Wyoming is Reducing Number of 2021 Antelope Tags

[WyoDoug]

Wyoming Game and Fish are reducing the number of antelope licenses for the 2021 Hunting Season

They are reducing the “any antelope” license by 3,650 and “doe/fawn” license by 5,775. DiRienzo said this is effective to the majority of antelope in the state, so it will be a noticeable decrease for most hunters.

www.wyomingnewsnow.tv

 

[Djfan]

I actually don't mind this much. It's a cycle, and the numbers look to be down some, just on the eye test. They will return to regular numbers again.

 

[WyoDoug]

I actually don't mind this much. It's a cycle, and the numbers look to be down some, just on the eye test. They will return to regular numbers again.

Soon. Does typically have twins in the spring so that should bump numbers back up IF we recover from the drought we have been under last 10 years or so. I am still hoping everyone coming in to hunt with me draws though. I am greedy. I saw huge herds last year in my area but they are saying the huge storm we had did a significant winter kill.

 

[Nick87]

Point creep

 

[Bigjay73]

Good for them, exactly what they should do. Looks like getting a doe tag will be extra tough this year, oh well

 

[brownbear932008]

It's very nice to see a State actually manage the wildlife instead of just using it as a cash cow. If numbers are down tags should be cut.

 

[Nick87]

It's very nice to see a State actually manage the wildlife instead of just using it as a cash cow. If numbers are down tags should be cut.

Agreed, Wyoming is the best example of this imo.

 

[IsThisHeaven?]

I'm hoping to draw a tag this fall. I would gladly lose it to point creep if the population needs a little help. Good on Wyoming. Good to see biologists determining tag numbers and not a politician.

 

[Nick28]

Agreed, Wyoming is the best example of this imo.

Arizona is another one that does a great job at this I think

 

[boutdoors]

Last year they had big cuts in certain areas

 

[mrklean]

If only Montana would do that to region 7/700.....

 

[RobertD]

Good job Wyoming

 

[WyoDoug]

Below is the proposed 2021 antelope regulation and seasons. Reductions are significant.

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/WGFD/media/content/Final%20Regs/CH-5_Draft-4-5-2021-5.pdf

 

[hearteater]

Wyoming is excellent at managing their wildlife. Unlike many other states I trust wygf to do the right thing.

 

[WyoDoug]

I agree with the Wyoming biologists pushing for reduced numbers. It's the right thing to do. Unfortunately, it puts a damper on my antelope plans if we don't get lucky and enough people draw. Anyone in my group draws, I am going license or not and at least helping them find what they want.

 

[Hunt&FishCO]

None of my choices were impacted, guess I got lucky.

 

[HiMtnHntr]

None of my choices were impacted, guess I got lucky.

Those areas will see more apps.

 

[HONEYBADGER]

Who would have thought allowing hunters to kill 4 does apiece to appease ranchers would hurt populations. It took what, over a decade of that to finally put the hurt on antelope. That is how robust the population used to be....

 

[Bullshot]

Good on you Wyoming. Should never harvest more than the resource can support. Turns it into a 1 or 2 year recovery instead of 10 year slog.

 

[HiMtnHntr]

Who would have thought allowing hunters to kill 4 does apiece to appease ranchers would hurt populations. It took what, over a decade of that to finally put the hurt on antelope. That is how robust the population used

The tag reductions aren't in response to over harvest. We've had really dry weather and some untimely storms. Antelope populations fluctuate widely based on the weather, doesn't take but a year or two to see it. You can have zero tags issued in an area that has a few years of poor fawn recruitment and see a drastic reduction in numbers. Another few years and there are too many for the land to handle. Not an easy balance. Unfortunately "good" years seem to be fewer and farther between. I wish I could say I'm optimistic numbers will bounce bag quick and tag numbers increased again, but I'm not.