2015 WY Antelope private land permission success!

[longbow fanatic 1]

For those of us who've never tried to secure private land to hunt in Wyoming, myself included, it can be done. I have been doing a lot of research lately in preparation for a 2015 archery Antelope hunt in WY. My hunting buddy and I wanted to hunt on private land, if possible, but wanted a DIY style hunt.

After several hours of research and numerous phone calls to the WY Fish & Game Dept. and prospective landowners, I found a gentleman who owns approximately 12,000 acres who invited us to hunt. The best news of all was that we will be the only hunters on the ranch during our bow hunt, and he only allows six other archery hunters during the season not including us. The rancher was really friendly and we had a great conversation!

Now, I know we still have to draw a limited quota license, but I have high hopes of drawing a tag and here is why. The hunt region and hunt unit I selected is mostly private land, which means there are usually 100% success rates on Antelope tags with zero preference points, and left-over licenses after the primary lottery.

It seems like a daunting task to wade through the wealth of data available online, on the WY F&G Dept. website, but it can be done without a tremendous amount of work. We will be paying a trespass fee, but for those hunters who aren't willing to pay trespass fees you can find landowners who charge no trespass fee or a very reasonable trespass fee, if you look hard enough.

Now the long wait until September!

[Wannabe1]

Good luck and we look forward to a success story all around!  

[JARHEAD1371]

A word of advice is to get the agreement in writing now. This would help avoid a potential trip out west. A couple years ago, when I lived in SD (Rapid City) I worked for a rancher on my weekends in exchange for hunting rights. The first season went very well for me, but the second was less then favorable. This was after I worked another year for him. Since I didn't have the deal in writing there was nothing I could do. I am still friends with the rancher's family, but I haven't talked to him since Nov '12.
   I'm not saying the rancher you are hunting with is like him, but I never thought I would have "my" hunting spot shut down on opening day.

[longbow fanatic 1]

Originally posted by JARHEAD1371:
A word of advice is to get the agreement in writing now. This would help avoid a potential trip out west. A couple years ago, when I lived in SD (Rapid City) I worked for a rancher on my weekends in exchange for hunting rights. The first season went very well for me, but the second was less then favorable. This was after I worked another year for him. Since I didn't have the deal in writing there was nothing I could do. I am still friends with the rancher's family, but I haven't talked to him since Nov '12.
   I'm not saying the rancher you are hunting with is like him, but I never thought I would have "my" hunting spot shut down on opening day.

Great advice and I'm sorry to hear of your situation!

[Cootling]

Permission to hunt is a kindness, not a contract.  Written or not, it can be revoked any time.

You still might want written permission for other reasons (e.g., to settle the issue if someone questions you in the field).

[longbow fanatic 1]

Originally posted by Cootling:
Permission to hunt is a kindness, not a contract.  Written or not, it can be revoked any time.

You still might want written permission for other reasons (e.g., to settle the issue if someone questions you in the field).

Good advice.

[elkken]

Nice job " hunting" up a place to hunt ... Wyoming antelope can be a fun hunt

[FerretWYO]

Very cool best of luck and if you can swing buy  my place. Would be fun to meet you.

[tracker12]

I have hunted in WY a few times and found that is was pretty easy to get permission to Antelope hunt on private property.  Friends of mine hunt a unit that is mostly private and they usually just know on doors or ask at the hotel/bar/restaurant they stay at and get plenty of places to hunt.  We are hoping to go back out for goats this SEP.

[longbow fanatic 1]

Originally posted by FerretWYO:
Very cool best of luck and if you can swing buy  my place. Would be fun to meet you.

[habujohn]

Congratulations and have fun.  I went two years ago on a private place and shot a nice 72" goat.  The rancher sold the property the next year, so I am back looking once again.

[turkey65]

When I hunted Wyoming years ago the local chamber of congress had a list of ranches that allowed antelope hunting for a reasonable trespass fee might be someting to look into,we hunted near Douglas Wyoming

[hunt it]

Here s a tip, ask local hunters which ranchers don't allow hunting and goes introduce yourself. I hunted prime ranches every year for free in Wyoming. A local guy told me that many ranchers will not allow locals as they think they own the place and keep returning to property.

He said you guys from out of state will have good luck, they know you are only coming once a year. A jug of maple syrup and another of Canadian whiskey whent along way. One guy created a perfect camp spot for us and dropped off a load of split wood every year. Another gave us everything but his daughter! Made us come have dinner with the family, just fantastic people.

[turkey65]

Sorry about the spelling had a senior moment,I meant local business chamber of commerce.

[fireman_3311]

Good luck to you!  I've hunted unit 26 several times. Always drew!!