[pinehunter]

Hi All,


I'd like to hear from some of you who have hunted out west for these two species. I have an interest in getting out there maybe this coming October/November (I know, it's probably a little late for booking maybe?) to hunt. I don't know much about what is involved, I just realize that many areas are lottery only and some areas you can just call an outfitter up and it's taken care of for you. So basically, I'm asking how to even go about this and what some of the first steps would be to hunting out west. Are there recommendations for good outfitters, good do-it-yourself hunts on public land, etc? States? Prices? Any kind of introductory info is appreciated.

 

[338/378wm]

Wyoming is probably your best state to hunt these two species and have a realistic opportunity at killing two real good representatives of each. I hunted the Casper area of Wyoming 5 times for both and killed 5 good mule deer and 5 good antelope. Most of the shooter mule deer bucks in this area are around 22 to 26 inch 4 points. I always had a blats hunting out there. The area is rolling sage brush country and really fun for glassing. It was nothing to see 25 to 40 mule deer bucks a day. The antelope hunting on this ranch was amazing with no problem shooting a 15-16 inch antelope buck. You could hunt antelope all day out on the grass prairies. Mule deer was spot and stalk in the morning and evening. Really fun hunt if this is your first western hunt. Like others said the west is having one of the worst winters in years and many areas are likely to have heavy winter kill. Your best bet would be to research what areas are getting pounded with snow and go from there. Also go to the HBG sport show and check with some outfitters out west and see what they say. For what you are looking for I would check with Wyoming outfitters. Eastern Montana also has good mule deer/antelope combo hunts. As for Wyoming you could check out Heartspear Outfitters. I have hunted with him many times and he would give you the hunt you are looking for, and you would kill 2 quality animals with him. He has an amazing ranch. Wyoming may require a couple deer points to draw though in this area, and I do know he is fully booked this year. I will be hunting with him next year. Good luck with your search

 

[Ralph46]

Go to the outdoor show if you haven't already . Meet lots of outfitters who can answer your questions then call references. My first western hunt was booked thru show. Had a great time and my son and I each shot nice representative animals. Unfortunately he's out of the business but there are many others. Check references!

 

[jt13]

Go to the Outdoor Show! Its going on right now and you will not find a higher concentration of outfitters/guides/hunters anywhere this side of the Mississippi!

Both of these species can be hunted fairly easily in a great number of midwest states. Depending on the state going with landowner/outfitter tags will get you out of the draw process, but not every state. However in most states its not to late to apply for next year, but the deadlines are rapidly approaching.A guided private land hunt for those two animals is going to be $4000-7000. If you are a daring and resourceful individual who doesn't mind the potential of coming home with nothing then by all means pick a state, apply for a tag, and DIY. Mule deer tags can be had either with zero points in a lot of draws or can be purchased over the counter. Antelope tags can be harder to come by unless you are looking to do an archery hunt. Theres tons of public land in every midwest state and there are no shortage of critters out there.

 

[DP-A5]

Anyone have any more info on this topic? My friend talked me into buying Wyoming pref points for muley and antelope. We are looking to do a DIY hunt out there sometime in the near future. I have been out to Montana before to hunt Mule Deer with a guide, I loved every second of it but we are more of the DIY type. Just looking for any extra insight on the DIY game out there... I'm used to DIY whitetail hunts in different states, but this will be our first DIY go at both of these animals. I haven't really stepped into the planning portion of this yet but I am looking for info as far as:

- Length of Trip (1 week, 2 weeks)
- Drive or Fly (driving is not an issue, but I would rather spend days hunting than driving.. possibly fly out and rent a truck)
- Hunt both animals or just focus on one
- Save up a bunch of points or just draw where we can (we prefer to go for bigger bucks, but killing on a DIY trip is a thrill on its own)
- Best time to go
- Camp or Hotel
etc.


I'm sure there are plenty of opinions on this, being new to this type of hunt, we appreciate all insight.

 

[westernwishes1]

make it a one week hunt flying is a lot easier i fly into denver non-stop and drive to wyoming deer/speed goat hunts u can do as combo hunts.after the first 3days it calms down hotels can be hard to find so have one reserved douglas is a good area to focus on.

 

[DP-A5]

make it a one week hunt flying is a lot easier i fly into denver non-stop and drive to wyoming deer/speed goat hunts u can do as combo hunts.after the first 3days it calms down hotels can be hard to find so have one reserved douglas is a good area to focus on.

Roger that! Thank you very much for the information.

 

[DP-A5]

We decided to spring for a Huntin Fool membership to help with our trip planning. Its looking like points wise, we will need at least 2 to get into some decent areas. Westernwhishes1 how many points have you typically gone out there with?

 

[westernwishes1]

i hunted near douglas on private ground didn't need any points for deer or goats got drwed every year if u go to an area with a lot of private ground u don't need points just be shore u have ground to hunt before u put in for a lic. i had 7 points for elk area 7 whan i got drawed.put in for your points now

 

[JMMack]

For what its worth I have my search narrowed down to these outfitters for a future hunt:

HeartSpear
Werner Ranch
88 Ranch

They seem to be the most highly recommended, however I'm sure there are more out there.

 

[Mike M.]

Check out southfork mountain lodge & outfitters, out of Buffolo Wy. Was there in 2012 my buddy & I each killed big pronghorns & nice mule deer. They treated us like family.

 

[FowlArcher]

Check out Big Horn Outfitters, also out of Buffalo, WY.


My son and I archery hunted with them back in August and we each killed 72+" bucks.


They treated us like family as well.


There have been quite few real impressive Mule and Whitetail bucks taken by other clients so far this year.