Friends-

I am heading to New Mexico in Mid-September for Pronghorn Antelope. I have been on this hunt three other times but, I'll tell you that Pronghorn are pretty tough to judge in the field especially if there are not any other bucks close by for comparison.

But, like any game animal there must be some reference points to study in order to judge a Pronhorn on the hoof. My question to you is, what might those tips and tricks be?

Thanks in advance.

I am sure someone has a better method, but what I have always went by when looking at Pronghorn bucks, is that supposedly a Pronghorn's ear, is 7 inches long from base to tip.

That may or may not be true, but if you can visualize the length of two ears, one stacked on top of the other, between the base of the horn and the tip then it is possibly a shooter.

If you can place two ears lengths between the base of the horn and the tip and have daylight remaining it is a shooter.

Also look at the shovels/prongs on the front of the horns, if they appear to be longer than the width of the base of the horns, it should be a good buck. JMO.

Everything counts toward total score, the goal is to find a buck that is at least 14 plus, and has long prongs, and lots of mass.

Since mass is such a huge part of the total you are looking for a buck that has the bottom of his prongs higher than the tops of his ears.

This will push the third measurement of mass below the cutter, or at least it should.

I personally like bucks that heart shaped in their configuration. I also like the really strangely spread and downturned bucks, we call these wide spread wierd ones sage monsters.

Like D99, I look for prongs that start above the ears and mass.

M.P.H

Mass. Prong. Hook

I look for buck that prong starts four inches above the ear tip and shows plenty of mass above the prong.

Mass then lenght and then more mass.

Steve

Look for one like this. -TONY

I have the same problem.

Go with the old saying "the big ones just look big".

New Mexico has a short season. Don't spend all your time judging between a half an inch. Enjoy the hunt and if you get a booner, its icing on the cake.

Just my opinion.

If you are unfamiliar with judging Antelope, get there 2 days early and scout. Find out what is available, what the common lope in the area look like. Then, if you saee a toad on opening morning you will know it.

Good luck.

Most of the time if an antelope has a bit of "trash" on the horns he will be older and have the mass and length to be a good trophy.

Perry

All good replies. I also look for spreed. They can be tall and thick but if they go straight up you will not have the length you need. Have made this mistake. Twice!
MM

a couple of years ago, i did a write-up of field judging several game animals, including pronghorns, at www.baitshopboyz.com. most of the stuff is quoted from o'connor, but it is still quite relevant today, and there are some other pointers there as well.

here's the link to the antelope:

http://www.baitshopboyz.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11453&PN=1

Friends-

Thanks for your help!!!

I was able to take a really nice New Mexico Antelope:



I wish my posing and photography skills were better.

That is a beautiful buck!! I know that the experience is more important than a score...but what did he score?

ddj

Way to go, Mark. Nice buck! -TONY

Man, that is a real nice goat. Good going!

75 7/8

Beautiful goat, Mark. Good for you!