Archery Hunting Antelope Out of a Blind???

I have a couple of doe antelope tags in Wyoming, can't draw a buck tag to save me!!! I also have a new Cabelas 4 seasons Lightning blind. I was wanting to try and take a speed goat with my bow.

Here is the question... When do these buggers come into water? All day, morning, evening, or whenever they get thirsty?

How would you position the blind? next to the water or 20 yards off of it?

Any help/insight, much appreciated.
4,628
Snake River Marksman
I've never done it, but from what I have seen, blinds are usually set up within bow range of the water. It seems they generally come to water late in the day more than any other time but, I've seen them at tanks at all hours.

I'm guessing that 20yds is going to be too close, 40 would probably be better, BUT I'm only guessing.
2
MuleyMadness
I believe they are at tanks all hours of the day also. More frequently in the evening it seems.

I'd go 20 yards off the water, definitely not right by the water. To close and they will spook to easy and be to nervous coming in for a good shot.

With the death heat and lack of rain this should be a great chance to sit on a water hole this year.

Good luck.
2
StickFlicker
Antelope will come into water generally in the same place each time. By that I mean they will often approach from a particular direction more often than others. Either watch the waterhole before the season and/or study the tracks to learn where they will stand. It does little good to be within bow range and not have a good broadside shot. Place your blind accordingly. Antelope are not as aware of your scent as are other species, and the blind will help to mask it anyway. Put the blind at your best effective shooting distance, but I wouldn't place it closer than 20 yards. If there is some shade available, you would be wise to try to utilize it. It will mask your movement better, and sitting in a blind in direct sun all day is not very pleasant when it's warm. Antelope will water at all times of the day, but it seems like the peaks are in the mid-morning and mid-evening, rather than right at dusk or dawn like some species. Good luck!
2
Default Avatar
Thanks all for the great input. I can't wait to give it my best.

Chris
2
IDHunter
I have a question as well for you antelope experts. How nervous are the antelope going to be if I throw up my double bull the same day I plan to hunt. The area I'm looking at is on public land and I don't trust that my blind will make it a single night if left alone.
2
Mark
"IDHunter" wrote:I have a question as well for you antelope experts. How nervous are the antelope going to be if I throw up my double bull the same day I plan to hunt. The area I'm looking at is on public land and I don't trust that my blind will make it a single night if left alone.
 I don't blame you. I wouldn't leave a DB set up in my own yard, never mind a public hunting area!

I know plenty of hunters that put them in the day they hunt. Shouldn't be an issue.
2
NONYA
If its the only nearby water source it wont keep them from coming in,try to make it blend in with the local vegitation,cut some sage ect. and cover it as much as possible,if theres and old structure or wind mill set the blind as close as possible to it.Some state hunting laws forbid you from leaving a blind up for an extended period on public land as well. :222
2