Pronghorn are all-American creatures, and are unique in many ways. This includes their unusual horns, which they got their name from. They have a bony core that remains with the animal across its life span, and an outer shell that is shed and regrown every year. They aren’t the only species with such a horn structure, but the only species with shedable horns that branch into two prongs. The prongs are uniquely shaped so that in spite of the forks the shells can still come off. For those with “can’t eat horns” attitude, the Pronghorn antelope offers delicious venison, which many rank above deer or elk.
PRONGHORN HUNTING METHODS
Spot and stalk is the prime method for hunting Pronghorn Antelope. The first part is usually easy, the second not so much. Apart from amazing speed (the Pronghorn are America’s fastest land animal), the critters are equipped with no less amazing eyesight. Imagine looking through 8x binoculars with 320 degree field of vision. , that some researchers compare to human with 8x binoculars. That means no matter how long-range your rifle, and how confident you are at long-range shooting, you’d better get ready for a long and painful stalk, often involving crawling. Once you’ve mastered it, however, you can harvest pronghorns even with short-ranged weapons. Bowhunters may also hunt pronghorns out of blinds set over waterholes, or, during the rut, use a decoy to distract the attention of the buck (you better not do that on public land during rifle season, though).
WHEN TO HUNT PRONGHORN IN NEW MEXICO
For bowhunters the best time for pronghorn antelope hunting is early in the season, when it’s hot and water is in short supply, so it’s easier to hunt pronghorn from blinds. Trophy hunters tend to prefer the rut period, which with pronghorn typically happens in September and October. The combination of rut and hot weather typically produces best hunting results.
WHAT IT THE COST TO HUNT PRONGHORN IN NEW MEXICO?
Wide range and high numbers of the species make Pronghorn Antelope hunting trips one of the most affordable opportunities to experience a guided big game hunt in the West. Most Pronghorn hunts are in the $2,000 – $3,000 range, and go up to $4,000 according to hunt length, type of accommodation, and attractiveness of terrain. The most expensive offers are combination hunts. Antelope hunting may come as a combo with elk and mule deer hunts, and could also include bird hunting, coyote hunting, varmint shooting, and fishing.
