Wanderlust World Wanderlust World North American antelope are a wild and fascinating animal. Hunters and wildlife enthusiasts are enthralled with this "fastest land mammal in North America." In Texas, the wide-open spaces of the state are perfect for the pronghorn antelope. Hunting parties take to the prairie every year during the short hunting season to try their hand against this prized animal in its native environment.
The pronghorn antelope is the fastest land animal in Texas, and a longtime favorite of hunters. Found only in North America, pronghorn antelope live in open spaces and prairies, where their exceptional eyesight protects them from natural predators. Pronghorn antelope can weigh up to 140 pounds and run up to 50 miles per hour.
Pronghorn antelope are a favorite of hunters. Their great speed and eyesight make them a challenging prey, and their size and prominent forked antlers make them attractive trophies. The open spaces the animals inhabit give antelope hunters an advantage. They can observe the antelope for a long time in the open land, and wait for hours if needed until they have a good shot. The recommended rifle for antelope is something akin to a 6 mm Remington. Many hunters use a 100-grain bullet and a scope of between 3 and 9 times magnification to track the antelope from a distance.
Antelope hunting in Texas requires a permit from the state. The dates of hunting season vary somewhat from year to year, but typically fall within or near the month of October. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the 2010 season will be October 2 to October 10.
Many ranches and hunting guide services offer packages for those hoping to hunt pronghorn antelope. These services often guarantee that participants will shoot an animal, and many offer taxidermy services as well so that hunters can can preserve and display their trophy at home. Wildlife Systems operates pronghorn hunts on a large ranch in west Texas. It organizes tours of varying sizes and durations during hunting season.
Wildlife Systems, Inc
P.O. Box 5121
San Angelo, TX 76902
325-655-0877
wildlifesystems.com
A gradual decline in the number of pronghorn antelope in Texas has lead to a reduction in the number of hunting permits granted each year, and a shortening season. Between 1978 and 2000, the antelope population of Texas fell from 17,000 to about 5,200, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Although the state does not declare a direct correlation between hunting and declining antelope population, the population did decrease as the number of hunting permits increased. Malnutrition due to droughts, and the sensitive habitat antelope need to survive are also factors in their declining numbers.