Post by: Charlie Lamb on July 15, 2006, 10:57:00 PM
From the sound of it, it's a really cool ranch with totally different geography than around Curtis home.
Lot's of rocks and steep hills... well, they do call it the hill country. :D
So I won't spoil it for CK, but be warned there is gonna be a tale of critter gettin when he gets home tomorrow. :thumbsup:
Post by: cjones on July 16, 2006, 12:26:00 AM
Post by: UKarcher on July 16, 2006, 01:28:00 AM
:notworthy: :notworthy:
Graham
Post by: IB on July 16, 2006, 10:20:00 AM
Post by: Ray Hammond on July 16, 2006, 11:37:00 AM
Post by: TexMex on July 16, 2006, 12:36:00 PM
!["[heman]"]("graemlins/heman.gif" "\"\"")
Post by: Buglmin on July 16, 2006, 01:01:00 PM
The hill country is almost like the area around here. And the exotics offer some unreal, tough hunting. Them dang little black bucks are worse wired then a whitetail deer. Nothing but a bunch of springs that come unglued at the slightest sound. And if you like sheep, look into the Taxas Dall. I think thats the prettiest sheep in Texas. I'm telling you guys, Texas is the place to hunt.
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on July 16, 2006, 01:36:00 PM
Post by: beachbowhunter on July 16, 2006, 01:59:00 PM
Post by: IB on July 16, 2006, 03:33:00 PM
!["[tunglaff]"]("graemlins/tunglaff.gif" "\"\"")
Post by: robtattoo on July 16, 2006, 05:39:00 PM
Post by: Littlefeather on July 16, 2006, 08:50:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/GOODGOATPIC.jpg)
Post by: GroundHunter on July 16, 2006, 08:59:00 PM
It's great hunting in the Hill Country!
Post by: TimBow2 on July 16, 2006, 09:05:00 PM
Post by: tippit on July 16, 2006, 09:12:00 PM
Post by: Gary Kellar on July 16, 2006, 09:16:00 PM
GK
Post by: rabbitman on July 16, 2006, 09:30:00 PM
Post by: Shaun on July 16, 2006, 09:58:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on July 16, 2006, 10:05:00 PM
Post by: Brian Halbleib on July 16, 2006, 10:58:00 PM
!["[laffsmyl]"]("graemlins/laffsmyl.gif" "\"\"")
OK, I think it's time for Karen and I to look for some wintering property in Texas...ah shoot, forgot that we have to stay here in the winter and work :mad:
Looking forward to the story Killer.
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
Post by: cjones on July 16, 2006, 11:59:00 PM
Post by: Roughcountry on July 17, 2006, 12:50:00 AM
Waitin for the story when your rested up :campfire:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on July 17, 2006, 08:52:00 AM
Actually I'll comment about everything but his goat. Like....
Dang! That's some rocky country! Gotta be a test for arrow ruggedness.
Does look kinda like areas of some of the southwestern states. Very different than Curtis is used to around his home.
And did anyone notice he's still shootin one of his Horne bows? I think he likes them a lot.
Mark could alter his sales blurbs... "Horne's of plenty" or "how Horne's got my goat" or "pardon me while I Horne in". :D
Mainly I'm just killin time until Curtis comes on and gives us a little info. :thumbsup:
Post by: JC on July 17, 2006, 09:12:00 AM
Tell the tale when you can Curtis. Just don't leave anything out.... :saywhat:
Love the lines on that Horne, sure is one sweet looking bow. My new brushbow should be here in a few months I hope.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on July 17, 2006, 09:21:00 AM
Post by: TexMex on July 17, 2006, 09:25:00 AM
Post by: IB on July 17, 2006, 09:26:00 AM
Wait till I gets some DONUTS, fer ya starts a tellin this one Curtis............vance
Post by: trashwood on July 17, 2006, 09:37:00 AM
That is a pretty trophy CK. Wingnut and I were on a ranch a couple of yrs ago that had some goats that had four horns. Looked plumb spooky. Dang I wanted one of them :)
I'm a Horne guy. :) I got three of Mark's bows but the one that really turns my crank is a 58" recurve with a bow bolt. My 58" recurve, 55#@28", has bamboo lams. I like this bow so much I haven't even named it. I this call it "The Bow".
