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Top 5 Reasons You Can’t Kill an Antelope

By Brodie SwisherJuly 7, 2014

LAST UPDATED: May 1st, 2015

The hot summer months continue to fly by bringing us closer to the arrival of another bowhunting season. Serious bowhunters know that the month of August ushers in the first opportunity at big game with the kick-off of antelope season out west. Bowhunters will travel across the country to take part in the pursuit of one of the coolest critters God put on this earth. However, when hunting antelope with a bow, many hunters will go home empty handed. Sure, a lifetime of memories will be made, but there will still be the sting of an unpunched antelope tag in the pocket. This month we’ll take a look at what keeps hunters from riding home with a cooler full of meat in the truck as we shed light on the top 5 reasons you can’t kill an antelope.

An Antelope Tag

“Want to punch more tags? Eliminate the barriers that keep you from getting within bow range of antelope this year.

Antelope Insanity

Insanity is often defined as doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results. As hunters, we often fall into this crazy category. The successful hunter has learned how to do the right things over and over again, thus finding punched tags each year. However, the hunter that continues to do the wrong thing over and over again, while hoping and praying for different results, will only discover frustration, and shot opportunities that are few and far between. Bottom line: If it’s not working for you…don’t keep doing it! Many hunters will sit in a blind at a water hole day after day watching antelope using a different water hole a half mile away, or using a fence crossing other than where you’re set up. With great frustration we tend to think, “My luck has got to change!” The reality is your strategy needs to change. Take the time to research why it is that antelope are doing what you’re observing them do. Don’t be afraid to make a move and change things up.

Familytime in the Blind

Family time in the antelope blind is hard to beat!

Failure to Do Research

The second reason you can’t kill an antelope tends to piggy back off the first…Poor placement of your ground blind or ambush point. Don’t fall into the myth of thinking that success comes from simply popping up a blind on the first water hole within walking distance of your truck. There is a reason why antelope bucks and does use the water and food sources they do. Your job is to research the why, where, and when…and then move in to make the kill. Visibility, safety, and security in approach and exit points all play in to how antelope will move across the landscape to water and feed. Use a spotting scope to determine which water holes are preferred. Pay attention to what side of the pond the herd tends to enter and exit. Watch their body language, where their attention is focused as they approach, and what barriers prevent or alter their movement. Do the research. Eliminate any barriers that might keep antelope from walking within bow range, and you’ll be well on your way to more punched tags.

A Haystack Blind

Do the research required to have your ground blind in high-traffic antelope areas.

Not Hunting All Day

My friend, and antelope hunting guru, Branden VanDyken, has punched his antelope tag within the first few days of the Montana archery season for some 16 years now. He knows what it takes to get the job done…and get it done fast. Branden says that many hunters fail to realize that antelope are a great animal to hunt all day. “A lot of guys head to the truck when they bust a stalk,” says VanDyken. “The key is to know where those antelope go when they are spooked and be willing and able to reposition yourself for another stalk.” Unlike a lot of other big game animals, antelope live in the wide open. Spotting them is the easy part. Having the persistence to continue the game of cat and mouse after multiple failed stalks is the tough part. The guy that stays with it, hunting all day, will ultimately find success.

Brandon and the Hunted Animal

Brandon VanDyken loves the freedom of spot-n-stalk hunting and the opportunity to hunt all day.

Branden also notes that persistence pays off for ground blind hunters as well as the spot-n-stalk hunter. “Ground blind hunters should also be prepared to sit all day,” says VanDyken. “Lack of food, water, and the essentials will often result in shortened hunts. Be sure to have the things you need to keep you in the hunt physically and mentally.”

Expecting Shots Under 40 Yards

Western hunters know and expect shots at 40-60 yards on antelope and other big game animals out west. Open country typically means extended shot opportunities. Learn to shoot these longer shots. “Guys that come out with the expectation of shots under 40 yards are greatly limiting themselves when antelope hunting ,” says VanDyken. “Confidence in your equipment is a must when bowhunting. And when bowhunting antelope, that confidence will be put to the test. Antelope hunters should be able to accurately punch the target at 60 yards and beyond.” Branden can often be found thumping the practice target at a hundred yards and beyond as he prepares for archery season. This kind of practice is an incredible way of building your long-range confidence and skills.

An Antelope at Watering Hole

Antelope hunters should be prepared for shot opportunities at 40 yards and beyond.

Hunting with Inferior Equipment

It still amazes me how some hunters show up in hunting camp with a borrowed bow, mix-matched arrows, and 5 different broadheads in their quiver. They seem to have equated shooting a bow to that of shooting a rifle. One size fits all, right? However, antelope hunting requires precision shooting of an arrow. The archer must place a single arrow through the chest of one of the cagiest animals in the country. Any flaws in equipment will be magnified when going up against antelope. “I can’t stress how critical it is for hunters to have a quiet bow,” says VanDyken. “I’ve watched antelope literally switch ends as they reacted to the sound of a shot. Don’t ever sacrifice a quiet bow for speed.” Quiet equipment lends itself to deadlier shots. Take every measure to ensure your bow and arrow setup is whisper quiet.

A Hunter with a Bow

Make sure that your bow is fine-tuned, whisper quiet and driving nails at extended distances before heading out after Pronghorn.

As you gather gear and prepare for the archery opener this season, remember, it is vital with any animal we pursue to take inventory of the barriers that prevent us from experiencing success in the field. The handfuls mentioned above are no doubt the ones that must be addressed in order to punch more tags this antelope season.

Brodie Swisher
Brodie Swisher is a world champion game caller, outdoor writer, seminar speaker and Editor for Bowhunting.com. Brodie and his family live in the Kentucky Lake area of west Tennessee.
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