Wyoming’s Hard Winter: What It Means for Pronghorn Antelope and Big Game

Wyoming, like much of the West, is experiencing a tough winter with heavy snowfall. As one of the largest states in the country, our snowpack varies significantly from region to region. However, one thing is certain—this moisture is critical.

For years, Wyoming has battled a prolonged drought. Cattle ranchers have an old saying: “It takes a hard winter to break a drought.” Unlike other regions that receive steady summer rains, Wyoming relies on winter snowfall to replenish deep soil moisture, recharge creeks, and sustain wildlife.

How Hard Winters Impact Wyoming’s Wildlife

Wildlife has adapted to survive harsh winters for thousands of years, but not all species are equally resilient. The Pronghorn Antelope is one of the most vulnerable animals during extreme winter conditions.

Fortunately, nature has given these prairie speedsters remarkable survival adaptations:
✔ Hollow hair for superior insulation against extreme cold.
✔ Camouflaged coats that blend into snow-covered landscapes, offering protection from predators.
✔ Sagebrush diet, a crucial food source that remains accessible above deep snow and provides essential nutrients for survival and horn growth.

Even with these adaptations, hard winters take a toll—particularly on the young.

Winter Mortality and the Impact on Hunting

One truth we’ve seen time and again is that it’s the youngest animals that struggle the most. Many fawns won’t survive, leading to population dips in the years following a winter die-off.

The effects on Pronghorn hunting follow a pattern:
🦌 1-2 years after a severe winter: Still plenty of mature bucks available.
🦌 3rd year post-winter kill: A noticeable shortage of mature bucks due to a missing age class.

Fortunately, Pronghorn Antelope populations rebound quickly. Each spring, it’s common to see does giving birth to twins and even triplets, rapidly restoring herd numbers.

A Hopeful Outlook for Wyoming’s Herds

For now, Wyoming’s big game animals are holding up well despite the tough conditions. SNS guides reported last fall that the bucks we harvested carried significant body fat—an excellent indicator that they were prepared for a harsh winter.

While we welcome the much-needed moisture these snowstorms bring, we’re just as eager for warmer days and the arrival of spring—and we imagine the Antelope feel the same way!