NAPA helps antelope conservation efforts
By Hookemharry

Posted: April 3, 2003

Wildlife organizations can be many things to outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen.

They are a way to show their passion for a particular wildlife species. They are a way to raise money to benefit that species. They are a source of fellowship by getting to know others who care about that species, too. It’s all done by becoming a member.

That’s how the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation got started. It’s the same thing for Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and the National Wild Turkey Federation.

Antelope hunters haven’t had an organization to call their own until recently. The North American Pronghorn Association (NAPA) now addresses the conservation outlook for antelope.

NAPA is headquartered out of Parker, Colo. The group’s mission statement on its web site, www.northamericanpronghorn.org, promises to provide enhancements to the pronghorn antelope by committing support and resources to sound land and population practices which will ensure the future of a true North American treasure: the Pronghorn Antelope.

The web site also offers up some trivia facts about pronghorns. Did you know the pronghorn is the only species in its family? The pronghorn is the second-fastest mammal in the world, reaching speeds exceeding 60 miles per hour. Only the cheetah is faster. Have you ever wondered why the bucks seem to follow the does? That’s because the does can run 10 miles per hour faster than a buck.

Baby pronghorns are called kids. The similarities to humans stop there however. Due to their large windpipe, antelope can move about 4-1/2 times more air than a human windpipe. Also, the pronghorn’s eyes are larger than an elephant’s and their keen vision is said to rival a pair of 8x binoculars.

The NAPA web site also contains a page of recipes on how best to cook antelope. Antelope meat seems to be one of those things that you either like or you don’t. So how you prepare an antelope meal might make the difference.

If you have some antelope steaks in the freezer. you might try “Antelope Steaks Supreme”.

The ingredients are 3 pounds of antelope round steaks, 2 tsp. Salt, ¼ cup of vinegar, 1 bay leaf, 1 clove garlic, salt and pepper, garlic salt, onion salt, 1-can cream of mushroom soup and one can of water.

Put the steaks in shallow pan with water to cover. Add salt, vinegar, bay leaf and garlic. Soak 3-4 hours. Remove steaks, drain, sprinkle with seasonings. Dredge in flour, heat oil skillet, brown meat, cover. Simmer 40 minutes. Add soup and water. Simmer another 20 minutes longer. According to the author of the recipe, it should serve 3 people and should take about an hour to prepare.

If you would like to join NAPA, log onto their web site. Annual memberships start at $25.

You will also find out a lot more of what this organization plans to do to enhance pronghorn numbers and ensure antelope hunting traditions for generations to come. You can also write to the NAPA for more information at PO Box 1977, Parker, Colorado 80134.

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