Idaho experienced a harsher than normal winter in 2018-2019. This caused a reduction in the pronghorn population across the state. While the losses were substantial, the antelope population is still strong, and we expect to see many hunters harvesting trophy class antelope. This colder than normal winter is likely to have hindered mid-season horn growth and an overall drop in the average antelope horn size found through many units across Idaho.

Idaho offers several very good unit choices for hunters looking to harvest a trophy antelope. With ample public land, those who are fortunate enough to draw a tag will have a great pursuit and likely harvest. As with pronghorn hunting in many western states, rifle hunters have the highest success rate, with muzzleloader and archery coming in second and third respectively in terms of success. Four units currently have over the counter tags available to archery hunters, and for the avid bowhunter willing to put in the legwork to properly scout, the results can be great.

In 2018 Idaho Fish & Game reduced the Unit 68 permits due to a drop in antelope population attributed to the harsher than normal winter. To compensate for this, two new hunting opportunities were added: Unit 38 (rifle) and Unit 55 (archery/any legal weapon). The horn size of those who were fortunate enough to hunt Unit 55 were substantially higher than estimates and it produced some excellent trophy-class antelope. Below you will find Hunts Plus’s top 5 Idaho Antelope Units, all worthy of consideration.