What is impact of predator populations on pronghorn herds?

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Understanding the Predator-Prey Dynamic In Wyoming, coyotes and mountain lions are the primary predators of pronghorn. Studies have shown that coyote predation can account for up to 70% of pronghorn mortality in certain areas. Effective predator management, such as hunting and trapping, can help mitigate this impact. For example, in the 2019-2020 hunting season, Wyoming’s coyote harvest was 25,000 animals, which helped reduce coyote populations and subsequently benefit pronghorn herds.
Unit Selection and Predator Impact When selecting units for antelope hunting, it’s essential to consider the presence of predators. Units with high coyote or mountain lion populations may require more aggressive and adaptable hunting strategies. For example, in units with high coyote activity, hunters may need to focus on calling and decoying methods to attract pronghorn within shooting range. Conversely, units with lower predator populations may allow for more traditional stalking and spot-and-stalk tactics.
Speed Goat Tactics and Predator Avoidance Speed goat tactics involve using vehicles to quickly and quietly move through the landscape, allowing hunters to cover more ground and catch pronghorn off guard. However, this tactic can also make it difficult to avoid predators, particularly coyotes. To mitigate this risk, hunters should focus on high-speed travel during daylight hours and avoid traveling at night or in areas with known coyote activity. By understanding the predator-prey dynamic and adapting their tactics accordingly, hunters can increase their chances of success while minimizing the impact on pronghorn herds.