4 Tips to Remember on an Antelope Hunt

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Summer Training: Start Working Toward Your 2018 Hunt
June 20, 2018
Win A Coues Deer or Mule Deer Hunt
Enter to Win A Free Arizona Deer Hunt and Kryptek Gear
July 13, 2018

Antelope are notoriously cagey animals with excellent vision. Approaching them across open country can be extremely challenging. Antelope are also one of the most difficult animals to judge in the field, making it especially difficult to locate a buck with serious trophy potential. 

When it comes to hunting the pronghorn, one of North America’s most unique animals, here are a few important tips to keep in mind. 

1. Antelope Rely on Their Vision

Unlike hunting deer or elk, a pronghorn’s first line of defense is not its nose. The greatest obstacle to getting within range of an antelope is not being seen. Antelope rely on their eyesight and their speed as their primary defenses. 

Noise and wind are usually lesser factors when putting a stalk on a mature antelope buck. You can often get away with having the wind at your back. And since many antelope live in places with lots of ranch and oil field activity, human noise may not bother them. But if they catch you approaching on foot, even at long distances, they may not stick around.  

2. Carefully Plan The Stalk

Knowing that antelope rely heavily on their vision, it is important to plan your stalk with an approach that keeps you out of their line of sight until you’re within range. In most areas, antelope aren’t bothered by vehicle traffic. So use any available road system to find the best starting point. Just don’t open the truck doors until you’re out of sight. 

The terrain in pronghorn country may look flat at first glance. But when you look closely, you’ll notice that even a shallow creek bed or subtle rise is enough to provide cover. Use any advantage you can find to stalk within range. In some situations, you might even have to get down on your hands and knees. 

3. Be Prepared for Long Shots

Hunting skittish animals in wide-open country can often lead to long shots. You don’t have to be a long distance marksman. But you should be comfortable with your rifle out too 300 yards. Always do your best to close the distance. But in many situations, being able to shoot reliably at these distances will provide an advantage. 

Ideally, you should be practicing with your rifle year round, not just in the weeks leading up to your hunt. Of course this isn’t unique to antelope hunting. No matter what game you’re pursuing, practice with your weapon should be a high priority. Be comfortable with your rifle and know exactly what to expect at 300 yards or beyond. 

4. Stay Persistent on a Big Buck

Antelope hunting can be frustrating, especially when you blow a stalk or when you just can’t seem to get within range. But like any other hunt, success is often about persistence.

It’s important to know that when hunting antelope, a blown stalk doesn’t mean the game is over. You can often get on that same buck again for multiple stalks if necessary. 

If you get busted, an antelope will quickly put some distance between you an him. Reaching speeds of 55 miles per hour, it doesn’t take long. But as soon as he’s out of sight, they often settle back down. Keep after it, and you may eventually catch him in a vulnerable position.

For more information about Arizona hunting with Antler Canyon Outfitters, please explore the rest of the website, or contact us online. You can also call Toby directly at (928) 205-8911. 

Ryan McSparran
Ryan McSparran
Ryan McSparran is an outdoor writer, a hunting and fly fishing guide, and very proud to be a part of the Antler Canyon Outfitters team.

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