If you’ve never chased after antelope across the wide-open landscapes of Montana, you’re missing out. It’s one of the most exciting and deceptively challenging hunts you can experience. Don’t let their smaller size or innocent appearance fool you. Pronghorns are sharp-eyed, lightning-fast, and live in terrain that offers them every advantage. If you’re planning your first antelope hunt or looking to improve your odds next time, here are a few challenges you should be ready to face.
Unmatched Vision and Alertness
Antelope have insanely good eyesight to the extent that it’s difficult for us humans to conceive of. They’re capable of spotting movement from several hundred yards away. Stalking into bow range requires careful planning, staying low, and using any terrain feature (no matter how small) to break up your silhouette. If you’re used to hunting animals in thicker cover, get ready for a new level of stealth.
Speed and Distance
You’re not likely to outrun an antelope. These animals can hit speeds of up to 55 miles per hour, which means if they spook, they’re gone. They also tend to hang out in wide, open spaces where they can see trouble coming from a mile away. Long-distance glassing, patience, and a solid shooting setup, especially for rifle hunters, are keys to success out here. You’ve got to be ready to shoot accurately at distances to push your comfort zone.
Early Season Heat and Conditions
Antelope hunts typically take place earlier in the season, which means you’re often dealing with hot, dry weather. That might sound like a bonus compared to late-season snow hunts, but it presents its own challenges. Heat can affect your stamina, your shooting, and even how long you have to recover your animal before the meat starts to spoil. Hydration, sun protection, and proper planning are all must-haves.
Reading the Terrain
Unlike forest or mounting hunting, antelope country often seems featureless at first glance. But learning to read the subtle dips, ridgelines, and drainages is the key to getting close. It takes time and experience to learn how to use those contours to your advantage. Once you figure it out, you’ll start seeing opportunities you didn’t notice before.
Of course, nothing will prepare you for the experience of antelope hunting quite like staying with a quality outfitter. Here at Elk Ridge Outfitters, we offer our guests experienced guides, meals from full-time chefs, a license, and comfortable lodging in the beautiful landscape of Montana. Our guides will help you navigate the terrain, spot your target, and make the most of every opportunity in the field. Contact us today at 406-220-2379 to plan your trip!
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