Antelope Hunting: 20 Tips for Bagging a Pronghorn

There are certain attributes that one ought to fully understand before venturing into antelope hunting. These attributes help in resting the myths associated with antelope hunting. It makes hunters aware of the venture.

There is an assumption that hunting is a smooth process. Although hunting is an adventurous activity, it has its ups and downs. There are times when the hunting process may go on well without hitches. However, other days come with hitches. It transforms hunting into a challenging affair. Hunters ought to fully understand the vital dimensions of the game and embrace them whether positive or negative.

All hunters ought to practice patience and persistence. While out in the fields, the kill does not come easy. A well-versed hunter understands the importance of staying positive in such moments. Hunting can only turn adventurous when the hunter keeps a positive mind, and focuses on achieving the goal. It is at the expense of the other handles that come with the procedure.

The elements above are not meant to scare hunters or make hunting sound like a boring activity. The elements play a crucial role in preparing hunters before they get out. Certain procedures ought to be followed to have a successful and safe hunting trip. The measures as listed below.

1. Gun safety

A gun is one of the basic instruments of antelope hunting. Despite the presence of other alternatives, they work effectively with a gun. Precautions ought to be observed while handling a gun. In the event, being disciplined is a key attribute. Antelope hunting is a procedure that involves a lot of walking. Therefore, it is crucial to have the physical stamina to carry a gun for a long time. The lack of physical strength can turn the gun into a liability. Hunting guns ought to be put on safety mode all the time. As the hunter moves, the gun moves too. In such a scenario, the gun can easily go off if not put in safety mode. Carrying a loaded gun requires a great sense of responsibility. Being responsible while carrying a gun is the only way to avoid fatal accidents. The way a hunter handles his gun guarantees him safety and that of the others with him.

2. Avoid drugs and alcohol

While going out on the antelope hunting ventures, avoid alcoholic drinks. Alcohol alters one’s way of thinking and capability to make sound decisions. Drugs alter a person’s mood thus making it hard to think and make the right judgement. While under the influence of alcohol, it is easy for a person to behave in a way that may lead to danger. Antelopes are sensitive animals. To make a kill, one ought to aim carefully and shoot accurately. It is impossible to aim and shoot a highly sensitive animal like an antelope while under the influence of alcohol. Using alcohol or drugs when hunting is a setback.

3. Nature of the prey

Antelopes tend to sense danger easily. They are gifted with natural abilities, which enable them to survey their surroundings with ease. While aiming at an antelope, it is essential to note what lies beyond it. As an antelope moves, it can easily lead one to an underlying character, which can be a more dangerous animal or simply a person. Following the tactic is essential for personal safety and that of the other hunters. It is advisable to take precaution while aiming, so as to ensure you don’t shoot an unintended target. Shooting aimlessly is a taboo in the hunting world.

Antelopes are fast moving animals; hunting them down involves a lot of movement. It is crucial to avoid jumping trenches, bushes or fences while carrying a loaded gun. In the process of jumping trenches, it is possible for a loaded gun to go off. When a gun goes off unexpectedly, it can easily injure one’s counterpart. Across the globe, there are substantial reports of fatal cases that emerge from careless handling of weapons. Moving slowly and swiftly while hunting antelopes is the best way to avoid gun-related accidents. Gun safety is a crucial aspect to observe during antelope hunting activities.

4. Positioning techniques

To make a kill, a hunter is required to position himself well. Without proper positioning, it is nearly impossible to execute efficiently. Positioning determines whether one is going to hit the targeted prey or not. One of the key positioning techniques is staying clear of any obstructions. All sorts of obstructions act as a disadvantage in the hunting fields. It is impossible to shoot clearly while your view is blocked. In hunting, there is the common assumption that shooting from behind obstructions like bushes helps in making a kill. It is a myth that has no sense in it. The most effective way to make a kill is staying off all sorts of obstructions.

Positioning oneself requires a gun with good optics. This attribute enables a hunter to position themselves far away and make a kill swiftly. Some hunters choose guns with bad optics and expect to make great kills on the fields. With the wrong type of a gun, taking down an antelope is nearly impossible. Antelope hunting requires guns with good optics and the capability to shoot from a long distance.

Antelopes travel in large numbers. There large numbers give hunters a wide range of choices. Having a great number of choices can turn out to be a disadvantage if one does not single out their kill. It is crucial to set eyes on one antelope and go for the kill. Trying to shoot aimlessly is a mistake that hinders a hunter from making a kill. Many hunters get frustrated while hunting antelopes simply because they think shooting aimless promises them a kill. Concentrating on one choice is the best way to make a kill while out hunting antelopes.

