Antelope on a Budget: Why This Affordable Bowhunt Offers Big Rewards
When most bowhunters dream about an out-of-state hunt, their minds go straight to chasing whitetails. Whitetails are the most popular big-game animal in North America, and it’s no surprise that many hunters want a shot at a trophy buck. But what most people don’t realize is that bowhunting whitetails with an outfitter only has about a 30% success rate. If you want an adventure that offers a higher chance of success and doesn’t drain your wallet, hunting antelope should be at the top of your list.
Before your next hunt, it’s always smart to fine-tune your setup with quality gear from Pine Ridge Archery.
Why Antelope Are a Budget-Friendly Bowhunt
Antelope hunts are surprisingly affordable compared to other guided hunts. Many outfitters out west offer opportunities that cost $2,000 or less, making them accessible for most bowhunters who want a big adventure without breaking the bank.
Success rates are also much higher. Most bowhunters who book an antelope hunt—especially one sitting over a waterhole—will get a shot opportunity. That alone makes an antelope trip more exciting and rewarding than many traditional guided hunts.
To prepare your bow for longer shots, explore tuning accessories such as peep sights and stabilizers at Pine Ridge Archery.
My Colorado Antelope Experience
This past fall, I hunted with Trujillo Creek Outfitters in Southern Colorado. They offer a “trespass hunt,” which means you hunt private land each day but do so without a full guide. You’re dropped off, set up in a ground blind near a waterhole, and hunt comfortably on your own. It’s simple, effective, and the success rate is extremely high.
The best part? I brought my family along. While I hunted, they explored small mountain towns, enjoyed the hotel pool, and soaked in the western scenery. It turned the hunt into a family vacation—something that’s much harder to do on a whitetail hunt unless everyone participates.
And when you bring home antelope meat, you’ll discover that it makes fantastic ground burger and table fare. Affordable, fun, and delicious—hard to beat.
If you want to personalize your bow for your next hunt, check out color-matched accessories from Pine Ridge Archery.
Long-Range Practice Is Essential
Antelope are small, fast, and alert animals. Their vitals are smaller than a whitetail’s, and long shots are common if the waterhole setup doesn’t pan out. In preparation for my hunt, I practiced regularly at 60 and 70 yards. Shooting this far requires a well-tuned bow.
For my setup, I used a Pine Ridge Archery NITRO Peep and a NITRO Stabilizer—both of which helped keep my groups tight at long range. You can find these accessories and more at Pine Ridge Archery.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a bowhunting adventure that’s affordable, family-friendly, and full of opportunity, an antelope hunt is a fantastic choice. The landscape is breathtaking, the animals are beautiful, and the success rates make the experience even more enjoyable.
Give antelope hunting a try next fall—and make sure your setup is dialed in with high-quality gear from Pine Ridge Archery.
BY TRACY BREEN
About the author: Tracy Breen is a full time outdoor writer, consultant and game dinner speaker who often discuss how he overcomes cerebral palsy. Learn more about him at www.tracybreen.com
