Photo credit: Steve Barker

The antelope is one of the greatest wildlife restoration success stories. In the early 1800s, antelope numbered between 30 and 60 million, ranging from as far north as Canada to as far south as Mexico City. By the turn of the century, however, European settlers had nearly hunted them to extinction, bringing the antelope population to a low of approximately 13,000. At this point, a number of state legislatures began instituting laws that made it unlawful to kill, ensnare or trap antelope and for nearly 50 years, the species was given complete protection. State authorities also initiated trapping and transplanting programs, further helping to reestablish antelope populations. By the 20th century, antelope populations increased to nearly one million animals. Today, antelope have a scattered but widespread distribution throughout western North America and, while the overall population has undoubtedly recovered, some regions are faring better than others.

Arizona 

Beginning in the late 1980s, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) began expressing concern over the loss of high quality antelope habitat that was being reduced at an alarming rate due to urban development and human population expansion into rural areas. Throughout the 1990s, the effects of urban growth on antelope populations had become evident, as the number of antelope in the state began to decline significantly. AZGFD recognized the severity of the situation and began implementing management strategies to address the issue.
 
Today, declining antelope populations in regions of Arizona continue to be a concern. While the statewide antelope population estimate in 1997 was around 10,000, the current population is estimated to be approximately 5,000. In addition to the loss of high quality habitat, livestock grazing, historic fencing practices, drought and predation have all impacted populations to varying degrees. The combination of such factors has lead to a substantial decline in fawn recruitment and poses a significant challenge for future recovery.
 

Colorado

Throughout the 1960s, there were only about 15,000 antelope left in the state of Colorado. Thanks to concerted conservation efforts, that number rose to 30,000 in the ‘70s and in 2008, Colorado’s antelope population was estimated at more than 70,000. During 2010, antelope peaked to roughly 79,000 but then saw a slight decline to 71,000 the following year. As of 2013, Colorado’s estimated statewide post-hunt population is near 66,000. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife Big Game Manager, Andy Holland, “the population reduction is attributable to increased doe harvest, List B licenses, and late seasons designed to achieve population objectives in the Southeast Region. Additionally, drought conditions have negatively impacted populations by reducing fawn production and recruitment.”
 

Photo credit: Getty Images

Throughout the 1960s, there were only about 15,000 antelope left in the state of Colorado. Thanks to concerted conservation efforts, that number rose to 30,000 in the ‘70s and stands at about 71,000 today.  In 2008, Colorado’s antelope population was estimated at more than 70,000. During 2010, antelope peaked around 79,000. Today, Colorado’s estimated statewide post-hunt antelope population is near 66,000. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife Big Game Manager Andy Holland, “the population reduction is attributable to increased doe harvest, List B licenses, and late seasons designed to achieve population objectives in the Southeast Region. Additionally, drought conditions have negatively impacted populations by reducing fawn production and recruitment.”
 

Montana

The severe winter of 2010-11 took a significant toll on antelope populations in northeastern Montana. Yet what is more concerning according to state biologists, is the increasing difficulty antelope face in making their seasonal migrations. Urban development, fencing, new roads, pipelines, oil and gas wells are expanding throughout many parts of the northern Great Plains. This growth has pushed its way into established wintering habitat and summer grounds where antelope rear their fawns. It has also fragmented portions of prairie habitat into isolated pieces. Biologists maintain that it will take five to 10 years before populations in northeastern Montana to recover.
 

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Across the rest of the state, antelope populations are relatively abundant. Despite the previous years’ winter mortality and reduced recruitment in central and eastern Montana, populations are continuing to recover.
 

Nevada

Nevada has found significant success through conservation efforts. The state’s dedicated trap and transfer measures during the late 1980s and early 1990s have helped the antelope population rise from about 9,000 to 27,000 statewide. This growth has meant significant opportunity for hunters.
 
According to Nevada Department of Wildlife public information officer, Chris Healy, Nevada antelope hunters had 3,814 tags available last year. This represents a 3% increase over what was available in 2012 and a 40% increase from the past 10-year average. Total antelope harvest in 2013 was 2,330, a 5% increase over what was harvested in 2012 and a 27% increase over the last 10-year average. Buck harvest actually declined slightly from the 2012 level while female harvest rose 100% over the previous year due to an increase in tag availability. A total of 762 tags were available across 15 unit groups targeting female antelope in an attempt to reduce rancher conflicts, maintain herds within compromised carrying capacities, or provide hunting opportunities. During these hunts a total of 408 adult does were harvested by hunters.
 

New Mexico

Antelope populations across much of New Mexico have been in decline over the past three decades. Poor fawn survival has plagued antelope populations in recent years and is suspected to be the primary driver of population declines. According to New Mexico Department of Fish and Game’s deer and pronghorn biologist, Ryan Darr, the “loss of suitable grassland habitats exacerbated by drought has potentially made antelope fawns more susceptible to predation leading to low fawn survival.”
 
Each year, the Department collects composition data to determine buck:doe ratios and fawn:doe ratios across select game management units. Five-year regional averages are displayed below.

Darr notes that the “most robust and stable populations in the state remain in the Northeast Area and on the Plains of San Augustin (around GMU 16E). These locations host an abundance of healthy grasslands as required for pronghorn survival and population growth. Moderate populations are found in portions of the Southeast Area. Antelope are more isolated and in lower numbers in the Northwest and Southwest Areas. Despite overall population trends for the state, many areas of New Mexico continue to provide hunters with the opportunity to take an antelope. Quality bucks can also be found throughout the state, but most trophies come from the northeastern quarter of the state and the Plains of San Augustin — including the new B&C World Record taken in 2013.” 

Wyoming

Wyoming’s antelope populations have been declining rapidly over the past decade. Just several years ago in 2010, there were more than 500,000 antelope in the state. Today, that number has dropped to slightly more than 400,000. According to Senior Wildlife Biologist Grant Frost much of this can be attributed to poor habitat conditions that did not allow antelope to sustain numbers or rebound from population declines as quickly as they used to. The drought over the past several years has also posed additional challenges, but the state has seen above average precipitation since then and in 2014, there was much better fawn survival.
 

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“We should see our first increase in several years in estimated population when biologists finish their year-end work and reports. Another few years like 2014 would do wonders for habitat condition, nutritional status, and antelope survival and numbers,” explains Frost.