Blinds for antelope

jim3 · Feb 24, 2005

I'm going bowhunting for antelope and am wondering whether to set up my blind at a fence crossing or at a waterhole. I have seen plenty of antelope on the fence crossing but haven't really looked toward waterholes because it was a little wet last year. I've heard water holes can be effective though. Any input is appreciated.

nmhs · Feb 27, 2005

Cant help you much there. Although I own a Double bull T-2 blind and am looking to sell it. I have had for 3 months and used it twice. I am looking to buy a larger blind from the same company so I wont need to the t-2. nmhs

RockyMtnOyster · Mar 9, 2005

If it's really dry around the time of your hunt, I'd set up on the water. Of course, I would be scouting the area hard to see where the goats are going and at what times of the day. Another thing to think about is at what times of the day do they water, and would you be able to set up on the water in the morning or evening then on the fenceline at the opposite time (If they're in the same general area). Good luch on your antelope hunt. Sounds fun!

jim3 · Mar 11, 2005

Thanks, oyster. The waterhole and the fenceline are about 500 yards apart and I have seen more antelope on the fenceline than at the water but maybe they use a different water hole. Oh well, we'll see what happens.

ICMDEER · Mar 14, 2005

I'd say you'll have better luck on the water hole. I've tried fence line blinds and the antelope often stop coming by the blind, especially if it is placed there right before the season.

If you use a water hole blind, make sure it's covered on top and that you check for rattlesnakes every time you get in it. (seriously) The new factory made blinds work fine, but I've got some made of old carpewt and hog panels and they also work well.

I've also got some windmill blinds that I hang from the tower of the windmill. They work good and you can see a lot more than from a ground blind.

Be sure that you are on private lands and that you have permission before you put up any blinds.

Good hunting.

Silentstalker · Mar 14, 2005

I hunted antelope from a waterhole blind several years ago. Make sure your blind in either set up is dark. If they can't see you move you will be in good shape. They WILL see you if there is light in your blind. If it were me I would hunt the water. If they are not hitting the water you know about, find the source they are using. Set up and watch them for a day or two. They must water. Good luck to you. Antelope are really fun to archery hunt!

Chad

jim3 · Mar 15, 2005

Thanks for all of your input. I guess I have a lot of scouting ahead of me for the upcoming season. And yes they are a blast to bowhunt. Thanks again.

AZtrophyhunter · Mar 15, 2005

Oyster, you sure do know a lot about lope huntin! Tell me, what are your plans for this upcoming year? You gonna twang a speed goat w/ your bow?

supersider34 · Mar 16, 2005

Hopefully this works for you. But here is my video of a set up over a water hole. I used OSB and covered it with black plastic which I was glad it was not hot. I am going to do it different with 1/2" foam this year. I would set up over a water hole. they have to come to water sooner or later. My friend shot a 13" buck opening morning though.
http://www.hunttalk.com/albums/video/antelope_001.wmv