How To Go Antelope Hunting In Wyoming

By Charles •  9 min read
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Antelope hunting is a popular activity in Wyoming. The antelope are plentiful and provide good hunting opportunities for the sportsman. In this article, we will discuss how to go antelope hunting in Wyoming, including how to get a tag, where to find an outfitter, how you can go DIY antelope hunting in Wyoming, and what gear you will need.

Table of Contents

How To Draw A Wyoming Antelope Hunting Tag

To hunt antelope in Wyoming, you must first obtain an antelope tag. You can do this by entering the antelope draw. The antelope draw is a random drawing that is held each year by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. You can apply for the antelope draw online. The application period typically opens on the first business day of January and closes on May 31 or the first business day after May 31.

If you are successful in the antelope draw, you can find the result online and your antelope tag will be mailed to you. If you are unsuccessful in the antelope draw, you can still purchase an antelope preference point. Preference Points will help to increase your odds of drawing a tag in a later year.

How To Choose A Wyoming Antelope Hunting Outfitter

There are many antelope hunting outfitters in Wyoming. How do you know which one is the best for you? Here are some factors to look for when choosing an outfitter:

  • Reputation: Look for an outfitter with a good reputation. You can ask around or read online reviews.
  • Experience: Choose an outfitter that has been in business for several years.
  • Price: compare prices between different outfitters.
  • Services: find an outfitter that offers the services you are looking for, such as lodging, guiding, transportation, etc.
  • Location: make sure the outfitter is located in a unit where your tag is valid.

How To Go DIY Hunt In Wyoming

There are a few things to consider before heading out on a DIY antelope hunt in Wyoming. After you draw a tag, you will have to find a place to actually go hunting. Once you have decided on an area, you can start planning your hunt. Finally, whether you are a beginner or an experienced hunter, you will need to consider what antelope hunting tactics you will use.

Finding A Wyoming Antelope Hunting Spot

The first step in antelope hunting is finding a good spot. If you are unfamiliar with the area, there are a few resources that can help you. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department website has maps of all the antelope hunt areas in Wyoming. These maps will show you the boundaries of each antelope hunting unit. The website also has information on antelope populations, antelope habitat, and antelope hunting regulations.

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The website is a great starting point, but it is not the only resource you should use. You can also talk to other hunters, look at topographic maps, and use Google Earth to help you find a good antelope hunting spot. Once you have found a few potential spots, you can start planning your hunt.

Planning Your Hunt

Once you have found a good antelope hunting spot, it is time to start planning your hunt. The first thing you need to do is decide when you are going to go hunting. Antelope hunting season in Wyoming typically runs from mid-August for archery season to early November for rifle season. The exact dates vary depending on the antelope hunting unit you are in.

Next, you will need to decide if you are going to drive to Wyoming or fly. If you are driving, you will need to figure out how long it will take you to get there and make sure you have enough time to actually hunt. If you are flying, you will need to figure out how you are going to get around once you are in Wyoming.

After you get to Wyoming are you going to camp or stay at a motel? If you camp, you need to make sure you have a good spot picked out and that you have all the supplies you need. If you are staying at a motel, you will need to make sure you have reservations and that the motel is close to where you are going to hunt.

When your travel plans are set, you will need to make sure you have the correct gear and supplies. I will discuss this further a little later.

Finally, you will need to decide on what tactics you will use or how to hunt your antelope. I discuss this in the next section.

Three Wyoming Antelope Hunting Tactics

The antelope is one of the most popular game animals in Wyoming. Many people who visit the state go antelope hunting. There are three main tactics that you can use while antelope hunting in Wyoming.

Sitting Over A Water Hole

One of the best ways to go antelope hunting is to sit over a water hole. Antelope are attracted to water, and they will often come to drink early in the morning or late in the evening. If you can find a water hole, you can set up your blind or stand and wait for the antelope to come to you.

Use A Decoy

If you are having trouble getting close enough to an antelope for a shot, you may want to consider using a decoy. You can set up a decoy in an open area, and the antelope will often come to investigate. This can give you a chance to get closer to the antelope for a shot.

Spot and Stalk

Another popular tactic for antelope hunting is spot and stalk. This involves finding an antelope, stalking it, and then taking a shot when you are within range. This can be difficult, as antelope are very alert and they have great eyesight. If you are not careful, they will see you and they will run away.

What Gear Do You Need?

In order to go antelope hunting in Wyoming, you will need a few key pieces of hunting gear. The following list is a list of the gear that will be most useful for your Wyoming antelope hunt.

