WY antelope seasons, MRS vs. WGFD tentatives; When are dates finalized by WGFD?

[Daybreak]

I realize that both Eastman's MRS and WGFD dates shown as "tentative". When are they made final and posted on WGFD? Before the May 31 application deadline I assume.

Specifically have the seasons been pushed later by a week in 63 and 62 compared to "normal" ? Eastman's MRS shows starting of Sept. 15 and Sept. 8. WGFD has shown for several months, Sept. 21 and Sept. 14.

It has been several years since we hunted WY antelope, and I have not kept up on the season dates from year to year in those areas.

Thanks much for any info you can provide.

 

[bdan68]

I would go by the regulations that were updated on 3/13/19. Looks like it's September 14 for 62 and September 21 for 63. The other dates you're seeing were last year's dates.

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/WGFD/media/content/Get Involved/April2_CH-5_Draft-3-13-19-3.pdf

 

[Daybreak]

Thanks. That looks like the info I needed. I remember a similar "draft" document years ago, with the changes crossed out and in red. I just could not find it this time. I guess my 70 years have slowed my brain some. So is this the final changes recommended to some "higher authority", probably still needs final approval but pretty reliable I assume?

Interesting that in the units I mentioned, the dates are starting 1 week later than previous year, yet they increased quota on one of the units. No change on ending season dates. I don't see why the idea to decrease days, yet increase quota to put more even more hunting pressure in a shorter time frame!!?? I am not the expert, just a hunter; kind of leaves me scratching my head a bit.

 

[bdan68]

I don't think anything is final until the meeting they have scheduled on April 23-24. But I don't think there will be many changes for antelope. I'm guessing the change of the opening date was mostly to move it to a Saturday.

 

[JM77]

I don't think anything is final until the meeting they have scheduled on April 23-24. But I don't think there will be many changes for antelope. I'm guessing the change of the opening date was mostly to move it to a Saturday.

True, everything is final after the April Commission meeting.

 

[wy-tex]

Season setting meeting are happening right now across the state, those posted regs will likely not change . We will get some info on winter and how animals are fairly at the meetings.

 

[Bonecollector]

Welcome to the forum Daybreak. I see you've been a member since 2012, but never saw you interact prior with your low post count.
Hang around a'bit. I'm sure you've got some stories to share from the past 70 years.
Love to hear about some old hunts as we all wait out the draw season.

 

[Daybreak]

Thanks Bonecollector & other replies; yes I am pretty scarce on the forum. Every few years myself and friend and son try to get a decent antelope tag in Wyoming, & that usually prompts some questions. Even though I do not post much, I am grateful that folks answer me anyway.

In Wyoming, that is the extent of our hunting. Have taken elk in CO with muzzleloader about 15 years ago, plus some antelope hunts in CO and NM. Most hunting now is whitetail on our Iowa farms.

I have been blessed in earlier years to do some hunting in BC and Alaska, which were my lifetime dreams.

This WY antelope thing has been frustrating. I farm, and an early start to the season is vital. Then the whole P point thing complicates it again; this year they pushed season to a later start, yet increased the quota, as I mentioned. Looks screwy thinking to me, I do not see the point....if they want to harvest more antelope, then why shorten the season?

Take care all, and good luck on draws.

 

[wy-tex]

If you have the PP to draw 62 and 63, there are plenty of great areas to fill your needs.

 

[Daybreak]

We can't draw a 62-1 or 63-1; the "dash-2 in 63 we can draw. The "dash 2" in 62 we are on the edge on points, decent chance.

We had a great hunt probably 8-10 years ago in 63, in what is now 63-1. The point creep then became way more than "creep" the next few years. Did not hunt on the east side, in what is now 63-2, but saw plenty of antelope over there as I recall.