For landowners

Wyoming Antelope Hunting: A Pristine Pronghorn Pursuit

Justin Hunold

07/12/2024

Wyoming's vast landscapes, from rolling plains to rugged highlands, offer an unparalleled experience for hunting enthusiasts. The state is a haven for pronghorn hunters, providing an abundance of game and a unique opportunity to connect with nature. In this guide, we'll dive into the essentials of Wyoming antelope hunting, share tips for a successful hunt, and discuss antelope meat's proper care and culinary delights of antelope meat.

Understanding Wyoming Antelope Hunting

Wyoming is home to the largest pronghorn population in North America, making it a prime destination for antelope hunting. The open terrain and expansive vistas are ideal for spotting these fleet-footed animals, known for their incredible speed and keen eyesight. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or a novice, Wyoming offers something for everyone.

Prime Locations:

Unit 45: Known for its high pronghorn density and accessible terrain.
Unit 67: Offers a more challenging hunt with diverse topography.
Unit 60: Perfect for those seeking a balance of accessibility and adventure.

Season Structure: Wyoming antelope hunting season runs from mid-September to late October. This time frame is strategically chosen to coincide with the pronghorn's peak activity and optimal hunting conditions. Early in the season, temperatures can still be quite warm, which might necessitate early morning or late evening hunts to avoid the midday heat. As the season progresses into October, cooler temperatures prevail, making it more comfortable for all-day hunting trips.

To maximize your success, you must understand the specific season dates and regulations for the hunting unit you plan to hunt. Each unit in Wyoming may have slightly different opening and closing dates and varying restrictions on the number of permits issued. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department's website provides detailed information on season dates, quotas, and specific regulations for each hunting area. Reviewing this information well before your trip can help you plan accordingly and ensure compliance with local hunting laws.

Licensing: Obtaining your hunting license through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is a straightforward process, but it does require some preparation. Both resident and non-resident licenses are available, and the application process is competitive due to the popularity of antelope hunting in the state. Here's a breakdown of the steps to secure your license:

Research and Application: Research the different hunting units and their draw odds. Wyoming uses a lottery system for many hunting licenses, so it's crucial to understand your chances of drawing a tag. Applications are typically accepted from January through May, with specific deadlines on the Game and Fish Department's website.
Preference Points: Consider purchasing preference points if you plan for future hunts. Preference points increase your chances of drawing a coveted tag in high-demand units. You can buy one preference point per year if you do not draw a tag.
License Types: Decide whether you’ll be hunting with a rifle, muzzleloader, or archery equipment. Wyoming offers various license types, including:
Type 1 License: Allows hunting with any legal firearm or archery equipment.
Type 9 License: Archery-only license for hunters who prefer the challenge of bowhunting.
Particular Draw: Non-residents can apply for a specific license of draw, which has a higher cost but better draw odds.
Fees: Be prepared to pay the appropriate fees. Non-resident fees are higher than resident fees, reflecting the demand and the state’s management objectives. Fees cover the cost of the license, conservation stamps, and additional permits if needed.
Successful Draw: If you draw a tag, you’ll receive a notification and instructions on finalizing your license purchase. Make sure to complete any required hunter education courses if you haven't already, as Wyoming requires proof of hunter education for all hunters born on or after January 1, 1966.
Purchase Over-the-counter Licenses: If you don't draw a tag in the lottery, there may still be opportunities to purchase over-the-counter licenses. These are often available for units with lower demand or leftover tags from the initial draw. Keep an eye on the Game and Fish Department's announcements for availability.

Tips for a Successful Pronghorn Hunt

Scout Early:

Pre-season scouting is crucial. Familiarize yourself with the terrain, identify water sources, and look for signs of pronghorn activity.

Invest in High-Quality Optics:

Binoculars: Pronghorns have exceptional vision and can spot movement from great distances. High-quality binoculars are essential for scanning large areas and spotting these elusive animals. Athlon Optics offers some excellent choices, such as the Athlon Cronus 10x42 UHD Binoculars. These binoculars provide superior clarity, edge-to-edge sharpness, and superb low-light performance, making them ideal for early morning and late evening hunts.
Spotting Scopes: A good spotting scope is invaluable for a closer look at distant pronghorns. The Athlon Ares 20-60x85 Spotting Scope is a top pick, offering a powerful zoom range and a large objective lens for bright, clear images. Its rugged construction is built to withstand harsh field conditions, ensuring reliability when needed.

Practice Long-Range Shooting:

Wyoming's open plains often require long-range shots. Ensure your rifle is zeroed in, and practice shooting at various distances. Weatherby rifles are an excellent choice for antelope hunting due to their accuracy, reliability, and range of calibers. Here are some top Weatherby rifles and suitable calibers:
Weatherby Vanguard Series:
Vanguard Weatherguard: This model offers exceptional accuracy and durability. It's available in calibers such as .243 Winchester, .270 Winchester, and .30-06 Springfield, all excellent choices for antelope hunting.
Vanguard S2: Known for its sub-MOA accuracy guarantee, the Vanguard S2 comes in calibers like .25-06 Remington and .257 Weatherby Magnum. The .257 Weatherby Magnum, in particular, is renowned for its flat trajectory and long-range performance, making it a favorite among pronghorn hunters.
Weatherby Mark V Series:
Mark V Accumark: This rifle is built for precision and comes in various calibers, including .240 Weatherby Magnum and 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum. These calibers offer high velocity and flat trajectories, ideal for the open plains of Wyoming.
Mark V Ultra Lightweight: This rifle is perfect for those who prefer a lighter rifle without sacrificing accuracy. Available in calibers such as 7mm-08 Remington and .280 Ackley Improved, it is an excellent option for stalking pronghorn across rugged terrain.

