4 Antelope Stalking Tactics

Picture this: the vast open plains of Montana stretch before you one early fall morning. The sun is rising, casting a golden hue over the landscape. A lone antelope grazes in the distance, unaware of your presence. For many big game hunters, this is the ultimate challenge and thrill. But achieving success in antelope hunting requires more than just luck — it demands strategy and skill. This is where antelope stalking tactics come into play. Let’s talk about a few.

#1 — Digital Scouting

More of a pre-stalking tactic, but a tactic just the same. Digital scouting tools like Google Earth can help you locate key terrain features like watering holes, feeding areas, or other natural funnels antelope are likely to linger around.

When using a satellite tool, pay attention to terrain features like ridges, valleys, and open plains. These areas will provide both cover and visibility during your hunt, especially while stalking. Knowing the location of these areas can be useful in planning your approach.

Hunting apps like OnX Hunt and HuntStand are other great tools to use pre-hunt. They provide details on property boundaries, topographical features, and trail information. These technological advances can help you plan a strategic stalking approach before ever hitting the plains.

#2 — Mimicking Movement with a Decoy

Mimicking natural movement can be a great antelope stalking tactic, and is best achieved with a decoy. Since antelope are known for their keen senses and alertness, moving as naturally as possible can make them less skeptical of your presence.

Bessie Moo Cow is a great decoy to have in your pack when stalking Antelope.

Stalking decoys like the Eichler Antelope and Bessie Moo Cow are great tools to have in your pack when stalking antelope. These decoys are large enough to hide behind, and were created using HD photos of a real elk and cow.

To have success using this tactic, it’s important to understand both your physical environment and the behavior of antelope — as well as other wildlife that could be in the area. Before using this strategy, be sure to study up on antelope behavior, including their feeding and movement patterns.

In areas where cover is minimal, this antelope stalking tactic is particularly useful.

#3 — Partner Stalking

Hunting with a partner is all about working in tandem to create an advantage. Combine coordinated strategies with silent communication, and you have a great antelope stalking tactic.

By having two sets of eyes, ears, and skills you can effectively cover more ground, communicate critical information in real-time, and execute complex maneuvers that would be hard to accomplish alone. This tactic is particularly useful in open terrains where antelope can easily spot a lone hunter.

Partner hunting also provides a wider variety of approach options. One of our favorites has one hunter creating a distraction, usually with a decoy, while the other moves into a shooting position. Done correctly and you’ll have the antelope’s attention all while remaining unnoticed. Plus a nice trophy to show off.

When stalking antelope, hunting with a partner provides a wider variety of approach options.

#4 — Take Advantage of Terrain

One of the most practical antelope stalking tactics can be implemented by taking advantage of your natural surroundings. If no other tactic was planned out or available, using natural cover can always be counted on.

Antelope country is full of ridges, valleys, and hills. Strategically moving through these areas allows you to get closer to your target undetected.

Think of ridges like an elevated pathway. Moving along them can help provide a higher vantage point all while staying out of sight. On the other hand, valleys can also serve as a natural corridor — only keeping you lower rather than higher.

In addition to natural terrain, don’t hesitate to take advantage of natural cover areas like tall grass or rock formations to remain out of sight.

Mastering antelope stalking tactics is important for any hunter looking to achieve success on the open plains. While any antelope hunt is sure to be thrilling, having a plan of action can help your chances of taking down one of nature’s toughest targets. Remember these antelope stalking tactics on your next hunt, and get ready for what could be the experience of a lifetime.