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Pronghorn Antelope Hunting in Colorado: A First-Time Adventure

Colorado is known for its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and world-class hunting opportunities. For those looking to hunt pronghorn antelope, the vast open grasslands and agricultural fields of southern Colorado provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable experience. Our recent trip to hunt pronghorn with one of our trusted outfitters, Sandy Hills Hunting Company, was nothing short of incredible.

The Journey to La Veta, CO

Our adventure began with a flight into Denver International Airport, followed by a scenic drive to La Veta, Colorado. Along the way, we stopped at Cabela’s to pick up our hunting tags. A key lesson learned: always bring proof of hunter’s education, regardless of your age. Colorado requires it for purchasing a tag, no exceptions! The drive south was an experience in itself. We saw numerous elk, including some impressive bulls near the roadside, as well as mule deer strolling the streets of La Veta. A few bucks lounging in people’s yards easily scored over 180 inches—a true testament to the quality of game in the area Upon arriving at Sandy Hills Hunting Company, we were warmly welcomed by Jeremy, one of the owners. The lodge was exceptionally comfortable, the food outstanding, and the hospitality unmatched. Before settling in, we took some time to shoot our bows and ensure we were dialed in for the days ahead.

The Landscape and Hunting Setup

The pronghorn antelope habitat in this region is nothing short of spectacular. Expansive grasslands stretch as far as the eye can see, framed by towering mountains that are home to thriving elk populations. The contrast between the open plains and rugged peaks creates a truly stunning setting for a hunt. Traditionally, one of the most effective ways to hunt pronghorn is from a blind near a waterhole. In the warm August temperatures, antelope rely heavily on these water sources—provided it doesn’t rain. Unfortunately for us, a storm rolled through the day before we arrived, leaving plenty of standing water across the landscape. This significantly reduced antelope movement toward our blinds, making for a challenging hunt.

Three Days in the Blind

As a first-time antelope hunter, I was determined to stickit out in the blind, hoping for an opportunity at a speed goat. For three days, I sat for 12 hours a day, watching countless antelope pass by without ever committing to the water. It was a true test of patience. Thankfully, I had a good cell phone charger, allowing me to catch up on several TV shows during the long hours of waiting. Troy Enberg, a consultant for Shoshone, had a similar experience. However, he did manage to get a shot—only for his arrow to clip the side of the blind, preventing a successful hit. It was simply bad luck, and a valuable lesson learned.

Jay’s Spot-and-Stalk Success

Meanwhile, Jay Roberts, one of the owners of Shoshone, decided that sitting in a blind wasn’t for him. After just one day of waiting, he teamed up with his guide Russ and our video producer, David McElwain, for a spot-and-stalk approach. Their strategy paid off. Early in the day, they spotted a quality pronghorn and began their stalk. After carefully closing the distance to around 60 yards, Jay made a perfect shot. The antelope ran a short distance before expiring, and Jay was thrilled—not only because he had successfully harvested his first pronghorn, but also because he wouldn’t have to spend another day in the blind!

Final Thoughts and Lessons Learned

This hunt reinforced several key takeaways about pronghorn hunting in Colorado:

Waterhole Hunting Can Be Highly Effective - If Conditions Are Right Hunting over water is a proven strategy for pronghorn, but it’s heavily dependent on dry conditions. If recent rains have created ample natural water sources, this method becomes significantly less reliable.

Spot-and-Stalk is More Challenging, But Incredibly Rewarding - While hunting from a blind requires patience, spot-and-stalk hunting is far more active and engaging. Closing the distance on an antelope in open terrain is no easy feat, but the satisfaction of a successful stalk is unmatched.

This was my first pronghorn hunt, but it certainly won’t be my last. Next time, I’ll either be hunting spot-and-stalk or bringing a rifle—because as Jay would say, “I’m mad at them now.”

From the sheer number of elk and mule deer we encountered to the stunning landscapes, Colorado offers some of the best hunting opportunities in North America. For anyone considering a pronghorn hunt in Colorado, I highly recommend Sandy Hills Hunting Company. Their knowledge, hospitality, and access to prime hunting grounds make for an exceptional experience. Whether you choose to sit in a blind or take on the challenge of spot-and-stalk, one thing is for certain: pronghorn hunting in Colorado is an adventure you won’t soon forget.

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Peyton Merideth is the CEO of Shoshone Adventure Consulting.

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