Post by: IB on September 01, 2008, 01:55:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/vance/Terry_08_hunt_e.JPG)
That's what happend to us last night, a storm front moved in. Much needed rain and yes ROB "SNOW" (http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d171/IronBull_/Smileys/TongueStuck.gif)
Brent was on a walk about, spotting and stalking at daylight short time out for him. He decided that when he no longer could see because of the blowing snow, coffee and OLD FASION "CHEESEY GRITS" was a sound alternative.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/vance/Terry2hunt_08_e.JPG)
Terry blazed right on through until the appointed pick-up time. He as very pleased that we had put the heater and sleeping bag in the BLIND with him (http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d171/IronBull_/Smileys/smileyblowinghands.gif)
We go to get Mr. Rob"O" in Rock Spring tomorrow round noonish...Don't recon we'll be needin the air conditioner. Just hope he's willing to get off the plane
Post by: Bob Walker on September 01, 2008, 02:03:00 PM
Next thing you know, you'll be a sayin "Chow Chow"" :scared: :scared:
Post by: zilla on September 01, 2008, 02:34:00 PM
Post by: SCATTERSHOT on September 01, 2008, 03:47:00 PM
Post by: PrarrieDog on September 01, 2008, 06:09:00 PM
Prarrie Dog
Post by: K.S.TRAPPER on September 01, 2008, 07:42:00 PM
Good luck you guys and thanks for the update and pics. :goldtooth:
Tracy
Post by: centaur on September 01, 2008, 08:07:00 PM
Post by: woodchucker on September 01, 2008, 08:17:00 PM
Post by: Dave Pagel on September 01, 2008, 08:56:00 PM
I leave for the Hoback on Friday. Keep the cool weather around will you!
Dave
Post by: Killdeer on September 01, 2008, 09:49:00 PM
Killdeer
!["[dntthnk]"]("graemlins/dntthnk.gif" "\"\"")
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on September 01, 2008, 10:26:00 PM
Post by: leatherneck on September 02, 2008, 08:03:00 AM
Post by: SirRobin77 on September 02, 2008, 08:09:00 AM
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on September 02, 2008, 09:40:00 AM
Post by: j yenney on September 02, 2008, 09:59:00 AM
Post by: IB on September 02, 2008, 11:19:00 AM
Dave....Have fun Brother, if ya have time give us a Beller
Post by: Featherbuster on September 02, 2008, 11:24:00 AM
Post by: Dave Bulla on September 02, 2008, 01:58:00 PM
Dang sure must be lots of birds flying over in that one pic....
Post by: Bob Walker on September 02, 2008, 11:37:00 PM
Post by: vermonster13 on September 02, 2008, 11:40:00 PM
Post by: Shaun on September 03, 2008, 12:32:00 AM
Post by: Terry Green on September 03, 2008, 12:48:00 AM
Having lots of fun, and have got in a few maduros as well.
Post by: Problem Child on September 03, 2008, 07:29:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by SirRobin77:I think we call it "frost".......I think ???
What is snow???
Post by: Bob Walker on September 03, 2008, 08:06:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 03, 2008, 10:31:00 AM
It's coming VERY soon.... promise, Shaun.
Here's another hint. Skyler's knife is blooded and should be more so by end of hunt.
We'll do it up right for Chris Surtees.
:thumbsup:
Post by: Shaun on September 03, 2008, 07:10:00 PM
Post by: Walt Francis on September 03, 2008, 08:58:00 PM
They make us Montana Bowhunters wait until the first Saturday in September to start our deer and elk hunting and its got me chomping at the bit; I need a fix, let's get the tales a rollin.
:campfire:
Post by: myshootinstinks on September 03, 2008, 11:45:00 PM
:campfire:
Post by: Chris Surtees on September 04, 2008, 12:40:00 AM
Glad Sky's cutter is being put to good use.
The cutter has been carried on some great hunts and still has plenty more ahead of it. If only it could tell stories.
CS
Post by: IB on September 04, 2008, 11:44:00 AM
You my friend have been blessed with this GREAT KNIFE. Seeing it on a post is one thing, to actually have it in yer PAW is yet another..Thanks for this opportunity BUD...........vance
Post by: IB on September 04, 2008, 08:31:00 PM
Terry was all set to get up at 5AM coffee up and be at his tree stand at daylight. Leaving the blind setters and stalkers to rest an extra hour or so for they hit it. Well apparently the inner person in Terry had different ideas (http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d171/IronBull_/Smileys/AlarmClock.gif)
The stalkers and Blind people WERE successful in getting him started though.
We have a wee bit over 10,000 private acres and 10 times that in State land to pursue the wily Pronghorn on. Today the onlyst person that even remotely had a chance was Rob"o", he at least drew tension on the string for a moment as he nocked an arra. The rest couldn't buy anything close enough to be recognized as an Ant-AH-Lopie.
Swing shift is still out, we may yet have something to say..........We HOPES
Post by: Chris Surtees on September 05, 2008, 02:14:00 AM
Y'all use the knife as much as you can. If it were not for Don and Skyler keeping the knife, and sending it on these adventures, it would just be sitting in my storage shed until I return.
There are many more hunts ahead for the cutter and I am really looking forward to reading the stories.
I will finally get to handle the knife in September 09' when me and my Dad get to share a camp with Don, Sky, and Jed at Ray's place for a deer and hog hunt.
Thanks for adding some more Karma to the cutter.
Chris
Post by: IB on September 05, 2008, 09:34:00 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/rfdee/archery/knife-heart.jpg)
Post by: Walt Francis on September 05, 2008, 09:43:00 AM
It looks great but, it would be nice to read the story before I leave for my weekend elk hunt this afternoon. However, I understand, you wouldn't find me giving up my limited hunting time telling stories over the internet either.
Post by: snag on September 05, 2008, 09:44:00 AM
Post by: Danny Roberts on September 05, 2008, 10:19:00 AM
Post by: Grant Young on September 05, 2008, 10:27:00 AM
Post by: IB on September 05, 2008, 12:23:00 PM
They seem to have a GREATER interest in EATIN and HUNTIN than helping relieve your anxieties :goldtooth:
Post by: tradtusker on September 05, 2008, 02:10:00 PM
Post by: Roughcountry on September 05, 2008, 03:49:00 PM
Charlie stopped in mid sentence, then said he was lookin at three bucks. Was nice to hear the predator in his voice again :thumbsup:
Plenty of time for the tales later, sic em boys :D
Post by: Caddo on September 05, 2008, 04:57:00 PM
Vance, I'm glad to see that was critter blood on that knife and not yours! :pray:
LD
Post by: Larry Surtees on September 05, 2008, 07:52:00 PM
Post by: tippit on September 05, 2008, 08:04:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on September 06, 2008, 09:58:00 AM
I also got on the same doe and yearling 3 times, never could get a clean shot on the big doe but it sure was a fun scramble for an hour playing cat and mouse.
I can't even tell ya how good the food has been. Vance and Brent have really raised the bar!!!
1st hunt like this I've been on that I actually gained weight.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 06, 2008, 05:18:00 PM
Over a period of days I was joined by Dick “Rabbitman”Easter, with Brent “Hormoan” McCormick close on his heels. After Dick’s visit (much too short) we awaited the arrival of our fearless Tradgang leaders, Terry Green and Rob DiStefano.
While I was waiting for Terry and Rob I did manage a little antelope hunting in between figuring stratagies and locating blinds. It was good and bad.
The very first day Brent and I set up a blind we call the rockpile blind and decided it looked so good that I’d stay right there until evening.
Settling in was easy and I felt quite at home with the set up and my hunting “intensity”.
It seems like each fall I go through a period of adjustment from working around the yard and shop Charlie to get squinty eyed hunter Charlie. I was to find shortly that I hadn’t made the transition.
With a couple hours of intent observation on a barren hay meadow, I’d relaxed my vigilance and leaned against the sun warmed wall of the Double Bull blind. I expected at least a day or two for the antelope to become accustomed to the blind.
You see we don’t hunt over waterholes in this area very much. There is a lot of water on the ranch and that makes patterning antelope at water difficult at best.
I’d identified several antelope bucks that would do just fine to fill my buck tag.
One we called “Droopy” has a horn that runs at a right angle from his head and he’s an impressive buck for sure…. Vance claimed him as his target, so he is off limits to me.
Another we called “Crooked Horn”. His left horn is twisted outward so that his cutter points toward his ear.
The third buck I named “Wide boy”. His horns are set way out to each side with respectable length and mass.
After more than a little study through the spotting scope I’d decided that the buck I wanted the most was the one called “Crooked Horn”.
So it was that I dozed slightly in the blind, sheltered from the stiff wind that swept down from the high mountains in an unrelenting, icy blast and warmed against the sunny side of my camoed shelter.
I started fully awake to the sound of hooves beating hard and fast on the hard packed hillside behind me. Jerking around I was greeted to the sight of four antelope moving hastily toward the hay meadow and within ten yards of my blind.
(cont.)
I'll add more later today (promise) and will work on adding photos.