After taking a good position, it is important to avoid destructions. While on their positions, some hunters start talking or shouting to their partners who may be a short distance away. Talking is the easiest way to lose concentration while out hunting. While trying to aim, it is crucial for hunters to avoid having conversations with fellow hunters. Talking makes it hard to remain still and concentrate on the intended target. Avoid all manner of conversations after taking your right position.

While taking position, it is crucial to do so without alarming the prey. Unlike other animals, antelopes detect danger easily and proceed to inform their counterparts. There high-sensitive nature makes it hard to hunt them down. The only possible solution is to take position silently at a far distance. The way a hunter position himself plays a crucial role in determining whether he will make a kill or not when it comes antelope hunting.

5. The importance of group hunting

Hunting involves going deep into vast and deserted areas. Traveling such a long distance alone can be boring and tiresome. Hunting woods are inhabited by many animals some of which are quite dangerous. Some animals are hostile, and easily attack even without being provoked. Hunting requires one partner or more. In the hunting grounds, partners play a crucial role.

Accidents can happen in the hunting woods. For example, after positioning oneself, a hunter may take time before shooting at his target. Once in position, it is easy to be bitten by crawling insects like scorpions. In such a situation, a partner is required to give first aid.

There are instances where hunters come across dangerous animals like buffalos. To overcome such an animal, hunters ought to combine efforts to lead it astray or shoot it. In this context, it is clear that hunting alone is not a good idea. In the hunting grounds, having a partner could be what saves your life.

Hunting with a partner does not serve to curb dangers alone. Partners are essential in making a successful kill. For example, antelopes travel in large numbers. If two people go out hunting, one of them can tease the prey to move into open grounds. The move eliminates obstructions thus making it easier to kill a tricky and sensitive animal like antelopes. After making a kill, dragging the prey back home or to the loading zones is a tough task y itself. Dragging an antelope for like six miles alone is a tiring venture. A partner helps in sharing the burden of dragging the prey back home.

6. Site location

Antelopes are not found everywhere. Before going out to hunt antelopes, it is essential to understand their habitats. A smart hunter does not just go out hunting aimlessly. There are certain areas where antelopes are found, those are the areas that hunters out to concentrate their efforts. At times, hunters get frustrated because they go on hunting in the wrong place. Locations that have no history with antelopes.

Many hunters may ask how one can easily determine the right grounds for antelope hunting. For starters, first-hand information from experienced hunters is helpful. Experienced hunters spend much time on the hunting grounds, and they understand them well. Talking to experienced hunter is one of the effective ways to understand the best grounds to carry out antelope hunting.

One can also get information from online sources. We live in the technology era where information about everything is readily available online. There are online resources that provide hunters with information on different hunting grounds. Antelope hunters can use such resources to know the best hunting grounds. Smart hunters use information about hunting grounds to their advantage. Before stepping out for any hunting expeditions, it is essential to be adequately informed on matters relating to the appropriate prey of choice.

7. Basic personal preparations

Before going out on a hunting expeditions, all the involved parties have to prepare themselves adequately. Failing to prepare before going out on a hunting trip can have detrimental effects.

It is essential to have a map of where the hunting expedition will take place. Hunters ought to be aware of how read maps. Wrong map reading can easily mislead hunter thus making their hunting expedition fruitless. At times locating directions manually while in the woods can be tough. Guesswork does not apply while tracing the right directions. Having a map makes it easier to locate the right directions and move swiftly through hunting grounds. Being a hunter calls for one to learn, and acquire basic map reading skills.

Having a GPS compass is an added advantage when it comes to locating directions. A GPS compass is easy to use and gives exact directions. It is an essential tool that makes it easy to navigate through hunting grounds. A GPS compass is an accessory that every hunter must possess.
Participating parties must have a solid plan on how to handle any injuries. During the hunting expeditions, accidents can happen at any time. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies that can be used to treat minor injuries like foot dislocations or insect bites. The hunting parties must also have basic skills on giving first aid to any injured party.

If hunters intend to spend the night in the woods, they ought to have warm clothing to cover up at night. Weather patterns can easily change at any given time. It is a clear indication that hunters must have clothes to keep themselves warm at night. Spending the night on the cold is not advisable due to its detrimental effects on one’s health.

Having the capability to light a fire is a basic requirement for any hunter who wishes to spend the night in the woods. Lighting a fire is the ultimate option to keep warm at night while out in the woods. It is the ultimate way to keep warm at night especially during the rainy season.

While staying out at night during hunting expeditions, it is advisable to avoid the use of alcohol or drugs. While sleeping out in the dark, dangerous events can take place anytime. If such a scenario takes place, the affected parties have to react immediately and protect themselves. It is impossible to protect oneself while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Avoiding alcohol or drugs while out hunting is a preconscious move to enhance self-protection.

