Is this even possible?

[islandlaker]

I have been looking at draw odds on the non resident random draw and available public land for antelope in Wyoming for a while now. It appears everywhere with public land there is almost no chance to tray and all the areas with no public land seems to have a ton of available non resident tags. Seriously why so many tags for areas with private land only lol... I have read about trespass fees, wondering what could I normally expect in terms of fees?

Now that brings me down to my "is it even possible" question. On top of antelope hunting I want to mule deer hunt at this same time. As a non resident with no points should I even consider this? Antelope units 109 and 102 look like I could draw easy enough, and that is in deer unit Y which I could also draw easy enough. Though Wyoming game and fish rates these units as difficult access.

I mule deer hunted in zone R last year by medicine mountain and I absolutely loved it! I saw some huge moose and elk. Didn't see any big mullies but our group did end up tagging a couple smaller bucks. I am looking forward to getting back out to Wyoming.

Just to prove I'm not bsing here are a couple pics of the moose we saw. We were able to get within 200yds to snap these pics. Actually stopped stalking a small mule deer to get a better look at these guys!

 

[roknHS]

Sure its possible, if you can find a rancher that will let you hunt his property. Units with left over tags are mostly private land and trespass fees are all over the board. Probably $250 - $1500 dollars. Some ranchers operate on their own......some are tied up with outfitters. In those units with lots of tags and lots of private property its just a matter of money. If you have a pocket full of money you can find a place to hunt. Generally deer cost a lot more than antelope. Ranchers value the deer.....antelope are more of a nuisance.

 

[Ricochet]

In unit 23 everybody I called wanted $400 per antelope buck.

 

[siwulat]

We met two ranchers, one while hunting and one in a gas station, who both granted us access for goats on the spot. We didn't even need to ask them, they simply offered. Both referred to them as nuisances and just said go for it.

 

[Ricochet]

We met two ranchers, one while hunting and one in a gas station, who both granted us access for goats on the spot. We didn't even need to ask them, they simply offered. Both referred to them as nuisances and just said go for it.

That is a little risky if you have to travel a long ways to hunt. Glad you found free access though.

 

[siwulat]

Yes I certainly wouldn't plan a trip around a plan like that. Just pointing out that it is possible there are willing landowners who might not be on the list. Obviously if a pre season trip is possible that would also up the odds of access.

 

[Rulechanger]

Questions for you...can not leave to hunt till my son's football season ends. Not necessary looking for record bucks but want to see mule deer, other wildlife and have a great adventure. Is there public land? How bad is hunting pressure? Would hunt late Oct...

 

[siwulat]

There's tons of public land. Questions for you...what state, species (you mention MD but this is a goat thread), unit? Is this a 2015 gig? Any points?

You should be able to get some of your questions answered. There is a plethora of knowledgeable people here.

 

[Musket Man]

Its not that there are more tags or alot of tags for these areas with difficult public access, there is just less demand for tags in those units because of the difficult access. If you do hunt these areas do alot of research on access and get a gps chip. I think your best bet to hunt deer and antelope together on 2nd choice tags would be private land.

 

[WapitiBob]

Shoot 4 does for $165 and leave the $280 buck tag till you have enough points to make it worthwhile. I haven't used a point, payed trespass, or hunted pvt land yet. Very doable if you go that route.

 

[lucky guy]

Same plan here, still a couple years out for the buck tag. And take your varmint rifles for the prairie dogs after you tag out. Never saw so many as last year!

 

[islandlaker]

Thanks for the comments guys. I am looking at Montana right now to see what is available there. I am thinking of just chasing Mule deer only again in Wyoming and apply for the preference point for antelope.