Post by: K.S.TRAPPER on September 06, 2008, 05:24:00 PM
Tracy
Post by: beachbowhunter on September 06, 2008, 07:39:00 PM
Post by: Killdeer on September 06, 2008, 08:04:00 PM
Killdeer :coffee:
Post by: rabbitman on September 06, 2008, 09:06:00 PM
Post by: hormoan on September 06, 2008, 09:52:00 PM
http://s94.photobucket.com/albums/l101/GUNSMITHAMMO/Ryegrass/?action=view¤t=Hardatwork2008_09_06_18_35_39.flv
at the switch :jumper: but not all of us are! :D
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 06, 2008, 11:43:00 PM
It was literally a wakeup call to stay on my toes and not be relaxing too much. It was an especially poignant lesson in that, as my binoculars confirmed, “Crooked Horn” had been leading the little band.
In and out of my life in seconds, I was not a happy camper. This incident solidified my resolve to make “Crooked Horn” mine.
I spent the next couple of hours watching the old boy and his girls, hoping on hope that they would return the way they’d come. I’d decided that they wouldn’t pass my way again when a movement along the ditch got my attention. Two does and a couple of yearlings were feeding right to me.
I made the decision to focus on this group and see what happened.
In short order they’d closed the distance and fed mere 15 yards from the tip of my arrow. Once again the grass which I’d thought would be such a blessing to my set up proved to be an obstacle to deal with…. I’d DEFINITELY be fixing that.
Finally one of the does fed closer to one of my openings and with only sparse grass between her and I, I decided to take the shot and fill my doe tag.
Isn’t it funny how extreme optimism can get shoved in your face in the form of humble pie.
I lined up on the doe and released a very deliberate arrow. The big two blade Magnus I sliced effortlessly through the blind’s mesh screen and was immediately lost to my vision.
The antelope were instantly in motion and I strained hard to see blood or some indication of a hit as they crested the nearby hilltop. Nothing!!
I kept my seat until almost dark before looking for my arrow, which lay clean but dusty in the sandy soil behind where the doe had stood.
Brent and Vance had gone off on a mission to somewhere just before I’d taken my stand and I sure didn’t expect to find them waiting for me at the house. Not only were they waiting for me, but had watched the entire scenario from the “run through” of the first group to the miss of my “slam dunk” doe.
Not only did they watch everything develop and go awry, but Brent had also gotten the whole thing on video. Even at the long distance he was videoing the white fletched and wrapped arrow showed clearly when they played it back on TV for me. I’d be eating crow over that for a while to come.
Post by: Killdeer on September 07, 2008, 03:54:00 AM
Actually, Charlie, I would gleefully have penned such an adventure into my journal as one of my GOOD hunts. I am saving up bribe money for a copy of the video. I have lots of crow recipes, BTW.
Killdeer :wavey:
Post by: Danny Rowan on September 07, 2008, 04:41:00 AM
Post by: Littlefeather on September 07, 2008, 08:27:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 07, 2008, 09:24:00 AM
:D
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 07, 2008, 09:25:00 AM
Vance has lots of problems with the creek that runs through his property. OK so it isn’t the creek that’s the problem, it’s the beavers in it.
As they do, they are always busy trying to dam this or dam that. A certain amount of dam building isn’t bad in a trout creek, but there are limits.
Bucky and friends had chosen a huge culvert under the main road for their latest project. Vance could have chosen firearms, traps or bows and arrows.
Guess what he chose?
We were hiding in the willows near the culvert as the sun burnt up in a blaze of glory just beyond the distant mountains. It was the queue the master builders were waiting for and we soon had action.
I watched as Brent drew down on an unsuspecting rodent which swam by ten yards out. The arrow flew a touch high and impaled a fence post which was floating in the water. With a slap of his tail and a swirl of water old Mister Chisel Teeth disappeared.
I’d positioned myself off to the side of the pool more to watch the action than to participate. Of course I had bow in hand and arrow nocked must in case… and it was a good thing I did.
As dark enveloped the scene a dark “lump” appeared on the bank ten yards away. In the gathering gloom, its parts slowly came into focus. First an eye, then the whole head, then a shoulder took shape.
I think he was checking out the huge blob that had materialized in his territory. Whatever the reason, it was an opportunity I soon took advantage of. The carbon shaft slid noiselessly across the rest and I hesitated only an instant at full draw.
I couldn’t see the dark brown arrow’s flight or the impact, but the beaver tipped over backwards, falling in the water with a huge splash. There was some thrashing and then all was still.
I put the arrow that had somehow found its way onto my string back in the quiver and stepped toward the water’s edge to retrieve my prize.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/vance/Beaver_Carlos_08_WY_e.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/vance/Carlos_Beaver_08_WY_e.JPG)
Post by: Toecutter on September 07, 2008, 02:00:00 PM
Keep it coming...
Thanks for sharing,
Nathan
Post by: Rob DiStefano on September 07, 2008, 03:48:00 PM
Iron Bull at the Trad Gang helm ...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/rfdee/wyoming08/DSC02281.jpg)
Andy, the most lovable official doggy camp mascot ...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/rfdee/wyoming08/DSC02309.jpg)
Feisty Kitty, always underfoot ...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/rfdee/wyoming08/DSC02303.jpg)
Keeping tabs on the troop movements in the "back yard" ...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/rfdee/wyoming08/DSC02308.jpg)
Much more to come ...
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 08, 2008, 09:44:00 AM
The sun was well above the horizon before I started my quest for a morning cup of coffee.
The plan was to wait until I could see antelope moving on the distant hills before heading for the blind by the rock pile.
The antelope here don’t seem to move much at first light and that suits me fine. They’ll lay up in the sage until mid morning before even thinking about heading for the hay meadows…. each night they vacate them.
With a good breakfast in my belly and a well caffeinated brain I made my way to the blind about ten o’clock.
I really don’t know how long I’d sat there as I’d not brought a watch, but it really didn’t seem all that long, when I spotted the head of a doe antelope rise above the nearby hillside and then disappear. They were obviously headed for the “slot”.
I readied my stuff and crossed my fingers.
Post by: Roughcountry on September 08, 2008, 10:06:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 08, 2008, 10:45:00 AM
As before, the tall grass made finding a shot difficult. I’d trimmed more grass on arrival at the blind, but I sure hadn’t done it in the right places…. Or maybe the antelope were just messing with me. Yeah, that’s it! They were messin’ with me.
So I waited and leaned this way and that, trying to find an opening in through the grass for a shot.
I strongly suspected my shot the day before had been deflected by the sun dried grass stems and I’d not chance that again.
In time one of the does fed into a shooting lane, but was slightly quartering to me. I waited some more. Finally she turned in her feeding and at fifteen yards presented me with a slightly quartering away shot.
Laying the first three fingers of my drawing hand on the string I applied pressure and raising the bow brought the full power of its sixty seven pounds to bear on nylon tipped Big Shot glove.
The arrow was away with the quickness of thought.
Post by: Grant Young on September 08, 2008, 11:40:00 AM
Post by: Killdeer on September 08, 2008, 07:29:00 PM
And THEN???
:eek:
Post by: pdk25 on September 08, 2008, 07:41:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on September 08, 2008, 08:25:00 PM
I'll try an post some pics when I get a chance...
It was a great trip for me, in many ways, some I can't explain. Thanks to Vance, Brent, Rob and Charlie for just being there, as you all were a big part of my 'successful' trip.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 08, 2008, 10:15:00 PM
Fortunately I didn’t have long to wait to determine just what had happened. As the doe ran I could plainly see a red stain on her side. It appeared to be a little far back and that was troublesome, but as I was to find out shortly, the arrow had angled forward and passed through as if she wasn't even there.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/DSC03028.jpg)
She soon bedded only seventy five yards away on the edge of the sagebrush. It would be over in seconds.
I was soon standing over her and proceded to get a few pictures. Then it was just a matter of walking out to my truck and pulling right up to the carcass. I like it when you don't have to drag very far and of course I didn't have to drag this one at all.... antelope are often like that.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/2008wyodoe)
Since Vance and Brent had gone to do some errands I didn't expect help and proceded to load the doe in the back of the truck.
Since I didn't want to leave the offal near the blind I loaded her without field dressing. It was a bit of a tug.
Post by: vermonster13 on September 08, 2008, 10:19:00 PM
Post by: K.S.TRAPPER on September 08, 2008, 10:21:00 PM
You have a gift for writing thats for sure, Thanks for taking us along. Something tells me there's alot more hunting to be done.
Tracy
Post by: Bowspirit on September 08, 2008, 10:23:00 PM
Call me crazy, but that doesn't look like a Magnus I on the end of that arrow. You feeling okay, Charlie???
:bigsmyl: :bigsmyl: :bigsmyl:
Post by: fireman_3311 on September 08, 2008, 10:50:00 PM
Post by: Barney on September 08, 2008, 10:53:00 PM
Post by: steadman on September 08, 2008, 11:07:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 08, 2008, 11:07:00 PM
The rest of the hunt will be with Magnus I's.
I don't have much trouble switching over to the Interceptor since it's a big ole blade too.
:thumbsup:
Post by: Over&Under on September 08, 2008, 11:08:00 PM
I sure enjoyed the stories, Killie is right they should be in a book of GOOD hunting stories!!!
