NV Antelope question

vizsla2 · Jul 13, 2017

I was fortunate and drew a Non Res Antelope tag (Rifle) for units 131/145/163/164.
I've hunted antelope once, about 25 years ago in CA, back when they had a 10 yr waiting period, but aside from that, I'm an antelope rookie.

I haven't scouted yet, but plan to arrive several days before the opener to scout it out.

Instead, I've done a lot online research (NDOW suggested areas to hunt), google earth, maps, waterholes, etc and found a couple of main areas to focus. Given the past success rates, I'm not too worried about finding animals, but with 70 residents, 8 NR's, I'm more concerned if overcrowding/competition will be more of an issue.

I was also wondering if hunting next to private alfalfa farms would be worth it, or if that too, would attract crowds; or be frustrating if the animals stay put on private.

If anyone had any past experience on what to expect, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Stuart

azbiggame · Jul 13, 2017

DO NOT worry about over crowding ??? That is a lot of square miles in Your hunt units .I'd suggest more than a couple of days to scout as "LOPES" are scattered in small groups or hire some HELP ? Good Tag for sure ... Bruce & SilverGrand

mevertsen · Jul 13, 2017

There are antelope scattered all over those units. You will not have over crowding. I would not overlook the hay fields or hunting near them. But I would not rely on that as a sole way of hunting either.

PM me if you wish.

vizsla2 · Jul 14, 2017

Thanks for the reassurance Bruce and mevertsen. PM sent...

NVBighorn · Jul 14, 2017

It's a gigantic unit. You shouldn't have trouble finding a place to hunt without a crowd.

kalielkslayer · Jul 24, 2017

Great success rates and trophy potential in those units.

Congrats on the tag.

azbiggame · Jul 28, 2017

SUCCESS from PM sent ...
Bruce & SilverGrand

vizsla2 · Jul 28, 2017

Bruce,
Thank you for the information. Though we've never met, you seem like a stand up person, and based on the information on your website and the many testimonials, you'd be a guide I'd hire if it were financially in the cards for me.
The amount of time and miles you spend scouting for your clients is reflected in your success!

Thanks,
Stuart

vizsla2 · Aug 28, 2017

Bruce,
Sent you an email...
Fun, relaxing hunt. TONS of area and only saw 2 hunters.

Stuart

mevertsen · Aug 28, 2017

Did you get an antelope?

springvilleshooter · Aug 29, 2017

Poof .....he gone. Hopefully got a good one. Guess we'll never know?------SS

vizsla2 · Sep 1, 2017

back...
In 2 days of scouting, saw around 100 animals and very few hunters. In fact, only 1 on opening day.
The opener surprised us with sporadic thunderstorms and the animals were all pretty spooked. We saw a few bucks, but it was raining pretty hard and they were moving, so I decided not to try and stalk/chase them in the rain.
Had one ranged at 362, but it wouldn't stay still, so I held off. Weather cleared by lunch, and we spotted a group way off in the distance, so the plan was to drive halfway o close the gap, before putting on a stalk. Unfortunately/fortunately we found 3 right off the road. I coulda, shoulda..... held off. But I didn't and filled my tag. It was a bigger bodied, small horned animal. My buddy driving was certain I wouldn't pull the trigger, but he was wrong.

It was an amazing trip, we started off bow hunting Deer in CA for 1.5 days, then headed over to NV and drove and drove all over 2 units.
Stuart

vizsla2 · Sep 1, 2017

For your reference, here's what a 12" buck looks like.

mevertsen · Sep 1, 2017

No Shame in that. I love hunting antelope and eating them. I never have gotten to worked up about score. For that matter I have never gotten to worked up about score for any animal.
Congrats!

Mbogo · Sep 1, 2017

Who cares how long it is. Did you have fun?
That's what matters
That goat has a gorgeous cape.

springvilleshooter · Sep 3, 2017

Congrats on a beefy, old, mature buck. He looks great! You did really good man, congrats!-----SS

doz · Sep 3, 2017

Meat is always better than horns. Congrats on a successful hunt. Don't get caught up in the rack size. I see posts from 3/4 of this forum talking about how they would pass on a 180"+ buck daily. These people are full of ##### and are just posting to satisfy their egos.

Hunting used to be about filling the freezer. Your freezer is filled, great job

vizsla2 · Sep 5, 2017

Thanks for the kind words. We had a GREAT time!
I hunted with a good high school buddy of mine and we connected about life, kids, etc. I just can't believe it was 30 years ago. Funny how so much has changed, and at the same time, so very little.

We found an old, abandoned stone house in the middle of nowhere where we set up camp. Life back then must have been harsh.

Overall, the high desert is an amazing place!!