Pronghorn in Colorado?

[thefish]

Question for the Colorado guys (and girls).
Put in for a elk and deer tag, but may want to give pronghorn a go.
None in my area, so than other than looking at distribution maps and throwing a dart, I have no idea what areas may be more likely to hold them.

Anyone have any insight?

Preferably within 2-3 hours of Summit County.

Please and Thank You.

 

[X-Rap]

Do you have preference points built up? The better areas are probably going to take 10 plus points.

 

[thefish]

I have a few points, but not 10.
I figured all the good spots will take a lot of points. But figured its worth a shot.
Thanks!

 

[Sav .250]

I`d try the Colo RNR. They have maps, zones, etc. Lots of information.

 

[Robert]

The big problem. Is finding public land out east to hunt on that is near Summit County. The only places I know are going to be 4+ hours away, closer to 6+.

 

[X-Rap]

There are plenty of antelope just south and north of summit county. I've seen some dandy bucks around Walden and Hartzel.

 

[Robert]

I always for get about the Middle Park valley... Great point!

 

[.375]

Could go up to WY. Not too far. Out of state tags are not that much.

 

[H&Hhunter]

I've long ago given up on public land pronghorn hunting in Colorado. It takes major points to hunt decent areas. I buy landowner permits every year and am buying preference points at the same time.

 

[X-Rap]

Dang I'd hate to have to eat one a year, about every 10-15 is just right.

 

[H&Hhunter]

Depending on what they are eating they can taste pretty good. I've had some pronghorn that were eating primarily alfalfa and they were sweet. Now get that old buck that has been running does all day and eating grease wood and age brush.......Not so good.

 

[X-Rap]

I suppose it's an acquired taste.
I will say that I've partaken in the eating of dozens of deer and elk and while some needed a little tenderising they have all tasted very good, just sorry I can't say the same for pronghorn.

 

[Stony]

I've shot a lot of antelope over the years and I guess they are sort of an acquired taste. One thing I always believed in though, is I never shot one that was running. I want them standing still, or just getting up from a resting position. I think the best tasting ones I've gotten were from northern New Mexico.
The habitat makes a big difference in taste. We eat a LOT of whitetail venison in my house and from the area where I live it's great, compared to some game I've taken in other areas/states.

 

[rondog]

Speed goats!

 

[thefish]

Thanks Guys,
Put in for a tag in unit 18 just north of where I am, as well as a point. So well see how that goes. If I don't pull a tag, at least I get a point, and if I do pull a tag, even if I don't see any, at least I'll be out there.
My friend shot one (at 600 yards or so) and brought some steaks over last summer, and it was delicious.
Thanks again.

 

[H&Hhunter]

Unit 18 is almost exclusively private land. Unless you have a place to hunt on private land it is pretty tough to collect a pronghorn in unit 18.

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

Good luck on the tag and the goat. I've always hunted unit 111 east of Colorado Springs and between highways 24 and 94. We always hunt my cousin's place. Most all of 111 is private, but it's not hard to get permission. Last time I hunted there was a few years back, but it was taking one or two points to get a tag.

On the taste, the best game meat I've ever had was a pronghorn I shot in the head at 300 yards, and I've eaten a lot of elk and deer. Grew up on it matter of fact. Now, the ones we chased around with a pickup for half an hour, not so good, but my cousin and I grew out of that years ago. We just hunt on foot these days.