Pronghorn in MT, BLM or private?

[maritime363]

Hoping someone can comment on MT pronghorn, hunting block mgt land for decent bucks. We're hunting in SW corner of state, have permission on several large blocks. Also have permission to hunt a large private ranch, alone w my son, but trespass fee is very high (500/animal, 200/day). Anyone have a perspective based on experience? Is block mgt land overhunted? Am I crazy to think we can connect w a nice buck... or should we just pay for access... thanks guys.

[maritime363]

check that, SE corner.

[IfItRunsHuntIt647]

I hunt the 700 district every year for pronghorn in montana, and haven't paid a dime to any land owner, nor do i plan to. In answering your question, what do you consider decent? Antelope are easy to shoot as long as you are in a place where there are some, getting the big one is the challenge. You would probably have a better chance on the private land because after antelope are shot at once or twice they tend to get really spooky, and hunting the private land would help minimize this. However, here's a tid bit of information, myself and four friends have been traveling to eastern montana for 6 years now, and in the last four of those six years we have taken a 16", two 15", and a few nice 14" bucks, the biggest scoring over 82 and this was all done on BLM land.

[maritime363]

thanks. based on ourscouting trip in early sept, will likely focus on the blm land. If we end up having trouble locating a nice buck, thinking 13-14", we just mightmove over to the private land.appreciate your insights.

[hillbillyhunter1]

Order your block management books (free) from the MT FWP as well as their is a lot in the 700 district

[ELKINMTCWB]

$500 for a GOAT I would have roled on the ground laughing.

I have not killed monsters but very nice goats on pub land or block land.Goats are eazy to find just use you bio or spoters. If you are not afraid to walk they are eazy to kill.

There is so much land in MT to hunt on dont pay for a goat.

Charles

[maritime363]

thanks guys. theres my answer. we already have permission on several large blocks, BLM book was very helpful. These are nice size areas, 8-12K acres w2-3 parties/day. thats the way we'll go, and plan tocarry a day pack. will keep you posted on how things go.

[jack dube]

going to be hunting muddy mountains in wyoming. How is this for muleys and speed goats. antelope area 31 mule deer 66,70 161 in wyoming south of casper