Non-res points for the future

[elktaker]

What preference point should I look at building for the future in Wyoming?

I know I will have 2 elk tags and a mule deer tag in Utah coming to me this year (gen archery bull with a friend, late cow hunt and a general deer) so I am not looking to hunt this year in Wyoming, but I am looking to at least antelope hunt probably in 3 years. I am interested in a better unit that would take 2 to 3 years to draw buck antelope, but debating about building some other points.

What other species should I be building points for that I can draw a quality hunt in next 5 years in Wyoming? I would be looking for a public land do it yourself style hunt? Any whitetails readily available on public land? I hunt all seasons, archery, muzzleloader (scoped custom 209 bolt) and rifle.

Thanks for any input! I cannot wait to put down a buck antelope in the future. I should draw a doe antelope in the next year or so in Utah but Utah only lets residents put in for one limited species at a time and I am working on deer then will switch to elk, so will not ever get the chance at a buck in Utah.

 

[NDHunter]

I'd say it's common to buy points for elk, deer and antelope. Good antelope hunts can be had on leftover tags so you don't need much for points to have a fun hunt. 2 or 3 points will for sure help to get you into a better unit. For deer, I'd say you're more likely to be hunting mulies than whitetails. I know some whitetails do get shot on public but your chance at a mule deer is much better. For elk, you can get a general tag with 0-2 points depending on if you go into the regular or special draw. The general tag is probably just as good as some units that take 5 points.

 

[elktaker]

I'd say it's common to buy points for elk, deer and antelope. Good antelope hunts can be had on leftover tags so you don't need much for points to have a fun hunt. 2 or 3 points will for sure help to get you into a better unit. For deer, I'd say you're more likely to be hunting mulies than whitetails. I know some whitetails do get shot on public but your chance at a mule deer is much better. For elk, you can get a general tag with 0-2 points depending on if you go into the regular or special draw. The general tag is probably just as good as some units that take 5 points.

Is it worth me building 2 or 3 points for antelope or should I just wait until I am ready and a buy leftover? This will be first buck antelope and would probably plan a possible 4 to 5 day hunt with rifle (buck and probably pick up a doe tag if available). I would like to shoot a nicer buck but I may not even know the different in the field.

I probably will not put in for any other points in Wyoming. Stick with Utah for mule deer/elk and arizona and maybe Neveda for Mulies.

 

[cmbbulldog]

If you think you might have a future desire to do a hunt, get the points. In the grand scheme of things, they aren't that expensive and it gives you options down the road.

 

[hunt1up]

Get a few antelope points. Sure you can very easily be successful with leftovers, but you'll typically have a limited amount of public land. Yes, you can be successful. Our group has killed plenty in limited access areas. BUT, hunting a 2 point unit with ample land is far more enjoyable. That's my opinion anyway. More time hunting, less time driving around.

 

[elktaker]

Get a few antelope points. Sure you can very easily be successful with leftovers, but you'll typically have a limited amount of public land. Yes, you can be successful. Our group has killed plenty in limited access areas. BUT, hunting a 2 point unit with ample land is far more enjoyable. That's my opinion anyway. More time hunting, less time driving around.

thanks I think I will build some points for antelope

 

[Dakota Kid]

As far as Antelope goes, I think it depends on what kind of a hunt you are wanting. Do you want to just shoot any goat, no points needed. If you want to shoot a big goat and not have tons of hunting pressure than you should start getting points.