First-Time DIY Antelope Hunt – Looking for Tips

[Unlatched Ammo]

I just drew my first antelope tag and I’m planning a DIY hunt this season. I’ve done plenty of deer hunting but this will be my first time chasing speed goats, and I know they’re a whole different game.

A few things I’m curious about:

• Best tactics for spot-and-stalk in open country

• How much glassing vs. moving I should expect

• Gear you wouldn’t leave home without on an antelope hunt

• Any lessons learned the hard way that you wish you knew on your first trip

I’ll be hunting on public land, and I’m not expecting a record book buck—just looking for a good, clean hunt and some solid meat for the freezer.

Appreciate any advice, stories, or photos you’re willing to share!

 

[TheDoublR]

I assume your hunt start mid Oct. Temps should be decent but the wind can be a factor at times.
Find high points and glass.
Get off the road. Its amazing how many will be just over a hill that if you get out you can find.
If you seeing a bunch of antelope you don't have to shoot the first one you see on the opener.
Find water. I have heard and experienced Antelope come to get a drink between 1030-1200 in the morning.
In the open county if you spot something you have to find a way to use the terrain to your advantage. Example a small cut or wash to move up in.
Gear I would recommend:
Small package stool or chair for glassing
Spotting Scope
Eye drops

 

[Titanmoose]

haven't hunted them in a grip of years but grew up chasing them in SD.

I would bring really good / durable/ cactus/sharps resistant pants / gloves. belly crawling isn't out the question to get over that last little hill for that 300 yard shot.

Good Glass and a seat/tripod.

collapsible toilet = chilli and beans hits different when everyone can see you shitting on your pants from 3 miles away bc you had nothing to lean against.

wind telling device, powder or cheap kestrel. don't need a 5700 elite, but they seem to live where the wind howls all sorts of directions. 300-400 yards is a long shot if you are calling the wind way off.

Move a lot, glass thoroughly they hide ok when bedded but not like a mule deer or even whitetail, don't fall in love with that knob if you are seeing nothing after a couple hours,

micro terrain, if they are standing and feeding, several of them are on the lookout so stay out of LoS and use micro terrain.

 

[balejumper]

A decoy and hunting with a horse and hiding behind it can be a real game changer!

 

[Hondo0925]

A tripod for shooting off of.

 

[Erict]

Being this is your first post I would suggest learning to use the SEARCH function on this website. In no time at all, you should learn a lot if you put in a little effort.

 

[Coopsdaddy]

Or just ask your question.
That’s what fourms are for.

 

[Sandstrom]

Most hunters on public won’t do anything more than road hunt. Get out of the truck and look over the next hill.
Good luck!
Ryan

 

[416bull]

Good luck! Would love to do an antelope hunt any good advice you get I'll be taking notes

 

[bkjastrebsky]

Antelope can provide a great hunt, typically you get to see many animals and plan the style hunt you want. Walk in 2-5 miles to find one vs road hunting. 500+ yard shot or more spot and stalk and get to 150. If you are after the biggest buck you can find in the unit good glass will be invaluable. Nothing worse than walking 2 miles to realize the buck you saw with 10x binos isn't worth your time.
Always park behind a rise and walk to the top to glass like you are actually hunt. Nothing worst than driving over just to blow a hers out from a mile away when they see the truck.
A big thing you cant overlook is having a cooler with ice ready in the vehicle. Have to get antelope cooled down quickly. Their hair is hollow and retains a bunch of internal heat.
Depending on where and what state a good pair of boots. My buddy had a light pair of Solomons in SD this year and kicked a cactus. Right through the boot amd into his foot.
At the end of the day though it's about the easiest western hunt, pack like you would for any out if state hunt and go out and have fun.

 

[Laramie]

A decoy and hunting with a horse and hiding behind it can be a real game changer!

A decoy on a public lands rifle hunt is a terrible idea... seriously some of these responses.

 

[RS_Non-Res]

Cow/steer decoy boys, not a picture of an antelope.
Bino's and a spotter.
Longer range skills. Even though 'lopes are taken by bow every year it's still a lot easier if you can skillfully reach out farther.
They can be easy to spot - If you don't see them come back again later.
Get in front of them before they can see you. You don't have to be where the antelope are, you need to be where they are going. If they are running, you cannot catch up with them on foot.
Don't hesitate when it's time to shoot. They won't wait for you to set up a perfect position.
Have fun - take pictures.

 

[TaperPin]

There are so many jeep trails we don’t get out to walk unless an area can’t be glassed. Hunt with your binoculars/spotter and look over a lot of goats. Don’t leave home without a window mount for the spotter - even a cheap one is much better than nothing. They are super easy to see so it’s not like glassing for mule deer.

Also practice crawling into a shooting position on a small goat you don’t want to shoot before running into one you do want to shoot. Doing it once takes a lot of the mystery out of making the most of slight depressions and slight knobs to hide movement and get you up over the sage.