Antelope Hunting Tips For Beginners

Antelope hunting is an exhilarating sport that offers a unique challenge for even advanced hunters. Antelopes are speedy and highly perceptive animals, which makes them tough to spot and pursue in the wild.

If you’re ready to hunt for antelope, you need the right preparation and understanding of antelope behavior.

You’ll also need a good supply of patience to achieve success in the field.

Table of Contents

The Basics of Hunting Antelope

Like with other species, before your first antelope hunt, it’s important to familiarize yourself with some key aspects of their behavior. Antelopes typically breed in mid-September, with females giving birth in late May. They prefer grasslands, but can also be found in desert and brushlands with knee-high vegetation that doesn’t impair their vision.

Antelopes rely on their keen eyesight and speed, which they use as their primary defense against predators. To avoid spooking an antelope, you need to stay out of sight and avoid being detected by their exceptional vision. Their senses of hearing and smell are generally secondary, but still essential to consider in your hunting strategy.

Archery antelope hunting, which typically takes place in late summer, is a popular option for many hunters. During this time, you’ll likely encounter numerous antelopes and have high odds of getting shot opportunities.

But weather can be a major factor, so be prepared for the possibility of a slow hunt if unfavorable conditions occur.

Here are some quick tips to help you on your first antelope hunt:

Be stealthy: Staying out of sight is absolutely crucial. Use natural cover and terrain features to your advantage.
Water sources: Antelopes tend to frequent water sources, so setting up near them can improve your chances of success.
Ground blinds: Ground blinds can be an effective way to remain concealed. Place blinds in strategic locations where antelopes gather or pass through.
Spot and stalk: To increase your chances of getting close to an antelope, observe their movements and plan a slow, measured approach.

Choosing Your Hunting Location

When planning your first antelope hunt, finding the right location is essential. The right hunting spot can make all the difference between failure and success. While scouting, take these things into consideration:

Antelope Hunting States

First, you’ll have to decide on which state you want to hunt in. Western states of the U.S., like Wyoming, are known for their thriving antelope populations, making them popular choices for both beginners and experienced hunters.

Private vs Public Land

There are two main types of land you can hunt antelope on: public land and private land.

Public land, which includes areas like National Forests and BLM (Bureau of Land Management) lands, is generally open to hunting and can offer vast tracts of prime antelope habitat.

Just keep in mind that competition for prime spots on public lands can be intense, especially during the peak of the hunting season.

Private land offers a less crowded experience. Many landowners in Western states offer antelope hunting opportunities to those willing to pay a hunting fee or lease their land. Hunting on private land can result in better access, less hunting pressure, and potentially higher success rates. When considering private land, be sure to do your research and obtain permission before setting foot on the property.

Studying the Land

No matter where you hunt, it’s crucial to choose a specific area or “unit” on which to focus your efforts. In states like Wyoming, hunting licenses are issued for specific units, which are designated portions of land within the state. Carefully research different units to better understand their terrain, antelope populations, and the success rates of previous hunters.

When selecting a hunting unit, consider the following factors:

Antelope population density
Quality of the habitat (availability of food, water, and cover)
Access to public land within the unit
Terrain that suits your preferred hunting method (spot-and-stalk, ground blind, fence crossing, etc.)

Scouting and Preparation

Scouting is a crucial component of a successful antelope hunt, and it’s ideal if you can do it in advance of your hunt. By starting your scouting efforts in early to mid-summer, you’ll have ample time to observe and plan before your actual hunt.

Antelope Water Sources and Favored Foods

When scouting, pay special attention to waterholes. Since antelope prefer greens when available, they often congregate near water sources, particularly during summer. Elk and deer share similar habitats, so be mindful of their presence as well.

Keep an eye out for sagebrush, a popular food source for antelope.

Scouting Strategy

Preparing to scout effectively means having a solid plan. Your goal is to make the most of your scouting by laying out a comprehensive strategy. Remember, antelope have incredible eyesight, so don’t underestimate their ability to detect your presence while scouting, or during an actual hunt.

Here are a few key aspects to consider when scouting and preparing:

Location: Familiarize yourself with the area where you’ll be hunting. Look for common travel routes, bedding areas, and water sources. Use maps, satellite images, or a GPS device to help navigate the terrain.
Behavior: Observe the daily patterns and preferences of the antelope. What types of vegetation are they feeding on? How do they interact with other animals, such as elk and deer? This knowledge will be invaluable when planning your actual hunt.
Cover: Antelope have keen eyesight, so make use of available cover when scouting. Stay low, move carefully, and use natural barriers like hills or dense vegetation to conceal your presence.

Optics and Weapon Choice

Choosing the right weapon and optics is essential for a successful antelope-hunting experience. Let’s go over some weapon and optic options that would be suitable for beginners.

