Starting to research!!

[Nebraska Outlander]

I've already done some research and been trying to soak up as much as I can. Antelope hunting is new to me and I want to know and learn as much as possible. So any suggestions are appreciated!!!

I am going to be archery hunting in the state of Nebraska. I already have a spotting scope, double bull archery blind, and a couple back packs. What other things will I need for Antelope hunting?

I am planning on a spring scoutting trip out to the Oglala National Grasslands to try and find some places to hunt. I realize spring isn't fall and things will be different but I want to get an idea of terrain. I want to be able to look at some maps back home to figure out a place to set up camp, some watering holes that might produce, and anything else that might look fruitful!

Either way these are my ideas and planning ideas for now. Was wondering what the rest of you would do to start planning for an Antelope trip?

Thanks for all the suggestions!!

Nebraska Outlander

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

You should start by buying and reading Mike Eastman's book on Antelope Hunting. It is stuffed full of info for somebody in your situation.

 

[Drhorsepower]

You should start by buying and reading Mike Eastman's book on Antelope Hunting. It is stuffed full of info for somebody in your situation.

+1 bb speaks the truth.

 

[grantk]

Where are you staying? That is a great area lots of good bucks. Make sure you go before the resident muzzleloader season opens it gets pretty busy then. you might also want to buy a mulie tag there are some nice ones on the grasslands. as far as maps go you can get a map that shows all the grasslands for less that 20 bucks. I got mine at the Fort Robinson State Park. They also have great accomidations there and camping

 

[Ikeepitcold]

You should start by buying and reading Mike Eastman's book on Antelope Hunting. It is stuffed full of info for somebody in your situation.

The best info out there for you.

 

[packer58]

Nebraska Outlander,

First of all, archery Antelope hunting is probably the most fun you'll have with you clothes on !!!!!! Sounds like you allready have the glass covered, how about range finder? you'll need one. Setting up at water sources (stock ponds, wind mills, troughs, springs or seeps) is by far the most productive way to bow hunt antelope. Werever you plan on hunting make sure you set-up your blind a few days to a couple weeks prior to the hunt so that ALL animals that are using the water can get used to it. I think personally, hand dug pit blinds work better, they are low profile and constructed of natural vegatation of the area. Make sure you set up on the down wind side of the H2O and not two close, 30 yrds from the far side of the H20 is pretty good, keeps your shots within reason. Antelope are very small animals and very nervous around water. Shoot a LOT !!!! from your blind, sitting, kneeling, one knee, both knees. If you choose to build a pit you will most likely be setting on your butt, so practice that also. As far as scouting and maps are concerned, get your maps and do a lot of scouting and glassing well before season. Make notes on your maps as to where your seeing good bucks. The idea is to have your shopping list complete well before season starts. Antelope are fairly predictable, if your shooter buck is using a particular water source a couple weeks before season, he will probably use it opening day (providing nothing has changed, or he gets preasured).

There are different ways to go about it, this works for me..............PM me if you want to go over anything else

 

[Nebraska Outlander]

Thanks guys, looks like I am getting the book!! Ordering it tomorrow! I forgot to mention I do have a range finder. Well i need a decoy?? I thought about trying to make one out of plywood but not sure if it needs to have a lot of good detail. I haven't looked at any of the montana decoy's yet so I might go that route also.

Thanks again for the replies, I will be getting the book soon!! Going hunting with a friend and I can read the book then he can also.

Nebraska Outlander

 

[jenbickel]

Packer58 pretty much summed it up!
Decoys can be very helpful. Depending on where you are hunting, a moo cow decoy can work wonders. Where I hunt, there are cattle everywhere so a lot of people use them. Of course an antelope decoy would work also. If you are going to be set up at a water hole, just like most animals, antelope feel a little more comfortable when there are other antelope already at the water hole. This is definitely where a decoy comes in handy. Antelope are extremely skittish. But so much fun to hunt!