#102491 - 02/06/12 06:36 AM
Best handgun hunt in the lower 48?
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bigbore442001
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Registered: 06/26/04
Posts: 214
Loc: New England
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Ok. I would like to querry the esteemed members of this board because they have a world of knowledge and real world experience in such matters.
I have been cogitating over some sort of hunt in the near future. I'd like to do it this year but that may or may not come to fruition depending on circumstance.
In your opinion and experience, what is the best handgun hunt in the US? I am talking success wise as well as not costing a ton of money( I work at a rehab so finances are tight).
I read a lot about a special hunt in Wyoming for antelope. Also I know many here go hunt wild boar as well as their native whitetails or mulies of their home state( That is not possible in my home state of Massachusetts as you can only hunt deer with a bow,crossbow if handicapped, shotgun or muzzleloading rifle) I have in the past taken three black bear over bait in Maine. A wonderful hunt that has high odds of success and you don't have to take out a second mortgage. I have taken wild or feral boar in Florida. A wonderful hunt in the fact that you can make it a family vacation of sorts. Go to the beaches,etc and on the last leg of the trip go hunt wild boar for a couple of days.
I know there are probably some ideas regarding hunts that I am not aware of. I suspect that many can enlighten someone like me on the possibilities of such a hunt. I aprpeciate any replies. Thanks
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#102493 - 02/06/12 07:01 AM
Re: Best handgun hunt in the lower 48?
[Re: bigbore442001]
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Dan B.
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Registered: 01/18/04
Posts: 3869
Loc: SWPA
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I've done elk three times (bow, rifle and handgun) in Colorado. Though it is exciting, it can also be very expensive and is extremely physically demanding (depending on where you hunt). The area we hunted was nasty.
Hunted antelope in WY w/ handgun. That was a really enjoyable trip.
Other than that I'm content to hunt deer in PA...can't really think of anything else that hits me as something that I just really have to go after.
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#102495 - 02/06/12 07:30 AM
Re: Best handgun hunt in the lower 48?
[Re: bigbore442001]
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500WE
old hand
Registered: 02/12/07
Posts: 1008
Loc: North Carolina
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Well, on the one hand, you say "...in the lower 48", and on the other hand, you say "...in the U.S.". I'll comment on both.
"Best" and "cheap" aren't necessarily the same. I'll start my comments this way: As a long time SCI member, I attended 13 annual conventions in a row. I haven't attended one since 2005, but during the previous 13, I bought 22 hunts all over the world at live auction. I was disciplined in that effort: my scheme was to write beside each hunt to be auctioned, and in which I was interested, that LOW figure at which I absolutely positively wouldn't let someone else have that hunt, and my wife or I would enter the bidding.I'd allow my bids to go that high, but not higher. Remember, not the HIGHEST figure I'd pay, but the LOWEST, at which I wouldn't let someone else have that hunt. It became increasingly harder over the years to secure really great bargains, but this plan allowed me to hunt widely across six continents at a cost well below half of the normal going rate... in some cases as low as 20% or less.
In other words, in the right circumstances, great hunts CAN be had at more modest costs if you really work hard at it. Having said all that, here are some things one could consider this year or next:
1. Gregg Richter's HHI Antelope Hunt on the Durham Ranch near Wright Wyoming. The Pronghorn is one of our greatest game animals, and this hunt has very high success rates, free ranging animals, great fun and relatively modest costs. You should do it.
2. A mixed bag 10 day caribou / black bear hunt in western Alaska, hunting out of a tented camp. Shop around a lot. I can recommend Mike Richmond of Richmond's Alaska Guide Service, but there are many others.
3. A mountain lion hunt in Utah (Shawn Labrum) or Idaho (Darl Allred). Consider only if you are extremely physically fit, but my "greatest, most unforgettable" hunts in the U.S. have been these. Shop around a lot and check references. Lions in these snowy northern states are likely to be larger than those on dry-ground hunts in southern states like say Arizona.
4. A prairie dog and or rockchuck hunt with some of your best cronies. Make arrangements in advance. Look at Wyoming, but there are other states. The cheapest hunt by far, but loads of fun. Shoot 'em long, but crawl on your belly to shoot at 15-25 yards with your revolver, too.
5. Combo hog / javelina hunts. I've had good success on the Junco ranch in the SE Texas "brush country". Self guided, success depends upon your ability and the location.
These are all just my opinions of course.
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#102501 - 02/06/12 09:26 AM
Re: Best handgun hunt in the lower 48?