I love 'em CK stories
rusty
Post by: Littlefeather on July 17, 2006, 09:44:00 AM
It all started out when I was at Comptons. My phone rang one evening as I was headed back to the Hotel. It was my Dad on the other end wanting to know if I wanted to run some bowhunts for goats in west Texas. Well, that answer was a no-brainer and the rest is somewhat history. Numerous weeks and phone calls later I found myself behind the wheel in route to the Del Rio area of west Texas. This area is rugged, up and down, cliffs, canyons, pinon pines and cedars. The whole place looks exactly like the Gilla wilderness of Arizona. I was without words upon arriving. This place is harsh but quite beautiful in its own right. Along on this scouting mission was Mark Horne, Travis his nephew, and my wife Debbie. We were planning on exercizing our Horne bows along with one of the Rover gals, "Hope".
Arrival on the ranch was timely for Debbie and I. We arrived early afternoon on Friday. This left us with plenty of time to tour the jeep roads surrounding the ranch. With our respective hunting spots picked for the evening we'd return to camp for some AC till the temperatures cooled in the evening.
The ranch we were hunting has never seen a bowhunter except for one of the owners. He's explained to me that they wish to have the deer population increased but the five species of goats running wild for decades have descimated the folage and forbes required to support the deer. The general concences is to shoot all goats till the population is reduced. The owner asked if I thought I could get some bowhunters out there to help with population reduction for a nominal fee. I assured him that I could do just that. We proceeded into the evening hunt with high hopes of what these canyons would offer up in the cooling winds of the approaching sun set. CK
Post by: trashwood on July 17, 2006, 09:47:00 AM
Ahhhhh Texas. we got mule deer, antelope, and phesant in the panhandle, wild pig every where, white tail (even if they'as a b it small) out the wazoo, cotton tail, squirrel (big red 'ems, little gray ones and some black ones what live in holes along the Coloroda Rive), we got exotics........what ain't we got, we ain't got snow :) ........ and for me that is a good thing.
rusty
Post by: Littlefeather on July 17, 2006, 10:02:00 AM
Post by: Littlefeather on July 17, 2006, 10:17:00 AM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/westhwy.jpg)
The further west I went the better things started to look. I think a man could certainly get into elk hunting shape out here.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/Mesas.jpg)
The terrain is much different than I generally hunt. The lands I generally hunt don't require the use of any optics. Here in the west, you'd be lost without a good set of bino's.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/ckglassescanyon.jpg)
Hey, I think I see a goat on that far ridge. See him? I need to cross the canyon to get to him.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/ckincanyon.jpg)
Gets a little steep for a flatland dweller in some places. Good thing I'm a Capricorn(goat). CK
Post by: Brian Halbleib on July 17, 2006, 10:37:00 AM
Gotta run to the post office...I'll be right back, keep 'em coming!
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
Post by: Shaun on July 17, 2006, 11:26:00 AM
Post by: Littlefeather on July 17, 2006, 12:13:00 PM
I wound my way around the canyons in route back to camp. I was to meet Mark and Travis at the main gate at dark-thirty. It was now dark and I was late. On the 6 1/2 mile treck to the main gate I was witness to three more foxes along the way. I'd been told there were plenty of foxes here but never imagined anything like this. Mark was sitting patiently at the gate when we arrived and this hunt was now officially underway! CK
Post by: Steve H. on July 17, 2006, 12:25:00 PM
That last picture looks just like where I hunted javies for the first time around 1994 but I guess it should since I was just up the road near Sanderson. I found odles of indian artifacts on that trip. Make sure and peek at the front edge of the caves and dig down a few inches and wathc the ledges for stuff too.
Post by: Whip on July 17, 2006, 12:38:00 PM
I wonder how many times a guy can go to Texas in a year?
:bigsmyl:
Keep it coming Curtis!
Post by: beachbowhunter on July 17, 2006, 12:49:00 PM
...more beautiful words have not been spoken!
Post by: Littlefeather on July 17, 2006, 01:11:00 PM
So, with Mark and Travis safely back at the ranch we told hunting stories(lies) till well into the night. I think the excitment of what lie ahead had all of us ready to hunt even though it was sleep that we needed. As the coffee perculated in the minutes before sunrise everyone was assumbling gear and sharpening broadheads. We laid plans on how we would hunt and put them in motion. As the sun was breaking a new day Mark and Travis would take opposite canyons leading straight from camp and I'd take the truck a couple miles around to the bottom. They'd work their canyons and I work up one adjacect, then jump over one to see what they may be pushing. As I reached the top, I could see an orange ball on the top edge of a point of rocks well away from my location. Looking through the optics I could see that it was Travis's face glowing in the morning sun and he was intently watching what I suspected was goats below. A quick call on the radio confirmed what he was looking at. Travis conveyed a quick hunt story of him and Mark meeting up and ambushing some goats but it seems the goats left unscaved. Travis now directed my efforts well down the mountain where he could see the goats rounding the bend. He said I'd have to hurry. They had the lead on me by 600 yards and gaining. I sped toward the center of the ridge above me and gained the flattest ground for a speedy descent toward the canyon the goats were headed into.
After what seemed an eternity and a 500 foot drop in elevation, I rounded a small Pinion Pine to see this dead ahead.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/nanny.jpg)
Ah yes, now I've found them but the winds are finaky down in these canyons so I will need to circle around and down to gain an advantage. This is not the easiest of tasks in dry, rock laden cliffs. Slowly, meticuliously, I'd move till I gained the ground I needed. There also is a nice ram leading this group. CK
Post by: Littlefeather on July 17, 2006, 02:20:00 PM
As I stood quivering from the excitment, another smaller goat scampered by but the shot was too hasty and I missed her. The miss was certainly close enough that she didn't stick around for a second. I laid my gear down, sketched pencil art of the moment in my memories, and paced the steps to the point of my arrow impact. The shot was as good as I've ever made and it was made at a distance of 25 yards, a little further than I care to shoot. The goat was now down. I heard him crash some 100 yards straight below me, somewhere among the tangle of cedars and white rocks he'd made his final stand. A prouder moment I can't remember.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/GOODGOATPIC.jpg)
After a breif photo session I heard footfall behind me somewhere. Travis had heard the commotion from his vantage above the canyon. He'd come down knowing I'd arrowed a goat. He was here to help. That's when ya know if you have a hunting partner or just another hunter. Travis asked if he could carry anything. I gladly handed him my bow, pack, and quiver. My hands were full with the goat and we headed for lower ground. more later!
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/carrygoat1.jpg)
Post by: bbassi on July 17, 2006, 02:25:00 PM
Post by: beachbowhunter on July 17, 2006, 02:55:00 PM
Post by: JC on July 17, 2006, 03:03:00 PM
Post by: Littlefeather on July 17, 2006, 03:04:00 PM
The boots are SWAT boots with really good ankle support. CK
Post by: Littlefeather on July 17, 2006, 03:07:00 PM
Post by: JC on July 17, 2006, 03:21:00 PM
I certainly know bout that stank...but they are fuuuuun to hunt! (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v701/recurvhuntr/2004%20season/207961467cYwpsO_ph1.jpg)
Post by: Roadkill on July 17, 2006, 03:22:00 PM
Post by: Brian Halbleib on July 17, 2006, 03:37:00 PM
So when do I need to get air fare booked? :archer:
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
Post by: Al33 on July 17, 2006, 03:51:00 PM
Like Brian said, you are an awesome bowhunter!!
Great story and great pic's!
Post by: ptaylor on July 17, 2006, 03:54:00 PM
I put this hunt on my to-do list.
Post by: knife river on July 17, 2006, 04:18:00 PM
Post by: IB on July 17, 2006, 04:20:00 PM
Post by: Shaun on July 17, 2006, 04:41:00 PM
I am ready to come hunt the goat ranch any time. I love new territory and new game animals.
Post by: Littlefeather on July 17, 2006, 04:51:00 PM
Thanks guys for the nice compliments. This story has more tellin before we head back to the daily grind. I'm going to let Mark and Travis take a plug at telling their story. We still have an evening and a morning hunt ahead! I get to shoot more too! CK
Shaun, email me.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on July 17, 2006, 05:11:00 PM
Post by: Randy Morin on July 17, 2006, 06:05:00 PM
Post by: Tique on July 17, 2006, 07:19:00 PM
Post by: Van/TX on July 17, 2006, 07:24:00 PM
Post by: GroundHunter on July 17, 2006, 07:32:00 PM
Post by: GroundHunter on July 17, 2006, 07:39:00 PM
Well, I found out we have some Texas bowhunters, and at least one good hunting ranch left. A landowner who will let you bring friends, is 1. pretty cool, 2. pretty rare, and 3. pretty covered up in goats.
Just so everyone knows, it was 101 degrees all weekend in most of the Hill Country this weekend.
I got to shoot some cactus pads.
