Pronghorn Status
Last Update/Review: August 12, 2002
Pronghorn antelope in Alberta are at the northern extremity of their range, where weather often takes its toll and precludes further range extension to the north. As a result, Alberta pronghorn populations have always fluctuated widely — between 6,000 and 32,000 over the last 30 years — usually a result of mass emigration or high mortality in winter. Poor production following tough winters and high mortality of kids exposed to spring storms are also common problems.
Over the few years prior to 1995, our pronghorn population had just been maintaining itself at about 17,000 animals. Field studies indicated that the main reason for the lack of population growth was excessive mortality of young during the first months of life. Although the cause of this mortality is not confirmed, many people suspect it is the result of very high coyote populations.
In response, the Fish and Wildlife Division has kept the number of licences for adult does low to maintain a high proportion of these animals in the herd and enable a rapid recovery if conditions allow. However, there were substantial losses over the winter of 1995-96. A survey in the summer of 1996 estimated a drop to 9,600 antelope, excluding Canadian Forces Base, Suffield. As a result, only a minimal number of non-trophy antelope licences were issued for the 1996 season. In spite of the severe winter in 1996-97, which caused further declines in some areas, the overall provincial population improved marginally by the summer of 1997. With the mild winter in 1997-98, NRS is anticipating further improvement when the 1998 surveys are completed in August. However, the non-trophy antelope season will remain closed to enable maximum population growth to continue — as outlined in the Antelope Management Plan — until the population grows to 11,300 animals.
The trophy antelope and antelope archery seasons will remain open, but the latter — normally an either-sex season — will be restricted to trophy animals. If conditions remain favorable through spring and early summer, a few more licences should be available for the fall of 1998. Relative to the past decade, however, licence numbers will still be quite restricted, requiring hunters to apply in the draw for additional years before reaching a priority level that allows them to get a licence. Those getting a licence should again enjoy a quality hunting experience with low hunter density.
