Dou you all go to campgrounds or boondock it somewhere on blm?
I have spent a lifetime big game hunting. Pack in, campgrounds, "boondocks", basecamp tenting, Campers/TT's, you name it. I use to hunt (as most people) in the same area every year but as I got older, technology and scouting got easier and hunting different areas I realized is not "scary" (scary in the sense that you don't know the area). Planning a hunt starts with E-scouting. Setting that hunt up (where to camp, how to camp, hike in, base camp, spike camp, trailers, campers, ATV's, Tents) is very dependent on so many things. Accessibility to an area is the primary key that determines whether I pack in on foot, set up a spike camp, hunt directly out of basecamp with a TT or camper, use an ATV to get deep into an area or bounce from area to area for a day hunt. I personally am a big fan of a basecamp with a TT or camper IF possible for the reasons mentioned in my prior posting. My personal preference is to set up a basecamp with Camper/TT whether I pack into an area on foot, use a Spike camp, hunt direct out of basecamp, road hunt or bounce daily on an ATV or with a vehicle. Not everyone has the option OR TIME to scout on foot during the spring months but as I have gotten older and have the time I typically can spend several scouting trips in early season to an area to work out a plan, even out of state. I know this is not practical for everyone but if you can do it or have someone do it for you (hunting partner, friend or family member) it can really help.
My typical preference if I can get away with it is: TT (travel trailer) basecamp with a hike in or ATV spike camp deeper into a hunting area. Given the ability to be in the field for back to back seasons (deer and elk) this makes sense. Typically I will set up spike camp weeks ahead of time and use that camp to hunt an area that allows me to get away from the crowds. My preference is to spend 2-3 days in spike camp and every 3rd day or so back into basecamp for a solid meal, shower, and comfortable bed (does wonders for recharging the hunting batteries), then back out for another 2-3 days in spike camp. I personally have found this to be a very effective way of going through long back to back seasons here in Washington where I am in the field starting in late Aug through the month of Sept.
I have never hunted antelope but it sounds like a Basecamp with TT or camper and hunting directly out of it or road hunting with a vehicle or ATV sounds like the way to go. E-scout as much as you can using Google Earth, Basemap, On X or any other form you can get your hands on.
Access to the area/areas you plan to hunt should be your priority then go from there. Finding a camp spot is not difficult, knowing road conditions can be hit or miss sometimes but there are plenty of resources on-line, local wildlife resources, ATV clubs, 4x4 clubs, Forest Service that can give real time and very solid road information. Local wildlife biologists through the Fish and wildlife I have also found to be EXTREMELY helpful in knowing an area as well as giving you solid information on game you plan on hunting. Think outside the box such as contacting a local 4x4 club or ATV club for area info. You would be surprised at some of the detailed information you can coax out of these folks even if they are not hunters.
