Anyone else heading to Wyoming this fall?

I drew Unit 7 Antelope, my 2nd choice unit. I'll be hunting west of Newcastle, southeast of Gillette. Quickly looking around Google maps, it's crazy how much different this hunt will be than anything else I've done. So excited.

Is this all public land? What are license costs etc?

I drew unit 7 for elk. Laramie Peaks/Cheyenne. They pull some big Bulls out of there every year, so I'm pretty excited. I didn't put in for speed goats this year, just not enough time.

quote:

---

Is this all public land? What are license costs etc?

---

I'd have to go back and look, but we paid for my Dad's non-resident draw and license. He'll be in Area 9, just west of Laramie in the Snowies, for elk cow. That was one of the cheapest big game out of state lotteries at $300. It would've run closer to $500 for an antler draw.

If you're going after big game in wilderness areas, non-residents have to have a professional or resident guide with them. Most of these are up near Jackson & Cody.

Some of the areas encompass public/BLM land and some is private. There are some agreements with private landowners for access. Public and BLM lands are open to walk-in access.

Mr. Fly is waiting for bow season to pick off some antelope for our freezers. I've already got requests for jerky.

This will be my first time hunting in Wyoming and first time hunting antelope; so it took a bit of research to narrow down units to apply for with no preference points. Wyoming's Game and Fish website was a great resource among others. There is a massive amount of public land in Wyoming, but in general, the units with the higher percentage of public land take more preference points to draw. In units with little public land you can either: find an outfitter, pay trespass fees to landowners, or find private walk-in access areas.

There are two types of non-resident antelope tags: Regular ($286) and Special ($526). The price difference typically (but not always) gives better odds to the guys who are willing to pay for the special tag. Wyoming holds about 20% of their total tag allotment for non-residents. That 20% is then divided up into 40% Specials, 60% Regulars.

Antelope preference points are $30. If you draw your 2nd or 3rd choice unit you still gain a point. There should be plenty of units that have leftover tags, but access may be difficult.

I was actually inspired to try a DIY Wyoming Antelope hunt by fellow OBers. I hope you guys chime with your experiences.

Congrats!

I hunted private 12 miles out of Cheyenne for antelope in 2011. Lots of fun.

Locals with access drive around with a truck full of brew and hunt them. Similar to hunting methods in some of the bigger hill country and south Texas spreads.

I was in the snowy range last week. We wanted to fish the lakes up there but they were all still frozen. Crazy

I know a special needs kid, 18 years old, that lives in Wyoming. He drew speedgoat and elk tag this year. He's excited.

quote:

---

I was in the snowy range last week. We wanted to fish the lakes up there but they were all still frozen. Crazy

---

Where were you in the Snowies? My friends and I have been fishing up there and over in the southern Laramie range. There's a bit of snowpack and ice, but not much unless you're up at the peak.

We drove up and over Hwy 130

Hmm. Mirror Lake, maybe, or one of the other western lakes. They might be the only ones with a chance of ice, still. I know Brooklyn & Lewis have been fishable for weeks.