Unit 51 Antelope Advice

NPHunter · May 28, 2022

Guys I got lucky and got an alternate tag for Unit 51 archery horns longer than ears antelope tag. I’m not familiar with the area and would love any pointers or advice from anyone that has hunted it. I put in because I was hoping to draw the early archery deer tag and though it would be fun to have both. I have my fingers crossed that someone turns one of those back as well

I’ve hunted antelope with my bow in Southern Oregon and have hunted mule deer in the trout creeks which is pretty close to 51, I assume antelope distribution will be similar to the trout creeks in which i saw a pile of antelope last fall.
I’m planning on going early August, season starts Aug 1st, I have good glass and plan to sit water unless I see something in a stackable location.
I would love to hear from anyone who has hunted the area, tips, terrain, a starting point. I hope to be able to make it down in July to scout the area out.

Thanks in advance.

Sallaberry · May 28, 2022

Killed my first one on 05 out there. Lots of antelope in that unit. Seems most of them like going in and out of Oregon so I’d focus on the boundary.

Sparks Shooter · May 28, 2022

I'd concentrate on the northeast corner of the unit. I have also seen a really big antelope buck on the west foothills of the Santa Rosas so that might be worth checking. -----SS

Killcarp2 · May 28, 2022

I saw a huge buck in there a few weeks ago. Ok me

bullskin · Jun 2, 2022

I have never hunted pronghorn in that country, but I have seen plenty when scouting deer in the Santa Rosas. I have seen quite a few good-sized, solitary bucks up high on the mountains, usually bedded on grassy ridges. There are undoubtedly many more in the low country, but don't overlook the high ground for a potential sleeper. Good luck. You will definitely find animals--the only question is, how large?

GONHUNTIN · Jun 7, 2022

Not familiar with the area so put it as first choice, seems legit

LIK2HNT · Jun 8, 2022

No info on your unit, but I hunted unit 32/34 years ago. Seemed all the good bucks I found were up high. Area I was in had a lot of water. Not sure if the head to higher ground due to pressure from hunters, or just a trait learned over the years. Just seems live antelope bucks in Nevada like to be high up to get better sight advantage.

NPHunter · Jun 8, 2022

GONHUNTIN said:
Not familiar with the area so put it as first choice, seems legit

Thanks for the bump and positive words! I've hunted right across the border and have been down there several times just on the OR side. This is the first year I've applied in NV and wanted to apply for a tag that I could make it down and scout also one I had a good chance at drawing since I love hunting and not just throwing my money away trying to draw some OIL tag.

If you ever decide you want to hunt in OR and get a tag, I'd be happy to help, just like I've helped hundreds of other people on forums like this one over the years.

NPHunter · Jun 8, 2022

LIK2HNT said:
No info on your unit, but I hunted unit 32/34 years ago. Seemed all the good bucks I found were up high. Area I was in had a lot of water. Not sure if the head to higher ground due to pressure from hunters, or just a trait learned over the years. Just seems live antelope bucks in Nevada like to be high up to get better sight advantage.

Thank You, I've heard several people mention that and that is actually kind of what I saw last fall in the Trout Creeks, lots of antelope up on top, but, that is also where I spend the whole season deer hunting so I'm not sure what was low. I will defiantly make a trip over the mountains while I'm down there.

eelgrass · Jun 8, 2022

It's been a long time ago but there were lots of antelope all around Table Mountain in the norther end. A good campground close with water and cottonwoods.

NPHunter · Aug 3, 2022

Had an awesome Nevada Archery Antelope hunt with my son! Blew several stalks the first day and found a nice remote waterhole that was being used a lot. We ended up setting up a blind in the willows and sitting in the blind about 1.5hrs. My first animal from a stand of any sort.
The buck was quartered toward me, I held on the shoulder and made a great hit. He only went about 30 yards, stood there and fell over. All the other antelope stayed and watched him until we left the blind. Was awesome having my boy there ranging for me!! Can’t wait for the opportunity to go back!!