Antelope Country

[grantgibson1234]

Hey all, I'm beginning to plan my first antelope hunt for 2018 in WY and would like to do it on public land. In my pre planning I've been studying over maps of BLM and other public land to try to decide where I want to apply/hunt. Being a novice to ever hunting antelope I was hoping to get some advice on what kind of topographical features I should be keying in on that you all have found hold antelope. Not looking for areas or anything just the what to look for. Would appreciate any help! Thanks!


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[Hilltop]

The majority of public land below 7500' in elevation holds antelope in Wyoming. There are even some above that mark but for the most part they are not easy to find on National Forest land.

To start your plan you need to figure out what state/areas you can draw. To draw a tag with decent public access you will likely need at least one preference point. Your best option, IMO, is Wyoming. Buy a point this summer/fall and you will be able to draw a couple of "OK" areas in 2018. You would be able to draw even better areas if you saved up 2+ points but 1 point would get you hunting. Good luck in your research!

 

[LCH]

Also, study the HMAs and WIAs thoroughly. There are some units that don't have a lot of public land, but private lands that allow public access.

 

[7 Mag]

I think a good read is Mike Eastmans Antelope book, good info that can help you on your first trip. Antelope hunting is a blast and I agree with Hilltop buy a Wyoming point his year.

 

[Slugz]

Set your expectations correctly first. If this is a long distance hunt (traveling from KY), and you are wanting to horn hunt in most likely a yellow zone (MRS) with minimal points......you need to cover a lot of ground, hunt later in the season after the big push of pressure and have fun.

Heed Hilltops advice verbatim. if you are wanting to horn hunt.

 

[grantgibson1234]

I am definitely getting a point this year so I should be in good shape to draw a decent area. And I'll have to get that book. Thanks!


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[outdoor-addict]

We applied for a preference point last year and will be heading out this coming season. We are also novice antelope hunters from Kentucky, I will update you on our experience after the hunt.

 

[7 Mag]

We applied for a preference point last year and will be heading out this coming season. We are also novice antelope hunters from Kentucky, I will update you on our experience after the hunt.

Welcome aboard! You should enjoy your hunt they are unique critters.

 

[grantgibson1234]

Yes definitely let me know! And good luck!!

 

[dihardhunter]

If you're in a decent unit, close your eyes and then open your eyes - antelope will appear! I can't remember to which forum member to attribute this quote but I'd recommend getting a couple points before you lock in to a unit with abundant public land and antelope. That way you can experience antelope hunting (shopping) at its finest - "so many that you can't swing a dead cat without hitting one".

And yes, ignore the opening weekend hype and go later in the season - you'll be tempted to go for season start but do yourself a favor and wait until 3-4 weeks later - you'll have wherever you are to yourself (as long as you also researched season dates for general deer tags to avoid).

 

[Cobbhunts]

If any of you KY boys want to meet up sometime and compare notes I would for sure help you on what I know. We did have more points than you but guys, but before I had those points I looked at several units that took less. Just PM me.

 

[lostriverproductions]

Also, study the HMAs and WIAs thoroughly. There are some units that don't have a lot of public land, but private lands that allow public access.

This is good advice, but make sure you read the rules for each area. Some only allow access for certain species.