Tales of TX Sweat 2007 - 1st Group

[The Whittler]

I know I enjoyed the pics and stories. Almost like being there, well almost lol. Alan

[Tique]

I teamed up with Mel (Irish) for the last day of the hunt. Drove about a half mile up the ranch road, parked and headed up the valley. Our plan was to look for goats down low before climbing up "Angora" mountain. I made one stalk  up a dry creek bed but only got close to some mamas with babies.

We made the climb and hunted toward the windmill in the far distance. Ran into Doc and JC just after Doc had hit his goat. We joined in to help with the tracking until CK appeared and said the goat was down; Mel and I then continued on toward the windmill. We snuck up to the big  water tank beside the windmill for look around.

We spoted 2 goats about 150 yards away feeding along in the open. Dropped my pack and started the stalk; Mel watched from the shade of the tank. Got to within 15 yards and started to draw for a quartering away shot; goat turned and continued feeding directly away form me. I followed along, concentrating on this goat when I noticed the 2nd goat feeding off to the side about 10 yards away.

The sound of the arrow hitting the rocks startled him. As I fumbled around trying to nock another arrow he decided to leave Dodge; my 2nd arrow also found the rocks.

Upset and disappointed in myself I turned to my guide for some comforting words; this is what I saw:

     

 

It didn't take me long to join Mel; that cold water sure felt good!

It was a long hike down and I was exhausted when we got to the car. No, I didn't bring home a goat or a sheep but I've got more than enough memories to last until next year.

Thanks for letting me share this story with you.
Dave

[Gary Kellar]

Dave -

Great pictures and glad you enjoyed the trip, I know we sure enjoyed having you along for the bumpy ride!!

Look forward to seeing you again next year.

[tippit]

That picture of Mel is priceless.  I think that's exactly how the over the hill-gang felt at the conclusion of the hunt     But a little ice & Ben-gay, I'm ready to go again.  Ice that is for the Tecate...Doc

[Gary Kellar]

Doc -

You and I need to start hunting together more often . . . have too much in common. This once a year stuff leaves me thirsty for more!!

    Gary

[hunt it]

So thats why the rams where all on one side of the ranch! Mel and Dave were washing their feet in all the water holes on the other side. Great picture Dave.

[Irish]

Don't drink the water!!

[Irish]

Had a great day with Dave.  Saw lots of game, got to watch Dave put a great stalk on a couple goats.  It did get a little warm, I think someone said around 95 degrees.

[Irish]

And you are right Doc, ready to go back.  Is Dave (hunt it) driving??

[Tique]

I'm ready to go back too; really thinking about the July hunt. Does Tecate taste better in July?

[tippit]

Tecate must go down like water in July  

[kctreeman]

Tique, if my bear hunt falls thru for September (MN Drawing) I'll be ready to hunt pigs in July or August.  You don't think that it gets very hot in July do you.  I meaen it was 97 our last day in March, it can't get much hotter than that, can it?  Had a great time sharing a camp with you.

[Littlefeather]

Man, it would be really cool to see some of you Sweat Vets back in July to do some piggy wackin. I'd love to see you guys twice in one year! CK

[Terry Green]

Originally posted by tippit:
Tecate must go down like water in July      

HA!

[JC]

ROFL with that pic of Mel! Thanks Tique, sure am missing that hunt.

[Whip]

I was going through pictures and finally trying to organize them from the trip.  Came across this one of the group of sheep I chased all week long.  In the middle is the one I called "Scarface".  Big, black, horns going WAY out there, and a white blaze down the middle of his face.  Reminded me of a Water Buffalo somehow, except the horns curled.  Wish I had better pictures, but they sure do bring back memories of a great day.  
In this pic the sheep are up and moving away from me.  They had been bedded much closer for over an hour and I hadn't been able to move an eyelash the whole time.  When they finally started to wander away it was almost a relief.
   

[Tique]

Nice picture Joe. Scarface did have a look of arrogance, no doubt he was king of the mountain. I 2nd JC's comment: sure am missing that hunt.

[Ted Fry]

Yeah old scar face I know him well , I just look at that hill and my legs get tired . Not to mention I still have a bit of that Dogpear in my leg.
Funny though I miss the hunt as well, I think its more the guys than the hunt. It was a good group.

[Littlefeather]

Looking at that Ram makes me remember when my ledgs were tired. Seems I met you on the perimeter fence waaaaaaaayyyyyyyy out there around dark. I remember seeing that big fella a few time as he'd crest the next mesa over. I need to talk to you before you leave Ted. I don't have directions other than "head North".  

[JC]

Yep, that pic makes my ankles sore...never been so happy to have my Danners on my whole life!