Pronghorn Antelope Quick Facts

by Zachary Key | December 1, 2011

Pronghorn, or antelope as many folks call them, are the one of America's most majestic big game animals, but few people know much about them. This is unfortunate because they are more amazing than most people realize. I am happy to shed some light on this interesting animal.

The first question people always ask about pronghorns is, "Don't they stink?" And the simple answer is yes, they do stink. They stink like nothing you've ever smelled before. Pronghorns have a distinct, musky odor. Males mark territory with a scent gland located on the sides of the head. Add in a diet of sage brush and an often dry desert habitat and you've got yourself a recipe for one smelly animal!

A pronghorn is not actually an antelope as most people call them. They are the only surviving member of the family Antilocapridae. During the Pleistocene period, 12 antilocaprid species existed in North America. Only about five existed when humans entered North America 13,000 years ago. Today all other species except for the pronghorns are extinct.

Unlike deer, both male and female pronghorns have horns, though the males are larger and more prominent.

Pronghorns have earned themselves the nickname "Speed Goat" for good reason. They can run at an estimated speed of 53 miles per hour. They are the fastest land mammal in the Western Hemisphere and the second-fastest land animal only to the cheetah.  They are built for maximum predator evasion. But in my experience, they can't always escape a Berger bullet!

Our public lands are just thriving with beautiful Pronghorn Antelope and I challenge you at home to do some research. Head to a populated area on our public lands and try your hand at pursuing one of the least-recognized big game animals in the Western Hemisphere. You won't regret it because it's a great hunt to spend with friends and family. Life is a garden! Dig it!