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 08, 2008, 11:19:00 PM
Heck, I just switched from Windows 98 at home to XP and now I'm trying to deal with Vista. Being less than a computer guru, it's been a bit of a trial.
I made the arrow that I used on the doe with a wrap I won on the St.Jude's auction this year. Onestringer followed my directions to a tee in making these and I have a second arrow just like this one (except with a white nock).
My intent is to recycle them through TradGang and St.Jude's once the hunting for the year is done or they've both made meat.
This is the first one.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/DSC03066.jpg)
We're off to meet up with Doug Campbell tomorrow somewhere in Yellowstone so the story will have to wait until our return tomorrow night or first thing Wednesday morning.
There's still a bunch of tellin ahead.
Post by: 702plmo on September 08, 2008, 11:42:00 PM
Post by: pseman on September 08, 2008, 11:58:00 PM
Ready to hear the next story.
Post by: Guru on September 09, 2008, 05:30:00 AM
Post by: hunt it on September 09, 2008, 08:14:00 AM
How's the wolf huntin going Vance?
Post by: rabbitman on September 09, 2008, 08:21:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 09, 2008, 08:57:00 AM
Not what most folks think of when they think of antelope hunting weather... it's 30 degrees this morning and frost on everything. It's been that way for most of the trip.... except for the part where it snowed.
:help:
Dick... Terry and I had one rough night in the camper. Ran out of propane. It was pretty sporty! Other than that, life is fine.
Post by: Killdeer on September 09, 2008, 10:08:00 AM
Post by: Terry Green on September 09, 2008, 04:15:00 PM
I'll try and get my pics up this evening as I am gonna kick back.
Vance, give me a call when you get a chance please Sir!
Post by: Chris Surtees on September 09, 2008, 05:51:00 PM
CS
Post by: BMN on September 09, 2008, 06:07:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on September 09, 2008, 07:10:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/wy08b.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/wy08c.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/wy08d.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/wy08e.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/wy08f.jpg)
Post by: beachbowhunter on September 09, 2008, 07:14:00 PM
Post by: sabas silva on September 09, 2008, 07:17:00 PM
Post by: Irish on September 09, 2008, 07:18:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on September 09, 2008, 07:27:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/wy08h.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/wy08i.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/wy08j.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/wy08k.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/wy08l.jpg)
Post by: robtattoo on September 09, 2008, 07:29:00 PM
Looks like a great time was had/is being had.
Post by: Kingwouldbe on September 09, 2008, 07:34:00 PM
Post by: tippit on September 09, 2008, 08:01:00 PM
Post by: Barney on September 09, 2008, 08:45:00 PM
Post by: Rob DiStefano on September 09, 2008, 09:40:00 PM
I arrived at the ranch late Tuesday afternoon, and rather than rush out to hunt I opted to first get myself a bit acclimated to this part of the country, get the scoop on hunting antelope, and spend some time with the gang - including the photo op of Charlie's hunting adventure of that day (his doe harvest).
Wednesday mid-morning found me in a Double Bull blind that was set on a bit of a hillock overlooking mostly sage. The sun was shining, a few distant clouds in the sky, but the wind kicked up a heapin' bunch and rocked that blind (and me) silly. A few times I thought it would upend and launch skyward like a kite, but it didn't. After well over seven hours, no sign of antelope - but I did have a front row seat to view the awesome scenary and constant whir and buzz of nature all around my little bubble hut ... Wyoming is some hunk of magnificent land!
I spent beautiful Thursday morning in the "rockpile" blind that sits just off a "slot" in a ridge line. After a half hour or so, four 'lopes appeared on the ridge, about 200 yards away; two does and two fawns. Within ten minutes those goats were joined by a real nice buck and a doe. They nosed around, bedded down, nosed around some more and then slowly moved off to my blind side of the ridge. Hmmm, were they going straight down the slope or along the other side of the ridge to come to the "slot"? After a few minutes of anticipation I made a quick decision to leave the blind, belly over to the rock pile and see where the game was going. I covered up head to toe in camo and it was maybe a 30 yard or so crawl to the rocks. I ever so sloooowly peering up over the ridge, and ... 'member that scene in Jurassic Park, where the band of newcomers got their first glimpse of the valley, chock loaded with grazing dinos? - now I know that feeling ... I lost count at 13 grazing antelopes. A fine buck was about 30 yards away, but that fat doe at just over 40 yards would fill my permit just fine if she'd only git about 20 yards closer to the rockpile. I waited. They grazed. Inside of 10 minutes, they slowly started grazing away from the ridge, towards the fence line. It was an awesome experience to be this close to such beautiful creatures, and although I had an arrow on string, my bow never got to sing. Time to head back to the ranch house.
Around four that afternoon Brent drove me and Terry up the road to the fence line and Terry got settled into the rockpile blind while I was to settle into the blind along the ridge end ... (tbc).
A bit o' Wyoming scenery ...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/rfdee/wyoming08/DSC02282.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/rfdee/wyoming08/DSC02276.jpg)
The "telephone stump" in the right foreground - hadda stand on it to make a cell phone call, only place I could find Verizon service! ...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/rfdee/wyoming08/DSC02290.jpg)
Inside a blind ...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/rfdee/wyoming08/DSC02298.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/rfdee/wyoming08/DSC02294.jpg)
Post by: Toecutter on September 09, 2008, 11:08:00 PM
Nathan
Post by: Missouri CK on September 10, 2008, 06:58:00 AM
Chris
Post by: Rob DiStefano on September 10, 2008, 07:35:00 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/rfdee/wyoming08/DSC02311.jpg)
Ah, if I only had a buck permit! Oh well. Within about fifteen minutes, down at the bottom of the ridge appeared a pair of does, the larger good-sized one was about 15 yards away and broadside - time to hunt for real! I slowly got off the stool, loaded the Mohawk with a Wensel tipped Beman, knelt down, started to draw and realized the steep angle required me to get up higher - so, while concentrating on the doe, I sorta crouched up, drew back, aimed low to compensate for both the angle and the "blind screen effect", and let the 55 pounds of loaded limbs pull the string from my fingers. "WHAP"!!! The top limb whacked the blind's roof. Antelopes jumped all around, startled by the noise - I doubt the arrow was even noticed. The buck was gone, the does galloped along and up to the ridge top about 35 yards away, slowed down and looked around, trotted down the back of the ridge. That was that. So darned close - that shudda been a "gimme" shot ... dang it!!! (tbc)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 10, 2008, 10:55:00 AM
Post by: Terry Green on September 10, 2008, 10:39:00 PM
Had a long day, and I finally got a chance to get on and post a bit more.
I had a great experience on this hunt being that it was really amazing what you can get away with on mule deer. Stalking them on the ground was something very different than these easter whitetails.
Those pics I posted earlier of those 'thinned' aspens I'd hunted last year, and they were freshly cut and was like walking through land mines. This year I figured they'd really be in there grazing on the new growth, and boy were they!!!
I used the woods road as my sneak as the left over logs and limbs would be way too noisy. I stalked 4 different does in just one afternoon. Unfortunately, even though I got in bow range of all 4, the multitude of limbs from the laid down pines and evergreens made getting a clear shot next to impossible.
I even had one doe in range and was 'fixing' to get a shot when she all of the sudden walked straight into a little grove of firs and bedded down looking right at me. I stood in the road for an hour while she chewed her cud. After she got up, I had a great aproach with that grove as cover and snuck right up to inside 20 yards and the wind wirled. She only needed one more step, but now she turned and faced me for at least a minute before pogoing off.
After I settled for couple of minutes, I moved on down the road about 60 yards slowly and got on another, for the 2nd cat and mouse game....then another, and another. I was frazzled to say the least, but the hunt was a success for me as I got within range of all of them before the jig was up.
Here's a few more pics......
My ride thanks to Vance....an old Suburban seemed perfect....
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/wy08n.jpg)
The Wind River Range in the back ground.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/wy08o.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/wy08p.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/wy08q.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/wy08r.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/wy08s.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/wy08t.jpg)
Post by: Terry Green on September 10, 2008, 10:43:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/wy08u.jpg)
And the parting shot.....that's no 3-D lope buck....
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/wy08v.jpg)
Later guys.....I'm whooped, see ya in the morn .... :coffee:
Post by: Chris Surtees on September 11, 2008, 03:00:00 AM
Terry and Rob sounds like had a great hunt!
Post by: Littlefeather on September 11, 2008, 10:28:00 AM
Post by: just_a_hunter on September 12, 2008, 02:44:00 AM
Thanks for sharing,
Todd
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 12, 2008, 08:08:00 PM
I always know what I’ve got.
In short order I had it packaged, labeled and frozen.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/08WYObutcherdoe.jpg)
The following days went by much too quickly. Terry headed to the hills for deer
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/08Wyoterryleaningtree.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/08WYOterryview.jpg) (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/08WYOterrywalkwoods.jpg) and Rob focused his attention on the lower ground where the antelope play. Brent and I worked our various plots and strategies to little avail, but had a heck of a time doing it.
Many long waits and some blown stalks were behind us as it drew time for Terry and Rob to leave the sage and pine scented hills of Wyoming.
