Wyoming antelope

North mo

New Member
Apr 10, 2019
6
0
Hey fellow hunters. Father and son looking to do a diy antelope hunt this year. We have 0 pp. Biggest issue I have is a bad knee. Can't do steep hills.with us not knowing the area can someone point us in a general area of the state to try to get on.
 

ScottR

Eastmans' Staff / Moderator
Staff member
Feb 3, 2014
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Northeast Wyoming is going to about your only option based on what you are looking for. Do me a favor and head to the Introductions section, kind of like a hand shake.
 

NEWHunter

Member
Jun 11, 2016
91
22
Brookfield, WI
I wouldn’t get hung up on an area of WY. It’s more about the tags you can draw given your limitations - mobility and zero points. There are units all over the state that could meet your criteria, although the majority are in the eastern half.

Pay up for the special tag as it will give you more options. Spend time on the WY Hunt Planner and create a list of units you could draw 100% last year with zero points in the special but could not draw with zero points in the regular - be mindful of point creep. You should then have a list of a few units and can start searching old threads and making calls to the wardens and biologists to help you make your final decision. The planning is part of the fun - good luck!
 
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North mo

New Member
Apr 10, 2019
6
0
ScottR isn't the north east almost all private ground? Maybe I'm not understanding the map
 

bdan68

Active Member
Nov 13, 2013
311
45
Rochester, Washington
ScottR isn't the north east almost all private ground? Maybe I'm not understanding the map
You're correct, but the reason the north east was suggested is because of the fact that you have no points. That really limits you as to which units you can draw. The less desirable units that have very little public land are the ones that can be drawn without points. So that's about your only option. With your other limitation of a bad knee, you really should consider paying for access to private land, or going with an outfitter. That is, if you want to hunt this year. If you could wait a few years, then build up some points and you'll have better options in the future.
 

Rich M

Very Active Member
Oct 16, 2012
758
566
Yup.

Hunting out west isn't like getting a license and going, it takes a bit of research and a few preference points in your pockets. I went in 2017, enjoyed the atmosphere and shot a couple of antelope but didn't like the amount of other hunters - crowded hunting is not better than no hunting to me...

Will do it diff next time.
 

Prerylyon

Veteran member
Apr 25, 2016
1,334
511
52
Cedar Rapids, IA
Beware of the areas in the legendary northeast units along the powder river in the vicinity of I-90: the Powder river breaks are best described as mini mtns. The amount of legally public accessible land is misleading. It can be done DIY, but its steep, tricky country. I speak from experience. That being said, if you can budget ~ $1k for trespass fees on a private ranch in those units (15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) and the antelope over that way make it through this winter and spring ok, you guys could have a very fun hunt in less taxing terrain. I do not have any contacts, but saw signs offering access at that price point while scouting last summer and hunting this past October. Those units are not known for trophies, but they make up for it in numbers. Sometimes they do surprise everyone and a trophy is taken, but its not the norm.

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ScottR

Eastmans' Staff / Moderator
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Feb 3, 2014
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ScottR isn't the north east almost all private ground? Maybe I'm not understanding the map
Yes, tough access for sure. You can have a fun father son hunt, just expect to find plenty of competition on public and truthfully not a lot of big bucks. With no points though...this may be your option.


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ScottR

Eastmans' Staff / Moderator
Staff member
Feb 3, 2014
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Beware of the areas in the legendary northeast units along the powder river in the vicinity of I-90: the Powder river breaks are best described as mini mtns. The amount of legally public accessible land is misleading. It can be done DIY, but its steep, tricky country. I speak from experience. That being said, if you can budget ~ $1k for trespass fees on a private ranch in those units (15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) and the antelope over that way make it through this winter and spring ok, you guys could have a very fun hunt in less taxing terrain. I do not have any contacts, but saw signs offering access at that price point while scouting last summer and hunting this past October. Those units are not known for trophies, but they make up for it in numbers. Sometimes they do surprise everyone and a trophy is taken, but its not the norm.

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Some of the public is flat inaccessible, others have walk in areas. The experience and expectations you laid out above are spot on.


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Work2hunt

Veteran member
Mar 2, 2013
1,366
11
St. Louis, MO
Buck or doe? I don't think you specified. If you go doe hunting you can still have a great hunt and your options open up a lot more than buck hunting with 0 PPs.

I've done several doe hunts with my family. No bad knees but young children. We had a blast.
 

Colorado Cowboy

Super Moderator
Jun 8, 2011
8,338
4,722
83
Dolores, Colorado
Buck or doe? I don't think you specified. If you go doe hunting you can still have a great hunt and your options open up a lot more than buck hunting with 0 PPs.

I've done several doe hunts with my family. No bad knees but young children. We had a blast.
Yep...I would opt for a doe hunt. More options and plenty of area to hunt.
 

North mo

New Member
Apr 10, 2019
6
0
Was really wanting a chance at a buck. Maybe I'd be better off collecting a few points then try it . Thanks for your words of wisdom guys
 

JimP

Administrator
Mar 28, 2016
7,312
8,694
72
Gypsum, Co
Was really wanting a chance at a buck. Maybe I'd be better off collecting a few points then try it . Thanks for your words of wisdom guys
People draw every year in the zero point units for bucks. However you need to do a lot of homework learning who will and who will not allow you to hunt on their lands. Be it by paying a trespass fee or hunting towards the end of the season after all the family has filled their tags.
 

mnhoundman

Veteran member
Oct 25, 2012
1,291
111
Minnesota
We hunted doe in 22 couple years ago, but didn't go until the end of season. They are pretty dam smart and spooky by then, i would go right away. There's quite a bit of land once you get out there, but definitely have a gps chip!!
 

NEWHunter

Member
Jun 11, 2016
91
22
Brookfield, WI
Was really wanting a chance at a buck. Maybe I'd be better off collecting a few points then try it . Thanks for your words of wisdom guys
What you’re trying to do can certainly be done on 0 points. It will require some research though. Put in for doe tags too and go out without expectations and you should have a great time with your son.

I’d suggest scouting for a day or two prior to the opener and kill a buck when the BOB shows up and then you’ll have a few more days to fill the rest of your tags.
 

North mo

New Member
Apr 10, 2019
6
0
Well unfortunately I found out my son's fall college schedule has sent me a curve so now I have to replan this trip. Is there anyone on here that's from wyoming or very very familiar with the state that I can call and chat with. If so pm me your number and a good time to call. Thanks guys
 

conibear

Active Member
Oct 15, 2017
210
81
Well unfortunately I found out my son's fall college schedule has sent me a curve so now I have to replan this trip. Is there anyone on here that's from wyoming or very very familiar with the state that I can call and chat with. If so pm me your number and a good time to call. Thanks guys
Can't over-emphasize the fact there are detailed threads archived on here from people explaining everything for a newbie with zero points. Search and you'll find them. Good luck on your adventure!