Antelope hunt

[obert]

Going on my first archery antelope hunt this fall. Trying to put together a checklist for equipment. We're heading to the Crawford area at the end of August. Going to stay for 5 days. Looking for those who've been there and done that, to maybe give me some tips on what I'll need to take.

Thanks!

[BPbowhunter]

I hate you......that is one of my two dream hunts. Hunt pronghorn with my bow. Second to archery elk.

Make sure to bring a camera and take lots of pictures!! Good luck.

[obert]

Camera is a given. Might even have a tag along video taping. I don't know how interesting a video tape of two lost guys trying to find antelope will be, but what the heck. We have room for 1 or 2 more guys if anyone is interested. Will be Aug. 29-Sept. 2.

[Alex T.]

hunting a waterhole,stalking??

Alex

[obert]

Probably both. I'm figuring since it will be so early when we go, that it might be pretty warm yet and a waterhole might be must the thing. We wanted to go later but this is the only weekend we could coincide. I also thought since muzzle doesn't start til Sept. we might be able to have a better time finding a good waterhole to sit at. So I'd say the majority will be waterhole.

[Yellab]

Priorities (even though they may be obvious).

1 - Good Boots.

2 - Good Boots

3 - Plenty of water.

4 - Good Optics

5 - book or movie or something to occupy time sitting near the waterhole.

6 - good map of the national grasslands public land.

7 - plenty of patience.

[obert]

I'm probably going to have to invest in a new pair of boots.

Have http://www.muckbootcompany.com/produ...products_id=39 right now.

[BPbowhunter]

I know a few guys that have the muck boots and they really like them. Don't you think you can go wrong with them.

[obert]

I like mine, but they are pretty much for working in the yards. Though it might be good for scent if I'm alone, but if I'm in a blind with someone this trip they might not appreciate the cow-****e smell. Might look at getting the hunter series for this fall. Will see if I can fit it in the budget. Was thinking of adding a range finder for this trip, if I can find one cheap enough that will still do the job.

[Lenny]

Range finder
Binocs
Decoy
A good comfy chair for your blind and a good book or portable dvd player.
Take a 'yote call too, lots of them running the prairie, maybe you can stick one while waiting on a goat.

[obert]

This will be my first range finder purchase. If anyone wants to sell one, or has tips on what to get. Looking for something affordable. Have a spotting scope I'm bringing and borrowing a nice pair of nocs. Which I should buck up and purchase anyways, but.... Have a friend with maps and topo layovers. Great start, thanks everyone.

[BPbowhunter]

I've never been antelope hunting but I would think a gps would be helpful.

[obert]

I thought about that, but like rangefinders I really don't know much about them or what to get. Really can't spend a whole lot, and would guess that you probably want to for something like that?

[BPbowhunter]

You can get the garmin etrex (not the newest version of the etrex but the old version) for like 90 bucks. That was back when I bought mine, they might even be cheaper now.

[elkstalkr]

Obert,

$99 Garmin Etrex works wonderful for hunting. Used one for several years Elk hunting CO, until I fried it last year in the washing machine!!!

Just bought a new one, up graded to thier $150 version, so I can download topos onto it.

[obert]

Thanks, I'll definently check those out. Figure it can't be bad to have one just for knowing exact distances when I'm practicing with the bow. Hopefully help me to be a better judge of distance as well.

[Lenny]

I have these binos $79.99



And this range finder $219.99 440 yard range, you may want one that goes farther, but I originaly bought mine for deer.



Both are light and compact and are availiable at Cabelas
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...549&hasJS=true

[obert]

Actually I don't have any need to go that far. I'm looking for something that might only do a 100 yards. I just thought maybe they had something that was a lot less expensive that did shorter distances. But from what I see, I don't think they make any such thing. Honestly if it is over 60 yards I probably won't shoot with my bow. Maybe 70, but that's quite a ways. Will know more as I practice those distances more too. I was hoping they made a $50 rangefinder for bowhunters.

[Lenny]

If you do hunt waterhole with a decoy one tip I have is to use your decoy as a yardage referance set it at say about 30 yards and the drop a big hunk of dirt at 40 and then try to wing it. I did that last year and even with a range finder I still shot over his back ...bad shot...

I personaly would'nt try a shot past 50yds, the reason will come down to a matter of opinion between bowhunters, but FOR ME its a low percentage shot.

As far as the distance of rangefinders is concened after you get one you will be suprised what you will start to use it for, rifle season, coyote hunting, cheating at golf................

[obert]

Cheating at golf...

I need ALL the help I can get with that one.

I agree, I'm not all that comfortable over 50. The more I practice the more I'll figure out if I can go more or not. Had a nice spot up in SD to hunt a year ago for this fall, the guy called me this spring and said he'd rather I not come b/c of all the lopers some other guys injured shooting 60 plus when they shouldn't have been. Will still work on that one for the following year though. Thanks for all the tips and info, all helps. The more the better. Both I and the guy I'm going with are new with the antelope hunting, so it is pretty much the blind leading the blind right now.