My buddy Brent is ever ready to get video footage or snap a good photo. Well, he a chance at fame and glory but blew it. Of course it’s not like we’re Will Primos or Knight and Hale, or something.
We were out bouncing over hill and dale when we stopped to check an old pond for sign. Having found the waterhole fit for an ambush plan we cast about for an ideal hiding spot.
I don’t remember who saw it first, but what we ran across had to be one of the unluckiest critters on earth.
What must have been the last ground squirrel above ground for the season, was standing up looking us over from about twenty five yards.
Brent whispered for me to get a little closer and wait for him to get the camera going.
I took a step closer to the squirrel and in front of Brent as he scrambled to get his little video running.
Soon the camera was set and I double checked to see when he wanted me to shoot. “Now! I’m ready”, he whispered back.
A ground squirrel at twenty five yards is a pretty small target. Only two inches wide and a little over four inches tall the brave little guy stood stoically, looking us over.
I drew the carbon shaft to anchor smoothly and held a second as my alignment and back tension settled in. “Thunk….. WHOP!! The judo tipped arrow lifted the squirrel from the mouth of his den and deposited him in the nearby sage. A perfect shot through the ribs.
Elation over the coming together of bow and camera quickly faded to dejection when Brent realized that in his excitement he’d forgotten to push the record button on the camera.
I tried to be a good sport about it and let Brent know that I wouldn’t remind him of his mistake.... of course I had my fingers crossed.
We shot a few still photos and went about our business.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/08WYOlastgsquirrel.jpg)
(Cont. Monday)
Post by: JC on September 12, 2008, 09:49:00 PM
Post by: hormoan on September 12, 2008, 10:21:00 PM
Post by: hormoan on September 12, 2008, 10:31:00 PM
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l101/GUNSMITHAMMO/WindRiverRange012.jpg)
Post by: vermonster13 on September 12, 2008, 11:07:00 PM
Post by: Chris Surtees on September 13, 2008, 05:48:00 AM
Post by: tradtusker on September 13, 2008, 07:10:00 AM
Post by: JEFF B on September 13, 2008, 07:59:00 AM
Post by: IB on September 13, 2008, 03:02:00 PM
Post by: K.S.TRAPPER on September 13, 2008, 03:26:00 PM
Tracy :coffee:
Post by: Shell on September 13, 2008, 04:37:00 PM
Post by: hormoan on September 14, 2008, 12:07:00 AM
Post by: Terry Green on September 15, 2008, 10:09:00 AM
Vance...I'm calling in a pick up for tomorrow!!!
BTW, also call me if you get a chance please sir!
Post by: IB on September 15, 2008, 07:05:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 15, 2008, 07:08:00 PM
Either tonight or in the morning early.
:readit: :wavey: :campfire: :archer:
Post by: Ted Fry on September 15, 2008, 07:30:00 PM
Post by: rabbitman on September 15, 2008, 07:58:00 PM
Post by: Danny Rowan on September 15, 2008, 08:19:00 PM
Danny
Post by: Shaun on September 15, 2008, 08:29:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 16, 2008, 12:31:00 PM
;)
I want to say how much I appreciate all of you who patiently sit through these ramblings. It is kinda crazy around here and what with hunting and the three of us going different directions at once it's tough to put it all together.
It isn't just a style of story telling. It's a way of life.
:notworthy: :campfire:
Now lets get on with it.
:archer:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 16, 2008, 12:33:00 PM
A gentle breeze out of the west brings the heady scent of willow bracing itself for the fall ritual of change. My head spins a little over something more than the drink. It’s been a very full last five days.
With Vance tied up with ranch duties Brent and I started a campaign of evil against the nefarious forces of the antelope clan. I’m not complaining at all, but they’ve been long. Damn long!!
Of course there were always cloud pictures to watch When nothing else was happening. As fine a show as anyone could hope for.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/vance/08WYOclouds2.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/vance/08WYOclouds.jpg)
To this point we had been pretty laid back about things. Mornings were spent casually observing the movement of our quarry looking for some chink in their almost impenetrable defenses.
As it turned out we’d identified to reliable watering places. One I’d found two years ago (Vance has known about them forever, but I’m just learning) and though it normally goes dry early, this year it is still holding water and drawing antelope.
Rob DiStefano had posted on the little waterhole during his hunt with us and had seen antelope there. Unfortunately the antelope he saw there had horns and his permit did not.
With Brent set up further down the draw he’d drop me off each morning with my Double Bull and wishes of good luck.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/vance/08WYOwaterholeblind.jpg)
There was always something happening at the waterhole. Little birds that I have no clue of their identity played carelessly around the water’s edge.
Occasionally some unfortunate tweety would land on the top of the blind and with nothing better to do I got a few grins out of poking their feet with the tip of my bow.
There were antelope too, but they were a little leary of the blind. Only a couple of them actually approached the water and they presented only frontal shots and then beat a hasty retreat when finished.
There are cattle on the ranch and they are the bane of the pop up blind clan. I don’t know what it is about cows and pop ups, but they sure are curious about them. So curious in fact that if you leave your blind it’s liable to be wrecked when you return. Not having a bottomless expendable income, I opted to remove the blind each time I left.
Since seven hours in the blind is about my limit (OK, I did eleven hours yesterday!...just so Killdeer wouldn't question my grit. ;) ). I’d bring my blind out with me each time I hunted. The antelope never had a chance to get use to it.
Post by: Killdeer on September 16, 2008, 03:10:00 PM
I wanna see the birds near the waterhole. They might be Killdeers! :bigsmyl:
Killdeer :jumper:
Post by: Shaun on September 16, 2008, 03:57:00 PM
Killy, I am sure he would never poke a plover.
Post by: Killdeer on September 16, 2008, 05:46:00 PM
Killdeer :archer:
Post by: Littlefeather on September 16, 2008, 06:08:00 PM
Nice Lambo' arra's there. Bloody too! :thumbsup: CK
Post by: Tim Fishell on September 16, 2008, 09:42:00 PM
Keep up the good work on the stories.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 16, 2008, 11:01:00 PM
Though Brent and I had both witnessed antelope crossing the bridge two days passed in my well brushed in (willow) blind with only two crossings and each of those was the same animal.
The first time I’d been snuggled back in the blind enjoying a moment of “relaxation” when I was started up by the sound of tiny hooves on gravel. A yearling doe was trotting across the bridge and past my blind before I could put a hand on my bow.
I had a window of opportunity that was only thirty yards long. I was so close to the road that the little doe was through and gone in a heartbeat. POOP!!
I watched as she trotted out of my life.
An hour later, I was once again started from “contemplation” by the sound of tiny hooves. What I assumed to be the same doe was walking through the kill zone and had made it half way through. Once again she walked out of my life ignorant to the potential danger (?)lurking in the willows beside the road.
Brent was experiencing the same frustration as I. He’d watched antelope move through funnels of cover for days only to have them change their pattern when he actually waited for them in a place. I’ll let him tell of his experiences.
Rain and threats of rain didn’t help the whole antelope hunting situation. It had awakened the land. The smell of sage, thick and rank, was released from it’s stifling coat of dust and brought memory upon memory flooding into my brain with each breath.
But it didn’t do the hunting any good! The antelope could easily meet there moisture requirements drinking in precious liquid with each bite of forage.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 16, 2008, 11:15:00 PM
Finally out of sheer frustration we decided to work an area that we'd both noticed antelope hanging in while we sat in our sure spots. We knew of no water sources there, but we had a good idea where the goats might be funneled down in their travels.
We abandoned our blinds and switched stride to ghillie gear.
Our general plan was to move into the low ground where we had been seeing the animals well before daylight and await their arrival.
Each night they'd move from the lush bottom meadows up into the sage covered hills. In the morning they'd slowly make their way back to the bottom along well established routes once the sun was well up.
At first light of the next day we dropped off into a dry irrigation ditch and moved like ghosts into the scattered willows a half mile from the truck to await the arrival of the goats.
It was working pretty well from the beginning. There was a matter of sage hens that didn't like our bushy looking forms at all. Two different groups flushed on our approach and we were thankful that the antelope hadn't arrived yet.
We were approaching our intended ambush site when a flicker of white caught our attention. Up ahead behind some talk sage we could make out the forms of three antelope. A doe and two yearlings.
The stalk was on.
Having the advantage of not trying to be quiet or remain unseen the trio slowly outdistanced us, but we moved on anyway.
Finally we were well into our area of operation for the day. Antelope were starting to filter off the hills above but were assembling another quarter mile ahead. We decided to split up at that point.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 16, 2008, 11:31:00 PM
I decided to take a more aggressive approach and started off down the creek to close the distance.
Anyone who's been west will know that these little trout creeks meander through there meadows like a snake. This one was no different.
I hadn't gone far when I ran out of cover on my side of the creek. There was plenty on the other side, so I made a decision.
I backtracked to a shallow stretch of the stream and prepared to cross. I'd stay on the far side until I was closer and then recross to move on the goats.
There was no way I was going to walk around all day with wet feet (it's a personal thing for me) so I pulled off my boots and socks, rolled up my pants legs and stepped off into the water. Brrrr!
The water was like two degrees above the temperature of ice, but it felt pretty refreshing.
The sun had climbed slowly above the adjacent hills and now shone down on me with it's full power.
