Questions in Planning 2015 Antelope Hunt

[bniceley]

First, Thanks for the warm welcome guys from my earlier Intro. as an Eastman Forum Member!
After purchasing P/Pnts for 5-Years, I'm determined to try to make this year's Antelope hunt.
After weighing out the many options, I am leaning towards going with an Outfitter that offers Drop Camp hunts.
Although I would much prefer to do a DIY and haul my Pop-Up out to WY., coming out from MD. you burn 5-6/days traveling, round trip. The Drop Camp will allow me to fly in, rent a vehicle, and start hunting immediately.

Was wondering if anyone has gone this route? The outfitter hasn't indicated what units he covers but seemed to suggest you are looking at a 90-100% success factor. This is a 6-Day Drop Camp that includes all gear with the exception of game processing and Tags. It's also much cheaper then the 2x1 Hunts that range from $1800-2500 for 2/3-days.

Appreciate any input you guys may have?

Bruce N.

 

[hoshour]

I don't know why someone would hire an outfitter for an antelope hunt when most WY units have around 90% success and the average hunt is 2 days.

I think you're better off flying and staying in a motel or paying extra to check some minimal camping gear.

You can each check two bags no charge on SW Airlines flying into Denver plus your carry-on and what you wear. Donate the meat to a local charity or ship it home.

 

[Musket Man]

Did the outfitter say if it would be public or private land?I could be wrong but it seems to me that most antelope units that outfitters are hunting would be units with alot of private land you could draw 2nd choice and you would be wasting your points. With 5 points you can draw a good unit with lots of public land. If you want to fly I would rent an SUV and sleep in it. Check in a sleeping bag and a few things, buy some food when you get there and go hunting. I dont think the drop camp would be worth it for an antelope hunt.

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

Like MM said, you can fly into Denver or Salt Lake City, carry a big ice chest with you, rent a 4x4 vehicle and hunt a top 10 unit with your points and have no problem killing a nice buck on public land. There is a reason success runs close to 90% in much of Wyoming, it is just that easy to get an antelope. If you don't want to sleep in the vehicle go with a motel. Take the antelope to a butcher to cut, wrap and freeze it, then take it back home in the ice chest. On our 2006 antelope hunt we based out of Rock Springs and killed two excellent bucks in a half day hunt an a unit I had never hunted before. If you are a descent hunter you WILL get your buck. If you spend a week at it and are picky you should kill a very nice buck.

 

[ssliger]

If you are able to draw an area that has good access and don't want to pay for a drop camp. I have a Cabelas Alaknak tent, cot, sleeping bags, stoves and misc camping gear you could use. Let me know if your interested.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[okielite]

When I think of "drop camp" I think of horses packing you and your gear in the timber. I dont' really see how or why you would use a "drop camp" for an antelope hunt. Sounds to me like you simply need to find a place to sleep in or near your hunt area. Lots of good options but a motel is probably the easiest choice for several reasons.

Do some research, pick a unit you can draw with your points. Than book a flight, rental car, and motel. Get a map or the onx map app for your phone and you will be ready to go.

 

[go_deep]

Sent you a pm.

 

[bniceley]

SSLIGER
Thanks for the Gracious offer on the Camping gear!
I would actually like to,drag my Pop-Up out there but can't burn the extra days.
I'm leaning toward doing the Hotel and Rental 4x4 and now trying to decide on what Unit to put in for.
I had some good Intel,from a Preacher friend that lives near Riverton. He suggested hunting both sides of Rte 136 which he said is plenty of Public Land access. I've also heard the Encampment area is good as well. Had originally thought of trying to draw in TBNG outside of Wright and/or Bill, WY?

 

[lostriverproductions]

Sent you a PM

 

[Elkoholic307]

No offense, but a drop camp for an antelope hunt just seems strange to me.

The hunt generally doesn't take very long and you don't need much gear to do it. You could save yourself a lot of cash and pitch a tent.

 

[Elkoholic307]