Pronghorn

Scientific name: Antilocapra americana

How weight is recorded: Carcass weight

Field notes

Appearance

Pronghorn are tan to reddish-brown with white undersides, distinctive white rump patches, and black facial markings. Males are slightly larger with short, pronged horns; females lack horns or have vestigial ones.

Size and weight

Males: 45–65 kg, body length 120–145 cm. Females: 35–48 kg, body length 110–135 cm.

Habitat

Pronghorn inhabit open plains, grasslands, and semi-arid shrublands from sea level to 2,000 m elevation. They prefer areas with sparse vegetation and minimal cover, requiring expansive sightlines for predator detection.

Distribution

Native to western North America from Canada to Mexico, concentrated in the Great Basin, Colorado Plateau, and Great Plains. They favor open, semi-arid grasslands and shrublands with minimal topographic relief.

Diet

Pronghorn browse forbs, shrubs, and grasses year-round, with seasonal preference shifts toward green vegetation in spring and summer, and dried browse and woody plants in winter.

Behaviour

Primarily diurnal and crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk. They are highly gregarious, forming herds of 5–50+ animals that move frequently across open terrain; males are territorial during breeding season.

Hunting tips

Look for tracks (two-toed hoof prints ~5 cm long) along game trails and water sources, and small pellet droppings clustered near bedding and feeding areas. Approach from downwind using terrain folds and sparse vegetation for concealment; pronghorn eyesight is exceptional, so remain low and move during active feeding periods. Long-distance stalks are often necessary; glass extensively before committing to approach.

Carcass weight

This species is logged by carcass weight — the animal weighed dressed, the way hunting teams normally report it.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 2 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.