1st time to Wyoming

[dsellhausen]

Hello all,
This is my first post. I wanted to gather info from all of you guys that have field experience. I am looking into hunting Antelope this fall 2017. I have contacted the game and fish department and have been very helpful. However I was hoping for some thoughts, and advice in my planning. The game and fish department told me to look into unit 9 as it has "ok" public access with good odds of being drawn. I do NOT have any preference points do I know my options are limited at best. Thank you all in advance for the help!

 

[Againstthewind]

Might search old threads, I thought there was someone here last year that was asking for help on either 9 or 11, that area anyway. I don't remember how it turned out. There are some big walk-in areas and state areas there I think.

http://forum.eastmans.com/showthread.php/15327-Successful-1st-Antelope-hunt-DIY

Found it I think. Pretty well written and good info. I thought. Hope its all copacetic to share other guys stuff.

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

I'd recommend getting a few points (2-4) and go for a really sound hunt. Wyoming is having a really tough winter this year, and it may be the right year to sit it out.

 

[dsellhausen]

This is a good read! Thanks for bringing that up. I know its not an ideal situation to go out with zero points and expect to find land with public access, but you don't know unless you try.

 

[480/277]

Plenty of units can be drawn with no points that have enough land and game to kill antelope.

 

[dsellhausen]

480/277,
This is the first time I would be applying for an Antelope. Wasn't sure what units to apply for 1st and units to hope for in the 2nd and 3rd. Has me a little confused...

 

[480/277]

You have no points. Your chance of drawing a good unit are astronomical.
Look at all units that were 100% with no points last year or had leftovers.
Find the one you like with some public access . Go later in the season.
The last week is good.
Kill antelope.
It's not hypergolic fuel technology

 

[dsellhausen]

Thanks,
Just looking for some tips for the public lands.

 

[Manualman]

If you can spend the extra money, I would get in the special draw. With no points it should help you draw a bit easier. I hunted area 9 a few years ago and it doesn't sound like it got any better so it wouldn't be my choice. Look at the draw odds from last year to see if the odds of drawing are better in the special or regular draw, sometimes they're not.

 

[480/277]

Thanks,
Just looking for some tips for the public lands.

I think everyone knows what you were looking for.
Guys work hard to research public land spots to hunt.
They take work, shoe leather and sometimes a tag wasted
On spots that don't pan out.
Add to that all the computer scouters that burn areas out
Because it was posted someplace and I think you can
Begin to understand why general answers are common.

 

[Flyforfun]

I have done hours of research. I will not say what unit I'm applying to but I will tell you how I came to my conclusion. Teach him to fish vs feed him fish comes to mind. So here is what I'm doing:

Aug 2017 archery only with ZERO preference points in WY, hunting out of Gillette.

Here is how I have come to my choice:

1) I went to the game and fish website and downloaded all of the special draw and preference point stats from last year.

2) Wrote down every unit that did not take any points to draw within about 1.5 hours of where I would be staying.

3) Then compared the 2 lists and went to OnX hunt maps to find the most public land in those units and how easy it is to access. I went to the county specific websites to download county road maps to see where I could legally drive.

4) Then used Eastmans MRA book from 2016 and compared to the zero point draw units with the most public land and then went back to onX to find the BEST public land. Not just any public land but which land looks like the best to hunt.

5) Bsck to onX and started marking waterholes on good public land that was within about 1-2 miles from a road or 2 track.

6) Back to WY game and fish site to look at HARVEST results from last year and number of tags issued.

From this list I came up with a "long shot" unit that maybe would get lucky in the random draw (20% chance) and a second choice unit that was a 100% draw on second choice. Still want to hunt and build a point, WIN-WIN.

This was my process. I have a job that allows me lots of time to do this so I understand if not everyone can put in his much time. But the next best things is to pay someone to do the research like Eastmans (MRA/MRS) or hunin fool. Feel free to shoot me a PM to discuss any of this. Good luck.

 

[Warmutt]

Flyforfun, just gave out some fantastic information free to anyone sharp enough to pay attention.