Antelope

[lizziedog1]

Has anyone tried hunting pronghorn with a 45-70? I realize that this animal usually requires long range shots, something that is tricky for the 45-70. I also realize that they are not the toughest critters in the world, so this caliber is probably more powerful then needed.

I just thought it would make the hunt more challenging.

 

[jbkebert]

Leave the .45/70 at home and take a bow. Long range shots are not encouraged and its hell for challenging.

 

[oneounceload]

Friend of mine hunted pronghorn in northern Washoe with a bow and a large piece of white cloth. I used a Ruger #$1 in 243 - worked well. Shots for my friend were 25-35 yards, mine were less than 100 - plan it right and your 45-70 will work well

 

[Grumulkin]

Shot at pronghorn aren't necessarily that far. A friend of mine took one with a 500 S&W Magnum handgun at probably 50 yards. Take the 45/70 if that's what you want to shoot.

 

[Ankeny]

As a matter of fact I have shot several Pronghorn with a 45-70. Two are Gold SCI critters. I did it just because I was looking for something different.

 

[cowpoke]

Is the white flag legal

 

[oneounceload]

it is/was in NV - he just hid behind a bush and waved it like crazy - curious critters that they are, they came up to investigate - when they got in range, he would pop up from behind his clump of sage and take them with his bow...........I can only dream of shooting a bow like he could

 

[lizziedog1]

Wouldn't a 45-70 cause less meat damage then a faster cartridge? Antelope are not that big, I figure a 45-70 might just go through one without much expansion.

 

[25cschaefer]

Antelope are stupid animals, in most places I have seen them they just stand in the road. The furthest I have shot one was 70 yds and he was walking toward me because he was curious why I got out of the truck, walked 50 yds off the road toward him, and sat down in the cut wheat field (in blue jeans, white shirt and orange vest). You should have no problem getting close enough for a 45-70 shot; if you do I suggest finding a dip or bowl to sit in and tie a flag to a pole so it shows over the edge of the bowl, speed goats will walk over to investigate.

 

[788Ham]

A 45-70 causing less meat damage? Almost 1/2" diameter bullet? This is what bison were shot with, at very long ranges. If you shoot an antelope with a 45-70, hit him in the front shoulder, stew meat is all you'll have left, and that includes the off shoulder too. It would be ok for elk, but not a 95 lb. animal.

 

[JMtoolman]

Antelope weight is only about 110 lbs for the biggest one I ever weighed. I have shot a lot with muzzleloaders, the closest one was 15 feet! I could see his eye dialate when I raised up and shot him. It doesn't take any special ctg. to kill one. Just stalk close and shoot. Thats all that is required.

 

[T.R.]

I you hunt from a blind your shots will likely be close enough for the 45-70.

Planning to shoot accurately with your 45-70 beyond 200 yards or so? Plan to be disappointed.

I settled on 243 for my BEST 'lope hunting cartridge back in 1976 and I've not regretted it. Many 'lopes have been toppled quickly well beyond 250 yards.

TR