I'd dressed for the chill of pre dawn and now found that I was way over dressed. I stopped once I'd crossed the creek and took off a layer or two before suiting back up.
With the prospect of having to recross the creek because of unknown obstacles, I chose to remain barefoot.
I couldn't remember ever having gone barefoot in this country and wondered what the footing might bring. I soon found that it wasn't bad going at all.
I crossed the stream two more times before I'd gotten in range of the antelope which now numbered close to fifty in three separate groups.
I'd moved down close to the stream as a wall of willow completely shielded me from all those prying eyes. I could easilly observe without being observed. Now all I had to do was figure out how I was going to sneak my bulky form out into that meadow to get a shot.
r
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 16, 2008, 11:47:00 PM
A lone doe spit from the herd and moved toward the creek. If she got close to the edge I'd have a fifteen yard shot. All I had to was jockey through the willows for fifty yards to where she was headed.
By the time I'd swung around behind heavier cover and closed the distance she had moved down into the creek and was watering. I could see that there was a break from the usual vertical sides of the bank that allowed easy access by the doe.
Looking up I could see other antelope moving toward the spot and knew that it was about to get real interesting.
I had a second doe tag in my pocket and would have happilly filled it. The kicker was that there was a nice buck in the group headed my way and I still had my general license in my wallet.
Soon there were eight animals in and around the water including the buck which had gotten better looking the closer he came.
I had him at fifteen yards but he was facing head on to me and of course there was no shot.
Soon a doe turned broadside in front of me at the same distance. I thought about Old Crooked Horn and my plans for him. There was no need to rush things. I was going to shoot the doe.
As I started to draw the bow the buck started back up the bank and the doe suddenly lost interest in what she was doing. She bolted from the stream and up onto the flat where she slowed to a walk, but heading straight away.
Surely the rest of the antelope in the meadow would come down to dring if I was patient, but the buck was now standing at 30 yards and completely broadside.
I made a decision.
(cont. tomorrow morning)
Post by: pdk25 on September 17, 2008, 12:51:00 AM
Post by: Guru on September 17, 2008, 05:21:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 17, 2008, 09:13:00 AM
That was exactly the attitude the buck showed. He was much more interested in surveying his girls than looking for danger.
He was more than a respectable buck and would top any I'd ever shot before. The notion of collecting Old Crooked Horn two miles further up the stream faded from my thoughts.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 17, 2008, 09:27:00 AM
With my prey at thirty yards I eased the nocked arrow to full draw and held for an extra instant.
I knew that at that distance if I paid extra attention to my left/right alignment my subconsious vision would find the elevation automatically.
Like a Perigrine falcon in his stoop the white fletched shaft darted across the entervening yards, spinning true and deadly in the clear morning air.
There was the sound of steel on bone and soft flesh and in that instant when our minds are captured by the moment and the action, he whirled away. I had a picture for an intant of the arrow buried deep and low behind the front shoulder.
The big, razor edged, Magnus I w/bleeder would do it's job... NO DOUBT!!
Post by: Shaun on September 17, 2008, 09:33:00 AM
gotta go fill my coffee cup
Post by: Rob DiStefano on September 17, 2008, 09:35:00 AM
Post by: BMN on September 17, 2008, 09:36:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 17, 2008, 09:43:00 AM
It was over in moments.
Staying behind the cover of the willows I lit a smoke and just stood watching. The prone buck had the attention of every animal in the meadow.
Slowly they started to drift away from him and up hill.
I'd wait until they were out of sight before crossing the stream and approaching my prize.
Still in my bare feet I crossed the creek and found a place to sit while I took off my ghillie and put my boots back on. The barefoot approach had been super quiet and actually was quite comfortable for the entire walk.
I approached the fallen monarch with arrow ready, but it would not be needed.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/vance/08WYObuckwalkup_e.JPG)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 17, 2008, 09:48:00 AM
I was proud to put my tag on this buck and was already making plans to make a space on the wall near my easy chair for him.
Brent and I got some picture of him where he fell and the usual "hero" pics.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/vance/08WYObucksit_e.JPG)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 17, 2008, 09:57:00 AM
:D
I've still got a doe/fawn tag in my wallet and the sage hen season is just around the corner.
I may not be a "Plover Lover", but I'm a chicken choaker from way back!
Post by: joe skipp on September 17, 2008, 10:02:00 AM
:thumbsup: :notworthy:
Post by: Toecutter on September 17, 2008, 10:06:00 AM
Nathan
Post by: vermonster13 on September 17, 2008, 10:19:00 AM
Post by: Shaun on September 17, 2008, 10:28:00 AM
Post by: Widowbender on September 17, 2008, 11:13:00 AM
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :campfire:
David
Post by: Missouri Sherpa on September 17, 2008, 11:33:00 AM
What about that other bloody arrow?
Post by: Whip on September 17, 2008, 11:56:00 AM
Post by: Chris Surtees on September 17, 2008, 12:05:00 PM
Post by: Lawrenceu on September 17, 2008, 12:25:00 PM
Post by: Grant Young on September 17, 2008, 12:29:00 PM
Post by: Caddo on September 17, 2008, 12:51:00 PM
I'm envious, hopefully one of these days I'll get the chance to replicate some of your adventures! :archer:
LD
Post by: Over&Under on September 17, 2008, 04:15:00 PM
Congrats to you Charlie!!!! And as already mentioned, great story telling as well!!!
Post by: steadman on September 17, 2008, 04:43:00 PM
Post by: Jerry Jeffer on September 17, 2008, 04:45:00 PM
Post by: Danny Rowan on September 17, 2008, 05:33:00 PM
Danny
Post by: cjones on September 17, 2008, 06:00:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 17, 2008, 06:35:00 PM
Chad... good to see your face on here!!
Danny... earlier in the trip I shot a doe antelope (first doe/fawn permit). That arrow had an orange nock St. Judes wrap and Simmons Interceptor.
The buck was taken with the same shaft and wrap combo, but with a white nock and a Magnus I w/bleeder.
So both arrows are accounted for.
I still have another doe/fawn tag in my wallet, but I'm out of arrows of that scheme. All that are left have TradGang wraps and Magnus I's.
Joe... you have plenty of time to get left hanging. Heck! You're hangin right now and don't know it yet... of course it's Vance makin you all wait.
I'm looking forward to a story and pictorial from you soon!
:thumbsup: :campfire: :archer:
Post by: RickE on September 17, 2008, 07:06:00 PM
Post by: BigRonHuntAlot on September 17, 2008, 07:08:00 PM
Post by: Nakohe on September 17, 2008, 07:45:00 PM
Donald
Post by: Terry Green on September 17, 2008, 07:45:00 PM
Glad I got to share camp again with you guys this year. I've thought about my week many times and those many images bring me peace.
Thanks for sharing guys.
Post by: Guru on September 17, 2008, 08:02:00 PM
As Charlie alluded to earlier, Vance a little story of his own to tell :campfire:
Post by: bowhunterfrompast on September 17, 2008, 08:04:00 PM
bhfp
Post by: rabbitman on September 17, 2008, 08:25:00 PM
Post by: just_a_hunter on September 17, 2008, 08:54:00 PM
Todd
Post by: SKYLER W on September 17, 2008, 10:00:00 PM
Post by: Son of Texas on September 17, 2008, 10:15:00 PM
Post by: IB on September 17, 2008, 10:37:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/vance/Thisone_4_Curt_e.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/vance/08_Stem_Sterm_e.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/vance/08-Sky_knife_e.JPG)
Post by: K.S.TRAPPER on September 17, 2008, 10:40:00 PM
Been waiting buddy, Like the start already :thumbsup:
Tracy
Post by: fatman on September 17, 2008, 11:09:00 PM
:campfire: :coffee:
Post by: IB on September 17, 2008, 11:14:00 PM
September has found me so far behind I thought I was in first place. Really haven't had time to wipe the sweat off my shadow.
I spent NO time with Terry or Rob in the field. Short of a trip to Jellyrock to meet up with Mr. & Mrs. Campbell, I have confined myself pretty much to ranch activism.
Of course ya know that Mr. Heirmoan has Blessed/Cursed us for the past few years er weeks.
Actually what a blessing it has been to have him along for this whole adventure. He's been a very positive influence more than he'll ever know. Brent had decided that Monday would be his launch date to head back to his Mommy's. However he did concede to stick around a couple days more if I would agree to go play with him. Sunday was the last big group (10)clients, and I was more than ready to jump at the chance to trade in Wading Sandals,Fly Rods and Fly Boxes for Cammo, Bow and a Gillie.
As I said I was behind the huntin curve, it took me till about 3:00 in the afternoon just to get things all gathered up.
Gotta go and get me somethin ta eat I'll be back.............. (http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d171/IronBull_/Smileys/tongue.gif)
Post by: Walt Francis on September 17, 2008, 11:36:00 PM
Post by: Littlefeather on September 18, 2008, 09:28:00 AM
Great buck Charlie! Congrats! You done now? Wanna meet me in Gunnison, Colorado in a few days? We have tags. CK
Post by: Tim Fishell on September 18, 2008, 11:24:00 AM
Now on with the story!! I need something to get me through my day here at work!!! :thumbsup:
Post by: hormoan on September 18, 2008, 02:51:00 PM
Vance and Sandra opened their home to me, and made feel right at home. A special thank you to Sandra, for putting up with our just being guys!! It’s not easy going to work and coming home to a houseful of US!!!
