Pop Up Blind For Antelope,Question

[JimB]

Antelope opportunities have been getting tough here.I have located an open gate that is getting some regular travel but the only way that I can see to hunt it is set up a pop up blind when I go in and remove it each time when I leave.It is right up against a piece of public ground so it would have to come out.

Has anyone put up a blind and hunted out of it that day and had results?

[TURKEYFOOTGIRL]

I have set up a double bull in the wide open over water and killed a buck in a couple hours.  That being said I found an amazing fence crossing last weekend without a stitch of cover around and I'm nervous to just pop up a blind there and potentially ruin the spot.  Don't hurt to try I guess?

[Charlie Lamb]

Just don't crowd the gap and you should be just fine. I've set one up and had action the first day many times.

[Tim Finley]

I could never get a close shot out of a pop up some antelope even ran when they seen it. A haybale blind works better. Our season is closed for the 3rd year in a row and is likely to stay that way until they recover from the bad winters. There will be some huge bucks when it opens again....Tim

[JimB]

Thanks for the input everyone.I guess it may be worth a try.There is no cover on this sopt.

Charlie,how far back would you set it?

[Charlie Lamb]

I'd go 20 yards at least.

[JimB]

Thanks a lot.I'm going to try to get out tomorrow to look it over.

[fireman_3311]

A ghillie works too!!!

[Montanawidower]

Yep, I've done it.... over water only.  The thirst overcomes their common sense.

 My buddy Randy has tried quick fence crossings blinds of several types with little (read NO) success.  He finally drilled one out of a tree stand that happened to overlook a concentration point.  

That said you never know until you try.  

Just found out we can't hunt the ranch we normally hunt.  The rancher is in protest of the FWP's bison range program.  He figures if he shuts down hunting, his hunters will complain and get things changed?  Seems a littled cocked if you ask me.

However, we did get permission on the neighboring place thank goodness.   Its going to be slim pickins this season I fear.  

Jeff

[huntnmuleys]

the thing is it just cant "surprise" em. if you set a blind, and its in a hole or low enough spot that antelope cant see it until theyre right on top of it, there apt to run quick. if they can see it from a good distance, first day they will come in.  its the surprise factor that gets em.  i have no problem hunting a blind first day if its visable to approaching antelope.

[ksbowman]

The first morning I set up a popup on a water hole in Wyoming I was 10 yards from the water. That very morning I had lopes walking between me and the water. It all depends on how they feel. Go for it!

[sticksnstones]

Originally posted by huntnmuleys:
the thing is it just cant "surprise" em. if you set a blind, and its in a hole or low enough spot that antelope cant see it until theyre right on top of it, there apt to run quick. if they can see it from a good distance, first day they will come in.  its the surprise factor that gets em.  i have no problem hunting a blind first day if its visable to approaching antelope.

Man I love Tradgang, I learn so much stuff here when I can't be out hunting. Thanks again!
Thom

[Tim Finley]

HUNTINMULEYS I think your right on . I tried for 3 years and finally gave up on the pop ups and went to a quad pod . Antelope that came over the hill ran, ones that could see it just skirted it out of range . We even set them up 2 weeks before the season it didnt help they were still wary of the blinds . I would like to try one with the gillie blanket cover it might help. I pounded 4 fence post in by a water hole and strung wire around them and hung grass mats the ones waterfowl hunters use on their boats and killed a buck the first day it was up !!  Tri pod and quad pods work the best ....Tim