Antelope in back yard, so what the heck! Tons of questions

[rocktot]

I will be living up Fairplay way, and there is an antelope herd that runs around there on some fed land in the back. Just some questions:

1. Whats a good size gun for antelope? Not looking to upgrade, or 400 yard shots. I can get close to 100 yards or less, (for now) but say 200-300? (I may be looking for a good used Savage or something with a wooden stock)

2. What is the deal with hunting on private property? Alot of the land is owned but unused.

3. How much is license, tags etc? I will only need one antelope.

4. Processing: I would like to make steaks, and mainly ground antelope, is there any special prep, I want to try to can some to last all year. Is canning game meat acceptable if done properly or does it get really gamey??

5. Do you go for doe or buck or what is the deal? Don't really like the idea of taking out the top end of the gene pool.

6. Whats antelope taste like compared to beef or buffalo? Some good ways to prep it??

7. Basic tools for beginner (processing, etc) ?

Thanks!

[spqrzilla]

Any legal big game caliber will do. 6mm or .243 caliber or larger. You can hunt on private property but only with permission. Go see the DOW website for tags, you'll have to apply in early April. Have you got a hunter education card?

Eat a speed goat? EEEeeeeyyyyyuuuuu.

[fly boy]

They are like deer... Can potentially be gamey, just depends on processing and what they eat. Have the meat thaw in bloody marry mix the day before you want to eat, then season with rub.... DELICIOUS!

if they are used to open prairie.... your going to be shooting 2-300 easy. if they are like the ones up here... you can damn near club them

[ray1970]

2 words....

beef jerky.

[fly boy]

2 words....

beef jerky.

LOL :facepalm:

[porfiriozg]

in order from
1. 24cal and up
2. permission on private
3. 34 plus habitat stamp of 10
4. any way you like (self or Processer)
5. depends on whats available and when you apply (i prefer doe)
6. acquired maybe? onion soup in ground antelope
7. knife and maybe a meat grinder

[Great-Kazoo]

They are like deer... Can potentially be gamey, just depends on processing and what they eat. Have the meat thaw in bloody marry mix the day before you want to eat, then season with rub.... DELICIOUS!

if they are used to open prairie.... your going to be shooting 2-300 easy. if they are like the ones up here... you can damn near club them

Or drive lincoln way between 9pm & 7 am. Newer car always helps your odds of success.

[sniper7]

looks like you got your answer. be respectful of private property. be respectful of the game.

[Colorado Osprey]

Pronghorn as related to goats should be treated and cooked as such. Medium rare is about the most you want to cook it quickly like a steak or burger... or slow roast it.
Careful prep to not touch the scent glands on the back legs and touching any meat should be very strictly followed. This taints the taste of the whole thing!
I've seen many people grabbing and handling the rear legs touching the scent gland while field dressing, then while gutting and/or cutting open the pelvis or chest cavity having those same hands touch meat. This scent/taste is now in the meat. This is a common reason people don't like the taste of antelope.
Antelope like all animals taste like their environment. A lot of antelope in northern Colorado and Wyoming eat a lot of sage and reek of it. Personally I won't hunt antelope north of US Highway 24 and I-70... to much sage. Antelope that graze along side cattle are usually pretty tasty.

[spqrzilla]

The last time I shot a speed goat, I just boned it out right there on my tailgate, put the meat in large zip lock bags in a cooler on ice. Didn't take an hour. Then later cut it up in convenient roasts/steaks at home and wrapped 'em up.