I finally got to share a camp with and get to know at least a little, Terry Green and Rob Distefano. You can tell a lot of what people are made of, in a hunting camp. Every thing from some of there views on world events, to what makes a good day hunting for them. And also some of what fuels their passion for Tradgang. And keeping it modeled in their idea of a user friendly place for us and our children. They left in camp with me, a much deeper admiration for the humble gentlemen that they are. Their time with us was to short, as always time in camp goes way too quickly.
I have been on two other Texas Sweat hunts with Charlie. With the size of those hunts and more limited time. I had not really got a good chance to get to know him. Not true on this adventure, and it was a real treat to spend so many days together. From our rides around in the mountains looking for grouse and stumping. To just plain being in awe of gods creation
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l101/GUNSMITHAMMO/Ryegrass%20Pictures/Ryegrass08014.jpg)
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l101/GUNSMITHAMMO/Ryegrass%20Pictures/WindRiverRange019.jpg)
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l101/GUNSMITHAMMO/Ryegrass%20Pictures/WindRiverRange029.jpg)
Thanks Charlie for sharing some of your favoite places with me. It was a real pleasure to get to know you. And all the days we spent in the field and on the porch! :thumbsup:
And Vance thank you so much for including me, it was THE best hunt and times yet!! I think we will have to retire to out do it. Cause then it can be 6 weeks at least long :D
Brent
Post by: Roughcountry on September 18, 2008, 03:24:00 PM
Post by: kojac on September 19, 2008, 12:32:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 19, 2008, 10:01:00 AM
I still have a doe/fawn permit left to fill...that can change at any moment, but certainly not while I'm in front of the computer.
Be sure and take your super hero outfit... the mornings are...er...brisk!! This weekend is supposed to be "brisker".
Robin... anyone can shoot an antelope like that. If they have a month to do it! I'll share my secret for getting off that long some time. It's all based around being a pain in the arse until they say, "get the hell out of here!"
:D
Post by: hormoan on September 20, 2008, 05:30:00 PM
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l101/GUNSMITHAMMO/Ryegrass%20Pictures/Ryegrass08074.jpg)
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l101/GUNSMITHAMMO/Ryegrass%20Pictures/Ryegrass08075.jpg)
And get off the porch,
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l101/GUNSMITHAMMO/Ryegrass%20Pictures/Ryegrass08061.jpg)
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l101/GUNSMITHAMMO/Ryegrass%20Pictures/Ryegrass08060.jpg)
:jumper:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 20, 2008, 07:47:00 PM
:D
Really looks ominous off toward the western mountains. Charcoal colored clouds keep coming in waves and under them that life giving liquid that so many take for granted.
It way over due and both Vance and I figure a change in hunting luck with the passing of the storm.
This is the first day of the sage hen season and we've just been waiting for a chance to get out. It's been doing this all day long with only minor breaks showing blue sky.
We did a little scouting yesterday afternoon and the prospects for fun with chickens seemed too good to be true.
They'll be there when the storm breaks and I don't want to be the one to complain about the moisture. I think you can be shot around here for even frowning at the weather.
If the temperature drops another 10 degrees tonight, we'll probably wake up to a coating of the white stuff.
The antelope have cleared out for whatever reason, with only scattered small bunches here and there across the length of the ranch.
Even Old Crooked Horn has broken from his usual habits. He's around and I can see him through the scope most anytime. He's just staying off in the flats with his girls.
Heck, the rut hasn't even kicked in seriously yet. We're still seeing small bachelor groups of bucks and none of the usual high speed chases between bucks like we normally do.
I'm thinking about cracking the seal on that jar of Kentucky "shine" just to kill the boredom. (I mean to celebrate the rain.
;)
I did the entire interior of my truck this morning. Removed the dust (left my windows open because I thought little dust would get in the truck while it sits in the shop building), applied Armourall to all Vinyl surfaces, made the glass clearer than ever before and added a good coat of RainX.
In my idle time I even broke out the Glock and fired off a round. That would have worked out better if I hadn't got by thumb behind the slide. Ripped the nail right off and reminded me why I don't mess with guns.
Anyway, we're standing ready with bows strung, strings waxed and chicken arrows at the ready. When we get out, I'll have pics and stories about the adventure.... sure not gonna wait on Vance.
:bigsmyl:
Post by: Guru on September 20, 2008, 08:13:00 PM
Post by: Missouri CK on September 20, 2008, 09:25:00 PM
Congratulations Charlie on the awesome pronghorn.
Can't wait to hear more.
Chris
Post by: Whip on September 20, 2008, 10:00:00 PM
Post by: Jim Jackson on September 21, 2008, 02:46:00 PM
Post by: Barney on September 22, 2008, 07:38:00 PM
Post by: Roughcountry on September 23, 2008, 04:35:00 PM
Get any chickens yet?
Post by: hormoan on September 24, 2008, 01:42:00 AM
:readit:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 24, 2008, 10:34:00 AM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/08Wyochickens003R)
And that's what the last 4 days have been about... weather. Mostly it's been about rain and lots of it. Long slow soaking rain that's good for everything... everything except antelope hunting.
Those brown and white buggers go underground or something when it rains. They have sure vacated the ranch.
I finally got a break yesterday and with permission to hunt a different ranch I headed up the road.
Most of the morning was spent glassing for situations that would lend themselves to a stalk. Late in the afternoon one came my way.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 24, 2008, 11:11:00 AM
There were twenty head in the group. All does escorted by a single, very respectable buck. The rut is in full swing now and bucks have their harems and will not stand intruders or even the distant approach of an outsider.
With my buck tag filled and a doe tag in my wallet, all I wanted was to relieve him of one of his does... a yearling would do just fine.
I went about my business but had little luck finding a situation I could do anything with. I needed a break and wasn't getting one.
After lunch I'd spotted a small group way down the creek and thought I might know where they were going. It would be a gamble, but it seemed to be all I had going on. But before committing to the long walk, I decided to check further up the creek.
Low and behold the twenty had decided to hit the hay meadow after all. They'd found a nice spot near the willows and had bedded down to process their latest meal.
It was the chance I'd been wanting. I quickly assembled my gear, slung my ghillie suit over my shoulder and cut a line directly across the creek bottom toward the herd.
Remember how I'd said I was hunting a new ranch. Well, that meant that there was a lot I didn't know about the property and the time I'd spent behind the lense of the spotting scope hadn't told me all I could have known either.
As I had for my buck I stopped at the creek and removed shoes and socks, leaving them slung over my shoulder after the crossing just in case I had to cross again.
It's just as well I did. As I was enveloped by the ten feet high willows I found that the whole bottom in that section was one soggy mess. Beaver runs were everywhere, making footing tricky and forcing me to watch every step carefully lest I step into a hole.
I thought constantly of the big bull moose I'd seen just the day before in this very section of willows.
Actually I was less worried about running into him than I was one of his lady friends that I knew had to be in there somewhere.
I could just imagine being up to my knees in mud and confronted by a cow moose with calf. I'd not be able to run through maze of muck and willow and would be forced to shoot it out with her.
I could think of a lot of reasons that wouldn't be a good scenario to be caught in.
(cont.)
Post by: Caddo on September 24, 2008, 01:18:00 PM
Post by: beachbowhunter on September 24, 2008, 01:54:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 24, 2008, 11:51:00 PM
The goats had moved from their little cove next to the willows and had moved out into more open country. There was, however, a chance that I could still close the distance if they'd just move behind an intervening clump of willows.
They'd have to all be out of sight or the plan wouldn't work.
As if the buck had read my thoughts he herded the girls into a clump and they ALL moved behind the screening cover.
I wasted no time closing the distance. My very last cover would be a lone willow right next to a very tight fence. No way could I get through the fence and make a final approach. I knelt down and waited.
As it turns out my luck was holding. Soon the girls came mincing out from behind the shielding willows headed for a gap in a cross fence that was just 20 yards from my position. PERFECT!!
This is going super, I thought to myself.
With no need to be picky I held my bow ready as the lead doe cleared the fence and passed my hideout.
Slowly and smoothly I bent the bow, when just an inch before anchor the wind blew the fringe on my ghillie mask (which I'd never used before) across my eyes.
I foolishly thought that I could make the shot. Afterall the fringe wasn't completely blocking my vision.
As it turns out it was just enough interference to turn my duck soup shot into a clean miss.
The antelope bolted, but didn't have a clue what had startled them. I remained still hoping they'd somehow drift back to me, but of course that wasn't going to happen.
The best I could do was to stay hidden until they had moved far enough away that I could make my exit without disturbing them more.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 25, 2008, 12:19:00 AM
The walk back to the truck was a long one and I needed a drink of water badly.
When I finally pulled into Vance's drive, he was standing waiting for me. "Let's go get some sage hens", he hollered almost before my truck had come to a stop.
Oh hell, why not!
Within another half hour we were up to our necks in chickens. What a blast. I wish I could say my shooting was stellar. It sure wasn't! But then sage hens are a tricky target.
