By Bob Humphrey

Pronghorn are known mostly for their blistering speed -- they’re North American’s fastest land animal -- and their incredible eyesight.  Add to that a preference for open range and they make for a formidable challenge for any hunter, especially a bowhunter. 

Fortunately, the pronghorn has an Achilles heel -- the rut.  During the breeding season bucks become extremely aggressive and will approach and even try to chase off any potential rival.  It can be a very narrow window, but represents one of the best times and tactics for bringing a buck into bow range.

Scout - Scout the area you hunt from a distance to locate rutting bucks and their harems.  Scout from a vehicle, like a truck or Side-by-Side as pronghorns seem less wary of vehicles than humans on foot. 

Get Close - Use terrain and any available cover to get as close as you can.  Pronghorn can see your decoy from a long way off, and may react to it.  But the closer you can get the better the chances of a positive reaction.

How Many? - One decoy will work, and if you use only one, make sure it’s a buck.  A rutting buck will be far more likely to approach a rival than a potential mate.  However, you can enhance your set-up by adding a doe or two.  A randy buck may perceive this as an even greater threat to his dominance and the integrity of his harem.

Get Help - Trying to manage a decoy and a bow can be tough, especially if you have to move.  Pairing up allows one person to manage the decoy while the other concentrates on preparing for the shot.

Go Light - Pronghorn have keen eyesight but rather poor depth perception.  This makes two-dimensional decoys a good option.  They’re lighter, making them much easier to transport and handle, particularly those that fold up.

Set-up - You have several options on how to set up, though you may be limited by circumstances.  If cover allows, use it to set up for a broadside shot when the buck approaches the decoy.  In the open, the decoy may be your only cover.  Then, you’ll have to wait for the animal to turn, offering a broadside shot.

Practice - A rut-crazed buck may charge in and stop only a few yards away, but long shots of 50 or more yards are more common.  Be prepared by practicing at these ranges and having long-range pins on your sight.  You should also practice judging distances, which becomes more difficult in open terrain where you have little for scale. 

Range - You should also carry a rangefinder.  If you hunt with a partner, let them do the ranging to free up your hands.