Glenn
Dunning is a member of New England Outdoor Writers Association
(NEOWA) and contributes monthly to Outdoors Magazine
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Outdoors Magazine, April '07 Issue, Traveling Outdoorsman col. Submitted by: Glenn Dunning |
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Speed Goats Antelope Hunting's Rise in Popularity |
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| Of all of the landmark discoveries credited to the 1804-1806 Lewis and Clark expedition none is more amazing than their encounter with a previously unknown mammal - the pronghorn antelope. So named for its resemblance to several species of African plains animals, the pronghorn is uniquely American and not related to any other species. Differentiated from both deer and antelope families by several significant features, the pronghorn maybe one of the fastest animals on the earth and the only horned mammal that sheds and then re-grows new head gear annually. Two other characteristics that substantiate its individuality; it does not have the vertical leaping ability of either deer or antelope and it is not particularly nocturnal in its activity patterns. The nickname of "goat" or more aptly "speed goat" has no genealogical significance either but on the western plains it's a name that has stuck. Although Lewis and Clark encountered large herds of pronghorns along the banks of the Missouri river, they followed the troubled trail of the American Buffalo and by the beginning of the twentieth century there were less than 20,000. Remarkably adaptive, the animal has made an incredible comeback over the last century and has reached near nuisance levels with many of the ranchers who have to contend with large numbers of them munching down their precious alfalfa. Nearly all western states now have substantial populations of pronghorns with some of the largest concentrations found in eastern Montana and Wyoming. Hunting has become an important management tool and although licenses are governed by draws in many states, allocations are quite liberal and you can usually count on drawing a license if you apply. Because of their incredible speed and eyesight the only real predator they need fear is man And, man-oh-man are they fun to hunt! For starters, there are so many of them that many outfitters will guarantee you a shot at a 14 inch of better buck, their incredible vision and sense of smell make them a huge challenge to get close to and add to that the fact that they are great table fare and you begin to see why they are getting increasing attention from the big game sporting community. Did I mention affordable? A 3 day antelope hunt with a reputable outfitter is around $2000 and at most outfits near 100% shot opportunity is the norm. Another aspect of antelope hunting that is influencing its popularity is that in places like eastern Wyoming, hunting seasons coincide with both mule deer and whitetails. Non-resident hunters in most units have no problem drawing tags for deer and goats making this combo hunt a real sweet deal and affordable at around $5,000 for both animals. As previously mentioned, antelope are not particularly nocturnal and during the breeding season in September and October you can frequently spot good bucks with their harems of does glassing from the back roads. Rifle hunters who are competent out to 300 yards or so generally have little difficulty harvesting but for the bow hunter the quarry can be one of North America's most difficult. Antelope live on the wide open prairie and their primary defenses are their ability to see danger at great distances and outrun any potential threat. For the archer, getting within bow range can be the ultimate challenge. Chris Nikolow of Leominster, MA has shot 4 good bucks with his bow. "The most important thing is timing" Chris noted. "You want to be hunting the peak rut when mature bucks are vying to gather their harems together similar to the way elk do. Often you can get on two bucks chasing a single doe around. I have had success in slowing moving in on the trio as they race back and forth distracted but it takes patience and a lot of luck." If the weather is dry, bow hunters can set up in blinds near water holes or considering pronghorns don't have the ability to jump fences they often are forced to funnel through open bar-ways creating ambush opportunities. As in all bow hunting, the individual archer's skill is the biggest asset. If you can punch a hole in a 3 inch bulls-eye at 50-60 yards than you've got a pretty good chance at smokin' a speed goat with an arrow. If you still need another reason to give antelope hunting a try consider that the venison is some of the leanest of any hoofed game animal. Personally, I have a preference for animals from the northern fringes of their range. Although the southwest can lay claim to taller horns and more trophy quality animals, the alfalfa fed pronghorns of the northern plains are better "eaters." Regardless of where the animal was harvested, you take a piece of fresh back-strap, roll it in flour and deep fry it with onion rings and you'll wonder why it took you so long to discover the fun and challenge of hunting North America's own pronghorn antelope. |
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