Rifle

When hunting pronghorn, or “American antelope,” it’s essential to have an accurate and high-quality rifle. A popular caliber for antelope hunting is .243 , as it provides a flat trajectory and good knockdown power. Other calibers such as .270, .308, or 7mm-08 are also appropriate for antelope hunting. Make sure you practice with your chosen rifle and ammunition before the hunt to ensure accuracy and confidence.

Optics

A riflescope with good quality glass and a dial-type turret is crucial for successful pronghorn hunting. The dial-type turret helps in taking long and challenging shots. A scope with a magnification range of 4-12x or 3-9x is suitable for most antelope hunts. Keep in mind the quality of the glass is more important than high magnification.

Archery

For those who prefer bow hunting, it’s essential to have reliable archery equipment during an antelope hunt, as well equipment with sufficient knock-down power.

A compound bow with a draw weight of 60-70 lbs and an arrow traveling at least 275 FPS will help maximize your chances of success. Choose a quality broadhead that you have practiced with thoroughly, ensuring consistent penetration and accuracy.

Remember antelope have incredible eyesight, which means you’ll need to get closer to them if you’re using a bow. Camouflage clothing and perfecting your stalking technique are essential parts of a successful archery hunt.

Techniques for Antelope Hunting

When you’re starting your antelope, or pronghorn, hunt, it’s essential to have a good understanding of the basics and to use effective techniques. A few common techniques used to hunt antelope include:

Spot-and-Stalk

One common method for antelope hunting is spot-and-stalk, which involves locating the animal and then approaching it without being detected.

To begin, use binoculars or a spotting scope to identify a pronghorn from a distance. Once you’ve spotted one, plan your approach while keeping terrain and wind direction in mind.

Antelopes rely heavily on their vision, so staying out of sight is crucial. Take advantage of natural cover like bushes, hills, and tall grass to move closer to the animal.

Remember, patience is key when stalking a pronghorn, as rushing may cause it to spook and flee.

Solid Shooting Position

As you move closer to the antelope, or get an animal within your sights, be mindful of your shooting position. Find a spot that provides a clear, unobstructed view of the antelope and allows for a steady, well-aimed shot.

Setting up a solid shooting position with a bipod or shooting sticks can help you make a clean, ethical shot.

Waiting for Bed Down

In some scenarios, you may need to wait for an antelope to bed down. This can occur during the heat of the day, providing an opportunity to close the distance while the animal rests.

Be patient and observant while approaching, as pronghorns are known for their incredible vision and speed. Stalking a bedded antelope requires slow, deliberate movement, and attention to your surroundings.

Ground Blinds

Another technique for antelope hunting is to use ground blinds near water holes, which is especially effective during archery seasons. Pronghorns need to drink frequently, so setting up near a water source can be a productive strategy. Ensure your blind is well-concealed and comfortably accommodates your shooting position.

Decoys

During the rutting season in early September, using decoys can prove very useful in antelope hunting. Bucks are territorial and curious, so a decoy that imitates a young buck may attract them to your location.

Hunting During Different Seasons

If you want your antelope hunt to be successful, it’s important to know the best times of year for the highest chances of success. Each season offers unique opportunities and challenges that you’ll need to consider when planning your hunt.

There are two main hunting seasons to focus on with antelope: early archery and rifle season.

Early Archery Season (Mid-August to Early September)

During the early archery season, you’ll have the advantage of seeing plenty of antelope as they’re typically more active and abundant at this time of year. With the right conditions and setup, you’ll increase your odds of getting within range for a shot.

Just keep in mind that weather can greatly impact the success of your hunt. An early cold snap or a rainy spell can make hunting much more difficult.

Rifle Season (October)

Rifle season offers a somewhat different experience. As the weather starts to cool down, antelope become more concentrated around water sources. This makes pinpointing their location a bit easier. The use of a rifle means you can take shots from a greater distance, which is beneficial since antelope are known for their excellent vision and speed.

The downside to antelope being easier to stalk at this time of year is the increased hunting pressure, which may make antelope more skittish, requiring a more strategic approach for success.

Understanding Tags and Outfitting

When preparing for your first antelope hunt, it’s essential to understand the process of obtaining tags and working with an outfitter or guide.

Outfitter

While it’s not a necessity, as a beginner, you may choose to work with an outfitter to maximize your chances of a successful hunt. Outfitters provide guided hunts, which means they’ll take care of the logistics, scouting, and planning for you. They’ll also help you understand the tag application process and the specific requirements for your chosen region.

Working with a reputable outfitter often makes the tag application process much smoother. These professionals have extensive knowledge of local hunting regulations and can help you secure the right tag for your hunt.

