Iowan
Active Member
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I am planning to make my first of many hunting trips to Wyoming, in 2017 for antelope. My brother and I will have 5.5 preference points going into the 2017 draw. I have several criteria and Unit 68 appears to meet them best. It appears we will have a 100% chance of drawing in the special pool. The unit is mostly public ground which is a primary consideration. We want to spend an entire week there and I doubt we will need that much time to find antelope we like.
It appears there is some really good fishing in this area - is that the case? We are willing to hire a fishing guide if necessary or can we rent a drift boat on our own? Is there good fishing to be had simply by walking in? We are not fly fishermen and simply enjoy catching whatever is available. Any recommendations on stretches of river to fish while we are there? Techniques/baits?
We want to come and hunt with archery equipment first and if we do not tag out we will come back with rifles. I assume this is an option. Is sitting water the best option or is spot and stalk possible? What are the best techniques for spot and stalk in this area?
I am sure the antelope numbers are lower in the southern part of the unit but we like the idea of hunting closer to Green Mountain. Is this a bad idea? We are willing to see fewer animals in exchange for the scenery.
Are winter conditions good/bad/average for this area right now?
What options existing for camping/lodging? We are willing to drive 30-50 miles each day if that lodging is closer to the fishing spots. We are also willing to just drop camp on BLM ground in our hunting area.
When is the peak of the antelope rut in this area? We think this is a fun time to hunt them as they are sparing, chasing, and generally more fun to watch this time of the year.
My brother really does not like snakes - are they going to be an issue during archery season or rifle season? How many encounters would be typical?
I know the application deadline is a long way off and the season even longer off, but this planning is half the fun.
We have killed a couple really nice antelope in other states over the years so we are viewing this as a fun hunt versus a trophy hunt, although since we have a full week we will try to find the best animals possible.
One last thing - even though it is mostly private ground I want to get an electronic map for GPS or phone - what do you all recommend?
Thank you in advance.
It appears there is some really good fishing in this area - is that the case? We are willing to hire a fishing guide if necessary or can we rent a drift boat on our own? Is there good fishing to be had simply by walking in? We are not fly fishermen and simply enjoy catching whatever is available. Any recommendations on stretches of river to fish while we are there? Techniques/baits?
We want to come and hunt with archery equipment first and if we do not tag out we will come back with rifles. I assume this is an option. Is sitting water the best option or is spot and stalk possible? What are the best techniques for spot and stalk in this area?
I am sure the antelope numbers are lower in the southern part of the unit but we like the idea of hunting closer to Green Mountain. Is this a bad idea? We are willing to see fewer animals in exchange for the scenery.
Are winter conditions good/bad/average for this area right now?
What options existing for camping/lodging? We are willing to drive 30-50 miles each day if that lodging is closer to the fishing spots. We are also willing to just drop camp on BLM ground in our hunting area.
When is the peak of the antelope rut in this area? We think this is a fun time to hunt them as they are sparing, chasing, and generally more fun to watch this time of the year.
My brother really does not like snakes - are they going to be an issue during archery season or rifle season? How many encounters would be typical?
I know the application deadline is a long way off and the season even longer off, but this planning is half the fun.
We have killed a couple really nice antelope in other states over the years so we are viewing this as a fun hunt versus a trophy hunt, although since we have a full week we will try to find the best animals possible.
One last thing - even though it is mostly private ground I want to get an electronic map for GPS or phone - what do you all recommend?
Thank you in advance.
...2016 photos. There are a couple nearby units that are probably just about as good that require slightly fewer points. 
