Damage Prevention and Control Methods

Exclusion

Pronghorn antelope, Antilocapra americana

Woven wire fences of 8-inch (20-cm) mesh, 48 inches (1.2 m) high, near agricultural fields will help to curtail damage. Electric fences with two wires spaced at 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) and 3 feet (90 cm) above the ground will discourage pronghorns from entering croplands. A single strand of electric wire painted with molasses as an attractant and 30 to 36 inches (76 to 91 cm) above the ground will discourage pronghorn access (Fig.3).

Figure 3. Specifications for livestock fences constructed on antelope ranges, recommended by the US Bureau of Land Management Regional Fencing Workshop (1974).

Cultural Methods

Plant tall crops, such as corn, as a barrier between rangelands and small grain fields to help reduce damage. Alfalfa fields adjacent to rangeland are more vulnerable and apt to suffer damage. Pronghorns often move out of pastures that are heavily grazed by cattle to ungrazed areas.

Frightening

Propane or acetylene exploders may provide temporary relief from crop damage. These devices are also used for bird damage control (see Bird Dispersal Techniques and Supplies and Materials).

Repellents

None are registered.

Toxicants

None are registered, and poisoning pronghorns also violates state laws that protect them as game animals.

Trapping

In areas where crop depredation and livestock competition are severe, pronghorns can be readily herded with aircraft into corral traps. After capture, they can be translocated into suitable unoccupied habitat. This technique is for use only by federal or state wildlife agencies.

Shooting

Encourage legal hunting near agricultural fields to help curtail crop damage. Shooting permits are available in some states to remove pronghorns that are causing significant damage outside of the regular hunting season.

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