This is my 1st day and 1st post. I have done some searching and looking, however:

First Wyoming antelope hunt in 2011, we already have 2 points before the draw. Using Eastman's info, we kind of got down to either unit 63 or 73 but maybe we are not correct. (would be willing to pay the extra for the special draw tag so 63 should draw?). Don't want to waste the points, but want the best area also. Looking for just a good experience and good chance at representative bucks, not necessarily trophy. Two of three are first timers. I have done a guided NMex. hunt.

1st) best overall experience from access, public land, and hunting pressure standpoint (I know, kind of an open question)

2nd) We are willing to camp out, and also hike a bunch if needed., would that change the area ideas.

3rd) do not know where to even start gathering info on the patchwork of public and federal and state land and how to know where the heck you are at while hunting.

Thanks for any help at all, especially on area choice.
DFM

63 is better than 73 as trophy potential is concerned.

nonresident odds...with 2 pts...

63
regular- 49%
special- 100%

73
reg- 100%
spl- 100%

odds do change from year to year, I'd probably get the special tag and hunt 63.

Just the way I see it, I'd want the best chance for a big boy, and not drawing the tag because of wanting to save $200 would make me pretty upset, when you add up the total cost of the hunt.

If you really don't care about shooting a big boy, go with the regular draw in 73.

You probably want to apply as a party, does everyone have 2 points? if not be careful about applying as a party as wyoming does not round up points, if the party average is 1.5, that means you have 1.5pts not 2pts! and can make odds very different, even 1.9 vs. 2.0 can be a huge difference!

know where you're hunting? get a gps...and blm maps...and a wyoming atlas (they usually have a red cover)

Use that Eastmans' info, should stare you in the right direction!

Yes, the three of us each have 2 points.

I have looked a lot at Eastman info. Is the difference that shows area 63 with 85% public vs. 65% in 73 is important from the standpoint of having larger, non- private areas? They do show better access in 63 in one column, but equal access in another column.

Are the walk in areas in 73 of importance if you are wanting to get away from the crowds and maybe find some unhunted ground?

Thanks, you have been a big help already.

Unit 73 thread a week or two ago -

http://www.huntingnet.com/forum/big-...unit-73-a.html

walk in areas are open to everyone...so it's just more public land essentially.

We decided to go with Area 63. Will pay the $ for special draw, and with 2 pts, even if draw odds change, we should be OK. Not sure what we will use for 2nd choice, probably choose one of those Eastman's mention.

Thanks for all the help, everyone.

with the special I wouldn't worry about a 2nd choice, but really draw odds have to be 100% essentially to draw as a 2nd choice I think.

Best 2nd choice would be out east where private land is, and just pay a trespass fee.