Antelope Hunt 102, 118
Had a great antelope hunt in 102,118.
We did not see as many antelope as in 2009 (the last time we hunted) and I feel we observed less than half the antelope that we saw in 2009. We knew this before the hunt started as local ranchers told us antelope numbers were down.
We did not see any large group, most groups were 6 to 10 animals with very few young of year ( kids or fawns). This may have an impact on populations over the next couple of years. Saw an abundance of coyotes and this may well be the reason for the lack of fawns.
We did see quite a few 10 to 12 inch bucks which are most likely 1.5 or 2.5 years old. Saw lots of single bucks and groups of 2 to 3 bucks with no does.
Mature bucks with good horn length and mass were few and far between. I did not shoot a buck as I had shot a nice heavy 14.5 inch buck in 2009 and did not see one that came even close on this hunt. My hunting partner shot a 13 inch buck as his family and friends wanted to try the meat.
There were a lot of hunters around all week so I do not think there was a big harvest on opening day like past years. I talked to a few hunters on Wednesday that were still looking for a buck, were not seeing a lot and most antelope were well away from roads by that time.
We saw lots of mule deer ( 2 big trophy class bucks on Bare creek), pheasants, sharp tail grouse, badgers, coyotes and cows. Had a great hunt, burnt a bit of boot leather and enjoyed the short grass prairie.
Thanks to the land owners and ranchers for the permission to hunt.
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