2025 Wyoming Antelope hunt

[KHunt]

Looking for some advice on a Wyoming antelope hunt for 2025. My only big game hunting experience is whitetail in Iowa where I live so if I sound dumb that’s why. I have 7 points and have done research and have 4 units in mind that I should be able to draw and have decent public access. I’ll be 39 this year and had planned to get out west earlier in life but had twin girls so that changed plans. Girls will be out of daycare and in school next fall so plan was to go in 2025. I haven’t looked into point requirements much until now and was surprised to find that 7 points won’t get me into most of the areas I thought it would or would have when I started applying. In my research I have found that antelope numbers are down but also have been going down for the last 15 years. Lots of people talk about waiting for numbers to go up but seems that may not happen. My question is do I go or wait? 8 or 9 points seems like it would open up more areas but those areas that took 8 or 9 this year might be 10 next year. My thought is to just go and get some experience rather than wait. Have been buying points for elk and deer so that will be in my future as well.

Not looking to do the special draw or pay trespass fee unless it’s cheap but guessing that doesn’t exist. From my research it doesn’t sound like 2nd or 3rd choice will have many options that have the amount of public land I would need so would be relying on using my points on first choice. If anyone wants to discuss units or has recommendations send me a message.

a 7 pt antelope tag in wyoming is better than a 25 pt tag in Colorado. Find a unit where you can maximize your pts but also make sure enough public land on OnX to make sure there is BLM down low that is public.

 

[TylerS]

There's big ones in every unit, some more than others. My wife shot a 94 6/8 last September using 10 pts.

Congratulation on the monster!

 

[wjohnson1983]

I’m going to piggyback on this thread instead of creating a new one.

If anyone is willing to talk about antelope in the central I-80 corridor please PM me. I believe I’ve narrowed down to a couple of units, but curious about herd health after winter 2 years ago, a couple of access questions, and also maybe guide.

Guide is not likely though. $5000 for 3 days is insane

I haven’t drawn a tag in WY since 2021, so no recent in state knowledge.

 

[Mojave]

And it will take double the points to draw the same area next time you go.

Yes at least 1/3d more.

 

[brianwagan]

I drew a tag and was successful! Had lots of fun hunting, didn't shoot the first one I saw but tagged out on the afternoon of the first day hunting. Got busted on multiple stalks and wasn't sure I was going to be successful, antelope hunting is a lot different than Midwest whitetail. Had a opportunity to shoot one at 350 yards with almost no wind and had a fun stalk so decided that was the one to shoot. Made a trip down to Miracle Mile and that might have been more fun than hunting.

 

[high_hunter]

Congrats, way to get it done and have some fun doing other outdoor adventuring. Hope to do similar there someday soon. Are the knee pads for stalking and any cactus or other pokies that they help with?

 

[hoyt-guy]

Congrats on your first goat! Beautiful animals, and they're are a lot of fun to hunt!

 

[brianwagan]

Congrats, way to get it done and have some fun doing other outdoor adventuring. Hope to do similar there someday soon. Are the knee pads for stalking and any cactus or other pokies that they help with?

There were cactus everywhere! Knee pads were for stalking and glad I had them and leather gloves. I'm to cheap to buy pants with built in knee pads.

 

[Dwnw/theAltitudesickness]

Congrats on the buck. i was close to miracle mile on my hunt, seeing pictures of your fish, I am kicking myself for not taking the fly rod with.

 

[KP20129]

Congrats on a great antelope.

 

[llbaker21]

Congratulations!!

 

[Rich M]

great trip!

We went 2023 and had a float trip scheduled but winter storm came thru that day. So we bugged out and headed east to devil tower, mt rushmore, etc.

 

[ejd049]

Thanks for the post, I am sitting on 9 points and might see what happens with them next year. Trying to figure out the regs for out of staters!!

 

[14jhudson]

Sounds like you're gearing up for a solid hunt, and I can respect the drive to get out west after putting in the time to research and accumulate points. Antelope hunting in Wyoming can be a rewarding experience, especially when you take the time to really scout out a good unit and understand the lay of the land. I’ll share some thoughts based on what you’re up against.

First off: 7 points is a solid start, but like you said, it won’t get you into all the "prime" areas. Units are getting more competitive as people are accumulating points, and it’s only going to get tighter as the years go on. With antelope populations being down, it’s a tricky balance between waiting for numbers to rebound or going now and learning as you go.​

Should you wait or go in 2025?​

Here’s the deal: Wyoming’s antelope population has seen some ups and downs, but it’s important to remember that antelope are still abundant in many areas, even with the overall decline in numbers. Some units may be less productive than in years past, but it doesn’t mean you won’t find a solid buck or get the experience you’re looking for.

A few factors to weigh:​

1. Unit Draws & Points Trends: It’s true that as the years go by, the points required for certain units keep climbing. If you wait, you might eventually have enough points to get into an area you’ve got your eye on, but that’s not a guarantee. Those “10+ point” areas could keep creeping up. That being said, getting experience now might be better than chasing an ever-elusive unit. It’ll help you learn the terrain, animal behavior, and how to deal with the weather and elements that can change on a dime.
2. Public Land Access: You mentioned not wanting to pay trespass fees, which is smart if you're looking to keep costs manageable. You’ll need to do some serious homework to figure out which units have the best public access. There are still good public land opportunities, but some areas have been hit hard by over-hunting and land fragmentation. Units with large chunks of accessible public land may be harder to come by, but they’re out there. A few of those units with decent access may have reduced hunter density, which could give you an edge.
3. Antelope Numbers & Quality: Yeah, numbers have been declining, but there are still good bucks out there if you put in the time. While some areas are struggling, others still hold solid populations. The key is to target areas that still have decent access and a consistent population, even if it’s not the trophy zone you might have been dreaming of. And don’t forget, antelope are often very approachable compared to other species, so you could still find a decent buck even if numbers are down.
4. Going in 2025: If you wait and build points, you might end up hunting in an area that gives you better chances of success, but there's also the chance you'll keep waiting and never quite get there. If you're in your late 30s now, it’s not the end of the world to wait a few more years, but it’s also not a bad idea to gain experience now—especially if you're eyeing elk and deer hunts down the road, as that will translate into a wealth of knowledge for those species as well.

My advice:​

• Go in 2025. You’re not going to get a ton of experience unless you jump in. Even if the numbers aren’t stellar, it’s still an adventure. Learning how to track, glass, and get your bearings in an area will set you up for success on future hunts.
• Focus on getting into a unit with decent access and start honing your skills. The hunt itself is what will teach you more than any point system or research ever could.
• If you like the idea of elk and deer hunting, this will be a good primer for those future hunts, as antelope tend to live in similar terrain.
• Don’t go after the trophy hunt just yet—if you’re after experience, aim for a manageable unit with good access where you’ll get a solid chance at a mature buck and learn the lay of the land.

One more thing:​

Contact locals or even folks in the area who can give you real-time intel. If you’ve got a few units in mind, reach out to hunting forums or Facebook groups specific to Wyoming. A couple of solid contacts could save you a lot of time and frustration.

Good luck, and be sure to share how it goes! 2025 is closer than you think.

Super useful advice for another non res hunter