Pronghorn Hunting on the Eastern Plains of Colorado: A Hunter's Guide

When most people think of Colorado hunting, they picture elk in the high country or mule deer in the mountains. But serious pronghorn hunters know the real action is out on the Eastern Plains — and Lincoln County is right in the middle of it.

The shortgrass prairie stretching across southeastern Colorado is some of the finest antelope habitat in North America. Wide-open country, healthy herds, and classic spot-and-stalk terrain make the Eastern Plains a bucket-list destination for pronghorn hunters. Hugo, Colorado — sitting at the crossroads of US-40 and US-287 — puts you right in the thick of it.

The Eastern Plains: Prime Pronghorn Country

Pronghorn are animals of the open plains. They thrive in the same shortgrass prairie ecosystem that defines the Eastern Colorado landscape — rolling terrain, wide draws, scattered cedar breaks, and miles of visibility in every direction. This is their home turf, and the herds here reflect it.

Lincoln County and the surrounding counties — Cheyenne, Kit Carson, Elbert, and Kiowa — consistently produce quality pronghorn. The GMUs (Game Management Units) across this region offer both draw and over-the-counter opportunities depending on the unit and license type. Herd numbers on the Eastern Plains have remained strong, making this one of the more reliable pronghorn destinations in the state year after year.

What sets Eastern Plains hunting apart from other regions:

• Vast, huntable terrain — the open country here is made for glassing and stalking
• Strong public land access — BLM land, state wildlife areas, and walk-in access programs provide solid opportunities for hunters without private land connections
• Lower hunting pressure than mountain units — you're not competing with the crowds
• Consistent herd numbers — the shortgrass prairie supports pronghorn populations reliably across seasons
• Accessible country — no high-altitude hiking, no technical terrain; this is hunting you can do from a truck and on foot

When Does Pronghorn Season Open?

Colorado's pronghorn seasons are structured by license type and GMU:

• Archery season typically opens in late August and runs through mid-September
• Rifle season generally opens in early October, with the first rifle season being the most popular
• Muzzleloader season runs concurrently with or adjacent to archery in many units

Exact dates, license availability, and draw odds vary by unit. Always verify current season dates and regulations on the Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) website before your hunt. Some Eastern Plains units offer over-the-counter licenses; others require a draw. Check your specific GMU carefully.

The early October rifle opener is the sweet spot for most hunters — bucks are still in rut or just coming out of it, temperatures are manageable, and the prairie grass is dry enough to move quietly.

Spot-and-Stalk on the Open Prairie

Pronghorn hunting on the Eastern Plains is a pure spot-and-stalk game. The same wide-open terrain that makes them easy to find makes them challenging to approach. Here's how to hunt them effectively:

Glass from high ground. Get to a ridge or elevated point before first light and start glassing. Pronghorn are active at dawn and dusk. A quality binocular and a spotting scope will save you miles of walking by letting you evaluate animals before you commit to a stalk.

Use the terrain. The Eastern Plains look flat from the highway, but there are draws, dry creek beds, and subtle ridgelines everywhere. Learn to read the land and use every fold of terrain to stay out of sight on your approach.

Mind the wind — and their eyes. Pronghorn have exceptional 320-degree vision and can pick up movement at extraordinary distances. Approach from downwind, move slowly, and use every available piece of cover. A stalk that looks good from a mile away can fall apart fast if you underestimate their eyesight.

Be ready for distance. Eastern Plains shots are often longer than mountain hunting. Know your effective range, practice at 200–400 yards before the season, and don't take shots you're not confident in.

Hunt water in dry years. In dry fall conditions, water sources concentrate pronghorn. Locate stock tanks and natural water on your maps and glass them during midday when animals are moving less.

GMUs to Know on the Eastern Plains

The Eastern Plains of Colorado are divided into several GMUs that cover Lincoln County and the surrounding region. Units in this area — including GMUs 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, and neighboring units — have historically offered solid pronghorn opportunities. License availability, draw odds, and herd data for each unit are published annually by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.

Check the CPW Big Game Statistics page for current draw odds and harvest data before applying. Some units in this region offer leftover licenses after the draw, which can be a great option for hunters who missed the initial application deadline.

Where to Stay: Hugo Inn

Hugo, Colorado is the county seat of Lincoln County and the natural hub for Eastern Plains pronghorn hunting. Hugo Inn at 127 4th Street puts you within easy reach of hunting areas across Lincoln County and into neighboring Cheyenne, Kit Carson, and Elbert counties.

Hunters who stay with us appreciate:

• Affordable nightly and weekly rates — multi-day hunts don't have to break the bank
• Kitchenette rooms — cook your own meals, keep your food cold, and avoid the restaurant run after a long day in the field
• Secure parking for trucks, trailers, and ATVs — no worrying about your rig overnight
• Central location on US-40/287 — easy access to county roads and BLM land throughout the region
• Early check-in and late check-out when available — we know hunters keep early hours

Hugo also has a gas station, a grocery store, and basic services — everything you need to resupply between days in the field without driving an hour to a bigger town.

Book Your Stay Before Season Opens

Pronghorn season brings hunters to the Eastern Plains every fall, and rooms fill up — especially around the early October rifle opener. Don't wait until your license is in hand to think about lodging.

Call us at (719) 743-2474 or email [email protected] to check availability and lock in your dates. We're happy to answer questions about the area and point you toward local resources for your hunt.

The Eastern Plains are waiting. We'll have a room ready when you get here.