WY Antelope Tag Question for a 1st Timer

[MSWV]

3 of us are planning a goat hunt for this fall. This will be our first time hunting west of the Mississippi River!! We have permission to hunt a ranch in Unit 23. We are planning to archery hunt only during Late August. None of us have points. Will we have any problem drawing buck tags for Unit 23? I also heard that it would be possible to buy doe tags OTC when we arrived? Any other info would also be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

For the past 5 years (since 2007) Unit 23 for antelope in Wyoming has been 100% draw in both the regular and special draw. In fact usually only 1/3 of the tags go to applicants who put in for that hunt for their first choice, so it looks like you would have a tag locked up. Save your money and apply for the "regular" license, don't spend the extra money on a "special" license (only used to get you better draw odds in tough to draw units).

For example, last year (2011) in Unit 23 there were approximately 1900 licenses in the regular non resident draw and a total of 535 first choice applicants.

I've never hunted for does in Wyoming, but I would assume in a unit with 100% draw for bucks, getting doe tags will not be a problem at all.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I just checked the 2011 regs and Unit 23 opens for rifle Antelope on Oct 1. The Special Archey areas generally open Sept 1, with a few earlier and this year it doesn't list 23 as an Aug 15 opening. Make sure you arn't going to get something you don't want. I would call them and get the straight info. The regs should be out by now (I havn't got mine yet)Also Wyoming has a provision where you can apply/buy you does tags when you send in you regular application. It can also be applied for with the stipulation if you don't draw the primary tag, it's called Doe/Fawn Withdrawl Block. If you check it AND do not get your primary draw you get your money back. I always use this as I don't really want to hunt only doe antelope. Good luck.

 

[jenbickel]

If you look, it says that it does open for archery for that area on August 15th. It says area's 18-27 so that would of course include your unit. You should also be able to buy a doe tag OTC when you get here. Most areas have a ton left over.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

OOPS...looked in the wrong booklet...it was for 2009.

 

[MSWV]

Sorry guys but scratch Unit 23.. I spoke with the guy whom is helping us and he says we wont be in unit 23. We will be in Unit 7. Now, If Im looking at the right page, I think I see where I stood only a 42% chance of drawing a Buck tag for this unit. If this is true, should we purchase a preference point before we apply? Sorry for my ignorance and Thanks again.

BTW, the Wyoming Regs are a lot more confusing than ours, but then again, we dont have near the game!!

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

Not sure, but I believe the PPt purchase period for this year is over. I think its July thru September.

 

[MSWV]

You are correct.. Looks like I have a 42% chance of getting a tag for that unit..