Antelope hunt recommendation

[Cwillimon]

I am considering hunting pronghorn this coming season and I am asking for recommendations from the experienced on what route I should take. I currently have five points in CO, and WY. I live close to NM so applying there is not an issue as I apply for elk every year as well. I am open to using an outfitter as long as it is fair and reasonable. What would you do in my shoes?

Thanks!

 

[dirtytough]

I would apply in NM and if you don’t draw there apply in WY.

 

[TaperPin]

We all have different things that make a hunt more or less enjoyable. Personally, I like to be in the middle of nowhere with as few other people as possible, and no fences anywhere. Even if the biggest antelope were on a ranch and guiding fee was zero I’d pass.

For that reason and others I wouldn’t ever apply for an area that wasn’t seen in person. Keep in mind the closer you are to a town, the more hunting pressure it will get since locals can hunt it more often due to shorter commute times.

Walk in areas are a totally different experience compared to relaxed driving on two tracks, glassing from a vehicle, compared to side by side access when you don’t have a side by side. Tall brushy areas that hide antelope are different from sage flats. Flat flat flat areas are different from areas with a little elevation here and there.

If you’re after horn size, good genetics and easy winters are a bigger predictor than draw odds, number of tags, or area popularity.

 

[Idahobugler]

Good Wyoming hunts to be had, I guess it depends on what your priorities are on this hunt to decide whether an outfitter is needed or not. Regardless for the ease of finding antelope I don’t see the need to use an outfitter.