Antelope hunting

[fisherguy]

I think that may be a lot of gun for such a small animal. Based on shows and magazines a flat shooting gun you can shoot well is key. I think i read the .243 is a really popular antelope gun. If you wanted something bigger maybe a 7 mm magnum?

[Colorado Bob]

Antelope hunting is just plain FUN. As far as which rifle or caliber. That's just a lot of opinion & bias. I personally would steer clear of the 710. I would look at a Savage if cost is a factor. It's very accurate & the Accu-trigger has been getting great reviews. Caliber----well antelope are not tough to kill. I use a 30/06 but a 270 would also be a great choice. If you plan on future hunts---elk, mule deer, black bears------ The 30/06 is never a bad choice. The 300 WSM does not gain that much over the ole 06----then add in the additional cost in ammo----I'll stick with the 30/06. Good Luck, CB


Antelope---for a DIY hunt---WY is the best choice. Lots of speed goats & public ground. They are a ton of fun to spot & stalk. They have great eyes--you'll need to use the lay of the land to plan your stalk.

[stevebeilgard]

colorado bob has it right. there are more antelope in wyoming than people, and more than all the other states put together. match that with 52% of the state being pulbic land, and you'll have a good shot at getting an antelope. (punny, huh). the light 243 is a great gun, as is the 25-06. but, if you bring a heavier gun, go with a lighter bullet. bring good binocs and/or a spotting scope. antelope have 10 power eyes, can run at 72mph, and have same hearing as a whitetail. read that last sentence again, as it means 1) no running shots, 2) you'll have to see them first and stay hidden, and 3) be quiet. looks like a great year for antelope. light winter, and good horn growth.

[brownanddown]

25-06 is all you need get a nef single shot with a good scope and pratice a lot and antelope have eyes compared to 8x and the speed is 60mph

[G-Daddy]

My son and I have a confirmed mule deer hunt scheduled for the opening week of MT rifle season - last week of October. We plan to try to draw antelope tags as well. He will take his 300 winmag and I will use my 30+ yr old 25-06.

[Colorado Bob]

G-Daddy-----Sounds like your are set to go. You'll have a blast. Antelope hunting is the most fun hunt I think there is. One word of advice is to skin the antelope as soon as possible. Get the meat cool--quick. Also if you are planning to a mount of the antelope. The hair is loose & is prone to slipping. I caped mine & got it to the taximermist as soon as possible. I put some dry ice in the cooler with the hide until i got it to him. Check with your's----maybe you'll have to freeze it to make it back.

[G-Daddy]

CB
My son is the taxidermist - although he's not yet done an antelope. I'll pass your advice on to him. Our outfitter has a few freezers available. This will be our first hunt for antelope as we have gone exclusively for mule deer in late November before. The outfitter had the opening week available and asked us to try that instead of later. There will be three of us and he said at least two should draw antelope tags.

[coles]

the only time i went antelope hunting i used a 270. dropped the goat like a rock at about 300 yards. my dad also used a 25-06. i wouldnt recommend much more seeing how almost every antelope i have ever seen shot have just dropped. i dont know if they are weaker than a deer but i havent seen one run off after being shot.

[huntinsonovagun]

I want to go goat hunting SOOOO bad!!!!! Just looks fun to stalk a prairie goat and snipe it at 300 yards!!! Maybe I will do it as a graduation present to myself in 3 years......

Do I have a good chance with a "do-it-yourself" hunt?

[Colorado Bob]

hunt--gun Antelope is an excellant DIY hunt. Go to WY. I would say it would be 100%. You just have too not shoot the 1st one you see. Look at few----try & judge what is a good looking goat. Then go have a ball. If you blow a stalk----no big deal they are more antelope just around the bend.


G-Daddy-------You'll have a ball. I guarantee it won't be your last antelope hunt.

[huntinsonovagun]

[ QUOTE ]
hunt--gun Antelope is an excellant DIY hunt. Go to WY. I would say it would be 100%. You just have too not shoot the 1st one you see. Look at few----try & judge what is a good looking goat. Then go have a ball. If you blow a stalk----no big deal they are more antelope just around the bend.


G-Daddy-------You'll have a ball. I guarantee it won't be your last antelope hunt.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sweet deal c-bob!! I am going....just dunno when. Going to look some stuff up and hopefully get a trip planned out for the future!!

[TreeWalker]

[ QUOTE ]
25-06 is all you need get a nef single shot with a good scope and pratice a lot and antelope have eyes compared to 8x and the speed is 60mph

[/ QUOTE ]

I second the 25-06.......flat and fast.......and they are equally tough on deer also.... I used my Remington 700 in a 25-06 to shoot this goat at a Nikon ranged 303 yards, this last October.....



Here is the whitetail I downed with it last November....



I may have alot of other calibers in the cabinet, but the 25-06 is and always has been my go to rifle....from coyote to antelope to deer.......it does a fantastic job.

[huntinsonovagun]

Awesome pics inrut. Seen them before, but I have to admit, you take some of the best trophy pics on RT....they never get old. .25-06 has been on my "to-get" list for several months now. Plan on getting it in a 98 Mauser action and then finishing and bedding a walnut thumbhole stock....should be pretty sweet. Thanks again for the pics!

[Chrud]

I'm not a big fan of the 710, and the .300 WM is a little too much gun for antelope. Go with something like a .260, that is an AWESOME caliber!

[hoyt19]

Im going on my first hunt in WY this up coming October, just outside new castle. Does anyone know of any good internet sources with information on these guys. All I know is they have great eye sight and run like the wind. Im left handed, but Im going to borrow my buddies Rh Ruger 25-06. I think it should work fine.