Wyoming Combo Hunt?

[Longbow]

I'm a new member and still trying to navigate this forum correctly. I have accumulated 8 points for deer and antelope in Wyoming. I would like to get some input on whether to try a combo hunt this upcoming season or hunt deer this season and hunt antelope next year.

I'm also retired and may have time to make 1 scouting trip prior to the seasons.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[go_deep]

If time and money are of no issue, heck yea! Apply for an antelope tag that ends, and the deer tag starts the next day or so after. Go antelope hunt, when your done go deer hunt. Focusing on one species at a time will take some of the pressure off.
Good luck on whatever you decide!

 

[Longbow]

I hadn't thought about looking at hunts that don't overlap. I'll take a look at that and see ehat is available when the time comes.

 

[Rich M]

Also plan on staying as long as it takes - some seasons are open longer than others. If you can plan on staying say 20 days of a 20 day season, that'll take the edge off as well.

8 pts puts you in a good spot.

 

[Prerylyon]

Also plan on staying as long as it takes - some seasons are open longer than others. If you can plan on staying say 20 days of a 20 day season, that'll take the edge off as well.

8 pts puts you in a good spot.

Some good advice there on staying as long as possible. In full disclosure, I'm still very inexperienced at this game; but both on my 2014 mule deer hunt and 2018 doe lope hunt, I didn't score til the last days of my hunts; 4th and 3rd day respectively. And, on my 2017 cow elk hunt, we didnt get heavy into game until the last 2 days (4th & 5th). If you're an 'avg' nonres DIY hunter coming from a day's drive or further, short of being guided or having a helpful cousin that lives and hunts in the unit, most will lack the ability to scout as often as someone living closer and get the latest up to date knowledge of game movements. Coming a few days prior to the season and staying through as long as possible ( or thru it all) give time to build that boots on the ground real-time intel. Weather often also adds an element of intrigue. Life and work obligations can make it challenging to stay more days - I'm stuck at 7 day hunting trips til I can get some of these kids off the books! [emoji23]

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

 

[88man]

With your point totals I would hunt one species this year and then hunt the other species the following year. You have time to do your internet research and scouting on units until application time. Maybe get a leftover or type 6 tag for the species you will hunt the following year. Should make for a less pressured hunt each year.

 

[mallardsx2]

Speaking from experience if you are trying to do a combo hunt while drawing tags I would look down in point value at least by 2 if you want to actually try to get both on the regular draw. (Look at units and seasons that overlap with 6 points for each) Or kill your deer then go to a good antelope unit would be the other option. Or apply for the special in one of the two species.

 

[Bonecollector]

With your point totals I would hunt one species this year and then hunt the other species the following year. You have time to do your internet research and scouting on units until application time. Maybe get a leftover or type 6 tag for the species you will hunt the following year. Should make for a less pressured hunt each year.

A lot of good advice given, and none of it wrong, but I like this concept. With that many points, I want to focus on each hunt and be fresh/prepared for each.

 

[00BUCK]

As others have said you are in a great spot with your point totals and could do either. I did a combo muley and lope hunt in 2017 in WY. It was extra planning and work to move locations but the excitement of the hunt was unparalleled. The thought that you still have a deer hunt after the lope was super inviting.

We pulled it off and filled four tags. If you are good at judging antelope then with your points you will draw a good unit and have no pressure. Antelope hunting is my favorite.

I would focus most of your research on the deer unit. Antelope hunts are super fun and in general take much less time then deer.

If you like to hunt out of state every year and have points in other states or live in a solid big game state, then I would do the combo. You will have an unforgettable experience be on your way to more hunts sooner then later. If you don't have a lot of other opportunities then I would do them on different years to spread out your investment.

 

[Longbow]

That's good advise. The good news is that I am retired and have the time. The bad news is that I'm getting older. I have also thought about purchasing the archery endorsement if it applies to the unit for deer that we apply for to spend more time.

 

[Roundball]

If I had the $ I'd go up around N.E. Wy. & hunt with 7J's! I'm pretty sure he has combos! Welcome to the forum & good luck.