As soon as they spot you they start drifting away through the sage brush. Usually you are lucky to spot them at 15 yards and they never seem to let you get any closer.
Move too fast toward them and they flush... and for such a large bird they are feathered rockets.
Move to slowly and they'll simply walk away from you.
It's best to take the shot as soon as it presents itself, so you are dealing with a moving target, 15 to 20 yards away, weaving in and out of the sage brush.
We gave a bunch of them close calls before I finally connected on one.
My usual pick for a chicken arrow is a broadhead, but I'd decided to see what would happen if I used something with more shocking power.
That first bird went down to a Judo tipped carbon arrow. I didn't care much for the results of that. A little messy and not at all quick. A finishing shot was needed.
As the evening wound down, I was missing closer, but still not up to par. I'd switched arrows and had an Ace Hex Head Blunt up front. That should do the trick.
In the waning minutes of the day we came upon another group of birds. I picked out the closest one and drew the 67# recurve to anchor.
I knew the shot was good even though I couldn't see the arrow fly and was not surprised to here the sound of a solid hit... WHOCK!!
The arrow slipped through the center of that bird like he wasn't even there. He literally jumped into flight and I watched him as he skimmed low over the short sage brush. He didn't seem hurt much as he landed out around 150 yards.
I was sure he was gone.
But Vance had a trick up his sleeve. Maybe I should say he had a dog up his sleeve. Calling for Andy, his black Lab, we watched as he flew from the back of the truck and headed our way.
Andy knew what we wanted and better yet he knew his business. If Andy cut the scent of the bird he'd be on it.
So I guess I can say I wasn't surprised when Andy ran off downwind of where we'd last seen the sage hen and in mid stride changed direction, loping easilly into the wind.
He suddenly stopped and jammed his head into the sagebrush all in one move. When Andy brought his head up he had my bird in his mouth. It was quite dead, but I decided right then and there that there would be no more "experimenting" on sage hens.
A broadhead is the only way to go.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/08Wyochickensrobinsquiver004)
Post by: Guru on September 25, 2008, 05:29:00 AM
Post by: Killdeer on September 25, 2008, 05:41:00 AM
Do any surgery on that ghilly mask?
Killdeer :thumbsup: :campfire: :coffee:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 25, 2008, 10:15:00 AM
:rolleyes:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 25, 2008, 11:20:00 AM
Having learned my lesson, I took the long way around. Maybe I should say "the dry way around".
I'd already spotted what I thought was the same herd of antelope not far from the adventure of the day before.
Once again the goats were outside the fence near the willows. It suddenly occurred to me just why they were there.
The fenced in meadow contains the cows when they are present. What that means is that the cows crop every blade of grass inside the fence to a nub.
Just outside the fence in the fifty yard strip between fence and willows, the grass is untouched. Duh, Lamb!!
I'd closed the gap to about 60 yards with good willow cover between the antelope and my approach. There was one opening to cross before I could make a final move. The only direction I could be seen from was the side toward the open meadow.
Rutty buck antelope are constantly herding their does here and there and chasing down any "escapees". Guess what?
A yearling doe broke from the group and headed out into the open meadow with the buck hot on her heels.
For whatever reason he gave up on her and headed back to the rest of the girls, leaving the yearling standing...you guessed it...right across the fence from where I stood in the open. Arrrrrrrrrrgh!
She spotted me immediately and although she didn't have a clue what I was, she knew she didn't like what she was seeing.
So the battle of wills began. She waiting for some kind of movement out of me and me refusing to let her see any movement.
She stared at me for what seemed like an eternity, but in reality was only...er... an eternity!
Just when I thought she would lose interest, and go away, I looked up and saw the rest of the herd running my way down my side of the fence line.
Taking the chance of blowing the whole deal I knelt quickly and readied my bow.
(cont.)
Post by: Ted Fry on September 25, 2008, 01:28:00 PM
Post by: bbassi on September 25, 2008, 02:15:00 PM
Post by: Roughcountry on September 25, 2008, 03:29:00 PM
Like the chicken pic a bunch :thumbsup:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 25, 2008, 05:33:00 PM
And then of course things really went south. The leader of the pack keyed in on the lone doe in the field and stopped, as did the rest of her sisters.
It was obvious that her sister in the field had seen or was seeing something alarming and she wanted to know what. I held my ground.
She could just not pick me out as a threat, but in short order decided there must be something there and led her charges away into the field and out of my life once more.
As before I let them move completely out of sight before heading for the house.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 25, 2008, 05:46:00 PM
I'd taken almost as long with the stalk on this day as the day before and once again Vance was waiting for me.
I threw my bow in the back seat along with my shoulder slung side quiver that my good buddy Robin Severe had made me. I had all my chicken arrows in it and reserved the arrows in my bowquiver for big game.
It's absolutely perfect for this hunting. It's solid construction and padded shoulder strap keep my arrows safe and me safe from them. The strap won't allow the quiver to slip and I like that a lot. You have to physically move the quiver where you want it and it stays there.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 25, 2008, 05:55:00 PM
I had taken three shots at grouse and bagged two (the limit). The other shot cut feathers but didn't hurt the bird that I could tell.
I was shooting broadheads and they put the birds down where they were hit.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/08Wyochickensrobinquiverstanding016)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/08Wyochickenssunset020)
I like to get photos of multiple animals when hunting small game, but with birds it's critical to get them cleaned and cooled as quickly as possible, so the cleaning took place as soon as the kill was made.
To get two birds from the same flock is very tough. I've only done it once that I can remember.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 25, 2008, 06:05:00 PM
Robin... Thanks so much for the quiver. I love it and will be trying to wear it out over the next couple of years.
:bigsmyl:
Post by: Lawrenceu on September 25, 2008, 06:41:00 PM
I love reading your stuff.
Post by: Guru on September 25, 2008, 09:57:00 PM
What happened to Santa?
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 26, 2008, 10:25:00 AM
His obligations to work have kept him hopping all day everyday since I've been here. He's only had a minimum of time to chase sage grouse in the evenings with me.
By the time the day is over and he could write, he's to mentally exausted to deal with writing.
The big problem is that he's getting slammed with work from now until the end of the month.
I'll be slipping out of here this morning so I don't get any of that work stuff on me.
:scared:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 26, 2008, 10:39:00 AM
In the afternoon I slipped off into sage hen country. I got one more with a great twenty yard shot.
I was tickled because it was the only shot I had, so I was at 100%.
While I was up that way, I stopped to talk to another rancher for a while. That resulted in permission to antelope hunt on his property, so the time wasn't really lost even though it cut into my chicken hunting.
It looks very promising up there and I'll be spending the day at it.
With only a few days of my trip left, I need to be working hard at filling my last doe tag.
I'm getting a lot of guff from the wife about dragging my feet on this permit.... she thinks I can just go out and kill stuff at will.
I don't think she has a good grasp of the whole process.
:D
I've received some great news from back home in the last two days.
Chris Kinslow has sent me trail cam pictures of the area we'll be hunting toward the end of October. It looks very promising to say the least.
When I called the wife last night for my "no honey I'm not out partying with showgirls" check in, she told me that a lawyer friend of hers wants me to check out his new 300 acre property when I get back.
Since it's in the middle of prime Missouri whitetail country I'll be taking him up on that.
But of course that's another adventure waiting to happen and I've still got lots to experience here.
:wavey: :archer:
Post by: beachbowhunter on September 26, 2008, 11:32:00 AM
Post by: Guru on September 26, 2008, 12:41:00 PM
Charlie, Sounds like you have some good hunting waiting to be done at home bud...good for you!
Then there's always TX to look forward too :eek: :campfire:
Post by: Barney on September 26, 2008, 08:20:00 PM
Post by: Roughcountry on September 27, 2008, 09:58:00 AM
I hope that quiver lasts at least ten or twenty hard years of chicken huntin. It does have a lifetime warrentee, when it wears out, thats the lifetime :D
Vance, I'm willin to wait for the story. You'll have plenty time when the cold hits :)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 27, 2008, 11:08:00 AM
By the way, I'm still at 100% with my chicken shooting (if we're only counting since day before yesterday :D ), added one more to the list yesterday afternoon.
Also found what I believe will be a honey hole for antelope, so cross your fingers for me.
Post by: Budog56 on September 27, 2008, 04:19:00 PM
Post by: Guru on September 27, 2008, 07:50:00 PM
Post by: bowhunterfrompast on September 27, 2008, 09:19:00 PM
bhfp
Post by: bowhunterfrompast on September 27, 2008, 09:31:00 PM
bhfp
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 27, 2008, 11:11:00 PM
This place is literally a hole. You drop off the plateau into a kind of pasture that's maybe 150 yards long and 75 yards wide. If you didn't know it was there you'd never see it.
That and the fact that it's way off the main road and on private property helps a lot.
There's also a small group of cabins there with a lot of in and out traffic which has conditioned the antelope to ignore vehicular traffic.
So this morning I drove down there around 10 A.M. thinking that the owner and his "group" would be gone for the day (didn't want to disturb anyone). Well, he and his wife were still there and so were the antelope... bedded about 75 yards from the main cabin.
