A serene open vista…

…means they can see you coming for miles.

The pronghorn antelope may seem impossible to hunt. Evolving and thriving in the prairie regions of Alberta, this open-grassland animal has keen eyesight (compare to a 10-power binocular for humans!). Here’s how to sneak past dozens of eyes to get close enough for an ethical shot.

Follow daily routines
Like any animal, antelope have daily routines. They will travel to preferred feeding areas and move to bedding areas where they can see well or are protected from the wind and elements. They water regularly and often stand up during the day to stretch their legs and feed. Watching antelope and pre-scouting can put you in the right spot when it’s time to hunt. Scouting teaches you lots about how they interact with other animals and use different habitats.

Watch the water
Antelope live in arid, warm climates and use watering holes throughout the day. If you find a wetland, or even a dugout, check for tracks and other signs of antelope presence. It could be a great spot to set up a blind or watch from a comfortable shooting distance.

Stay hidden
If there’s one animal that gives an advantage by way of camouflage, it’s the antelope. Use light-coloured patterns that blend with the hardened dry grasses. Dark colours make you stand out against everything else.

Prairie terrain is anything but flat. There is always a way to sneak up on antelope—take a good look at everything. Grassy fence lines, draws, coulees, depressions, creek valleys, and even undulating topography can all be sneaking points for a hunter to get close. Sure, you might have to belly crawl or slither, but it’s rare you can’t cut the distance when you look, plan, and execute a stalk.

Fenced advantage
Antelope evolved without barriers, and when we began constructing fences, the species didn’t learn how to jump over them. The hunter who pays attention will find areas on a fence line where animals duck or crawl under the bottom strand of wire. Look for a shallow wash or another low spot that the animals have found to slip under the fence without getting caught on the barbs. Locating crossings can put you in a great place to ambush a herd or an animal on the move. Most antelope will pause and look the surroundings over before ducking under the fence, providing a standing shot opportunity.

Success is high
Antelope hunting may seem difficult, but hunters have a high success rate. If at first you don’t succeed, find another herd and try again. Don’t think you’ll see all the animals with a naked eye either—the tan and white colours of a loper allow it to blend well in its environment. Use binoculars or a spotting scope to scour the hills. Spend more time glassing and less time travelling: you might be surprised at what you find.

Meat care
Temperatures are often hot during an antelope hunt, so be prepared with a cooler and ice. Do not leave an antelope with its hide in warm temperatures. Animals should be skinned, quartered, and placed in coolers with ice when you’re dealing with heat. Game bags help keep insects and debris off the meat. Proper meat care means outstanding table fare once you get it home.