Pronghorn Antelope
Last Update/Review: August 12, 2002
Seasons
The following are composites of all seasons available in each hunting region. Archery seasons are those where only a bow and arrow may be used. General seasons are those in which a firearm or a bow and arrow may be used. Antlered, antlerless and special licence (obtained through a draw) seasons have been combined. Specific season information is provided in the current Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations, available on-line and in hard copy.
Seasons
(last update 98 May)
| Region | Archery | General |
| Boreal | Closed | Closed |
| Mountains | Closed | Closed |
| Foothills | Closed. | Closed |
| Parkland | Closed | Closed |
| Prairie | early to late Sept. |
late Sept to late Oct. |
Pronghorn (Antelope) (Antilocapra americana)
(last update 98 May)
The pronghorn is not a true antelope. True antelope have permanent, unbranched horns. The horns of the pronghorn are unique in that they are branched, or pronged, and they are not permanent. The outer sheath or "horn," composed mainly of hair, is shed every fall. Both sexes have horns, but those of the does are much smaller.
Pronghorns are generally tan in color, with two white bars across the throat, and additional white markings on the rump, lower sides and underparts. When alarmed, pronghorns erect the long, white hairs on the rump, making it highly visible. Bucks have black patches just behind the jaw. Average weight for both sexes is about 50 kg.
The rut occurs from August through September, and kids are born the following spring. Twins are usually produced.
Pronghorns are found in the prairie life zone where sagebrush and forbs form the majority of their diet. They have excellent vision, which enables them to see accurately over great distances. Capable of speeds up to 80 km/h (50 mph), they can easily outrun most predators.
The provincial population (in Sept.) routinely swings from 10,000 to 20,000 animals because of the varying severity of the winters. The Alberta prairie is the northern limit of pronghorn range. See Pronghorn Status for a description of the current status of pronghorn in the province.
