WY Pronghorn Hunt - Looking for advice

This fall I'm planning to head to Wyoming for a hunting trip and am thinking about a DIY 3-5 day pronghorn hunt.

I have done a lot of internet research and have, I think, a good understanding of the regulations. As I don't have any preference points I will probably be limited to hunt some of the easy draw / leftover units that don't have much public land e.g. 38, 26, 25, 23, 45. While I'm happy to hunt these units any local knowledge or tips would be greatly appreciated.

If anyone is keen to do a swap hunt I can take them out in New Zealand for public land red deer, tahr or chamois.

 

Let me know if you draw Vedauwoo. I know a few places

 

Thanks, I'll definitely get in touch if I draw unit 38. Vedauwoo looks like a nice area.

 

we'll probably have better luck closer to their rut unless you wanted to sit on a waterhole, which is a bigger gamble on public land (i feel)

 

Hopefully this thread blows up with good information I'm also planning a DIY Wyoming hunt this fall. I've also been doing a lot of research and think I have a decent grasp on everything but it's pretty overwhelming trying to get all the details ironed out.

 

Hi Skywalker, not a lot of info so far lol. I leaning towards going for a special draw. Not cheap but I guess as I'm travelling half way around the world what's a few hundred dollars more hahaha.

 

What sort of info were you looking for?

 

You plan on bowhunting pronghorn correct? Or rifle? If it's rifle, this'll be a piece of cake in 38.

 

Granted I hunted a leftover unit. But I'll adamantly tell you bowhunting pronghorn on public land is easier than rifle hunting them.

We saw one other hunter in 7 days during bow season... We saw about 80 trucks with blaze orange in 2.5 days for rifle season.

Pack up some blinds, some camping gear, and head west. Look for waterholes being hammered with sign to place blinds and spot/stalk in the meantime. Fun cheap vacation even if unsuccessful.

 

Lol it is easier in that regard, but when my buddy couldn't close the deal with the bow, went to our spot with his rifle, it was easy pickings.

One the most critical pieces of equipment would have to be good glass.

 

I agree.....DIY stick to the archery season. Units with access and public land tens to be a zoo during the general season. If you must hunt the general season consider finding private land and paying a possible trespass fee.

DIY archery antelope is very do able!!!! especially in the beginning of the season. Last hunt I did I bought a left over tag in unit 23 and hunted a ranch via trespass fee.

 

Thanks for the comments guys. Great to hear that bow hunting is doable.....well for you guys anyway. It will be completely new landscape and species for me, I'll need to learn quick!

My current plan will allow me to hunt with the bow and then rifle for a few days. Will go in the draw and go for a leftover tag if I miss out.

 

i'll be waiting for the news. if i don't get deployed or moved, i'll show you the exact spots to get with a bow/rifle. =)

 

Thanks, that sounds great! Try and get deployed to NZ and I'll take you for a hunt

 

How much is a trespass fee normally?

 

Good question. From an internet search it looks like anywhere from $100 to $500 per hunter. Hopefully someone with first hand knowledge will reply.

 

Sounds about right. I'm talking to some ranchers now about permission. So far no talk about fees, so hopefully it's free

 

It really depends on the place and game and most times it pretty negotiable....you should expect to pay less per day if your willing to commit and pay for prearranged amount of time.

 

Didn't know that, thanks for the tip.

 

Glad I found this thread. I'm headed to unit 38 myself....first time antelope hunting for me. I have access to a private ranch, but still have a ton of questions