39,018 rifle hunters harvested 30,963 pronghorns for an average hunter success of 81 percent. Due to the low pronghorn's population in 1989, the only unit open to hunting was the North Sioux, and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commissioners authorized the issuance of only 50 buck-only permits. The number of antelope increased in 1990 and 100 hunting permits were issued, and as the herd continued to grow, that number increased to 325 Permits in 1991. Techniques and strategies for hunting pronghorns vary with individual hunters and field conditions. Pre-season shooting practice and scouting the area to study the habits of individual herds are strongly recommended.
Distances can be deceptive in the open space.
Antelope hunting requires discipline, patience, experience and knowledge of the species. The hunter should quietly and carefully approach as close to the antelope as possible, or until he is certain a clean, one-shot kill can be made. When field dressing an antelope take special pains to prevent paunch material or hair from contaminating the meat, as much of the wild or gamey flavor attributed to antelope or other game is the result of careless handling. Bacterial growth and decay of meat depends on warmth and moisture, so it is important to cool and dry the carcass as soon as possible. Memories that will last a lifetime, many meals of delicious antelope meat, and a beautiful mount for the den are rewards of the hunt.