Pronghorns are remarkable animals known for their exceptional eyesight and remarkable speed, making them a thrilling challenge for hunters. In prime locations, hunters can encounter numerous game and enjoy multiple spot-and-stalk opportunities, resulting in one of North America’s most exhilarating hunting experiences, whether using a rifle, bow, muzzleloader, or handgun.
The population and trophy quality of pronghorns can vary significantly from year to year due to factors such as winter mortality and drought, which also influence the availability of hunting permits. Below is a comprehensive list of the top destinations for pronghorn hunting, evaluated based on the combination of pronghorn numbers and trophy potential, while remaining budget-friendly for most hunters.
Top Pronghorn Hunting Locations in Alaska
Alberta
Alberta is an underrated destination for pronghorn hunting. While it does not boast the same number of animals found in southern regions, the southern part of the province has a healthy population of pronghorns that are intensively managed. These pronghorns are known for their impressive horn mass. Reputable outfitters such as Silver Sage Outfitters and Double Diamond Outfitters have established a solid reputation for helping hunters secure large pronghorns.
Arizona
Arizona takes an aggressive approach to pronghorn management, including predator control, making it arguably the best location for securing a record-book specimen. However, obtaining tags can be quite challenging. For those fortunate enough to acquire a tag, Rincon Outfitters is known for producing exceptionally large bucks.
New Mexico
New Mexico offers a healthy population of pronghorns along with high-quality specimens, although tag availability can fluctuate due to drought conditions, affecting trophy quality as well. Nevertheless, tags for top-quality ranches are accessible through outfitters, making outfitted hunts a popular choice. Wildlife Systems Inc., based in Texas, provides excellent pronghorn hunting opportunities in New Mexico, and their services come highly recommended based on previous hunting experiences.
Wyoming
Historically, Wyoming had more pronghorns than residents, but recent years of drought and harsh winters have impacted their numbers. Nevertheless, Wyoming remains home to a robust population of approximately 400,000 pronghorns, offering exceptional hunting opportunities. The abundance of animals allows hunters to assess numerous pronghorns daily, and obtaining tags is generally easier compared to other regions. Much of Wyoming’s pronghorn territory is private, making outfitted hunts the preferred option. Ward Anderson of Antelope Outfitters comes highly recommended, having facilitated successful hunts, including the capture of a notable 17-inch antelope within the first hour of a previous outing.
Additionally, Pronghorn Guide Service specializes exclusively in pronghorn hunts, offering trophy-class hunting experiences in Arizona, New Mexico, and Wyoming. While these hunts may come at a premium, their track record for producing record-book animals is unmatched.
Good hunting.
