Antelope hunt with daughters?

[archangel485]

A friend and I want to take our daughters out to Wyoming this year to hunt antelope. I have 7 points and my buddy has 8. I've been looking at the '20 odds and my head is spinning. I was hoping to find an area where we can apply (all four of us) for either doe, or split up the points for all of us leaving <4 each? Our daughters are 16 & 17 and I don't see anything for youth. I've hunted in area's 106 and 68 in the past and neither have a doe tag and we have no where near the points needed. Any suggestions for trying to make something work with the kids?

I'm a bit confused, you're talking about doe licenses but you're also talking about preference points. I don't know much about your point situation since residents don't have points, just random draw, but I'm fairly sure points are only applicable to "any antelope" licenses which are much harder to get I'm sure than a type 6 or type 7 (doe/fawn) license, not to mention much more costly especially for a non-resident. Also, there certainly are youth licenses available for non-residents.

 

[338weatherby]

The reason I'm talking about both doe and points is that I'm trying to see what my best odds are putting together a hunt this year for four people. Game and fish said not many doe tags will be available to nonresidents. Having 15 points to split up between the four of us gives some options for limited quota. As for youth nonresident tags, I don't see the option and if available, how does that work as a party application?

 

[lancetkenyon]

My daughter and I have been going to NM for the last 2 years, and already booked for this August too. Private land tags, DIY, no guides. Amazing times. About $5k for tags, licenses, trespass fees, hotel, fuel, food.

 

[archangel485]

I see.

To answer your question, each person applies individually, and there will be an option to "join a party" or something to that effect. But each hunter has to have their own profile, their own sportsperson ID and their own information.

 

[manitou]

You forgot to mention "very nice goats too"!

 

[archangel485]

Area 32 odds don't look that great to me, 169/575 for non-resident doe/fawn. 43 and 45 are slightly better but you will absolutely need to apply to the hunter management areas early or you won't have anywhere to hunt. Several more areas with lots of public land a little further West from 32 that have better odds. Do you have onx?

 

[Rick Richard]

My daughter and I have been going to NM for the last 2 years, and already booked for this August too. Private land tags, DIY, no guides. Amazing times. About $5k for tags, licenses, trespass fees, hotel, fuel, food.

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5K for both of y'all?

 

[338weatherby]

Area 32 odds don't look that great to me, 169/575 for non-resident doe/fawn. 43 and 45 are slightly better but you will absolutely need to apply to the hunter management areas early or you won't have anywhere to hunt. Several more areas with lots of public land a little further West from 32 that have better odds. Do you have onx?

Yes, I use onx and have all states. I agree, the odds for doe/fawn in 32 aren't the best. Just thought 32 had a better chance if we did special tags and paid more using the points. I'd really rather save the points for future hunt and do a doe/fawn hunt instead. Trying to make a plan and get it in before the end of the month!

 

[archangel485]

Yes, I use onx and have all states. I agree, the odds for doe/fawn in 32 aren't the best. Just thought 32 had a better chance if we did special tags and paid more using the points. I'd really rather save the points for future hunt and do a doe/fawn hunt instead. Trying to make a plan and get it in before the end of the month!

I think I'm finally fully understanding your situation. If you insist on doe tags, there is no way to get 100% odds, but you could sort the areas from best odds to worst in excel or something and go down the list until you find one that has decent access by looking at onx. My guess is you can find something in the 40-60% odds range (based on 2020). But again game and fish cut way back on doe tags this year.

However, my personal opinion is that I think you should apply for the any antelope tags with your points in an area that you'll have 100% odds. If I'm understanding how points work, you have plenty of points to have 100% odds for all 4 of you with several areas. Yeah you can do a hunt later for maybe a more coveted area, but your daughter is 17, how much longer before she won't even be able to go with you? Plus how cool would it be for her to have a nice set of horns to take home? That or you should do the NM/guide thing that several have mentioned.

Just remember if your access option is an HMA, look the HMA up to ensure it has antelope as an option, and find out if it has a limited number of permission slips. If it is limited, set yourself a reminder and apply the second it becomes available to do so.

 

[338weatherby]

I think I'm finally fully understanding your situation. If you insist on doe tags, there is no way to get 100% odds, but you could sort the areas from best odds to worst in excel or something and go down the list until you find one that has decent access by looking at onx. My guess is you can find something in the 40-60% odds range (based on 2020). But again game and fish cut way back on doe tags this year.

However, my personal opinion is that I think you should apply for the any antelope tags with your points in an area that you'll have 100% odds. If I'm understanding how points work, you have plenty of points to have 100% odds for all 4 of you with several areas. Yeah you can do a hunt later for maybe a more coveted area, but your daughter is 17, how much longer before she won't even be able to go with you? Plus how cool would it be for her to have a nice set of horns to take home? That or you should do the NM/guide thing that several have mentioned.

Just remember if your access option is an HMA, look the HMA up to ensure it has antelope as an option, and find out if it has a limited number of permission slips. If it is limited, set yourself a reminder and apply the second it becomes available to do so.

I agree. At the age of our daughters, kinda feel like if we don't now, it's only going to get harder. And yes, having a set of horns for them would be awesome!

I've always hunted without a guide and have learned the hard way the do's and don't's. I'd like the NM hunt but $5000 isn't going to work this year.

I have read up on the HMA's and will definitely apply for the permission slip as soon as I can if needed.

This was the help/opinions I've been waiting for. Thanks to all.

 

[MNbogboy]

I dont believe there is any area with 100% chance of drawing doe/fawn as well as a buck tag. There may be a few left as there was in the past. Your 15 apps divided by 4 may give you 4 buck tags I f you find a 3pp 100% area. There are lots of areas that 3 ops might get you in. Also look at the wuquota allotted for each unit. It may give you an idea of the doe tags that will be divided out.

 

[lancetkenyon]

5K for both of y'all?

Yes. $5k for two tags, two licenses, two trespass fees, gas, hotel, food.

 

[MNbogboy]

Last year with the special tag & only 2 points I drew. Although I was the last on out of the bucket. Think it turned out a very small percentage chance. Most expensive antelope license ever. This year I hope I get lucky again. My second & third choices are hard to draw and the other one should be 100% as it usually is and I've hunted it three other times.the only other time I had that tag I totaled my silverado out on my way there by hitting a big mule deer buck within 10 miles of my camp site. The only year I haven't hunted out west since 2006.

 

[MNbogboy]

338, i spend a lot of time in the Wyoming hunt planner diring the corse of a year.
I just spent a little study time. You are correct, it looks like 32 might get all 4 of you buck tags based on last year's odds.
Withv15 points total you would have 3+ point average. Last year 3 points drew 100%. Another unit I looked at last year was 18, again it looks like your point average might make it. The doe tags in 32 you were thinking about looked like the type 6 hovered around 25% last year.
If you all applied for the doe tags you may receive one. Unlike here in MN there is no party hunting allowed in WY. When you are in the field there, there is always eyes watching you.