Advice needed for first timer in Wyoming

[Fowlerguy85]

Hey guys I'm new to the forum and have read some great threads. I wanted to start my own thread and get some advice from some seasoned goat hunters. I have read ALOT of articles and it's a bit overwhelming. I don't have any experience hunting antelope but do have a lot of experience hunting deer, coyote and turkey in Tennessee, South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas. My wife and I do not have any PP's and don't know what units to apply for when the time comes. Also I refuse to pay a guide because there is no better feeling than accomplishing a challenge youself. Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated. Look forward to October.

 

[hoshour]

I can solve one part of that for you, where to go.

Buy the first edition of the Eastmans' Members Research Annual that was just announced and is available for $70 at http://www.eastmans.com/eastmans-members-research-annual-2015.

It has 320 pages of information and advice on picking the best units in the 11 western states, including Wyoming. This is a compilation of Members Research Section (MRS) expanded reprints (they have the added information from the digital site).

If you want this year's information and if you want hunting and gear advice and stories, you can get a digital subscription or print subscriptions to the Eastmans' Hunting Journal (EHJ) and Eastmans' Bowhunting Journal (EBJ). You'll find the MRS in the back. I know it's a shameless plug, but it is what you need.

 

[siwulat]

Really take time to familiarize yourself with the draw process for whatever state you are looking at. It was kinda daunting for me at first but now that I understand it it makes a lot more sense. There's a lot of good info on this forum so stick around. Can you be more specific about what your looking for? State,weapon, etc would help.

 

[Work2hunt]

Hoshour gave you some good information. The MRS is a great source of info especially for a newby. Some other sources would be to check out the Wyoming website and check draw statistics. Find those units that can be drawn with 0 PPs or as a leftover tag. Keep in mind most of the units are going to be tougher to hunt because of public land access. But, don't worry. My hunting group and I picked up 6 leftover doe tags this year and had a awesome hunt even tho this was a majority private land unit.

 

[WapitiBob]

You can get 4 does tags for about $165. I single buck tag will run you about $280.

Hunt does your first year and figure things out, then go forward from that experience.

 

[7 Mag]

Antelope hunting is a blast! As mentioned a lot of the left over tags might be in areas that don't have a lot of public land do your research before you buy. I would still apply for a unit that may only take one point to draw you never know. Practice your long range shooting and take a well worn pair of boots with you. Good luck!

 

[MOhunter28]

Don't over think it! I am from Missouri and got all geared up for my first antelope and WAY too over prepared for it. We took 6 guys and everyone had a goat down on opening morning by 11. Not to mention we were by no means hunting a trophy unit; we had purchased left over tags from the draw. Get very familiar with the draw system in Wyoming. You have plenty of time to figure out a unit.

 

[Jlrineer1]

Don't over think it! I am from Missouri and got all geared up for my first antelope and WAY too over prepared for it. We took 6 guys and everyone had a goat down on opening morning by 11. Not to mention we were by no means hunting a trophy unit; we had purchased left over tags from the draw. Get very familiar with the draw system in Wyoming. You have plenty of time to figure out a unit.

Makes me feel a little better, I am in charge of planning our hunt this year. 6 guys traveling 1800 miles from PA for antelope and mule deer. Just don't want to get out there and not be prepared but I can see how you could 'over-prepare'

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk