cooperjd
Well-known member
The shorter version is a page or two back for this one as well. But I always write up our hunting trips, and here is the full version for those that cant' sleep 
Wednesday, 6 October 2010.
I arrive at the Denver airport to find Dad finishing up a cold one,
and we head over to baggage claim to pick up my rifle. We get our
bags, the rental car, and we hit the road heading to Wheatland,
Wyoming. After getting settled in the hotel and relaxing for a bit,
we head to Wade and Rosetta's for a long awaited visit. Dad and I
check our rifle zero, and visit with the family for dinner and the
rest of the evening. We talk about strategy for the next day, and
Dad and I head back to the hotel to get some sleep before the next
morning's hunt.
Thursday, 7 October 2010.
The alarm sounds early, but we get up anticipating a great first
morning hunt. We get to Wade's and hop in his truck to head out to a
section of public land he knows well. Joining us on this early
morning hunt is Wade's son John, and we set out before sunrise to hike
up to the top of a hill to get a good vantage point once the sun's
rays spread over the soft rolling hills hiding these speedgoats.
After watching an amazing Wyoming sunrise antelope start to appear
before us. They appear almost out of thin air as the sun illuminates
the landscape with its first morning light. Through our binoculars we
find small groups of antelope on 3 sides of us, so we pick a group
that we think we can make a stalk on, and set out after them. After
hiking a good ways through small drainage ditches and using hte hills
and terrain to our advantage, we got to a spot we thought they were,
and they were gone. The elusive little antelope have disappeared into
the grass.
We glass and find another group of goats and start our way towards
them. This time we get in range, but the buck in this group just
isn't what we are looking for.
After hiking around the ditches and small hills glassing, we finally
spot another large group with a couple of nice looking bucks in it.
They are definitely worth a closer look, so we formulate a plan for a
stalk. We use the terrain to our advantage and sneak in, crawling to
the top of a rise to peer over and try to get Dad a shot. After
crawling to the top and getting a look at the group, we realize they
are over 300 yards away and in the extremely high winds of Wyoming,
Dad does not feel comfortable with the shot. So now we have to try and
get closer.
We cannot go straight at these antelope; they will see us and run off
immediately. They have amazing eyesight and we have to be really
careful not to skyline ourselves or let them see any movement on our
part. So we crawl back off the top of the rise, and try to circle
around the group. On our way around, we spot a couple of antelope
that are bedded higher up than the rest of the group to serve as
lookouts, so we have to back up again, and circle around even farther
so we can use a drainage ditch to hide our movements. We circle
around and again crawl up to the top of a rise to get a look at the
group. Dad crawls ahead a little and gets set up on his shooting
stick, trying to get steady in the high Wyoming wind. I range the
group at about 210 yards as Dad gets set up to find the best buck in
his riflescope. The antelope are up and moving around now, and
finally the buck gets clear and still and offers a shot. Dad's
Weatherby fires and the antelope start to run off. "I missed him" is
the next thing i hear, and as the buck is trotting along the hill
still broadside to us, the Weatherby barks again and this time the
buck goes down. A quick 3rd shot put the buck down for good and Dad
had his first antelope. High fives, handshakes, and congratulations
follow, and we gather our stuff and walk over to see Dad's buck.
After taking pictures and getting him loaded in the truck, it was time
to head back to Wade's to skin and quarter the buck, grab a quick
bite, and head back out to try and fill my tag.
We drive back to the section of public land, but this time enter at
the opposite side from this morning. We hike to the top of a steep
hill, and once on top, panting for breath, we spot a buck and doe a
long way off. They are far, and we cannot tell exactly how big he is,
but he is worth a closer look. We count power poles along the road to
the deer, and back down the hill and back to the truck. We drive
forward the 8 power poles, and get out of the truck and hike up to the
top of the hill to see if the antelope is still up there. He is, and
we sneak within easy rifle range, but he is just not quite the size
buck I am after. So we let him go for another day.
Driving along the dirt road on a different piece of public land, we
spot a group of antelope with a decent buck in it. I could get out of
the truck and shot it quickly, but this is not how I want to take my
buck, so I decide to let him pass. Wade is meat hunting, however, and
wants to fill his tag with this buck. Unfortunately the buck decides
to start running just as Wade was shooting, and the bullet appears to
hit the buck in the back ham, and the buck is never recovered.
We continue driving around looking at new pieces of land, and spot a
couple of really big bucks on some private property that are
untouchable. Right before dark we return to the original section, and
spot a large group of antelope after a short walk from the truck.
These antelope are fairly close, but we are going to have to be quick.
We hustle down and spot the big buck in the group. He is a nice
buck, and I decide to take him if I can get a shot. Unfortunately I
am not able to get steady in the high wind, and i do not feel
comfortable with the shot. It would be a fairly easy shot at 200
yards, and I have the buck quartering away, but with the wind I just
cannot get steady enough that I feel I can make a good shot. The
antelope see us and take off over the hill and out of sight. Oh well,
that's hunting, and there will be more tomorrow.
Friday, 8 October 2010
The alarm sounds early again for us, but with yesterday's success
still fresh on our minds, we get up with high hopes that I will fill
my tag today. We meet up with Wade, Little John stayed home today, so
Wade, Dad, and I head out. We head back to the same place we ended
last night in hopes of finding the big buck I couldn't get a shot at.
After climbing to the top of a rise before daylight we settle in and
wait for first light to spot some antelope. As light breaks it
reveals the same large group of goats from last night. As soon as we
see the group we spot the big buck, and he is chasing a doe right past
us. We get down and I get my rifle up on my shooting sticks in hopes
of a shot. The buck ran the doe past us, somewhere around 250 yards
away, but neither of them ever slow down and soon they are out of
sight.
So now we are back on the hunt for more. We spot another group that
looks like it has a decent buck in it, so off we go. We work our way
to them by using the drainage ditches and rolling terrain. Once we
get close enough to the group to size up the buck, we see that he is a
small one, not quite what I am looking for, so we let him go and just
take video.
We hike to the top of a small rise to glass for more antelope, and the
large group from first light is visible. We are wide open to them,
and they see us immediately. There looks to be a decent buck in the
group, however, but there is no way to move since they are staring
right at us. Finally they get nervous and decide to head over a hill
going straight away from us. After the last antelope crosses over the
top of the hill, we just head straight towards them. There is no
sense in being sneaky now, as we have to hurry. We get near the top
of the hill and start low sneaking and crawling to the top to see if
the antelope are down below. We have to be slow and careful now to
not scare them. After crawling to the top of the hill and looking
down the antelope are still there. After we all get set up and look,
we get spotted, but it is too late, I already have the .25-06 Encore
loaded and ready, and I am staring at the buck through the Nikon
scope. At 16 power zoom I get a great look at the buck, and I decide
he is good enough for me to take. He is getting nervous and about to
run as I settle my crosshairs on the front of his shoulder and put a
little pressure on my very light and crisp trigger. With the echoing
boom of the rifle and the loud "thud" of the bullet hitting the buck,
I know he is mine. The buck drops in his tracks making for a short
and easy tracking job.
2 days and 2 nice antelope bucks down. This has been a fantastic hunt
for Dad and I, and now it is Wade's turn to fill his tags.
After getting my buck loaded up into the truck, we head over to check
on a prairie dog town to have a little fun. The dogs are out running
around, and though I missed my first 2 shots, I connect on my 3rd, and
I take 2 out with the last shot. After a little fun and wasting
expensive shells at prairie dogs, we head over to check one more area
that holds antelope for Wade to fill his tag, and sure enough, it has
a herd of antelope in the bottom. We again crawl up to the top of a
rise and Wade sets his .30-06 up on his bipod and makes a great 300
yard shot and puts down a small buck. He thought this was a doe, but
since he is not trophy hunting today it is ok, that makes 2 in the
truck and a great day hunting antelope. We take the bucks back and
get them skinned and in coolers and relax for the rest of the day
before dinner with the family.
Saturday, 9 October 2010
Wade has to work today, so Dad and I decide to do a little
sightseeing. After breakfast at the local restaurant, we hop in the
rental car and drive over to Laramie. There isn't a lot to see out
there other than the landscape, and that is exactly what we are
looking for. It is a beautiful drive, and we have a good trip before
getting back to the hotel to watch some college football. This
afternoon Dad needs to go back to Denver so he can catch his early
flight in the morning, so I move from the hotel to Wade and Rosetta's
for the remainder of my trip. Dad takes off after saying his
goodbyes.
Wade's brother Rod comes over to hunt. Wade still has 2 doe tags, and
Rod has a buck and 2 doe tags, so they are on a mission to fill a
couple of freezers. Once Wade gets home we head out and start hiking
and looking for antelope. We spot some but cannot get close enough
without scaring them off, until we eventually find a buck and doe
bedded down in the bottom of a draw. Wade goes forward to get a shot,
and after crawling a long way and setting up misses the shot and the
antelope run off. We all go up the hill after them, and after a
careful stalk by Rod, he gets a shot at the doe. She runs off and
after a little tracking Rod puts a finishing shot on her and puts her
down for good. Rod then makes a antelope backpack out of her for the
short 2 mile hike back to the truck. This is the first time I've ever
seen this done, and I have to say it is a pretty neat way to carry the
animals out. Sure beats the heck out of dragging!
Sunday morning we head to church and relax around the house. We run
some errands and Rod's family comes over to the Stoll's for some
antelope processing. Wade and Rod are masters at butchering game, and
make quick work of the 4 antelope sitting in the coolers. We make a
game plan for Monday to fill the rest of the tags for Wade and Rod.
Monday, 11 October 2010
Monday morning finds us on the same section of public land all the
other antelope have been hunted on, and we are out early on a cold and
windy morning looking for more. Little John is with us today, and the
first group of antelope we go after we get close to. Wade wants John
to shoot his first antelope, so they get set up and try to get a shot
at a big doe. We are all 4 hunkered down in a drainage ditch, with a
group of antelope working towards us. The doe finally gets in the
open and John gets a shot but misses. As John misses the doe runs
off, and Rod starts shooting. At his first shot the doe keeps
running, as she skylines herself on top of the hill, Wade tells Rod
not to shoot anymore, and BOOM another shot rings out. Since Rod is
behind us we are not sure what he is shooting at, and as we look it
turns out there is a group of antelope 90 degrees to our right over
the hill of the drainage ditch we never saw. Those are the antelope
Rod is shooting at. He drops a small buck, and once Wade figures out
what is going on, he quickly gets set up and drops a nice doe. Once
we walk over to the downed goats, one of the smaller ones is still
hanging around, and John gets set up on her for a shot. This time he
doesn't miss and drops her in her tracks for his first antelope! He
made a great shot and put the goat straight down. We get these loaded
into the truck and head back to the house for skinning and quartering.
We hit the town to run a couple errands and grab some lunch, then it
was back at it this evening to try and fill Rod's final doe tag.
Little John stayed home this time as we head out looking for one final
doe. We hit the same piece of public dirt, and after a short hike we
locate another group of antelope, except this time it is 4 bucks
chasing one doe. The group is a long way off, probably 600 yards.
Wade stays put as Rod and I drop down in a ditch that runs towards the
group so we can stay hidden and close the gap. Once we run out of
cover, we have to stay low to avoid spooking the group. I stay back
and try to take some video as Rod crawls forward. The dominant buck
in the group breeds the doe while we are watching and then Rod ruins
his day by shooting her. It took a couple of shots for Rod to figure
out his distance, but he put her down quickly to finish tagging out.
Tonight I am making my reservation for the Super Shuttle to take me to
Denver airport tomorrow. So I am enjoying my last meal with the
family, playing with the dogs, the kids, and having a good time. It
has been a great visit and a great hunt. Dad and I had an absolute
ball chasing those silly speedgoats around. The hunt is so much
different that we are use to sitting in a treestand, we have to really
use the terrain and land features to try and get close to these sharp
eyed animals. It has been great to spend time with my family and I
look forward to doing this again soon.
Wednesday, 6 October 2010.
I arrive at the Denver airport to find Dad finishing up a cold one,
and we head over to baggage claim to pick up my rifle. We get our
bags, the rental car, and we hit the road heading to Wheatland,
Wyoming. After getting settled in the hotel and relaxing for a bit,
we head to Wade and Rosetta's for a long awaited visit. Dad and I
check our rifle zero, and visit with the family for dinner and the
rest of the evening. We talk about strategy for the next day, and
Dad and I head back to the hotel to get some sleep before the next
morning's hunt.
Thursday, 7 October 2010.
The alarm sounds early, but we get up anticipating a great first
morning hunt. We get to Wade's and hop in his truck to head out to a
section of public land he knows well. Joining us on this early
morning hunt is Wade's son John, and we set out before sunrise to hike
up to the top of a hill to get a good vantage point once the sun's
rays spread over the soft rolling hills hiding these speedgoats.
After watching an amazing Wyoming sunrise antelope start to appear
before us. They appear almost out of thin air as the sun illuminates
the landscape with its first morning light. Through our binoculars we
find small groups of antelope on 3 sides of us, so we pick a group
that we think we can make a stalk on, and set out after them. After
hiking a good ways through small drainage ditches and using hte hills
and terrain to our advantage, we got to a spot we thought they were,
and they were gone. The elusive little antelope have disappeared into
the grass.
We glass and find another group of goats and start our way towards
them. This time we get in range, but the buck in this group just
isn't what we are looking for.
After hiking around the ditches and small hills glassing, we finally
spot another large group with a couple of nice looking bucks in it.
They are definitely worth a closer look, so we formulate a plan for a
stalk. We use the terrain to our advantage and sneak in, crawling to
the top of a rise to peer over and try to get Dad a shot. After
crawling to the top and getting a look at the group, we realize they
are over 300 yards away and in the extremely high winds of Wyoming,
Dad does not feel comfortable with the shot. So now we have to try and
get closer.
We cannot go straight at these antelope; they will see us and run off
immediately. They have amazing eyesight and we have to be really
careful not to skyline ourselves or let them see any movement on our
part. So we crawl back off the top of the rise, and try to circle
around the group. On our way around, we spot a couple of antelope
that are bedded higher up than the rest of the group to serve as
lookouts, so we have to back up again, and circle around even farther
so we can use a drainage ditch to hide our movements. We circle
around and again crawl up to the top of a rise to get a look at the
group. Dad crawls ahead a little and gets set up on his shooting
stick, trying to get steady in the high Wyoming wind. I range the
group at about 210 yards as Dad gets set up to find the best buck in
his riflescope. The antelope are up and moving around now, and
finally the buck gets clear and still and offers a shot. Dad's
Weatherby fires and the antelope start to run off. "I missed him" is
the next thing i hear, and as the buck is trotting along the hill
still broadside to us, the Weatherby barks again and this time the
buck goes down. A quick 3rd shot put the buck down for good and Dad
had his first antelope. High fives, handshakes, and congratulations
follow, and we gather our stuff and walk over to see Dad's buck.
After taking pictures and getting him loaded in the truck, it was time
to head back to Wade's to skin and quarter the buck, grab a quick
bite, and head back out to try and fill my tag.
We drive back to the section of public land, but this time enter at
the opposite side from this morning. We hike to the top of a steep
hill, and once on top, panting for breath, we spot a buck and doe a
long way off. They are far, and we cannot tell exactly how big he is,
but he is worth a closer look. We count power poles along the road to
the deer, and back down the hill and back to the truck. We drive
forward the 8 power poles, and get out of the truck and hike up to the
top of the hill to see if the antelope is still up there. He is, and
we sneak within easy rifle range, but he is just not quite the size
buck I am after. So we let him go for another day.
Driving along the dirt road on a different piece of public land, we
spot a group of antelope with a decent buck in it. I could get out of
the truck and shot it quickly, but this is not how I want to take my
buck, so I decide to let him pass. Wade is meat hunting, however, and
wants to fill his tag with this buck. Unfortunately the buck decides
to start running just as Wade was shooting, and the bullet appears to
hit the buck in the back ham, and the buck is never recovered.
We continue driving around looking at new pieces of land, and spot a
couple of really big bucks on some private property that are
untouchable. Right before dark we return to the original section, and
spot a large group of antelope after a short walk from the truck.
These antelope are fairly close, but we are going to have to be quick.
We hustle down and spot the big buck in the group. He is a nice
buck, and I decide to take him if I can get a shot. Unfortunately I
am not able to get steady in the high wind, and i do not feel
comfortable with the shot. It would be a fairly easy shot at 200
yards, and I have the buck quartering away, but with the wind I just
cannot get steady enough that I feel I can make a good shot. The
antelope see us and take off over the hill and out of sight. Oh well,
that's hunting, and there will be more tomorrow.
Friday, 8 October 2010
The alarm sounds early again for us, but with yesterday's success
still fresh on our minds, we get up with high hopes that I will fill
my tag today. We meet up with Wade, Little John stayed home today, so
Wade, Dad, and I head out. We head back to the same place we ended
last night in hopes of finding the big buck I couldn't get a shot at.
After climbing to the top of a rise before daylight we settle in and
wait for first light to spot some antelope. As light breaks it
reveals the same large group of goats from last night. As soon as we
see the group we spot the big buck, and he is chasing a doe right past
us. We get down and I get my rifle up on my shooting sticks in hopes
of a shot. The buck ran the doe past us, somewhere around 250 yards
away, but neither of them ever slow down and soon they are out of
sight.
So now we are back on the hunt for more. We spot another group that
looks like it has a decent buck in it, so off we go. We work our way
to them by using the drainage ditches and rolling terrain. Once we
get close enough to the group to size up the buck, we see that he is a
small one, not quite what I am looking for, so we let him go and just
take video.
We hike to the top of a small rise to glass for more antelope, and the
large group from first light is visible. We are wide open to them,
and they see us immediately. There looks to be a decent buck in the
group, however, but there is no way to move since they are staring
right at us. Finally they get nervous and decide to head over a hill
going straight away from us. After the last antelope crosses over the
top of the hill, we just head straight towards them. There is no
sense in being sneaky now, as we have to hurry. We get near the top
of the hill and start low sneaking and crawling to the top to see if
the antelope are down below. We have to be slow and careful now to
not scare them. After crawling to the top of the hill and looking
down the antelope are still there. After we all get set up and look,
we get spotted, but it is too late, I already have the .25-06 Encore
loaded and ready, and I am staring at the buck through the Nikon
scope. At 16 power zoom I get a great look at the buck, and I decide
he is good enough for me to take. He is getting nervous and about to
run as I settle my crosshairs on the front of his shoulder and put a
little pressure on my very light and crisp trigger. With the echoing
boom of the rifle and the loud "thud" of the bullet hitting the buck,
I know he is mine. The buck drops in his tracks making for a short
and easy tracking job.
2 days and 2 nice antelope bucks down. This has been a fantastic hunt
for Dad and I, and now it is Wade's turn to fill his tags.
After getting my buck loaded up into the truck, we head over to check
on a prairie dog town to have a little fun. The dogs are out running
around, and though I missed my first 2 shots, I connect on my 3rd, and
I take 2 out with the last shot. After a little fun and wasting
expensive shells at prairie dogs, we head over to check one more area
that holds antelope for Wade to fill his tag, and sure enough, it has
a herd of antelope in the bottom. We again crawl up to the top of a
rise and Wade sets his .30-06 up on his bipod and makes a great 300
yard shot and puts down a small buck. He thought this was a doe, but
since he is not trophy hunting today it is ok, that makes 2 in the
truck and a great day hunting antelope. We take the bucks back and
get them skinned and in coolers and relax for the rest of the day
before dinner with the family.
