Wyoming Pronghorn

[Tom Petterson]

Just got back from Wyoming today. Had a great hunt the for of us went and brought home 7 goats. Three mature bucks a yerling and 3 does. The antelope were really thick. We saw 300 of them just on the drive throught the state on the way to the place we were going to hunt. We hunted out of casper. The antelopes were on the freeways on ramps and in peoples back yards there were even some at the u store it place. We only hunted a day and a half. One of the people we toke just couldn't seem to connect with the last doe. Had a great time and I will be going back on this sunday to jackson hole to hunt Elk and mule deer really looking forward to it.

anybody else going to Wyoming this year to hunt antelopes?

 

[RIFLEMAN]

I just got back a few hours ago. I hunted nearer to Evanston and got a decent buck and two does.

 

[CaHogHtr]

I'll be heading out to the casper area next Monday

 

[danodom]

Three of us are heading out to Casper on Sunday from Tennessee. It's our first time hunting antelope. I hope we see a fraction of the goats you saw. We drew in unit 32, and we all three have a buck tag as well as a doe/fawn tag each.

If you guys have any advice for rookies on the antelope circuit, feel free to lay it on us.

We'll be using .270 and 7mm rifles. We have a 20x-60 spotting scope and a rangefinder. We are all experienced hunters, but like I said, this is our first shot at antelopes.

Thanks,
Danny

 

[Whoadog]

I wish RIFLEMAN would post pictures of his buck as it is a monster that I am sure others would enjoy, he is just not one to show off.

Brian

 

[Tom Petterson]

Danodom most of the people in wyoming are glad to have you shoot the gaots off there property. The people we have met all let us hunt because we approched them kindly and ackted with respect for there property and livestock. Most of the antelope can be spotted from the truck and the spoting scope will help you determain trophy qaulity. You want a buck to be about twice the hight of its ears with good pronges and the tips should curle. Drive around untill you see the antelope you want then make a plan to get it. It is ectreamly eazy to gain access to hunt in wyoming. Hunt all day they are in rut right now. Make sure that you give the land owners the carcase cupon it's worth $11 Good luck

 

[danodom]

Thanks for the heads-up Tom. Wyoming apparently has a Walk-in Access program that is supposed to help with getting access over private property to public lands. Are you familiar with that program? We plan to sign up for it as soon as we get in town. Area 32 has a lot of public lands available, and I have a friend in Casper that hunts goats every year that wants to show us around. Based on the comments on this forum and elsewhere, we are becoming optimistic that we will get a shot next week.

 

[Tom Petterson]

Danodom I have not yet hade to use the walk in program yet most of the time we gain access to private property that you can drive on. Registering as soon as you get there would be a good idea though. I sounds like a reel good program we donate money to it but havent used it yet. I wish Cali5nia would come up with a program like it we sure need it. The success rate is about 80% and I am not sure why most of the people must miss alot or not find what the size animal they want or try hard enough. It sure is not because of the lack of animals

You will get your goats if you can gain access and get in close then make the shot eazy

good luck
P.S. I am only 20 and have taken 5 bucks and 5 does in wyoming and I don't shot all that good.

 

[RIFLEMAN]

danodom,

I would agree with Tom in his assertion that there is no lack of Pronghorn in Wyoming, nor is there a shortage of BLM lands. I have been drawn for five tags in the last two years and have come home with five animals. I didn't shoot the first Pronghorn I saw, but rather, chose the biggest animals or the best stalking opportunities.

Hunting Pronghorn can apparently be as simple as seeing them from the road and shooting them from a long distance away if all you are after is the meat and not the experience, excitement or challenge. I personally place a great deal of value in the experience of stalking up on my game and have not shot any of the Pronghorn at a distance greater than 83 yards. I have blown several stalks in my attempts to overcome their superior eyesight, but in the end, the failed stalks were just about as exciting as the successful ones.

You should do fine. Your trip and experience will be what you make of it.

 

[az4life]

Not sure if you folks will get the message, but the walk in program is a bit confusing. I just came back from my hunt in WY (Area 34 and 35) and found some land posted, some not posted. (some is posted Walkin BIRD HUNTING only, so be careful)

Lots of private land so the public land is not as plentiful as you may think. Much of the state is covered with antelope and most landowners will let you hunt them for a price. Most DO NOT appreciate folks just coming up and asking if they can shoot lopes on their land! take time to chat with them before asking about hunting on their land. It is a different way of life in the state. Slower and people are friendly. Just as long as you dont just USE them for your good. Lots of them are now charging trespass fees for hunters in addition to the license fees. MAKE SURE YOU BUY A CONSERVATION STAMP BEFORE YOU GO HUNTING! It is mandatory and can be purchased in any store that sells licenses.


Spotting the critters will be easy. Binos from vantage points show the white rumps very easily. Then pick your target and stalk on them. They have excellent vision so keep low and move slow! also remember your buck tag is good for a Doe if you get desperate.

By the way, hunting Coyotes is welcomed in any area you go to. No license is required! Skin them and you can sell the hides for 20 bucks each to help pay for the trip!

 

[medic]

Sounds like some liberal bag limits!

 

[Hntrjohn]

Had a 42 tag in my pocket. Saw lots of does. In 41 saw lots of decent bucks and does.

The bucks must been reading my mind and not walk across the road, no how long I waited.

 

[Mel Carter]

Hey hnterjohn,
Where were you hunting in 42? this is the unit I used to hunt but don't have access any longer to the property. Is there much BLM land in 42 and do you know how the deer hunting is in this area.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Hntrjohn]

I was hunting private ground between Rock River and Wheatland. I realy do not know how much BLM land is there, the zone is "Known" for mostly private. I am sure there has to be some good small holes of little known public ground.

For the same cost as dinner for 2 at the Red Lobster you can get acess on a private ranch.

 

[ARCTICCAM]

Planning on submitting my application for Pronghorn and mule deer to Wyoming for this year.

Anyone have any reccomendations on hunt units. I am from SC and dont have the luxury of asking to hunt private land before submitting my application.

Plan on hunting Public Access land or maybe private after arriving. I was thinking around Casper or Sheridan.

Any suggestions or contacts?