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on July 17, 2006, 07:46:00 PM
Post by: Littlefeather on July 17, 2006, 08:02:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/MEANDMARK.jpg)
Mark, Travis, and I headed back out to the canyon they had been in that morning. Towards the end of the ridge we could clearly hear goats below and on two sides of us. Travis dropped of one direction while I went the other. Mark would continue on the path he was on. We'd meet back up later. As the 2:00pm hour arrived the goats decided to play the silent game. They stopped all at once and wouldn't make another noise till the sun rose tomorrow. Needless to say, if they aren't making noise they are a needle in a hay stack. We returned to camp till things cooled off.
As 7:30pm rolled around I headed back out with my wife Debbie close by. We'd try and pick back up on the goats Travis and I failed to find earlier in the day. I suppose Debbie and I hiked several miles this evening but only saw goats on the opposite ridge. I deemed them unworthy of such an effort and we walked toward camp in the fading twilight. It had been a wonderful day!
Post by: Roughcountry on July 17, 2006, 08:35:00 PM
I noticed CK is a expert packer, need to file that away for future reference :D
Post by: cjones on July 18, 2006, 12:52:00 AM
Post by: Guru on July 18, 2006, 05:14:00 AM
Post by: Littlefeather on July 18, 2006, 06:30:00 AM
Once again the alarm went off way too early! I got up to start the coffee and wake the sun. I was fired up about this mornings hunt since the goats seem to move from about 8:30 am till about 2:00pm. Morning hunts seem to be the ticket and I was once again ready to play. The game plan wasn't much different this morning than the last. Mark and Travis would take their respective canyons and I change locations by bailing off the canyon directly behind camp in the direction no one had gone yet. The Ranch owner had reagled me with tales of Audad living in this canyon, the steepest of all the canyons on the ranch. As I exited camp I had a short hike down a trail and across a gravel pad called "the pen area". As I crossed I could see a goat several hundred yards ahead. It looked to be the color of other goats I'd seen but its body language was very strange. Even while standing still the goat would constantly sway side to side. I picked up my optics and took a good look. I could never make out the head due to it being lowered to feed but I knew it wasn't a ram. Id swing far and wide, circling through thick brush to gain a good wind advantage. The goat was moving slow and I knew I'd catch her if the wind held. As I re entered the open area where I knew my prey to be I could no longer see her. I eased forward a little more and immediately catch movment to my right. I swing my bow instinctively into position and hit anchor. WAIT! What the hell is this critter????? I'm puzzled! I've never seen anything like this animal anywhere in Texas. I have got to have him for my mantle....... The Arrow Dynamic Carbon slammed the Sasquatch broadhead home with authority and my prey fell within 10 feet. I'd just topped my trophy list for this year. It was as great a trip as I could have ever asked for. Take a good look at the bow I'm shooting. That's "Hope" the right hand Rover Gal!
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/CKPORCUPINE.jpg)
Now I just need to find a Taxidermist with spine proof hands. LOL!
Post by: cjones on July 18, 2006, 06:40:00 AM
Curt, If ya need someone to tag along, sign me up!!
Post by: Horne's Archery on July 18, 2006, 07:55:00 AM
Mark
Post by: JC on July 18, 2006, 08:16:00 AM
Post by: nonose on July 18, 2006, 10:03:00 AM
Post by: NorthShoreLB on July 18, 2006, 10:50:00 AM
super thread CK
Post by: Steve H. on July 18, 2006, 11:31:00 AM
The ranch manager at Sanderson told me that the deal was $50 a day and I had to kill every porcupine I saw. I did find and kill one down there.
Post by: SDTrad on July 18, 2006, 11:34:00 AM
Travis
Post by: Huntschool on July 18, 2006, 11:58:00 AM
Gotta love them AD shafts and Sasquatch heads... they "get er done"
Great hunt. When ya get this one up and running will clients be able to hunt in the fall and early spring?
Post by: Littlefeather on July 18, 2006, 12:08:00 PM
Post by: Joseph on July 18, 2006, 01:15:00 PM
Post by: Huntschool on July 18, 2006, 01:54:00 PM
I am going to be in the San Antonio area Aug. 15-18. I'll PM ya and perhaps we can get together.
Post by: Littlefeather on July 18, 2006, 02:14:00 PM
Post by: Van/TX on July 18, 2006, 08:14:00 PM
Post by: TimBow2 on July 19, 2006, 07:23:00 PM