this year. A lot of people are going to be surprised when they are unsuccessful in the draw.

 

[BuzzH]

What 7 points in the special bought last year has no relevance unfortunately. Major tag reductions are going to really change the numbers this year. A lot of people are going to be surprised when they are unsuccessful in the draw.

The hunters thinking doe tags are a slam dunk are going to have some long faces...

 

[ScottR]

The hunters thinking doe tags are a slam dunk are going to have some long faces...

Yup, this year is going to be nuts. It’s going to be a while before we figure out what norms are. Deer wise the season date change in CO is getting the “waiting for the perfect year” guys to spend crazy number of points on units/seasons they wouldn’t have before. Add to that frustration with point systems and hunters cashing in just to leave...and then add in the i just want meat this year group and voila, record number of applications this year!

 

[BuzzH]

Yup, this year is going to be nuts. It’s going to be a while before we figure out what norms are. Deer wise the season date change in CO is getting the “waiting for the perfect year” guys to spend crazy number of points on units/seasons they wouldn’t have before. Add to that frustration with point systems and hunters cashing in just to leave...and then add in the i just want meat this year group and voila, record number of applications this year!

Totally agree...

What has me troubled is the steady decline in pronghorn in Wyoming since I moved here in 2000...alarming, trending about like mule deer.

Hopefully reducing tags, in particular doe tags, can reverse it some.

 

[Timber Stalker]

Thank for everyone’s input. I elected to try for an antelope hunt this year. I was leaning that way initially and the feedback here solidified my decision.

 

[Yell Co AR Hunter]

Good luck and I hope you draw a tag. I built up to 6 points before my first trip to Wyoming on antelope. Ended up splitting my points with a buddy. I took a hard look at the blue chip units and figured out it would still be years before I could draw a tag. I ended up taking a very nice buck in a unit. At the time had 90% chance to draw with no points. The buck was close to 80"s. What I have learned is there are good animals in most all units. You just have to find them and you can't find them building points.

 

[Timber Stalker]

I will Let you all know if I draw. I’m very aware of point creep and if there is a reduction in tags I very well could not draw.

 

[Rich M]

Totally agree...

What has me troubled is the steady decline in pronghorn in Wyoming since I moved here in 2000...alarming, trending about like mule deer.

Hopefully reducing tags, in particular doe tags, can reverse it some.

I have to say that this is necessary - eliminate doe harvest in the affected areas...

What 7 points in the special bought last year has no relevance unfortunately. Major tag reductions are going to really change the numbers this year. A lot of people are going to be surprised when they are unsuccessful in the draw.

Kinda crazy to think that 7 points in the special isn't enough for a decent hunt. The overtaxed system is a joy-killer for sure. Can't control the weather or the herd. Just hope for the best and run with it.

With 2 pts, I swung for the fence and will continue to do so until getting the chosen draw this year or in the future.

Go Hunt will still control how many folks do their permits. Are those guys modifying how the computer selects the units - based on the number of available permits, or is it just gonna be based on what the draw was last year?

 

[eaglemountainman]

I love to eat antelope, but hunting mule deer is just about my favorite thing to do.