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Joined: Oct 2009
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OP
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Posts: 764 |
I was extremely lucky to get a unit 3/301 Colorado pronghorn license through the hybrid draw. I was really only expecting a preference point out of this deal when I applied because I didn’t think there was any chance of drawing. Now that the license is mine, I’m slightly panicked, because I’ve not hunted that area before, and I’ve only seen that country once when driving through. Hell, for that matter, my only experience with antelope hunting was an unsuccessful archery pursuit when I was in college. So, I’m curious to know if any of you have hunted this unit or if there’s any general advice that I could glean from y’all.
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,764
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,764 |
I’ve hunted 3 quite a few times. It’s not known for many large bucks but you will have lots of opportunities. Get OnX maps or some similar program to know where the public and private boundaries are. There is a lot of BLM land. Don’t shoot the first buck you see, it’s going to be an enjoyable hunt. Take your time. I’d suggest hunting along the Little Snake River for a start. PM me if you want to talk more about it.
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 764
Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
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Thanks for your insight Beanman! I don’t plan on holding out for a Boone & Crocket buck; I’d just like to get a “nice” one that will look good on my wall. I’ve already got the statewide version of OnX loaded on my GPS, too, so I should be good there.
I plan on calling the DWM & the biologist next week... after that happens, I’ll see if I can put together some more specific questions for you in a PM. Thanks again for your help!
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,651
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,651 |
Have watched hundreds of antelope in 3 just west of #13 and north of #3, on BLM land, not far from the WY border. There is a hill on the south side of #3. Head to the top and glass to the north and you should see various small herds. You'll be WAY out of rifle range, but you'll be able to locate them for a stalk.
Can't vouch for the size of the bucks - as a meat hunter it isn't something I pay much attention to.
Coyote Hunter - NRA Patriot Life, NRA Whittington Center Life, GOA, DAD - and I VOTE!
No, I'm not a Ruger bigot - just an unabashed fan of their revolvers, M77's and #1's.
A good .30-06 is a 99% solution.
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,764
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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A side note: I watched five wolves from about half a mile two years ago on my last unit 3 hunt. They were in the Little Snake drainage about 13 miles from the Wyo border.
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 764
Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 764 |
A side note: I watched five wolves big coyotes from about half a mile two years ago on my last unit 3 hunt. They were in the Little Snake drainage about 13 miles from north of the Wyo border. Added some clarifying language
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 27,091
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 27,091 |
There no wolves in colorado. Just the DOW.
Last edited by mtnsnake; 06/12/19.
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 764
Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 764 |
I wanted to give a follow up on this hunt... I had a great hunt & killed a very respectable buck. Thanks to all that gave input on this; y'all we're right on. We looked over LOTS of antelope bucks and while I'm sure there are a few studs running around, it quickly became obvious that the "average top-end" was in the 14" class. Lots of nice bucks were seen, and a couple better than the one I killed (one of which I missed). Ultimately, though, I got to spend the day with a good friend, looked over a lot of great country with lots of goats, and killed a great buck... it doesn't get much better than that. Thanks again for the help!
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,246
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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Posts: 3,246 |
I usually like the oddball stuff whether horns or antlers but that antelope has a good looking set of horns. Congratulations 👍!
Molɔ̀ːn Labé Grandpa:the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Dad:son you have 2 choices for supper eat or don't eat.
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 29,892 Likes: 7
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 29,892 Likes: 7 |
Looks to be a fine buck and should be great eating.
1Minute
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,416
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,416 |
You did well. Unit 3 is tough to draw, but has lots of decent bucks. We looked over at least a dozen herds on Friday and made plans for intercepting their travel routes. Our group was successful in spite of the hard winds. Congrats!
“You must endeavour to enjoy the pleasure of doing good. That is all that makes life valuable.” Robert E. Lee, in a letter to his invalid wife.
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,680
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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I should draw that tag next year. Bob
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