Wyoming Antelope

I am planning to make my first of many hunting trips to Wyoming, in 2017 for antelope. My brother and I will have 5.5 preference points going into the 2017 draw. I have several criteria and Unit 68 appears to meet them best. It appears we will have a 100% chance of drawing in the special pool. The unit is mostly public ground which is a primary consideration. We want to spend an entire week there and I doubt we will need that much time to find antelope we like.

It appears there is some really good fishing in this area - is that the case? We are willing to hire a fishing guide if necessary or can we rent a drift boat on our own? Is there good fishing to be had simply by walking in? We are not fly fishermen and simply enjoy catching whatever is available. Any recommendations on stretches of river to fish while we are there? Techniques/baits?

We want to come and hunt with archery equipment first and if we do not tag out we will come back with rifles. I assume this is an option. Is sitting water the best option or is spot and stalk possible? What are the best techniques for spot and stalk in this area?

I am sure the antelope numbers are lower in the southern part of the unit but we like the idea of hunting closer to Green Mountain. Is this a bad idea? We are willing to see fewer animals in exchange for the scenery.

Are winter conditions good/bad/average for this area right now?

What options existing for camping/lodging? We are willing to drive 30-50 miles each day if that lodging is closer to the fishing spots. We are also willing to just drop camp on BLM ground in our hunting area.

When is the peak of the antelope rut in this area? We think this is a fun time to hunt them as they are sparing, chasing, and generally more fun to watch this time of the year.

My brother really does not like snakes - are they going to be an issue during archery season or rifle season? How many encounters would be typical?

I know the application deadline is a long way off and the season even longer off, but this planning is half the fun.

We have killed a couple really nice antelope in other states over the years so we are viewing this as a fun hunt versus a trophy hunt, although since we have a full week we will try to find the best animals possible.

One last thing - even though it is mostly private ground I want to get an electronic map for GPS or phone - what do you all recommend?

Thank you in advance.

Lots of options for you in the special draw with 5.5 PP. Great fishing anywhere in Wyoming just depends on which fish you want to catch. Walleye lakes, trout rivers, creeks, etc. You can find fishing outfitters for the Platte River in Casper and Saratoga. The rut will be Sept. usually mid month . Check winter conditions in the center of the state right now. We're sitting good right now around Laramie. I know a unit you might enjoy for the hunting and fishing and it's not 68.

68 is a great unit and there are plenty of antelope from one end to the other. Lots of places to camp, Just bring your camping gear and pick a spot. 68 is a big unit so being mobile is always a good idea. If you are looking for a cabin try Sloans or Grey Reef flyshop in Alcova. Pathfinder and Alcova reservoir always fish good and the north platte is top notch. Let me know if you draw, I will be more than happy to take you out in my drift boat.

Snakes? Oh yeah.

Thanks guys I appreciate it. A lot of doom and gloom about point creep but if we do not draw we will be forced to hunt in Iowa ...2016 photos. There are a couple nearby units that are probably just about as good that require slightly fewer points.

I kinda favor Antelope unit(s) 95 and 99...

I have no Problem sharing intel via a PM.

Robb

LAST EDITED ON Jan-21-17 AT 06:29PM (MST)[p]Yep, it's gotta be tough when Iowa is your fall back hunt! As a NR, I get drawn every 3rd or 4th year. Here is my 2016 Iowa bow kill. Only 6 pts...3 were broken off!



BTW Iowan, you hunting public or private? Me? Public.

LAST EDITED ON Jan-21-17 AT 06:30PM (MST)[p]I figured it out!