I have been trying to get back to Montana since 2010 to visit with a good friend Doug Campbell. This year I was able to get away and booked my flight. To sweeten the deal I drew a archery only, either sex Antelope tag.
This was my first Antelope hunt and I had planned to do most of my hunting out of my Double Bull. When Doug showed me that tri-pod ladder stand I was a little skeptical. It was out in the wide open spaces of big sky country. All of my hunting has been tucked away in thickets and well camouflaged tree stands. Sitting in that tri-pod was different. Feeling "exposed!" is an understatement. I made up my mind that the first Antelope that gave me a shot was going to be the one. On the third day this doe came in to water and gave me a broad side shot. I leaned forward in the stand and it made a little creek. She looked up and took a half step back. She was looking at the stand but not up. She calmed down some and looked off towards the other Antelope. She began to but weight on the opposite leg and I got off a quick shot that was a bit far back. She only went 30 yards and stopped. Less than a minuet later she was down.
I was one happy hunter. Doug and Karen were on their way to town and noticed the truck by the stand. Doug glassed the stand and saw that I was field dressing my first Antelope. Karen then took what is my favorite hunting photo.