Scouting from 1229 miles away

[Yell Co AR Hunter]

Just like some of your thoughts. I am a long ways from Wyoming and the closest I have been is about 600 miles. To top that off I have never hunted out West. I have been hunting for years. I know nothing is as good as feet on the ground scouting. My problem is the cost of trying to fly to Wyoming for a scouting trip over the next year. I am not sure you can even get there from here by the prices for a round trip ticket.

There are a lot of tools I use to key in on areas to scout here using maps. I can rule out some areas and concentrate on others. I have looked at maps over the past two years till my eyes are sore. What are some of the things you look for on maps that are tell signs an area might hold good numbers of antelope.

I have decided on the unit I plan to apply for. I should be able to draw antelope and mule deer in the same general area.

If you ever decide to hunt Arkansas I would be glad to give you some pointers on public lands(I don't duck hut).

Thanks for reading.

 

[Manualman]

I scout with my binoculars when I get there. Get on a hi spot and glass. I wouldn't do the combo hunt if you have never been out west. Hunt one animal at a time. Pickup extra doe tags so you can learn as much as possible. Go for the second animal the next year. Learning the area the first year will make the next trip a whole lot easier

 

[bigmoose]

When looking at maps, I look for creeks and springs. The antelope will usually be near them. If you can get there a couple days early you should be able to figure them out pretty quickly. There are lots of antelope in Wyoming ! We have always joked that the hardest part is NOT to shoot one on opening day ! If you are after a big one, it may not be that easy. Look for roadless areas or walk in areas where other hunters may not be. Good luck !

 

[PlainsHunter]

I use BLM maps and goggle earth to get an idea of some areas to start. Water is a good thing to look for. Doesn't have to be a river or a pond, could be a stock tank that cattle drink out of. If there are cattle in an area, there are probably antelope and deer somewhat close. I've seen antelope eat and hang around with cattle.

 

[ivorytip]

Wyoming has so many antelope I don't think you will have a problem finding them. Should he a fun hunt. Like was said, put binos to work.

 

[maine canoe guide]

I went on a guided antelope hunt in Wyoming last year. We saw them everywhere. My advice is look for water of some kind. Then look for an area that has rolling hills. You don't want it to be really flat cause you will never be able to sneak up on them. You can use the hills to help with your stalk. I shot my buck at 150 yards and the guy I was with got his at less than 100. Also they don't mind trucks and you can glass from your front seat fine but don't get out cause a man will spook them. A big buck will have a bunch of does with him and they all keep a wary eye. You will get busted by any doe who sees you. I took my buck ice fishing (if you know what I mean) last year the local Maine boys were pretty impressed.