wyoming unit 45 antelope hunt

zimmer6 · 07-09-2011, 07:04 AM

Me and a buddy received our 3rd choice rifle license for unit 45 in Wyoming and am wondering about the private land permission slip drawing process. I know what the Wyoming Game and Fish website says, but interested in anyone with experience. As I understand, it is mostly either Private land or land locked public land. We would like a DIY hunt and not paying a lot of money to gain access. We also have doe tags for unit 52. Any advice would be appreciated.

Topgun 3006 · 07-09-2011, 12:42 PM

What do you mean by "permission slip drawing process"? Where there is private land access under the WIHA program you just walk in and hunt the signed property. Under the Hunter Management Program they have limits on numbers of people and some of them are just done by a first-come first-serve basis where you go on the F&G website and if there are openings you just print out the paperwork to put in your vehicle window and to carry with you while you're in the field. If you are talking about hunting private property that isn't in those programs, you just contact ranchers and see what they want for an access fee, etc. and decide what you want to do if they have openings. I hope that helps a little.

zimmer6 · 07-09-2011, 01:37 PM

The couple of ranches listed in the HMP have limited access granted on a random draw. Through the WYoming F&G not available until July 12th. Have you had any experience getting on the F&G website and getting access? Thanks for the info, I just want to have as many options as possible after I drive 17 hours to hunt my first antelope.

dig4gold · 07-15-2011, 02:43 AM

First off, there are only 2 HMA's in 45. Neither of these are very good for Lopes and they are tiny. I wouldn't even bother. My suggestion would be to get yourself a BLM or DeLorme map/atlas that shows property ownership. It will show you where the BLM, State, Nat'l Forrest and private lands are. Hopefully you have a few days to hunt and can use the first couple to drive around and familiarize yourself with them. Stay on the prarie, don't bother with mountainous Nat'l Forrest lands. The goats are out in the open country.
Let me also emphisize that most all landowners hate Lopes and would gladly grant you permission to hunt them for free. It can be difficult to find their house, but well worth the effort. Typical scenario: you're driving along, spot some goats, locate the landowner or even ranch forman, go get a couple Antelope in the truck, back at camp for dinner. Wyoming tags have a landowner tag that they get when you harvest on their land. It pays them $13.00 for "losses" caused by the critters.
If you have to, stop a car on the road and ask them who owns it and where to find them. People will (mostly) be friendly and helpful.
I cannot emphisize this next suggestion enough; practice shooting long range!! Get compfortable and confident shooting out to at least 300 yards!! Goats have only one deffence . . . running. They can reach Cheetah speed in seconds. Oh they'll look dosile and almost tame until you stop and open your door. Then the race is on. Don't try to shoot them running. They'll stop. But it'll be 200 yards farther! It is against the law to shoot from a road or in your truck. You have to get past the borrow pit before shooting. Shooting sticks are very popular as are the attatchable bi-pods by Harris. A range finder as well as goood binocs are invaluable. No sence in practicing long range shooting if you don't know how far they are.
Finally, get them skinned and cooled down ASAP. This is vital in making the difference in deliceous steaks or 70 pound of jerky.

zimmer6 · 07-16-2011, 05:58 AM

Thanks for the information. We are planning to be there several days so we should be able to track down some land owners. Great info.

AvidHunterAbe · 07-16-2011, 08:16 AM

Here is some advice for 45 in Wyo:

A few years back when I knew very little of Pronghorn hunting I purchased 45 tags on a whim. Talked my buddy into it and packed up the truck, headed right up there. I have a few land owners there now that I built good relationships with, all it takes is some good talkin and strong display of character. I gained access to places that had not been hunted in 5+ years. My advice, order the GMU map for this unit off the web, stay on the north side of the unit, use the hell out of your optics, and knock on alot of doors. With how friendly the ranchers are you can't fail, just remember you might have to drive several miles to find the ranchers residence, they have scattered chunks of land. You might find the occasional rancher who wants to charge $100 trespass fee, dont do it there are PLENTY of free opportunities. Good luck and watch out for their healthy population of badgers!

Topgun 3006 · 07-16-2011, 12:30 PM

Those are some really nice goats you guys took out of 45 Abe!!!