Seems personally demeaning somewhat to assign an SCI score to an animal. Yet, this is quantitative value utilized to establish the target animal. After nine months of relentless searching, I was only able to identify one confirmed traditional red stag harvest over a SCI 350 score. Ironically, the upper 350’s beautiful stag was harvested by Dale Karch just last year and also had been taken at Wildside Safaris.
Note: Will post a pic of Dale’s magnificent stag if granted authorization.
My established objective, while possibly unrealistic, was to pursue a SCI 350+ stag. Yet, my ultimate desire constantly wandered two classes higher…SCI 380 – 399. Yes, I was dreaming large.
After arriving, and having had some time to become acquainted with the team, we got down to business. The initial meeting prior to the hunt was a complete shock. Gerald informed me that they would like to spend the 1st 4-5 days pursuing a stag which would break the SCI 400 barrier. I had not even dreamed that big. Caught totally off guard, and don’t even recall my response, I am sure that I uttered something quite unintelligible.
Little did I ever conceive that this endeavor would stand alone as the most rigorous, torturous and rewarding hunt of my life.
Day 1 Morning hunt
Saw a spectacle of numerous stags and multitudes of hinds. Stags were constantly picking us out to over 400 yards and were well versed to recognize a human form. Standing motionless seemed never to serve us well as they were quite weary and owned exceptional noses.
Day1 Afternoon hunt
Gerald spots a super stag positioned for favorable wind and available cover stalk. We close the distance to ~125 yards, then maneuver slowly another 50 yards and then we are out of cover. We then back out and circle, then climb a steep wooded hill side. Now w/I 45 yards, I crawl out into the grass field to a large tree. Peering to the right, I see a younger stag ~50 yards out and walking directly towards me.
Then, I peer around the tree to left and the large stag is feeding broadside out ~30 yards. I make the fatal mistake of being a right handed shooter and attempting to shoot off the left side of the tree. Busted…..an unfamiliar characteristic with regards to the red stag is that they never once ever look directly at us unless at a considerable distance. If they see you in their peripheral vision, they immediately vanish. Chalk up that blown stalk as a lesson learned. Gerald just smiled and said ”you will fare better the next opportunity”.
This beauty of a stag had a damaged pedicel likely as a ‘spiker’ which contributed to exotic right side antler growth.
This majestic and intimidating beauty is whom I faced on my first encounter.
This pic was taken from the 75 yard position. It was amazing to see Gerald raise the camera above the cover and take the photo as if the camera was mounted on a mechanical extension.
Often times, spikers damage their pedicles during their 1st year of antler growth. It is suspected that the significant 1st year growth may be too large for the smaller pedicle.
Ben, the Rocky Mountain goat guide specialist, was to guide me the next seven days. We wanted to formulate a plan of attack to make another attempt on this fine red stag. Gerald informed us not to waste our time. The damaged pedicle stag only permitted one close encounter a year.
Topic: Friend is in New Zealand! (Read 2598 times)
