July 03, 2017 by Shawn Chittim
If you're one of the lucky ones who's pulled a tag for California Pronghorn in 2017, "CONGRATULATIONS", we are envious and you have a lot to be excited about. These tags are not quite at the once-in-a-lifetime stage but they are quickly approaching the twice-in-a-lifetime point, unless you are extremely lucky, the days of pulling 3 pronghorn tags are long gone for the average resident.
The health of the herd in 2017 looks to be good, there was an above normal winter die off but it was not as bad as most had feared. While numbers will be lower in most units, the south slopes seemed to clear early and provide refuge for the herds that made it through. CDFW did have a reduction in allocated tags for the Zone 4 - Lassen Hunts, but basically left all other Pronghorn Zones with 2016 tag allocations.
We expect hunters to experience less antelope which means less bucks, but hunters willing to work should still have plenty of opportunities to punch their tag.
If you are looking to hunt the best of the best, 2017 is your year to put a "Boone and Crockett" Pronghorn on the ground in California. The exceptional winter weather we had during the 2016/2017 winter, was a blessing and a curse for California Pronghorn. However, the spring green up was nothing but spectacular and horn growth should be incredible this year.
It would not surprise us a bit if a lucky hunter puts an 88" - 90" pronghorn on the ground this August or September, the trophy quality could be as good as we've seen in 20 years.
Our fall schedule is filling up fast, if you have drawn that coveted California Pronghorn Tag in Zone 3 - Likely Tables, Zone 4 - Lassen, Zone 5 - Big Valley or Zone 6 - Surprise Valley give us a call, we'd love to hear from you. If you’re looking for a Trophy Pronghorn worthy of that tag in your pocket, we'd honor the opportunity to be there when you punch it and attach it to a massive horned speed goat. Then all that's left is put you through the legendary SC2 Outdoors Photo Shoot. It's like no other.
Posted in: California Pronghorn Hunting
