Anyone familiar with the Buffalo, WY area?

[247Buckfever]

So I missed out on a WY trip last year and its looking that way this year unless I can throw something together. I have a bunch of deer and elk points built up and was just thing about scouting the Bighorn range. I noticed there are still tags available for loper unit 102 and just wanted to get some intel on the unit. I know its its difficult access and mostly private where the antelope roam but success rate is over 75% for the unit so there has to be a good population out there.

Do you think there is an opportunity to find a buck on public land? I may take a buddy who has never been out west so anything with horn will be an accomplishment. Also, I've found antelope pretty high in the mountains before, have any of you seen them up in the foothills while elk or deer hunting? Just thinking about place the masses would not focus on

Just thought I would ask....I love a challenge if I move forward will be intensely studying the map and calling ranches owners for permission....BUT just wanted some basic insight on the unit

Thanks in advance and feel free to private message me a honey hole or two

 

[Topgun 30-06]

I'm very familiar with the Buffalo area as I go through there every year back and forth over the mountains to hunt the west side of the BigHorns every year but two since 1994. The reason there are leftovers and a high success rate is because 95% of the antelope are on private land and that's most of unit 102. I have never seen a single antelope once you get past the VA home on the west outskirts of town, as that's about the end of the prairie environment because you start climbing into the thick deer/elk country from there. I would not buy a tag for that unit unless you have a private piece of property lined up and locked in BEFORE you buy the tag. Otherwise, I think you'll be very disappointed and it's really too late in the year to be calling places now with the archery season just several weeks away. Many won't even answer the phone this late in the game, but IF you get lucky and get through to somebody I would try for the latter part of the season. Good luck, as you will need it this late in the game!

 

[247Buckfever]

Really appreciate the input Topgun. I figured that maybe the case but thought I would ask...thought it maybe worth an opportunistic tag. I really just want to spend some time in that part of the country. Probably stick to yote hunting

 

[Topgun 30-06]

Really appreciate the input Topgun. I figured that maybe the case but thought I would ask...thought it maybe worth an opportunistic tag. I really just want to spend some time in that part of the country. Probably stick to yote hunting

I try to help guys as much as I can, but I have to tell it like it is a lot of times and not blow smoke up someone's rearend and then have them mad when things don't work out. It's really best to start planning a full year or more ahead of time for hunts nowadays in order to get everything worked out and not get disappointed and a lot of guys don't realize how much prep work there is when you are just getting your feet wet for a first trip out west!

 

[mattdeere]

I've seen Antelope above 8000' in Montana while Elk hunting.

 

[Topgun 30-06]

I've seen Antelope above 8000' in Montana while Elk hunting.

I see them every year up to about 8,000' where we hunt on the west side of the mountains, but not above about 5,500' as you start climbing on the east side where he's talking about.

 

[mnhunter]

Topgun's assessment is pretty accurate based on what I have seen in that area. I have spent a significant amount of time in and around Buffalo/Sheridan/Kaycee. I am confident that you can figure out how to still buy a leftover tag and shoot a goat on public, but maybe not right around Buffalo, and you will have to put some time and effort into research in a very short time. I will send you a PM to try and help point you in the right direction, it won't be instructions on where to find a goat, but it will help you focus to do some quick research.

PM on the way.

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

Really appreciate the input Topgun. I figured that maybe the case but thought I would ask...thought it maybe worth an opportunistic tag. I really just want to spend some time in that part of the country. Probably stick to yote hunting

There are so few opportunistic tags in this day of information. It is getting harder and harder to find a sleeper area to hunt.

 

[247Buckfever]

Again, appreciate all the advice. like some of you have mentioned I have found good antelope pretty high or in the foothills where no traditional loper hunter would think of going. I literally almost was run over at twilight buck a rutting giant way up in the meadows of the greens mountains, think those dudes are fast wait till one runs 3' by you at full speed! Just thought by chance there is a nook or cranny in the bighorn foothills that a couple bucks hide in...and sounds like there maybe but will take alot of work.....I believe, like most of you, the "hard work Challenge" is what motivates me.

 

[Humblesmith]

I'm certainly no expert, but I've been told by locals from the Buffalo area that there is a lot of public land just east of 102, say in 16 or 17. With enough public land, if you're willing to walk, you can find something. I know from driving on I-90, there's plenty of goats in that area.

 

[Musket Man]

I'm certainly no expert, but I've been told by locals from the Buffalo area that there is a lot of public land just east of 102, say in 16 or 17. With enough public land, if you're willing to walk, you can find something. I know from driving on I-90, there's plenty of goats in that area.

I wouldnt sat alot but there is some accessible public land in those units and the units south of them. Most of the antelope in that area are on private land in my experience but it is worth looking into.

 

[Elkoholic307]

102 is junk and I'd advise you to not spend your money on it.

 

[247Buckfever]

Can you be a little more direct? LOL....appreciate the feedback. I guess to better sum up my plan, if we go.... would be a varmint hunt with an antelope tag in our pocket! My thought is its probably worth the $200 in case we run across some lopers. They may be OTC at that point anyway so we could scout a few days and then buy the tag if we locate a couple.

Its the mountains that are the real draw, and scouting for future hunts

 

[Elkoholic307]

I should've added that archery season was decent but way too many people on way too little public land during rifle season.

Hunted several days in both seasons and never saw another hunter during the archery season; even in the walk-in areas.

 

[DaveZ]

This will be my 3rd trip to the Buffalo area in 5 years. In my first 2 trips I was able to take 2 antelope (does) from 102 off of public land. This was after getting my mule deer. OTC non resident doe tags are about $35 a piece (couldn't afford getting OTC buck tag), this year might be different. PM me and I can get you more info on where we were.