could find. They were watering at numerous spots, and effec-
tive spotting and stalking wasn’t an option. I didn’t want to try
the decoy, because I’ve had limited success with decoys early in
the season, especially on big brutes that have a harem of does.
Because no does are in estrus, and the buck ’s testosterone lev-
els are low, their reaction is to simply watch the approaching
fake, give you just enough hope to keep going, and then wran-
gle their does and bound away at warp speed.
Early in my bowhunting career, I would stalk any buck I
saw. Don’t do this. Be smart. The eyes of a pronghorn miss
nothing. Weigh your odds, and if your bowhunting gut tells
you that you have no chance, listen. Don’t go on a stalk just to
go on a stalk. Keep an eye on the herd or lone buck and wait for
a better opportunity, or simply go look for another buck that’s
in a more stalkable location.
My buddy Jason was up to bat, and it wasn’t long before our
optics spied a decent-sized buck making his way across a longBy Jace Bauserman
BOWHUNTER.COM 10 1
When the rut isn’t rocking and water is out of play, spot and stalk is a
great option. Although extremely difficult, killing a pronghorn by way
of spot and stalk is one of bowhunting’s greatest accomplishments.