It’s crucial, however, to choose a reliable and experienced outfitter who will prioritize your safety and success on the hunt.

To find a good outfitter:

Ask for recommendations from fellow hunters or in online hunting forums.
Look for outfitters with good reviews and testimonials.
Make sure the outfitter specializes in antelope hunting, as these species have specific hunting strategies and techniques.

Tips for Successful Shot Opportunities

To increase your shot opportunities when hunting pronghorns, it’s essential to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Pronghorns have excellent vision, which means you need to be extra careful when stalking or approaching. Blend into the environment and avoid sudden movements to prevent getting spotted.

One of the key factors for successful shot opportunities is knowing your shooting range. Practice shooting within your comfortable range before the hunt, and don’t attempt shots beyond your capabilities. This will not only improve your chances of a successful hunt, but will ensure a humane harvest.

Where to Aim

When aiming for vitals, focus on the lungs and heart area. Due to antelopes’ comparably smaller size compared to deer, correctly placing your shot is critical. A well-placed shot in the vitals will result in a quick, ethical kill.

Here are some additional tips to consider:

Stalk with the wind: Unlike deer or elk, pronghorns rely less on their sense of smell. You can often stalk them with the wind at your back without them noticing, which gives you a higher chance of getting within shooting range.
Utilize terrain and cover: To get within range, use the terrain to your advantage and stay concealed. Move from cover to cover, and always keep an eye on the pronghorn’s position to ensure you’re not spotted.
Hunt with a buddy: If you’re new to antelope hunting, consider bringing along an experienced friend. They can help guide you through the process and offer valuable insights to increase your chance of success.

Archery Hunting vs. Rifle Hunting

When it comes to antelope hunting, you have two primary options: archery hunting and rifle hunting. Both methods have their pros and cons, so it’s essential to understand the differences to choose the best approach for you.

Archery Hunting Antelopes

When hunting antelope, one significant advantage of archery hunting is the opportunity to get close to the antelope, as bowhunting typically requires a much shorter range than rifle hunting.

This also means, to be successful in archery hunting, you’ll likely need to use ground blinds to conceal yourself from the antelope’s exceptional vision. Ground blinds can be set up at strategic locations such as waterholes, fence crossings, or alfalfa fields. Getting close to the antelope while staying hidden is crucial, as their vision and speed are their main defenses.

A challenge with archery hunting is the reduced range compared to rifles. Archery hunters must be more patient and may spend longer periods waiting for the perfect shot opportunity.

Rifle Hunting Antelopes

Rifle hunting offers more range and accuracy compared to archery hunting. This extra range means that rifle hunters can position themselves further away from the antelope, making it easier to remain undetected.

A key strategy when rifle hunting antelope is to use the terrain to your advantage. By moving parallel to the antelope’s movements while staying out of sight, you can intercept their path and set up a shot from a distance.

While rifle hunting might be easier for beginners, due to the ability to shoot from distance, it does come with its own challenges. Finding the right rifle setup can take some research and trial-and-error, and it’s important to ensure your firearm is well-maintained and sighted-in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal time of day for antelope hunting?

Antelope are active throughout the day, so there isn’t a specific “ideal” time for hunting. Unlike other big game animals, pronghorn tend to bed down at night and remain active during daylight hours. It’s actually counterproductive to head out before sunrise, as you might spook them in the dark and make your hunt more challenging.

Where should one aim when hunting antelope?

For an effective and ethical kill shot, you should aim for the vital organs, which are located in the chest cavity behind the front shoulder. The heart and lungs are the prime targets for a quick, humane kill. Ensure that you’re confident in your shot placement and be patient for the right opportunity to present itself.

How can a beginner prepare for pronghorn hunting season?

To prepare for pronghorn hunting season, familiarize yourself with the antelope’s behavior and their environment. Practice your shooting skills at a range, particularly with the weapon you intend to use. Work on your stalking and concealment techniques, as antelope rely heavily on their excellent vision for defense. Invest in quality gear such as binoculars, a good rangefinder, and camouflaged clothing to reduce your visibility.

Are there any no draw antelope hunts?

Yes, there are some no draw antelope hunts available. These hunts do not require a lottery system for tag allocation. Instead, they operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each state has its own regulations, so it’s important to research the specific area you plan to hunt and obtain the necessary licenses and permissions.

What challenges can a beginner expect when antelope hunting?

For beginners, one of the biggest challenges in antelope hunting is remaining unseen. Antelope rely on their keen eyesight and swift speed as their primary defenses. Staying concealed while stalking and getting within shooting range can be difficult. Remember to spend more time observing from a distance before attempting a stalk. Also, be prepared for the fact that antelope are constantly on the move and extremely skittish, so patience, persistence, and adaptability are key for a successful antelope hunt.