Antelope hunters

[newhouse114]

I have a question for experienced antelope hunters. Is an antelope less likely to jump the string on a long shot rather than a close shot. I can make an ethical shot on an antelope sized critter out to a pinch over 40 yards, provided he doesn’t jump on release. I’ve had black tails duck arrows at 12 yards and rotate 90 degrees at twenty. I imagine a twitchy antelope would be the same but I’ve never hunted them before. Any first hand information would be greatly appreciated.

[David Mitchell]

My experience is not extensive, but I have found them to be extremely alert and to react quickly to any hint of trouble.  I personally would not trust one to still be there on a 40 yard shot (even if I could shoot accurately that far) 

[trad_bowhunter1965]

I have shot two Antelope one at 30 yards with a compound the second was under 15 yards neither one jumped the string have patience if your hunting over water hole wait until they start to drink.   

[BAK]

I too have only taken one,  at 17 yards over water,  and I waited till it was drinking to take the shot.  Not a twitch till the arrow passed through.

[mnbwhtr]

I haven't shot at an antelope at 40 yds in many years but think it's very doable. If the animal is relaxed I don't think they'll jump. I've taken a dozen or so in the past 30 years all with longbows and recurves but all were at waterholes or decoys so my shots have been 5-15 yards.  I can't remember any that jumped the string. Inside the blind my bows all seem noisey but outside not noticable I guess. I love decoying them the most.

[buddyb]

I shot a doe antelope at 35-45 yards, it was broadside and by the time the arrow got there it was quartering away and the arrow went in behind the shoulder and rode alongside the ribs and up into the neck. The arrow never went into the body cavity and it went around 50 yards before expiring.

[elkken]

The closer the better .... but just like deer you occasionally get one that is deaf to your release, but that is not the norm. They are very quick to drop or bolt. They also are excellent at the head fake if you are hunting water holes. Antelope are not deer size, they are smaller, study their color lines and the relationship of the color to their vitals. I learned that Caribou hunting and it really helps pick a spot. Also antelope though small can be tough with a marginal hit. I have hunted them in Wyoming many times. I love the rut and watching all the chasing. Antelope is one of my favorite game meats ....   Good luck and be safe

[DXH]

Was wondering this myself today...season is fast approaching
 

[Mike Yancey]

Ive taken a pile of them and never had one ever act like it was gonna jump the string. 

One thing to do though is if hes at the water, they will without fail jerk their head up and look for danger the first time their nose goes to the water. They wont even drink that first time, once they think that the coast is clear they will put their head down and drink and you could almost wave at them and not spook them.

As far as distance, the furthest that I have ever shot is around 20-25 and they stood there and took it.

[Tim Finley]

Ive shot a good number of them. One year I couldn't hit them for anything, missed six . I was hunting at a water hole I had found in SW ND I finally figured out it was my arrows they had big feathers and  were buzzing in flight the antelope were ducking every shot even at 15 yards . So they can duck the arrow .

[newhouse114]

Thanks for all the replies! I’ve changed my arrow set up just for this hunt. Went from an 840 grain aluminum to a 575 carbon. Boosted my FPS from 155 to 180. Faster quieter arrow hopefully helps. This is a very early hunt so no rutting activity.

[DXH]

Mike yancy ; any of those make pope and young?

[Mike Yancey]

Mike yancy ; any of those make pope and young?

I have 4 that I put in the book another 2 that would but never entered them. One of those almost made B&C

[Tim Finley]

This might surprise some but hunting antelope during the rut over a water hole is not the best time . When they really get chasing they seldom come into water. I've seen many trot right on by with out even a look, you would think with all the running they would get thirsty . When they come to water otherwise they aren't really coming because they are thirsty its that they have to have water to digest food and antelope don't eat much when the rut is really going  .  The best time I have found is about the labor day week .

[newhouse114]

My hunt starts on the 6th of August so pretty early.

[DXH]

What are you guys planning on wearing in the blind

[newhouse114]

Pants are no too important but a black long sleeve shirt for upper body.

[mnbwhtr]

I wear black jeans, black longsleeve t shirt and black headcovering. My buddy just wears dark camo and does alright.

[The Vanilla Gorilla]

I wore OD shorts, black short sleeve shirt, and flip flops.  I had plans on wearing a head covering to hide my shaved head and white face,  but the antelope appeared so quicky i had no time to get ready.  Shot him at 7 yards.

[trad_bowhunter1965]

I know your going to be setting in a blind don’t forget Sunscreen Warriors paint work awesome it’s a face camo Sunscreen.