Hey folks,

I'm wondering, based on recent weather and herd trends if it is worth burning out-of-state preference/bonus points on NV and WY antelope? I have a good number in each state - something like 9 in NV and 8 in WY.

Should I think about burning points in either state?

Thanks for any insight and thoughts.

Contact the guts and feathers biologists in SW WY. If you need help on who PM me. I will look into it.

Thanks Keith, will do. My gut says sit on the points, but it won't hurt to hear from one of the biologists.

Rest assured that Nevada will be extremely dry this year. Great in that it concentrates the animals around the last of the water, but it also concentrates the hunters.

Same condtions in SE Oregon and I think I'm going to pull my application this year.

1minute,

My comment about water is more related to horn growth than locating them, but I hear what you're saying about being concentrated near waterholes.

Drought years might not be the wisest time to use your points. I did my NW NV antelope hunt in 2013, was disappointed in what I saw.

FWIW, a well known pronghorn guide is of the opinion that the current year's weather may not be as determinant of horn growth than the weather the year the buck was born. In other words, a drought this year would not impact horn size as much as a drought the year the buck was born.

I've done a little research and am sitting on my 6 Wyoming PPs but not on my butt; buying doe tags & heading out for a few days just to be there!!

and who pray tell would that be?

http://www.pronghornguideservice.com/our-records.html

He has posted on another forum discussing this topic.

Bob,

Buy another point this year. We're the driest in modern history, and the animals are showing the stress, especially herd animals like antelope.

Things were bad enough in 2013 when I took my last ever NV antelope as a resident. I can't apply again until 2019, and would need 4-6 years of points after that. At my age it dials me out forever now.

I am going to put the grandson in for anterless for his first year big game hunting this season. I hope that tells you what you need to know.

Interesting concept.

I'll probably just buy points. Hopefully since I live out west, I can find plenty to keep me busy.

Good luck with the hunts though!

Bruce, wish I had read this before I sat down and filled out in my NV draws! That's ok, put in for mostly NW areas that I'm now hoping would take more points than I have. If I get drawn, maybe we'll have to "pencil in" the adventure regardless of what things look like!

I'll keep you posted.

'Nuf said.

I hear ha, thanks. Pretty sure I can turn a NV tag back in, which if I get drawn might be what I do. A wise man doesn't ignore smart advice....especially when he specifically asks for it.

Bob how far are ya from way over here? PM me

I know Eli and these guys live/breath pronghorns, obsessed is the word.

If they say it, I wouldn't doubt it.

Kent

That they do and keep the records to be able to make some very educated guesses.

How did you do in the draw???

Drew 33 late. Now have to gather up some Intel! <wink>

GREAT Draw!

That'll work.
Alfalfa fields at the base of the hills / edge of the valleys.

Thanks for the tip!

33 is wilderness and uncultivated. It was once part of the Sheldon Refuge. It's now called the Sheldon Antelope Range, and for good reason.

This season if you find water holes, you'll find goats. Years ago I saw a 91 point green score monster taken off that area!

Of course you are correct, I was thinking of 032.

Its a donkey and horse refuge these days..

Horses yes, but the burros are farther south. There are big deer and big antelope on 33 still, and many roam off the neighboring refuge into 33.

I HATE the damnned FERAL horses about as much as anyone could, and between them and widespread open pit cyanide heap-leach mining NV hunting is going into the Krapper. At least the refuge and 33 aren't one big gold mine...yet.