[Re: 500WE]
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BBwheelgunner
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Registered: 11/21/09
Posts: 602
Loc: Bemidji, Minnesota
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a lot of good info here. I have gone antelope hunting in SD (WY would be great too) and while I did not use my handgun at the time, It was a riot and something I think everyone should try atleast once. lots of encounters and not an extremely physical hunt. If you do your part, the odds are pretty good. great tasting meat also.
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#102503 - 02/06/12 10:25 AM
Re: Best handgun hunt in the lower 48?
[Re: Dan B.]
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WyoJoe
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Registered: 02/07/11
Posts: 235
Loc: Cheyenne, WY
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Hunted antelope in WY w/ handgun. That was a really enjoyable trip.
Right there is your best bet for bang for your buck. A do it yourself antelope hunt can be quite reasonable priced.
If you apply for a WY antelope license you better do it quick. The applications have to be in to the Game & Fish dept by the last day of this month for season 2012.
If you want to do an antelope hunt here it would be best to try & time your hunt for the rut. Antelope get freaky when their minds are on the does.
Best handgun cartridge generally is one of the centerfire rifle cartridges. You can get close but you might need to shoot out to 250 yards or so.
I have hunted them here for years and have taken around 40 of the things. I'll help you arrange your hunt anyway I can. I love seeing people come to Wyoming & enjoy their self.
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#102504 - 02/06/12 10:42 AM
Re: Best handgun hunt in the lower 48?
[Re: WyoJoe]
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Gregg Richter
Pooh-Bah
Registered: 01/18/04
Posts: 1725
Loc: Pine, Colorado
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Hunted antelope in WY w/ handgun. That was a really enjoyable trip. Right there is your best bet for bang for your buck. A do it yourself antelope hunt can be quite reasonable priced. If you apply for a WY antelope license you better do it quick. The applications have to be in to the Game & Fish dept by the last day of this month for season 2012.
Actually you have until March 15 to get your application in; still though it is coming up fast.
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#102505 - 02/06/12 10:47 AM
Re: Best handgun hunt in the lower 48?
[Re: 500WE]
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Gregg Richter
Pooh-Bah
Registered: 01/18/04
Posts: 1725
Loc: Pine, Colorado
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.....
Having said all that, here are some things one could consider this year or next:
1. Gregg Richter's HHI Antelope Hunt on the Durham Ranch near Wright Wyoming. The Pronghorn is one of our greatest game animals, and this hunt has very high success rates, free ranging animals, great fun and relatively modest costs. You should do it.
Thank you, Ken.
I may have a few openings left for 2012; the rancher still hasn't gotten back to me on my quota.
_________________________
http://www.hunterseyevideo.com Genesis 1:28 God blessed them and told them, "Multiply and fill the earth and subdue it. Be masters over the fish and birds and all the animals."
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#102510 - 02/06/12 12:58 PM
Re: Best handgun hunt in the lower 48?
[Re: Gregg Richter]
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Bearbait in NM
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Registered: 11/16/10
Posts: 219
Loc: New Mexico
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I am guessing that by success you mean bagging a critter, but I would not factor out sucess as seeing a new place, and experiencing terrain and weather different than what you are used to. Animals aside, here in the west the experience of chasing a bull elk at 10,000 feet in a high mountain meadow is quite different than chasing an antelope across the western plains.
You did not specify guided or do it yourself, but given equal quailty guiding, you would probably have your hunt over quickly on the antelope, and the elk will statistically leave you with an empty bag, but a fire that will burn in your soul the rest of your life. Me, I have that fire, but I love hunting antelope ;^)
You also did not say driving or flying, but I can assure you that if you try the old Zumbo "pack your truck and hunt Colorado the first time for elk during the general rifle season with your buddies on a tight budget" trick, you are probably gonna have a lousy time. If driving, I would try the antelope route, pack some spare guns, and see if you can add to it prairie dogs, or even larger varmints. Perhaps calling some coyotes with a little help?
Craig
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#102532 - 02/06/12 03:29 PM
Re: Best handgun hunt in the lower 48?
[Re: Bearbait in NM]
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KYODE
Gun Slinger
Registered: 01/18/04
Posts: 2535
Loc: Northeast Ky.
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you should apply for KY elk. if drawn it should be a fairly easy and much less expensive than traveling out west to take an elk. it would take a bit of luck to be drawn....but if ya do....
check the kdfw website for info.
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#102535 - 02/06/12 04:07 PM
Re: Best handgun hunt in the lower 48?
[Re: KYODE]
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WyoJoe
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Registered: 02/07/11
Posts: 235
Loc: Cheyenne, WY
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I stand corrected Gregg. Thought it was the same as when I have to have my moose application in.
_________________________
There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor polite, nor popular -- but one must ask, "Is it right?"
Martin Luther King, Jr.
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