The Prong Horn Antelope

Categories: STEEL TRAPS AND THE ART OF TRAPPING.

This sole American representative of the Antelope tribe we believe

is seldom trapped; but as it is a well-known animal on the Western

plains, a short mention of it is required here. In general shape

this creature bears considerable resemblance to the deer, the form of

the horn being its chief peculiarity, each one of which is provided

with a single prong, from which the animal takes its name, of Prong

Horn. The color o the body is brownish-yellow, with the exception

of the rump and belly which are almost white. The Antelopes generally

travel in herds, and are much hunted by the Indians who surround

them and destroy them with heavy clubs. Like the deer, their sense

of smell is especially keen and the same caution is required in

hunting them. In size they are about the same as the Virginian

Deer. They are wonderfully graceful in all their movements, and

are even more fleet of foot than the deer. These Antelopes inhabit

the Western Prairies and wooded borders from New Mexico northward,

and their flesh is much esteemed as an article of diet. They may

be caught in their feeding places, as recommended for the deer,

using the same sized trap.



The dead fall is also efficacious in their capture, and they are

also sometimes taken in large pit-falls covered over with light

sticks and leaves, to resemble the natural surroundings. On this

false covering, the bait, consisting of green corn or other vegetables,

is strewn and a high wall of logs or stones is erected around it,

in order that the animal will be obliged to jump slightly in

order to reach the bait.



Remove the hide as recommended for the deer.