Quick Answer
Pronghorn antelope primarily eat grasses, forbs, and shrubs, adapting their diet to the seasonal availability of vegetation. In the spring, they focus on new growth and grasses. During the summer, they consume more shrubs and forbs, while in the fall, they concentrate on remaining green vegetation. In the winter, they rely on stored fat reserves.
Spring Diet Adaptations
In the spring, pronghorn antelope transition from their winter diet of stored fat to fresh vegetation. This typically occurs when snow melts and new growth emerges, around late March or early April in the western United States. During this time, they feed on grasses such as bluebunch wheatgrass and Idaho fescue, as well as forbs like lupine and clover.
Summer Foraging Strategies
In the summer, pronghorn antelope focus on consuming shrubs and forbs, which provide essential nutrients. They tend to avoid areas with dense vegetation, instead favoring open areas with shorter grasses and shrubs. This allows them to effectively use their keen eyesight to detect predators and competitors. A well-placed decoy, such as a fake antelope, can be an effective tool for attracting pronghorn into a specific area.
Water Hole Concentrations
Pronghorn antelope tend to congregate at water holes during hot summer months, often competing with other wildlife for access to these limited resources. When glassing open country, it’s essential to identify water sources and anticipate pronghorn concentrations around them. Stalk and approach these areas carefully, using cover and concealment to get within shooting range. Crawling or using a low profile can help you get close to your target without spooking the animals.
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