Stealth and Patience:

Approach Slowly: When stalking a pronghorn, moving slowly and deliberately is essential. Sudden movements can easily spook these skittish animals. Take your time and move in a controlled manner to avoid detection.
Use Natural Cover: Wyoming's open plains might offer little in the way of dense cover, but there are always natural features you can use to your advantage. Utilize any available cover, such as sagebrush, rock formations, or slight rises in the terrain. Keep a low profile and stay as concealed as possible.
Wind Direction: Always be mindful of the direction of the wind. Pronghorns have a keen sense of smell and can detect human scent from a considerable distance—approach from downwind to minimize the chances of being detected.
Patience is Key: Pronghorn hunting requires a great deal of patience. Often, you'll need to wait for the right moment to take your shot. Whether waiting for the pronghorn to move into a better position or for the wind to shift in your favor, staying patient and calm can make the difference between success and failure.
Crawl When Necessary: Consider crawling in particularly open areas where standing or crouching might give you away. It can be slow and uncomfortable but can get you within shooting range without alerting the pronghorn.

Caring for Your Pronghorn Harvest

Proper care of antelope meat is essential to ensure the best flavor and quality. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide to field dressing and processing your pronghorn.

Field Dressing:

Quickly and Cleanly: Field dress the animal as soon as possible to cool the meat and prevent spoilage. Make a clean incision from the sternum to the pelvis, being careful not to puncture the stomach or intestines.

Tools: Use a sharp knife and ensure your hands are clean. Wearing gloves can help maintain hygiene and prevent contamination.
Positioning: Lay the pronghorn on its back and spread the legs apart. This position gives you easy access to the abdominal cavity.
Remove Organs: Carefully remove the internal organs, saving the heart and liver if you plan to use them. Cut around the anus to free the rectum, which can be pulled through the pelvic canal.
Technique: Cut the diaphragm from the ribcage to reach the chest cavity. Once inside, cut the esophagus and windpipe to remove the heart and lungs.
Cooling: Open the body cavity to allow maximum cooling. If possible, prop the cavity open with sticks to let air circulate.
Skinning: If temperatures are warm, skin the animal in the field to help cool the meat faster. Begin at the hind legs and work your way down.
Method: Cut the hind legs just above the knee joint. Continue cutting down the inside of the legs to the belly. Peel the skin away, using your knife to help separate it from the muscle.
Hanging: If you have the means, hang the pronghorn from a tree or frame to make skinning easier and more efficient.

Processing:

Aging the Meat: Allow the meat to age for a few days in a cool, dry place. This enhances the flavor and tenderness. The carcass can be hung or placed on racks.

Temperature Control: Keep the meat between 34-37°F (1-3°C). Use a meat thermometer to monitor conditions.
Time: Aging for 3-5 days is usually sufficient for pronghorn meat. This process helps break down muscle fibers, improving texture and taste.
Butchering: Process the meat into steaks, roasts, and ground meat. Pronghorn meat is lean, so add fat to make sausages or burgers.
Cuts: Separate the muscle groups and decide which cuts you want. Typical cuts include backstraps, tenderloins, and shoulder roasts.
Grinding: Add pork fat or beef tallow when making ground meat to improve the texture and flavor.

Cooking with Antelope Meat

Antelope meat is lean, flavorful, and versatile. Here are a few recipes to get you started.

Antelope Backstrap with Herb Butter:

Ingredients: Antelope backstrap, salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, thyme, butter.
Instructions:
Season the backstrap with salt and pepper.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add butter.
Add crushed garlic cloves to the skillet for extra flavor.
Sear the backstrap in the skillet, turning to brown on all sides.
Cook until medium-rare, then remove from heat.
Finish with fresh rosemary and thyme for a fragrant touch.

Antelope Chili:

Ingredients: Ground antelope, onions, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin.
Instructions:
Brown the ground antelope in a pot over medium heat.
Add chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and spices (chili powder and cumin).
Reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours, allowing flavors to meld.

Grilled Antelope Steaks:

Ingredients: Antelope steaks, olive oil, salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar.
Instructions:
Marinate the steaks in olive oil, salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar for at least 2 hours.
Preheat the grill to high heat.
Grill the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side, aiming for a medium-rare finish.
Let the steaks rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juices.

Final Shot

Wyoming antelope hunting is a quintessential Western adventure. The thrill of the hunt, the beauty of the landscape, and the reward of antelope meat make it an experience worth pursuing. With proper preparation, ethical hunting practices, and a few culinary skills, you can enjoy all Wyoming's pronghorn hunting offers. Wyoming promises a memorable hunt whether you're out for the sport, scenery, or savory meat. Happy hunting!