Species: Pronghorn

Pronghorn (Antelope)

The Pronghorn, commonly referred to as antelope, is a truly American species. We have no other species of the sort on this continent, or any other.  They have evolved on the wide open prairies of the American West.

“Antelope” is a term referring to many even-toed ungulate species found in the family Bovidae. The term does not refer to a monophyletic group, as not all members of Bovidae are considered antelope. Instead, the term refers to a ‘miscellaneous’ group within the family encompassing the species which are not cattle, sheep, buffalo, bison, or goats.

The pronghorn (Antilocapra americana),though not an antelope is also known as pronghorn antelope or prong buck. It is a species of ungulate mammal native to interior western and central North America. It is the only surviving member of the family Antilocapridae.

Hunting pronghorn is truly a rifleman’s game.  The great vision advantage afforded pronghorn, and the wide open spaces they inhabit make them a hard animal to sneak close to.  Many archers have perfected the use of blinds and waterholes, and utilize decoys for purposes of getting closer.  If one is truly looking for a challenge, spot and stalk archery antelope hunting is what you are looking for.

All of the Great Plain and Rocky Mountain states have huntable pronghorn populations.  The greatest numbers occur in Wyoming, followed by Montana.  The harsh winters of the northern states make trophy pronghorns much less common, compared to the southwestern states, where easy winters are less taxing and result in less winterkill.

The pronghorn rut takes place in mid to late September, in some states extending into early October.  Most fawns are born in May, with twins being very common in healthy populations.  The greatest predator of pronghorn are coyotes, though all predators, and the largest birds of prey will find young pronghorn to their liking.  Fences and development are the greatest threats to the long-term health of this species.  Fences can inhibit migrations, resulting in witnerkill.  Development and human encroachment are the greatest potential problems to overall populations.

New Mexico Pronghorn