8. Acquiring licenses

For example, in the US, antelopes are mostly found on public lands. Different government bodies manage most of these public lands. Hunting in protected lands requires the right form of certification. Antelope hunting license is affordable and easy to acquire. It is important to get a hunting license to avoid any legal problems with the respective bodies in charge of hunting grounds. Some hunters tend to ignore the act of acquiring hunting licenses. It is unethical to hunt on public lands without the right form of certification.

Hunting guns must have the appropriate form of certification. Using unlicensed guns is a criminal offense. To avoid problems with the law, the best thing any hunter can do is to have their gun registered. Hunting is an adventurous activity, which must be conducted within the specified regulations.

9. Understanding the capabilities your prey

It is impossible to take down any animal unless you establish its capabilities. Antelope hunters need to understand the capabilities of their prey. It is a basic trait that all hunters must learn. Understanding the capabilities of any given prey is a crucial aspect of hunting.

Antelopes have sharp eyesight. This means that they can easily spot any form of danger from a distance away. Hunting an animal with such sharp eyesight requires some technicality. To take down an antelope, it is crucial to take the position from a distance away. Antelope hunters ought to have guns with good optic capabilities. Having such a gun helps one to take the position from a distance to avoid being spotted by the prey.

Antelopes are speed animals that maneuver through their living grounds quickly. Antelopes tend to graze in groups. If one antelope spots danger, it immediately informs the rest thus prompting a fast escape. Hunting antelopes require speed shooting. A hunter ought to aim and shot immediately because delaying may work as a disadvantage. Slow shooters have no place when it comes to taking down antelopes.
Knowing the capabilities of your prey gives a hunter the opportunity to establish the right sort of tactics to employ while hunting.

10. Establishing personal limits

Hunting is a physical activity that is both draining and challenging. While hunting, there are times that parties cover up to ten miles or more by foot. In this context, it is clear that a person needs to be prepared mentally and physically for the task at hand.

If a person has any physical condition, it is important to inform his partners. Hiding any physical limitations has its disadvantages. Due to unawareness, it is possible for hunting partners to push one beyond his physical capabilities.

Before going out on any expedition, it is crucial for any given party to establish their capabilities and weaknesses. There are instances where people go out hunting and end up stuck because they went beyond their limits.

There are some individuals who have some health conditions that may limit their physical vibrancy. Such individuals should avoid straining themselves while out on hunting expeditions. Going beyond one’s physical capabilities may lead to injuries or trigger health issues. Safety comes first when it comes to hunting matters. Hunters should put their wellbeing at risk.

11. Silent movements

Sometimes antelopes are not found in the open grounds. Hunters have to move deep into the woods to find them. In some instances, it is possible to move around for hours before spotting a group of antelopes. Antelopes have sharp eyesight, and they are highly sensitive to noise. It means that hunting them while they are deep in the woods is a tricky affair.

When tracking antelopes in the woods, one ought to move at a slow pace. Taking slow steps gives a hunter the capability to see antelopes from a distance and avoid scaring them. Slow movements are crucial while trying to take the position in the woods.

The only way to move smoothly without getting noticed by antelopes is by taking slow, calculated steps. If executed well, this tactic is quite effective. Walking randomly can act as a sale out a move for the hunter. Taking slow and silent moves is the way to go while tracking antelopes hidden deep in the woods.

When moving, it is essential to check the behavior of the intended kill. In case one notices that the intended kill starts to move, he should immediately stop. By stopping, the hunter gives the prey time to relax and settle down. It is difficult to take down an antelope if it’s in motion. Their acceleration speed is high meaning it’s difficult to take them down while in motion.

12. Picking landmarks

In many cases, people hunt in the same areas for a long time. Hunting in the same area gives a person the opportunity to master, and understand the hunting grounds. Choosing landmarks in any given hunting grounds can be done on two crucial conditions. Marking landmarks can be done by tracing where antelopes are majorly found. Antelopes visit the same grazing grounds on an often basis. However, at times, they do move to new areas in search of pasture. Marking their favorite grazing lands plays enables hunters to track their prey easily. Landmarks can be singled out by their clear vision. Making a perfect shot cannot be done in a place full of destructions. Hilly or open areas are perfect for taking position and making kill shots.

13. Be a fast thinker

While out in the hunting grounds, a person is faced with the urgency of making fast-paced decisions. After position oneself, the prey could be on target, but quickly slip away. In such a case, the hunter is called upon to make a quick decision. In this case, the ultimate decision it’s to estimate range and make the kill. When an antelope is slipping out of the target, it is hard to kill it if one hesitates. Being a fast thinker is what makes one an outstanding hunter.

