Ok gang, need input from the collective brain trust. Myself and up to three other Michigan Longbow Association members are interested in putting together an antelope hunt for 2017. Looking at Wyoming, but open to other suggestions.
Now, speaking for myself: I have zero points anywhere, and do not believe the others do either. Don't necessarily want to do all out DIY, just very intimidated by the process and going further west than ever before. So, looking at guided or semi-guided that isn't crazy expensive (I know, relative).
So, would anyone have recommendations of outfitters to contact for WY antelope? If you prefer, feel free to PM me, but it would be great to get some info out here for others considering something similar.
Thanks!
I've hunted WY antelope for the past two years, neither of which did I have preference points.It was all DIY. If you look at the draw odds for the areas you want to hunt, with a little work you will discover areas in WY where 0-1 preference points are needed. Unfortunately, I have no guide or semi-guided hunt recommendations.
If you go with an outfitter just make it clear what your limitations are. My outfitter assured me that he understood. No shot I had was under 40 yards. Very frustrating. Good luck with your search. Maybe reach out to "Centaur". He seems to have good knowledge of WY game.
-Jeremy :coffee:
I will add this as well. I just received a copy of the Wyoming Outdoors, which is the official publication of the WY Outfitters & Guides Assn. It's very helpful with guide info, lodging & meat processor info by game regions. If you get ahold of WY Game & Fish, perhaps they could mail you a copy.
Additionally, if you find a region or unit you want to hunt but the draw odds are, lets say only 30%, look at the Special Draw odds for the same unit. The Special Draw is a separate draw than the general lottery pool. The tags cost more than the general lottery pool, however, you have a better chance of drawing a tag (sometimes 100% draw odds) because less people are willing to spend the extra money to enter that lottery. The Special Lottery draw pool has allocated 40% of available non-res. tags, so chances are improved for draw odds. You can also apply for licenses as a group, which would be your best bet with the number of guys planning to go in your group. I don't know much about the group application process or draw odds because I've never attempted to use that process.
Good luck. If you end up considering a DIY, PM me and I might be able to provide you with more information about helpful tips to be successful.
I went on a guided hunt with my son we were both successful, mine could have made the Safari club my sons was off by part of an inch. I never sent them in for the book. Contact Table Mountain Outfitters and talk to Scott or Angie Denny the owners. They will give you a first class hunt in Wyoming.
I have heard good things about the Spearhead Ranch. I hunted close to that area back in 2001 on the Smith Sheep Ranch. Lots of speed goats around there!
The Spearhead Ranch is one that is always mentioned for archery goats. I have no personal knowledge of them, but have seen lots of hero pictures from their operation. They are from Douglas, I believe.
I am not much of an antelope hunter, but I believe that Jack Skinner on here likes to hunt them. He is from Cheyenne. He might have some ideas for you.
You might check some Casper based outfitters. Within an hour or so of Casper there are probably more antelope than anywhere else in the country.
Thunder Ridge Outfitters out of Casper can set your group up with a great drop camp hunt either on BLM or private land with trespass fee. Tell them Dave From Ontario said they'd look after you.