VikingsGuy
Well-known member
So, our goal was to pull second chance buck tags in unit 42. So, of course we applied for matching doe tags in 42. But as luck would have it we failed to draw second chance 42 and instead pulled buck tags third chance in unit 26. But then of course, we got the doe tags in 42. We likely will not do all the driving and try to hunt both sets of tags so will pick one. If we tag out really quickly we may then try the other, but not likely. We are going second week of the season and there are 4 of us on a party tag - so 4 tags per unit. Another consideration is that we are canvas wall tenting for the first time this season. We have never been to either unit and probably will not have time to do a scouting trip to help with final choice.
The big question for HT is where should we hunt (and camp), unit 26 for bucks or unit 42 for does?
In favor of 26 - we paid "special" for buck tags and it is my son's first antelope hunt so bucks would be nice. And it is 2 hours closer to home (MN). On the downside, looks like limited BLM areas good for wall tenting and little public land that is not right off the highway (we like to get off main roads for our trips when possible).
In favor of 42 - (at least from onx & google) 42 looks to have better options for hunting and camping away from a highway, and the poker player in me reminds me that funds already expended are a lousy way to make your next bet, so the fact that we paid for "special" buck tags is irrelevant. As for doe vs buck, we primarily hunt for camaraderie, and secondarily for meat and never for trophy status - so should doe vs buck really factor in for us?
If I knew for sure the 42 had better hunting grounds, better camping options, and less hunter pressure in second week of season it would push us strongly towards 42, but since I haven't seen either unit it seems like a bit of a crap shoot.
So, what say you?
The big question for HT is where should we hunt (and camp), unit 26 for bucks or unit 42 for does?
In favor of 26 - we paid "special" for buck tags and it is my son's first antelope hunt so bucks would be nice. And it is 2 hours closer to home (MN). On the downside, looks like limited BLM areas good for wall tenting and little public land that is not right off the highway (we like to get off main roads for our trips when possible).
In favor of 42 - (at least from onx & google) 42 looks to have better options for hunting and camping away from a highway, and the poker player in me reminds me that funds already expended are a lousy way to make your next bet, so the fact that we paid for "special" buck tags is irrelevant. As for doe vs buck, we primarily hunt for camaraderie, and secondarily for meat and never for trophy status - so should doe vs buck really factor in for us?
If I knew for sure the 42 had better hunting grounds, better camping options, and less hunter pressure in second week of season it would push us strongly towards 42, but since I haven't seen either unit it seems like a bit of a crap shoot.
So, what say you?