Wyoming antelope success

[Couestracker]

Finally posting about my DIY antelope hunt. Broke some stuff on the way up and on the way back, had tire failures too, but that did not deter me, lol. I scouted this area back in August, saw the biggest buck ever there, so that's where I went each day. I didn't see that huge buck again, but I sat a water hole in that area. I used my Ranger as a blind, sat about 200 yards from a waterhole. It was comfortable, out of the wind and sun and the antelope didn't seem to care I was there. On day 2, a very unusual buck came in. He had a pure white head and a prominent black cheek stripe. Reminded me of an oryx. Trouble was he wasn't very mature. Sure would of made an awesome mount though. He also came in on day 3, so I had to decide not to shoot him twice, lol.

Also on day 3, I was amazed to see a small herd of elk nearby. I wouldn't have ever guessed there would be elk around there. 4 huge bulls and 2 cows. Man were they dark compared to Arizona elk.

Also on the 3rd day a pretty big buck came in. I really liked him so I decided to try and get him. Getting out of the Ranger and into a shooting position proved difficult, plus he was dashing all over the place, then left the water pretty quickly. I moved to a berm, set up and took a shot at 645 yards. Just missed him!

Went back to the Ranger and sat a while more. Another group of antelope showed up and there was a buck similar to the one I just missed. I watched as he chased does and ran off all the other bucks. He was ruling the roost! I liked him, so while he was chasing does, I got out of the Ranger and set up for a shot. When I got my sights on him, he had his head down getting a drink. When he lifted his head, he was kind enough to turn broadside, so I squeezed the trigger. After the shot he was gone! I stood up but couldn't see him. All I had on me was my rangefinder, so I started panning looking for him. I saw his white rump out in the field. He ran 80 yards!

I go over to him, there's a huge pool of foamy blood next to him. Turned out the shot went through both ribs without hitting bone and took out both lungs. I was a happy hunter!

As he lay

Didn't have a pen, so I signed it with antelope blood.

First broken leaf spring.

Second broken leaf spring.

First blown tire.

Second tire failure.

Fresh backstraps made it all better.

Edited November 10, 2021 by Couestracker

[dsotm]

How many points did you have and what unit (can PM if you're willing to share)? Looking to get out there and do this in the next couple of years since I'm probably still a decade away from a tag here.

[Couestracker]

Would someone helpout and fix my pics? Thanks!

[Couestracker]

1 hour ago, dsotm said:

How many points did you have and what unit (can PM if you're willing to share)? Looking to get out there and do this in the next couple of years since I'm probably still a decade away from a tag here.

Was in unit 57, took 16 years to draw that tag. Might look for an easier to draw area.

[PRDATR]

2 hours ago, Couestracker said:

Was in unit 57, took 16 years to draw that tag. Might look for an easier to draw area.

Congrats on a nice looking buck. It seems like Wyoming is rough on equipment. I've never been but I have 7 Antelope points so next year may be the year I go.

[Couestracker]

2 hours ago, PRDATR said:

Congrats on a nice looking buck. It seems like Wyoming is rough on equipment. I've never been but I have 7 Antelope points so next year may be the year I go.

Thanks. He taped at 75 and some change. Good luck in the draw!

[Red Rabbit]

real nice buck despite the obstacles on the trip.

[5guyshunting]

[Chef]

Nice.

[Big Browns]

Great job, congrats!!!!

[Sam]

Beautiful buck! Looks dry up there as well. 

[Zeke-BE]

On 11/10/2021 at 11:41 AM, Couestracker said:

Was in unit 57, took 16 years to draw that tag. Might look for an easier to draw area.

I was thinking you were in the 50 units with those red rocks in the background

[Zeke-BE]

Congrats on your buck

[Will K]

Nice buck.

[turbo]

Predator camo working in that terrain. Nice buck