1st time WYO antelope

[Glass eye]

I'm taking my son to Wyo for antelope this oct. This will be his 1st antelope hunt and our 1st time hunting Wyo. I understand from others that Wyo has some real strict and sometimes confusing property issues. We'll be hunting 023. Between Buffalo and Gillette there's a "walk-in-area" #7 just east of the powder river and south of I-90.
What should I know about these WIA's
Are they unlimited entry, if not, do I have get in line or draw a #, if I have to get in line, how soon before the hunt ?
Remember, this is my first WYO hunt and I know nothing about the cowboy state.

ps, this will most likely be our last big game hunt together for a few years. My son is 17 and when he turns 18 he plans on enlisting in the Army. Also, he has yet to bag a biggame animal and his sister has 2 deer under her belt ( sibling rivalry ) It's killing him !

 

[SDHNTR]

Good questions and you are right, it's confusing. I hunt a WIA on the Powder River too, but a long ways to the South of where you are going . The term "Walk In" is misleading. Some you can actually drive into, you just have to stay on existing roads of course. Some do have no vehicle access. There should be good signage when you enter the ranch telling you what is OK. Check the walk in regs and it will also give you a description as to what is and isn't legal for each area.

You don't have to get in line or make a reservation or anything. Just go hunt. Since they are open to the public, dont expect them to be any less crowded or really have hunting that is any better than the surrounding BLM land. You will want to hunt and check out the normal public land too. If you really want to stack the odds in your favor, call the local GFD office and ask for their list of landowners who will allow you to hunt for a trespass fee. I really don't think this is necessary but it is an option.

And tell him not to worry. You can't swing a stick in that part of WY without hitting an antelope. There are tons of them. He should have ample opportunity, it will be more of an issue of shooting the right one, not just shooting one period. Don't expect a monster in that part of the state. A 13-14" is a good one out there. Have fun. That should be a great Father/Son trip.

 

[Glass eye]

Thanks Nate

 

[One Track]

I'll tell you one thing. "It's fun!" SD guided us to some very nice WY lopes. At least, the taxidermist was impressed with our public land bucks. Fun stuff. Don't shoot the first one you see.

[attachment=52860:06_Lope_Mount1.JPG]

 

[oldworld124]

Congrats on the draw.

I hunted just west of there quite a few years ago. I found the names of some local ranchers and called them months before the opener. They were mostly receptive and allowed us to hunt after interviewing us when we arrived. We camped on their properties and made sure we left the areas perfect when we left. They continue to allow hunting because hunters respect the owners lands and livestock.
One more thing. I suggest you buy an extra reduced price tag as soon as you get there. I believe the Wyoming game and fish dept. has lists of stores who will be selling them. One time mine hunting buddy and myself shot 3 on the opener and had to go back and get more tags so as to continue hunting. we were in an area that allowed three per person to be harvested. The reason I suggest you get another tag is to be able to have more meat also. They usually yield 25 to 30 lbs of meat.
I believe you might also be able to get a tag if they have extras for your area. Don't forget to see if any zones next to the one you will be hunting have any extra reduced price tags.

Have fun, John

 

[Huntr Pat]

Good luck Bret to you and your son. I hunted area 23 in 2007 and harvested a nice wyoming archery buck. He made minum P&Y. I hope he get his cherry broken. lol