Sept. 13 marks the opening day of antelope archery season for Cimarron Co. and parts of Texas County.

"Over-the-counter" antelope archery tags have been sold since last year when archery season hunters harvested 36 antelope during the first open archery season.

"September is an awesome time of year, and what better way to kick off the fall season than a great hunt for a great animal on the high plains of Oklahoma?" said Wade Free, northwest region wildlife supervisor for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

The 2010 antelope archery season will run Sept. 13-26 and will be open in Cimarron Co. and that portion of Texas Co. west of Hwy 136. The archery bag limit is two antelope, with no more than one buck allowed. Antelope harvested during the archery antelope season count against a hunter's statewide combined season bag limit of two antelope, of which no more than one may be a buck.

All other antelope hunting in Oklahoma is limited to hunts offered through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's controlled hunts program, in which hunters must be drawn for an antelope hunt, or through a limited number of landowner permits.

According to Free, the 36 antelope harvested during last year's season may provide some useful information to hunters hoping to take an antelope this year.

"Most were stalked or taken at water holes," Free said. "Some were harvested along corridors to and from rangeland to cropland."

Free advises hunters that any time of day is a prime time to harvest an antelope.

"Antelope will move around all day, unlike deer, so it is common for hunters to stay put all day," Free said. Sitting for 10 to 12 hours a day can be quite a challenge, but it will pay off. Pack your lunch!"

The wide open terrain of Texas and Cimarron counties provides added challenge in getting close to antelope, as judging distance can become difficult without landmarks, trees, and other indicators of distance. Free suggests carrying both binoculars and range finders. Additionally, decoys may help attract curious antelope and distract them from seeing the subtle movements of hunters adjusting for a shot.

Free also suggests keeping comfort a priority since long hours may be required for a successful hunt.

"Patience is key," he said, adding that portable blinds and a chair are a must for concealment and comfort.

After a successful hunt and after checking in their antelope, Free said hunters might wish to process their animal before heading home.

"It can be over 100 degrees at times and cooling the meat down quickly is a must," Free said.

Free also reminds hunters to obtain the required written landowner permission before hunting.

The state's pronghorn population has seen a gradual increase over the past several years, and that might give archery hunters an edge Sept. 13-26.

To hunt antelope during antelope archery season, resident hunters must have an appropriate hunting license or proof of exemption. Additionally, all antelope hunters must have an antelope license for each antelope hunted, or proof of exemption. All antelope hunters must carry written permission from the landowner while hunting antelope, unless exempt. For full season details, consult the "2010-11 Oklahoma Hunting Guide" or log on towildlifedepartment.com.