Saturday, 9 October 2010
Wade has to work today, so Dad and I decide to do a little
sightseeing. After breakfast at the local restaurant, we hop in the
rental car and drive over to Laramie. There isn't a lot to see out
there other than the landscape, and that is exactly what we are
looking for. It is a beautiful drive, and we have a good trip before
getting back to the hotel to watch some college football. This
afternoon Dad needs to go back to Denver so he can catch his early
flight in the morning, so I move from the hotel to Wade and Rosetta's
for the remainder of my trip. Dad takes off after saying his
goodbyes.
Wade's brother Rod comes over to hunt. Wade still has 2 doe tags, and
Rod has a buck and 2 doe tags, so they are on a mission to fill a
couple of freezers. Once Wade gets home we head out and start hiking
and looking for antelope. We spot some but cannot get close enough
without scaring them off, until we eventually find a buck and doe
bedded down in the bottom of a draw. Wade goes forward to get a shot,
and after crawling a long way and setting up misses the shot and the
antelope run off. We all go up the hill after them, and after a
careful stalk by Rod, he gets a shot at the doe. She runs off and
after a little tracking Rod puts a finishing shot on her and puts her
down for good. Rod then makes a antelope backpack out of her for the
short 2 mile hike back to the truck. This is the first time I've ever
seen this done, and I have to say it is a pretty neat way to carry the
animals out. Sure beats the heck out of dragging!
Sunday morning we head to church and relax around the house. We run
some errands and Rod's family comes over to the Stoll's for some
antelope processing. Wade and Rod are masters at butchering game, and
make quick work of the 4 antelope sitting in the coolers. We make a
game plan for Monday to fill the rest of the tags for Wade and Rod.
Monday, 11 October 2010
Monday morning finds us on the same section of public land all the
other antelope have been hunted on, and we are out early on a cold and
windy morning looking for more. Little John is with us today, and the
first group of antelope we go after we get close to. Wade wants John
to shoot his first antelope, so they get set up and try to get a shot
at a big doe. We are all 4 hunkered down in a drainage ditch, with a
group of antelope working towards us. The doe finally gets in the
open and John gets a shot but misses. As John misses the doe runs
off, and Rod starts shooting. At his first shot the doe keeps
running, as she skylines herself on top of the hill, Wade tells Rod
not to shoot anymore, and BOOM another shot rings out. Since Rod is
behind us we are not sure what he is shooting at, and as we look it
turns out there is a group of antelope 90 degrees to our right over
the hill of the drainage ditch we never saw. Those are the antelope
Rod is shooting at. He drops a small buck, and once Wade figures out
what is going on, he quickly gets set up and drops a nice doe. Once
we walk over to the downed goats, one of the smaller ones is still
hanging around, and John gets set up on her for a shot. This time he
doesn't miss and drops her in her tracks for his first antelope! He
made a great shot and put the goat straight down. We get these loaded
into the truck and head back to the house for skinning and quartering.
We hit the town to run a couple errands and grab some lunch, then it
was back at it this evening to try and fill Rod's final doe tag.
Little John stayed home this time as we head out looking for one final
doe. We hit the same piece of public dirt, and after a short hike we
locate another group of antelope, except this time it is 4 bucks
chasing one doe. The group is a long way off, probably 600 yards.
Wade stays put as Rod and I drop down in a ditch that runs towards the
group so we can stay hidden and close the gap. Once we run out of
cover, we have to stay low to avoid spooking the group. I stay back
and try to take some video as Rod crawls forward. The dominant buck
in the group breeds the doe while we are watching and then Rod ruins
his day by shooting her. It took a couple of shots for Rod to figure
out his distance, but he put her down quickly to finish tagging out.
Tonight I am making my reservation for the Super Shuttle to take me to
Denver airport tomorrow. So I am enjoying my last meal with the
family, playing with the dogs, the kids, and having a good time. It
has been a great visit and a great hunt. Dad and I had an absolute
ball chasing those silly speedgoats around. The hunt is so much
different that we are use to sitting in a treestand, we have to really
use the terrain and land features to try and get close to these sharp
eyed animals. It has been great to spend time with my family and I
look forward to doing this again soon.