  1. Rifle: You will need a rifle that is chambered in .223 or bigger.
  2. Ammunition: You will need ammunition that is specifically designed for hunting. The best ammunition for antelope hunting is a high velocity, expandable bullet.
  3. Binoculars: Binoculars are an important piece of hunting gear, as they allow you to see antelope from a distance.
  4. Spotting Scope: A spotting scope is another essential piece of gear for antelope hunting, as it allows you to see antelope at long distances.
  5. Rangefinder: A rangefinder is a useful piece of gear that allows you to determine the distance to your target.
  6. Knife: You will need a knife for field dressing your antelope.
  7. Game Bag: A game bag is used to transport your antelope meat from the field.
  8. Wyoming Antelope Hunting Tag: You will need to carry your Wyoming antelope hunting tag and a Conservation Stamp in order to hunt antelope in Wyoming.
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Final Thoughts

Antelope hunting in Wyoming can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, it is important to remember that antelope are very skittish animals, and you need to take the time to learn about their habits and behavior before heading out into the field. The three tactics we’ve discussed should give you a good starting point, but you may need to experiment a little to find what works best for you. In addition, make sure you have the correct gear before heading out antelope hunting in Wyoming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wyoming is a great state for antelope hunting, and with a little preparation, you can have a successful hunt. Good luck!

How much does it cost to hunt antelope in Wyoming?

The cost to hunt antelope in Wyoming will vary greatly depending on if you plan on hiring an outfitter or doing a DIY hunt. The costs for tags as of 2022 is as follows.

  • Nonresident Any Antelope – $326.00 with a Nonresident Application Fee of $15.00
  • Nonresident Doe/Fawn – $34.00 with a Nonresident Application Fee of $15.00
  • Nonresident Special – $614.00 with a Nonresident Application Fee of $15.00
  • Nonresident Youth – $110.00 with a Nonresident Application Fee of $15.00
  • Nonresident Youth Doe/Fawn – $19.00 with a Nonresident Application Fee of $15.00
  • Resident – $37.00 with a resident application fee of $5.00
  • Resident Doe/Fawn – $22.00 with an application fee of $5.00.
  • Resident Youth – $15.00 with an application fee of $5.00
  • Resident Youth Doe/Fawn – $14.00 with an application fee of $5.00.

What is the best time of year to hunt antelope in Wyoming?

The best time of year to hunt antelope in Wyoming is during the fall. This is when the antelope are in their peak condition and they are more active.

Is it hard to hunt antelope in Wyoming?

No, antelope hunting in Wyoming is not too difficult. However, it is important to remember that antelope are very skittish animals, and you need to take the time to learn about their habits and behavior before heading out into the field.

Can you buy antelope tags over the counter in Wyoming?

No, antelope tags in Wyoming must be awarded through the draw in advance. They are not available over the counter.

How many antelope can you kill in Wyoming?

You can receive one full-price antelope tag in Wyoming. There are some units where you can also draw doe/fawn tags.

Where is the best antelope hunting in Wyoming?

There is great antelope hunting all over Wyoming. However, some of the best units include the Red Desert, the Laramie Plains, and the Shirley Mountains.

What kind of gun do you need to hunt antelope in Wyoming?

The best type of gun for antelope hunting is a high velocity, flat shooting rifle. A good caliber to use is a .243 Winchester.

What is the antelope hunting season in Wyoming?

The antelope hunting season in Wyoming typically runs from mid-September to mid-November.

How do I get an antelope hunting license in Wyoming?

In order to hunt antelope in Wyoming, you will need to apply for and receive a Wyoming antelope hunting tag. You can apply for tags through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

What are the antelope hunting regulations in Wyoming?

You can find all of the antelope hunting regulations on the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website. Some of the regulations include having the correct tag, obeying season dates, and knowing bag limits.

What are some good antelope hunting tips?

Some good antelope hunting tips include taking the time to learn about their habits and behavior, using a high velocity rifle, and being aware of the regulations.

Featured Photo by David Thielen on Unsplash

Charles

Charles is a man who loves the outdoors. He moved to Wyoming specifically to spend more time in the mountains and wilderness. A hunter and fisherman, Charles knows how to enjoy nature and all that it has to offer. He is an outdoorsman through and through, and he wouldn't have it any other way. Charles is the President of Absaroka Enterprises, an company focuse on outdoor entertainment and endeavours. He's also an Editor for Alpha and Omega Outdoors, an online hunting, fishing, camping, trapping, and all around outdoors blog.

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