Kicking a dead horse... Unit 16 in WY

[bigdonniebrasco]

I have read and re-read so many posts regarding:

First time DIY antelope hunts.
No points recommendations.
Best units to hunt.

And that is the exact boat that I am in...

I am not looking for an "EASY" hunt, and like most first timers, I have no points. My plan was to hunt unit 16 because it's a sure thing. I have consulted maps and if you don't mind hiking in a few miles there is plenty of BLM.

The one question that I have NOT been able to find an answer to is - What is the terrain like in unit 16. Is unit 16 decent habitat for goats?

I would appreciate any input at all, and I am still open to suggestions regarding a different unit. The second reason that I chose unit 16 is that I figured that if I put the miles between me and the road, the fewer people (hunters) I would have to deal with.

Thanks

Don

 

[480/277]

Go the last week of the season. .02
Or pay trespass if you can get on some place.
I have hunted the opener and the last week and
The last week was a better hunt. Unless you like
that Normandy feeling.

 

[480/277]

Sorry, actually, no antelope in Wyoming. Go to Tombstone.....

 

[luckynv]

Try calling the local Fish and Game office. The Biologists and Wardens in Wyoming are very helpful. Good luck and God bless

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

Try calling the local Fish and Game office. The Biologists and Wardens in Wyoming are very helpful. Good luck and God bless

Lucky is right, that is probably the best way to find out the situation, the biologist or the warden for the area. Here is the contact information for the wardens in Wyoming:

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Law-Enforcement/Field-Personnel-Contact-Info/Warden-contact-info

Here is the contact info for the biologists:

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Law-Enforcement/Field-Personnel-Contact-Info/biologist-contact-info

 

[wy-tex]

I believe that terrain is broken with draws and washes. Not flat but I could be mistaken. Even a slight draw or wash provides stalking.

 

[bigdonniebrasco]

Thanks everyone!

WY-TEX, I think you are right and that is kind of what I was thinking. I know that type of terrain isn't "ideal" habitat, but everyone that I have spoken to seems to think that there should be some shot opportunities if I keep after em.

Thanks again.

Don

 

[swmoelk]

That country up there is very broken . Not so much big hills but ridges draws and cuts all over. There should be antelope scattered across the unit. Be prepared to walk ALOT it will seem like you've glassed everything until you start walking and realize just how many hiding spots they have. I put in the research for this unit but we stayed a bit south. Tons of goats in the general area its just finding them on public accessible land. I'm sure you know this but there's no parking on I90 to hunt but there are a few county roads that will give you the opportunity to walk up some critters. Good luck and have fun.

 

[Murdy]

I hunted it 2 years ago, it was my first western hunt so I don't have anything to compare it to, I was diy, public land. I stayed primarily in the south half of the unit. The descriptions above are accurate. Definitely not flat. It is rougher on the eastern side along the Powder River (I'd call it badlands, but not sure if I am using the term correctly). Opens up a bit to the west, but still hilly, rolling, terrain. The Red Hills are good sized though.
I hunted late in the season, saw enough goats on public to have a fun hunt, cant really offer an opinion as to trophy potential. During the week, it seemed like I had the whole unit to myself.
Although it is listed as a limited-access unit, I was able to find places to hunt.
People I talked to who paid a trespass fee generally did well.

 

[bigdonniebrasco]

Thanks guys.... I'm going to go ahead and take the plunge, and make it all final tomorrow. I am certainly not looking for a trophy, but I will be doing my best to bag a buck and a doe.

Does anyone know if it's "legal" to pitch a tent out on BLM land?

Thanks again for all the help!

Don

 

[swmoelk]

Yes legal to camp on blm just not state ground also I'd grab all the doe tags I could. Take care of the meat and you'll be glad you have the extra meat to take home. It is delicious

 

[480/277]

Half the fun is camping on blm.

 

[bigdonniebrasco]

No backin out now .... just bought my tags!!

 

[BKHunter]

Good Stuff. I am trying to get an elk hunt in this year in CO but if that falls through I may just do Antelope in WY as well.

 

[bigdonniebrasco]

Good Stuff. I am trying to get an elk hunt in this year in CO but if that falls through I may just do Antelope in WY as well.

If you end up going after goats, I'd love to hear how it went!

 

[swmoelk]

Good Stuff. I am trying to get an elk hunt in this year in CO but if that falls through I may just do Antelope in WY as well.

Might as well do both.

 

[swmoelk]

No backin out now .... just bought my tags!!

Did you apply for buck and doe?

 

[bigdonniebrasco]

Did you apply for buck and doe?

1 buck, 2 doe

HUGE ice chest in my truck

 

[wy-tex]

Yes you can camp on BLM. With that terrain don't pick a spot in the bottom of a wash. Take the best binos you have and use them more than your legs.

 

[swmoelk]

1 buck, 2 doe

HUGE ice chest in my truck

I took a 100 quart out with me and I'm betting I could've fit 3 quartered goats in there maybe 4 with a couple blocks of ice.