I drove past the goats and up to the cabin where I visited a while before baling off into the willows which bordered the pasture and would take me unseen within 20 yards of the bedded antelope.
Half way through the approach, the owner and wife (two trucks) drove off with music blaring. I figured that would provide a short distraction at the least.
It was pretty thick and slow going, but I had nothing but time... I thought. The wind was super and I had kicked off my boots for a quieter approach.
A couple of years ago I discovered that I wasn't the quiet stalker I thought I was... hearing aids will do that for you!
Bare feet or just socks is dead quiet!
All went according to plan and I drew up behind a clump of willows that I knew lay within shooting distance of the goats.
As had happened earlier in the hunt, the antelope had finished their ruminating and were up feeding.
They had drifted away from the willows and were now at least 30 yards and some were 35 yards plus.
That's not what I'd come for so I backed off and watched. If I treat this herd with respect I WILL get the shot I want and fill my final tag.
When they'd drifted back up onto the plateau I backed off to think the situation over.
Since I needed do a little gift shopping in town anyway, I decided that I'd get that out of the way and pick up makings for a nice supper for Vance and his wife Sandy. It took most of the rest of the day, but I had a nice relaxing afternoon and an early supper.
My plan is to get up before daylight and be in the willows waiting when the sun comes up.
One thing that I've noticed about the antelope around these rivers is that they tend to vacate the low ground at night and move up into the sagebrush. Early in the morning they return to the bottoms to feed and rest while chewing their cud.
I need to be in place before they come down and be ready to strike as they feed or bed close to the willows.
I can count on them bedding down for at least an hour so with some luck and patience it should work.
Vance and I drove up to let the owner know I'd be coming in early in the morning and to not shoot me...only half joking about that!
We took no bows with us, so it was just a social call with no chicken hunting on the way in or out.
As a matter of fact, we arrived just before dark and the antelope were moving up onto the plateau for the night.
Can't wait for daylight.
Post by: Shaun on September 28, 2008, 12:08:00 AM
Post by: Killdeer on September 28, 2008, 06:20:00 AM
You awake yet?
:bigsmyl:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 28, 2008, 07:29:00 AM
I'm out the door in a few.
If you all can type with fingers crossed I'd appreciate it.
Thanks!!!
:wavey: :archer:
Post by: Danny Rowan on September 28, 2008, 07:38:00 AM
Danny
Post by: Guru on September 28, 2008, 08:55:00 AM
Post by: Randy Morin on September 28, 2008, 09:33:00 AM
Post by: Talondale on September 29, 2008, 05:04:00 PM
Post by: beachbowhunter on September 29, 2008, 05:57:00 PM
Post by: Budog56 on September 29, 2008, 07:20:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 29, 2008, 11:14:00 PM
Been going full speed ahead trying to pull this one out of the fire.
Started yesterday morning before daylight. I knew that the antelope liked to bed and chew cud in a particular section of the meadow near the willows.
All I had to do was set up my blind, apply brush, wait for first light and collect my antelope doe. Yeah sure!!
It was 7 A.M. when I noticed silouettes on the plateau above me. The local herd was heading back their hideout.
They didn't didn't mess around at all about getting off that hill and down into my little part of the world.
The group dropped into the irrigation ditch at the bottom of the hill and out of sight for just a minute and then swarmed up and out of it coming on the run.
The first to come was a doe and fawn. Either would have been fine with me, but the willows I set my blind by are a thin strip that divides the meadow in half. I was facing the wrong direction with the wall of willow behind and between me and the goats.
A
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 29, 2008, 11:23:00 PM
It's what I expected so I wasn't upset. They were out of my sight for most of the time, but I sat patiently.
Finally, a doe and fawn broke through the willows to my side.
Go time!!
I guess they'd made it within 50 yards when the buck showed up. Apparently he didn't want them going the way they were and in a heart beat they were headed away from me on the run.
Still I waited patiently.
After a little bit I heard the crunching of little hooves in the gravel close by and a yearling doe squirted out of the brush within 15 yards of my hide.
Hot on her tail was the buck and they were moving at light speed as they circled around and back to the herd, the buck making that funny half grunt, half wheeze, half bark that they do.
Try as they might, the does just couldn't shake the buck and get over my way. It's where they wanted to go, it's where I wanted them to go, it just wasn't where the buck wanted them to go.
I sat until noon and had to pull stakes and get back to Vance's ranch.
The afternoon was uneventful.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 29, 2008, 11:43:00 PM
This time I had a different plan.
I'd noticed that the antelope had watered in the irrigation ditch where it widened out and got shallow.
Sign indicated that it was a favored spot for water and the rancher had indicated that he saw them there every day. The missing ingredient!
There was a fence corner right there which would break up the outline of the blind a little and provide me with a 10 to 15 yard shot to the waters edge while keeping the steady breeze in my favor.
I watched the glow spreading above the eastern mountains as the sun struggled to peek over their tops.
Slowly a rosey blush tinted the face of the western mountains. Day was breaking in the Rocky Mountains. It's worth the price of admission for sure.
Keeping an eye on my watch, 7 A.M. came and went with no distant antelope topping the ridge.
Oh sure, I had one lone buck come cruising through the meadow before good light came on.
There were also single bucks running the edge of plateau looking down for the antelope does they figured would be there, but they wouldn't fill the bill.
Along about 10 A.M. I spotted a small group of antelope (my group had at least 20 animals in it) coming through the hills from the west.
They were moving fast and I was sure they'd be in front of me in no time. It wasn't to be.
I watched them fiddle around up there until well after 1 P.M. when they finally found their way to the bottom, but some 500 yards distant.
I'd had it with sitting, so donning my ghillie, I slipped off into the willows to make something happen.
They were crowding the willow cover and I knew I'd get my chance if I was patient.
In short order I'd swung wide of them, crossing the creek as I went.
Moving through dense willows I found the edge and the whole herd within easy shooting distance.
I removed my boots for the final assault and eased toward my unsuspecting prey.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 29, 2008, 11:59:00 PM
A prospective target grazed across the end of the opening, but I still had a thin screen of willow to clear before I could shoot.
That was negotiated with no problem, but then another goat stepped into the lane.
I don't know what she saw, but she saw something. That was for sure. She stopped dead and stared in my direction. POOP!!
All I could do was wait and hope she would lose interest. It didn't happen.
When I could stand it no longer, I ever so slowly move to one side and out of her vision. I thought.
It actually appeared she was looking right through me since she didn't flinch as I moved. But I was moving VERY slowly.
I had an angle on the first doe from this position and prepared for the shot. At half draw the suspicious doe blew the alarm and that was that.
Almost as quick as thought they were all standing on the hill a hundred yards away looking down on me... and I mean contemptuosly!
When they left they didn't even run, but instead just walked away.
And that is the finale of this month long adventure in the west.
Even though I failed to fill my last doe tag, the hunt was anything but a failure. I'd gotten my game in spades and witnessed more sunrises in the awesome land than a man should be allowed. I'd spent time with good friends old and new, laughed and cried.
I'd been rained on, snowed on, chilled to the bone and worked up a sweat or two. I'd watched summer leaves lose there emerald hue and take on the golden glow of autumn.
I guess I don't think I could have filled my plate any fuller.
Now I'm off for my home in the midwest where the season for whitetails is underway and a whole nuther fall is waiting to be witnessed.
I'll see ya then.
:wavey:
Post by: Toecutter on September 30, 2008, 12:29:00 AM
Thanks whole bunch for taking us along :clapper:
Post by: Doc Nock on September 30, 2008, 08:10:00 AM
Thanks to all that make these shared adventures possible.
Vicarious is as good as it gets when the chips are down.
Hunt well...
Post by: BMN on September 30, 2008, 10:48:00 AM
Post by: lt-m-grow on October 01, 2008, 09:26:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 02, 2008, 08:39:00 AM
While it's always good to get back home, I already miss sharing a desk with my brother Vance.
His wife Sandra is an angel for putting up with me for over a month... very special lady for sure.
On the drive home I, of course, saw a lot of antelope (at first). I was constantly reminded of how intensely I'd gotten into the hunt, as with each herd I'd spot I'd quite automatically be planning approaches or ambushes. Guess I was having a little trouble getting out of hunt mode.
Heck, I even saw two herds of elk along the highway while crossing the red desert. It's just not a place where you'd expect to see the majestic wapiti.
The bull in the second herd (a big old boy) was rubbing his antlers on some kind of sign post. There wasn't a tree to be seen for miles. Odd!
Anyway, I'm here safe and sound and should have my deer permit in my pocket by this afternoon.
Later.
Post by: rabbitman on October 02, 2008, 09:35:00 AM
Post by: Shaun on October 02, 2008, 09:52:00 AM
Post by: Doc Nock on October 02, 2008, 10:02:00 AM
RE: elk...didn't I read one time that originally, they were prarie critters? Till they got hammered and opted for the mts?
Post by: beachbowhunter on October 02, 2008, 01:33:00 PM
Post by: Joseph on October 03, 2008, 02:58:00 AM
Post by: LEOPARD on October 03, 2008, 05:25:00 AM
Post by: Terry Green on October 03, 2008, 06:53:00 PM