Stealth in Sagebrush: Hunting Pronghorn with a Suppressor

Hunting pronghorn is a popular pastime for many hunters. Many see it as the gateway to the west and other big game animals. The challenge of stalking these swift and keen-eyed creatures across the vast expanses of the American West is a thrilling, and sometimes frustrating pursuit. To add an extra layer of intrigue to the hunt, some hunters have turned to suppressors. Hunting pronghorn with a suppressor has many advantages and challenges to consider. 

What is a Suppressor?

A suppressor, often referred to as a "silencer," is a device attached to the muzzle of a firearm to reduce the noise generated when a shot is fired. It doesn't make a firearm completely silent, but it significantly dampens the sound. In addition to firearms, Savage Arms is expanding our lineup with a series of AccuCan suppressors. They are lightweight and perfect for stalking hunts like pronghorn.

Advantages of Using a Suppressor for Pronghorn Hunting

Reduced Noise: One of the primary advantages is that suppressors minimize the noise created when firing a shot. This can help avoid spooking the pronghorn and prevent other hunters in the area from being alerted to your presence. 

Hearing Protection: Suppressors can protect your hearing by reducing the harmful effects of loud gunshots, which is especially important during a prolonged hunting career.

Improved Accuracy: The reduced recoil and muzzle jump associated with suppressors can contribute to improved accuracy, making precise shots easier.

Stealth and Safety: The quieter shots minimize the risk of disturbing other wildlife and, likely if you need a follow up shot, your pronghorn may not have heard the shot or is unclear where it came from, so might remain still to give you a second chance.

Legal Considerations

It's essential to be aware of the legalities surrounding suppressors in your area. Laws regarding suppressor ownership and use vary from state to state, so make sure you're in compliance with local regulations for transporting and hunting with suppressors.

Choosing the Right Suppressor

Consider the type of firearm you plan to use for your pronghorn hunt. Different suppressors are designed for various calibers and types of firearms. On a recent pronghorn hunt, we paired the latest Savage Model 110 KLYM with the all-new AccuCan AC30. The 110 KLYM is a lightweight rifle, so pairing it with a lightweight suppressor achieved a good balance in the setup and minimized weight in the pack for stalking. 

Quality is a key factor when choosing the right suppressor. Opt for a well-made suppressor that won't negatively affect your rifle's accuracy. The Savage AccuCan suppressors are made from high-quality materials and finishes. They also have a state-of-the-art MonoKore design, which allows the suppressor to be user serviceable, the core upgradable, and reparable without destroying the serialized component. 

Tips for Successful Pronghorn Hunting with a Suppressor

Concealment: In addition to using a suppressor, it's crucial to blend into the surroundings by wearing appropriate attire and practicing stealthy movements. Pronghorn’s eyesight is one of the best to be found. They can spot you from miles away, and with a sustained top speed well ahead of any other land animal, once your cover is blown, so is your shot at the pronghorn.

Distance and Accuracy: Work on your long-range shooting skills, as pronghorn are often spotted from a considerable distance. A suppressor can help you take accurate shots without alerting the animal, but as an ethical hunter it is still up to you to be comfortable with the shot you take or work as hard as you can to get within your acceptable range.

Patience: Pronghorn are known for their keen senses and wariness. Patiently waiting for the right shot opportunity is often more successful than rushing. Luckily the terrain these animals can be found it offer you places to duck and stalk out of line of sight. But most of the challenge of the hunt is knowing where they may move, and more importantly, how you can get with range. Most hunters will have more blown stalks than successful ones. Isn’t that why we keep hunting? The highs and lows the chase bring to us, with hopefully a successful harvest in the end.

Hunting pronghorn with a suppressor can provide a unique and challenging experience. It offers the advantages of reduced noise, enhanced accuracy, and increased safety. However, it's crucial to be aware of the legalities and ethical considerations associated with suppressor use, as well as practicing good hunting ethics. Suppressors allow hunters to enjoy the thrill of the chase while reducing the impact of noise on the environment and their own hearing.