Are there common mistakes beginners make when hunting antelope?

Underestimating Terrain

When hunting antelope, terrain can greatly affect visibility and shot opportunities. Beginners often overlook the importance of understanding the lay of the land, leading to missed shots. In eastern Colorado’s plains, look for areas with minimal cover, such as grasslands and open creek beds. Antelope tend to move along these routes, making them ideal spots for observation. Take note of any natural funnels, such as draws or ravines, which can funnel antelope into kill zones.

Overestimating Shot Distance

Antelope can be surprisingly fast, with some species reaching speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. When engaging a target, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of shot distance to ensure a clean kill. In Colorado’s draw system, hunters are limited to specific areas, and public land can be vast. To compensate for potential shot distance errors, hunters should consider using a rangefinder or estimating shot distance based on terrain features. For example, a 1/4 mile (1320 feet) is roughly equivalent to the length of a standard football field. In close quarters, use a 100-yard mark to gauge shot distance.

Adapting to Antelope Behavior

Antelope are highly mobile and can be unpredictable. Understanding their behavior is key to successful hunting. In Colorado’s eastern plains, antelope tend to be most active during dawn and dusk when temperatures are cooler. During these times, they are more likely to move to and from feeding grounds, making them easier to spot. Hunters should also take note of any natural water sources, such as creek beds or ponds, as antelope will often congregate around these areas, especially during hot summer months.