Wyoming Unit 7 Speed Goat

[Edub]

Hi guys, my partner and I were fortunate enough to draw a couple NR buck tags for Unit 7 around Newcastle. We have some private land to hunt with a local friend, but this being our firs time up there I am just curious what type of activity we can expect?

Are there decent numbers of goats? How is the quality of antelope in this unit? I realize these are broad questions, but I am hoping some of you guys understand my poorly worded questions. If someone asked me about a unit in Colorado ( My home state) i could give you a pretty good quick cliff notes version of what I feel to be true of the unit. Looking for something similar if possible. Lastly, how has the moisture been up that way thus far?

Thanks guys, its shaping up to be a great year already!

 

[Againstthewind]

Pretty wet. Lots of rain the last couple weeks for the whole NE Corner of the state. Grass is pretty tall already. I think that there are good numbers around. Its a little hard to tell right now, they are kindof scattered until a little later when they start to bunch up. I think with the last couple of winters being pretty mild there are quite a few younger ones making it through just fine. I am not good at judging antelope, but they are already pretty tall it seems like. A lot of people on here say that many areas in WY can produce an 80" and 7 probably has as good a chance as any. There are some walk-in areas and grasslands and some BLM for public. Anyway, I think there are enough around for you to be pretty choosy, and they stick to pretty much the same places especially on private where they might not get hounded around, so you can come back to one you like but aren't sure. Archery is pretty tough, though. That takes some skill, and I might take the first one I had a good chance at. I wouldn't hold out for an 80 incher unless tag soup is ok, but that would be pretty awesome. Whew, and you thought your post was poorly worded, lol.

 

[hunt1up]

I hunted unit 7 in 2010 at the recommendation of a local WY resident. That year there was something like 1200 tags and it was 100% draw, as were the units around it. That was my first antelope hunt. Between 3 guys we filled our 4 antelope and 2 deer tags in 6 days. We saw plenty of antelope. Due to winter kills since then, the tag quota has been whacked pretty hard, with only 350 tags in that unit now. That fact should help you from a pressure standpoint. I spent a little time in 7 in 2013 with a Region B deer tag and saw plenty of antelope.

If you just stick with the accessible public and the walk-in ground then I think you'd be fine.

 

[birdhunter]

This unit is in my back yard. Don't expect any monsters in the 80" range. This is an area that gets pounded by NR hunters. Its a good thing you're hunting private. The moisture this year has been very plentiful. We have had a half inch of rain about every other night the last month except for this last week. You should have a better than average chance at harvesting a goat. I would say that the average antelope in this area is around the mid 60s. If you get one in the 70s you have a real trophy for this area. I would stay on the private land for hunting. You will find out why when you get here. You will see orange on every hill on public land. With all the moisture, I would think that they should be nice and fat from all the tall green grass. To let you know, the locals in this area will only hunt area 7 if they cant find any private land to hunt in areas 6 and 8. Area 7 just has too many hunters on public. All the private ranches around there are good sized so you shouldn't have to worry about finding any goats.

 

[Edub]

Guys, great info and just what I was look for in regards to my broad questions. Thank you for taking the time to respond with intelligent information. Good luck this season to all of you!