Planning a 2020 Hunting Trip - First one

[LiftAndShoot]

Hey Gang -

So, here's the thing - Actually, wait. Let me apologize first. I might ramble a little and I'm not known for brevity. So, if this gets long, consider this the warning.

Now, HERE's the thing - I've wanted to go on a hunting trip for a long time now. Since before I met my wife (over 10 years ago). And, for many different reasons, I haven't been able to put one together. Family emergencies, funds (big one), lack of knowledge, birth of children - all kinds of nonsense. Life has kind of settled down for us, now, and I talked to my wife about actually getting to do something next year. We talked about saving a little money for it, figuring out a time, etc. She's on board because in the last few years she's really come to understand my connection with hunting (and fishing - she'll fish all day. Not really pro-hunting, though). So, we're on the same page.

I think I've narrowed down my target species to either pronghorn or axis deer. Both trips seem potentially affordable and somewhat quick (if done correctly). Where I'm having a problem and would like opinions - I would prefer to bowhunt and I would prefer not to hunt inside a high fence (not that there is anything at all wrong with doing this. At all. I've done it and I'll do it again). BUT, but - I want as high of a percentage chance of success as I can get knowing that I've never done any kind of spot-and-stalk archery before. So, blind hunting is not out of the question - leaning toward one of the pronghorn blind hunts but don't know anyone that's done one.

If anyone has had a trip like this or has a recommendation, I'm all ears. I'm in pretty good physical shape, I'll have probably no more than about 6 days to spend (round trip), and with enough time the budget can be pretty open. Oh, and the plan is to be comfortable shooting to 45y by the time the trip comes around.

Oh also, if anyone else has a good recommendation for a budget-friendly, high-percentage bowhunt that results in tasty freezer-fare, fire away.

Thanks team.
LaS

[MLank]

First, go ahead and buy an antelope point for WY in case that's where you go, or will want to go eventually.

[MRWHITE87]

I went to Colorado last year for 2nd rifle bull elk. DIY public land. Not high percentage but it was amazing. Next year I'll be doing solo archery elk and group rifle elk in CO and I'm starting point collection in other states. Wyoming pronghorn is on the list as well as idaho mule deer. We started with step 1-decide on prey. Step 2-pick a state. Step 3-E-scout Wilderness areas like crazy. I know thats not much help in regards to your post but once you start down the rabbit hole you'll find TONS of info.
I've never done a paid "day lease" hunt but that's probably the best bet for getting meat. Aside from wild pork in Kemp lol

[LiftAndShoot]

So school me on something - if I were to do a guided or semi-guided hunt for pronghorn (example) in like...Wyoming. Do I need to apply for a tag, get drawn, then take the tag to an outfitter? Or does the outfitter get the tag to give me as part of the fee?

[MLank]

Well, there is a start to some research. From what I just looked up, the outfitter states to book with them, and they will help you draw the right tag. But regardless, the drawing of the tag appears to be a separate event/purchase than the money you pay outfitter.

[skeeter]

What is your budget?

[LiftAndShoot]

@skeeter - I can save a good amount of money by next august. So, I'm not sure. I don't want to go bonkers, but I expect to spend some money. And, airfare may be taken out of the equation. My mother has been wanting to send me on a trip since my dad passed away, so she may cover it that piece.

[Drycreek3189]

For your first trip, I would suggest going with an outfitter. There are plenty of good ones in WY, NM, or CO. Plan on spending $3K, more or less. I’ve hunted them in WY and MT, both states have good numbers, but I’ve hunted eight times in WY, I just liked it better. The E part of the state has the numbers, but antelope can be found all over, some of the better trophies come from the middle of the state, Carbon Co. to name just one. A waterhole hunt is the surest way, but spot and stalk or decoying is more fun (but more difficult).

You need to enter the draw next year for antelope. If you can still buy a point now, you should, but I doubt you can. Check with WY F&G website, tons of info there. They will offer you three choices. Put in for a hard to draw unit for your first choice. You won’t draw probably, but it will give you a point. Put in for your second choice the unit you actually want to hunt. You should already have your outfitter chosen before you enter the draw. Good outfitters will be booked. Beware of those who are much cheaper than most, or any who won’t give you as many references as you want. Good luck, it lots of fun, and some really good eating !

One more thing. Be prepared when you go to get your animal dressed and quartered ASAP because it will usually be warm. Might not, but I wouldn’t bet on it.

Pronghorn Paradise
Werner Ranch
Spearhead Ranch

These are proven outfitters. I haven’t hunted with any of them, but know people who have. I always hunted private ranches that I found on my on, except the first trip in MT (which was a very good hunt in which no pronghorn were harmed)