Pronghorn Unit 91 or 95?

5yearcoueshunter · May 10, 2022

Hello,
Looking for recommendations on a Pronghorn unit for my 73 year old Dad. Based on his point total, thinking about units 91 or 95 in the special draw and would appreciate any input. Looking at which unit has a better shot at a high 70s buck. I'm from NM so would be happy to trade info on any species, I've hunted them all here. PM would be preferred rather than input on the public forum.

Thanks!

rocky2track · May 10, 2022

Flip a coin. Both have comparable trophy quality and both could produce a B&C buck. Perhaps on good moisture years, 95 may have a slight edge. If your going to hotel/motel the hunt, 95 may be closer to more amenities. For 91, you may want to camp out. Both will be a fun hunt and can easily accommodate your dad's abilities.

5yearcoueshunter · May 10, 2022

rocky2track said:
Flip a coin. Both have comparable trophy quality and both could produce a B&C buck. Perhaps on good moisture years, 95 may have a slight edge. If your going to hotel/motel the hunt, 95 may be closer to more amenities. For 91, you may want to camp out. Both will be a fun hunt and can easily accommodate your dad's abilities.

Thank you for the input! Right now, which unit has had better moisture? I think pronghorn should be mostly done growing their horns by now anyway. Also wouldn't mind bagging a Sage Grouse, any thoughts on which unit would be better for finding a few birds?

Blank · May 10, 2022

Just came thru both 90 and 91 two weeks ago, on my way from Rock Springs to Pinedale and on home to Idaho. Timing was perfect in late afternoon with the sun shining, and saw large numbers of antelope, and some really nice bucks. They came thru the winter in great shape. Can't say anything about 95 for you. Sorry.

5yearcoueshunter · May 10, 2022

Blank said:
Just came thru both 90 and 91 two weeks ago, on my way from Rock Springs to Pinedale and on home to Idaho. Timing was perfect in late afternoon with the sun shining, and saw large numbers of antelope, and some really nice bucks. They came thru the winter in great shape. Can't say anything about 95 for you. Sorry.

Good to know, thank you!

Chesterwyo · May 10, 2022

Terrible photos. But helped a first year hunter kill this buck in 95 last year. This buck is what I would consider top two percent size wise in that area.

5yearcoueshunter · May 10, 2022

Chesterwyo said:
Terrible photos. But helped a first year hunter kill this buck in 95 last year. This buck is what I would consider top two percent size wise in that area.

View attachment 76075

View attachment 76076

Very nice buck! Thanks!

nontypical · May 11, 2022

Can't tell you about 91, but 95 has what you want. 95 winters have been kinda bad before this winter, so finding a 3 year old buck might be a little tough. You'll stay busy glassing.

Also, large numbers of antelope that Blank saw could well have been migrating through that time of year in 91. April is usually when that happens. I've hunted 95 several times, but never 91. I killed this buck in 95 last time I had that tag. He greened just over 80 with his short prongs. Mid to high 70's should be doable in either unit.

pymulies · May 11, 2022

Moisture isn't much different in either right now. Last report I saw said 77% of normal in both areas. Hold tight for another 10 days and see if it changes. But I'm gonna say flip a coin and it will depend on your lodging requirements.

py

5yearcoueshunter · May 11, 2022

nontypical said:
Can't tell you about 91, but 95 has what you want. 95 winters have been kinda bad before this winter, so finding a 3 year old buck might be a little tough. You'll stay busy glassing.

Also, large numbers of antelope that Blank saw could well have been migrating through that time of year in 91. April is usually when that happens. I've hunted 95 several times, but never 91. I killed this buck in 95 last time I had that tag. He greened just over 80 with his short prongs. Mid to high 70's should be doable in either unit.

View attachment 76110

Awesome buck! Thanks for your input!

5yearcoueshunter · May 11, 2022

pymulies said:
Moisture isn't much different in either right now. Last report I saw said 77% of normal in both areas. Hold tight for another 10 days and see if it changes. But I'm gonna say flip a coin and it will depend on your lodging requirements.

py

Thanks for your input! We'll be remote camping, so don't need to be close to hotels. I guess if it's a true flip of the coin, I would rather pick the area that has some trees to camp and better sage grouse numbers. However, if there is even a slight edge of bigger bucks in one unit then the other, I'd go with that one.

JakeSwensen · May 11, 2022

Not very many trees in 95 but I've seen some nice bucks. 91 in the prospect mountains/wind river front has a few trees. Quality is going to be about the same in both areas from my experience.

dwalton · May 11, 2022

At the Game and Fish season setting meeting, one of the game wardens showed me a pic of a buck taken in area 95 last fall. He said it was the best buck he's ever checked in that area. It was in the 88-90 point range. He said that's where he's been applying, but the draw odds are around 15% for residents.

5yearcoueshunter · May 11, 2022

JakeSwensen said:
Not very many trees in 95 but I've seen some nice bucks. 91 in the prospect mountains/wind river front has a few trees. Quality is going to be about the same in both areas from my experience.

Thanks for your input!

5yearcoueshunter · May 11, 2022

dwalton said:
At the Game and Fish season setting meeting, one of the game wardens showed me a pic of a buck taken in area 95 last fall. He said it was the best buck he's ever checked in that area. It was in the 88-90 point range. He said that's where he's been applying, but the draw odds are around 15% for residents.

Wow, thanks for the info!