Being a fast thinker is a crucial attribute in the verge of danger. Hunting fields are a dangerous place where anything can easily happen. If danger arises, it is important to make a crucial decision quickly. Making that fast decision could be what saves one’s life. Therefore, making a fast decision is an important attribute that plays out in both good and bad times in the tough hunting grounds.

14. Following blood trail

At times, making that kill shot does not take the antelope down immediately as expected. It’s possible to shoot an antelope and see it start running away. In such an event, the hunter is supposed to follow the blood trail. Tracing an animal that is bleeding and about to die requires some tactic too. While following the blood trail, be aware of the surroundings and what lies ahead. Following a blood trail blindly can easily lead one to other hiding animals that could turn out to be dangerous. Following any given blood trail ought to be done at a slow pace. It is the only way to trace the animals’ movement up to where it is hiding. As a hunter, it is essential to follow blood trails in a technical manner.

15. Beware of antelopes that drop down fast

After shooting an antelope, it may quickly drop down making the hunter believe that he has made a kill shot. Antelopes can drop down out of shock. If an antelope drop down fast out of shock, it can quickly recover and run away. Antelopes also capitalize on this fast drop trick to lure the hunters. If an antelope drops down fast, it is advisable to follow it immediately to finish up the kill. If a hunter delays way too much, such an animal can easily flee, and finding it is not easy at all.

16. Proceed towards a kill with caution

When an antelope falls down after being shot, it is wise to approach it with caution. Some antelopes drop down, but in the true sense, they are not totally dead. Such an animal can easily jump on someone out of fear. The main aim of approaching the dying antelope with caution is to avoid any injuries. Being jumped on by an antelope unexpectedly can destabilize someone thus prompting them to fall. Avoid injuries while hunting by approaching the prey in a cautious manner.

17. Beware of the weather conditions

Hunting is an activity that is highly influenced by weather conditions. It is or advisable to go out in the hunting grounds during extremely cold or rainy times. Being out in the cold or rain for a long time is detrimental to one’s health. Antelopes always take cover, especially during rainy times. Finding them at such condition can be tough. Taking hunting position during extreme weather conditions is difficult. It is nearly impossible to aim and make a kill shot when struggling to protect oneself from rain or ice. In this case, the best option is to go hunting during favorable climatic conditions. Despite the zeal to make kill shots in the hunting grounds, safety comes first.

18. Persistency

Some days while on the hunting fields can turn out to be frustrating. It is possible for hunters to travel long distances without finding any prey. The inability to find prey should act as a spoiler. Some hunters lack patience, and that is why they hardly kill anything. Although they are many, finding antelopes is not an easy task at all. Hunters ought to be persistent in their search and keep a positive spirit. Temperamental and weak minded people cannot make good hunters at all. Hunting is a form of art that requires patience and positivity. Mentality also determines whether they are going to make a kill or not. Hunters are supposed to keep their cool and keep pushing until they make that one vital kill-shot.

19. Put on hunting orange reflectors

Hunting fields are not a personal property; they are occupied by many parties. There are reported incidents when hunters shoot each other accidentally. Such cases happen simply because many hunters do not want to wear the orange hunting reflector jackets. For example, in the US, the law stipulates that all hunters ought to wear the orange jacket reflectors. Since the law stipulates it, it is crucial to wear it. Putting on the orange reflector jacket is a safety measure that cannot be ignored at all. Follow the law and put on the orange reflector jacket for your personal safety.

20. Maintain close conduct and avoid splitting

Hunters should avoid splitting while on the hunting grounds. At times, hunters have to split, but they should not go far from each other. Splitting with your partner or partners could be the start of a tragic move. There are recorded cases where hunters split and end up getting lost especially on new hunting grounds. Splitting leaves each party vulnerable to danger. For example, one party may be attacked and badly injured by an animal. If not taken care of immediately, the injuries inflicted may turn out to be fatal. As hunters, always stick together and pursue your intended prey as a team.

Conclusion

Hunting antelopes is a fun-filling activity that comes with major responsibilities. It is important for all parties to prepare themselves well before going out on any hunting expedition. Hunting can turn out to be a nightmare if not carefully planned. Antelope hunting requires all parties to maintain their personal safety first. There is no need to put one’s life in danger while out hunting. Taking excellent killing shots in the hunting fields is facilitated by a well-chosen rival. Due to the risks that come with hunting, it’s advisable to take a partner. Therefore, hunting is a game that require skill and specific learning points. The knowledge will guarantee a kill after the event.