I have known Tracy almost as long as I can remember. It is most certainly true a kinder person with more enthusiasm for hunting would be most impossible to find. His invite to hunt Pronghorn with him was a chance I vowed not to miss. I have been looking forward to fall since the last one ended and what better way to start it out than by spending time with a good friend.
Wyoming has more Pronghorn than people by a multiplier of 2. Funny how after living here 30 years I have taken only three with a bow and never from a blind over water. I practiced hard and awaited the day. Tracy had set up several blinds and called me last week to make sure I would be there for the opener. He said there are goats everywhere.
When I got there on Tuesday night we went to the blind he had set for me so I could find it in the dark. The next morning we were up bright and early ready to go. It was a slow start to the morning but slow is not always a bad thing. I had two bucks come in ad offer no shot one at eight and one at eleven. As I sat reading a book about traditional bowyers I could not help but think how fortunate I was to be hunting, have great friends and be able to experience nature the way we do.
Essentials for the hunt:
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSC_0317.jpg)
Wish I was out there with ya
At 1230 I looked up and I could see horns on the skyline. It was a good buck and I was told not to let a good one walk. I readied myself and waited as he scanned the waterhole for signs of trouble before continuing to water. Here is the view I had when I first spotted just his head on the skyline.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSC_0256.jpg)
Once he was confident all was safe he strolled in with confidence and poise. He chose a place to drink straight across the water from me and stepped lightly and carefully into the soft mud and dropped his head to drink quartering. I raised my bow in wait.
I will be back in a little bit I just bought a brand new truck that needs to go to the car wash now. :bigsmyl:
You are a mean man!
Making us wait... the suspense is killing me!
I have a couple weeks yet until my first tag starts...and I drive a beat up old truck. Now I have to wait for the story as well?!! :^)
How does a brand new truck trump a hunting story?
Don't be washing that new truck smell off it,now...
And hurry back.
:campfire:
:campfire:
I hope it's a Chevy:)
:campfire:
Nice carpeting in that blind Randy, first class accommodations :thumbsup:
I have had some fun times in Wyoming, can't wait to hear the rest of the story :campfire:
Alright Randy, that aint nice!
Oh the anticipation...."horns on the horizon"..... :thumbsup:
Let's see some other pictures from the hunt while I type the story up.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/CSC_0263.jpg)
There are 12 bucks in this picture. When Tracy sets a blind he has a reason for it.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSC_0326.jpg)
A sunset meeting
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSC_0333-1.jpg)
We need pics.......of the new TRUCK. :deadhorse:
As I sat ready waiting for the opportunity to present itself the buck drank cautious and alert, looking up every few seconds in all directions. Even in a blind I knew choosing when to draw would be critical. He finished drinking, lifted his head, and turned to leave. I drew, picked my spot and watched my arrow disappear through his ribs and land in the dirt on the off side. He started to quickly bound away but his run was short as the arrow took its toll. He climbed the steep bank and stopped, just forty yards from where the arrow did its work, before going down.
If you look dead center in this pic you can see him.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSC_0277.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSC_0286.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSC_0284.jpg)
New hunting knife I love it
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/CSC_0314.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/CSC_0318.jpg)
Hey!
You took a pic of a Killdeer bathing!
:nono:
Thanks for bringing us along on your hunt. Loved all the pics, even that one.
Killdeer :o
Sorry Killy wont happen again. :campfire:
Great pics and congrats! :thumbsup: On my bucket list for sure.
Great job!
quote:
Originally posted by Killdeer:
Hey!
You took a pic of a Killdeer bathing!
:biglaugh:
Nice hunt wish I was with you guys.
Awesome. :clapper:
Congratulations !! Successful hunts are always a mind altering event!
Great hunt Randy!
Loved the pics and hero shot! Looks like that new bow is getting along with you just fine.
That is awesome! Can't wait to see what Tracy ends up with...
I can't think of a better hunt to share with friends, it is so much fun. We (Professional Bowhunters Society) are going to be taking a group of young bowhunters to your fine state next August to expose them to all the differents styles of hunting pronghorns :thumbsup:
:clapper:
QuoteOriginally posted by Steve O:
That is awesome! Can't wait to see what Tracy ends up with...
I can't think of a better hunt to share with friends, it is so much fun. We (Professional Bowhunters Society) are going to be taking a group of young bowhunters to your fine state next August to expose them to all the differents styles of hunting pronghorns :thumbsup:
check the hope and faith thread.
Great Job! So cool to start seeing some hunting stories again. :clapper:
Very nice.....
,,Sam,,
Way to go sir! Nice pictures! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Awesome!!
Way to go Randy!
Congrats on your speed goat. I got to get out west one of tese days and get one of those.
Congrats again,
Bisch
quote:
Originally posted by Killdeer:
Hey!
You took a pic of a Killdeer bathing!
:laughing:
Congratulations! Thanks for sharing your hunt, that's something I'd like to try someday.
-Jay
Randy,
Way to go buddy that's a fine looking Pronghorn..!
Thanks for sharing your hunt and pics.
Way to go! Shedrock's hunt was awesome too. We Midwest folks live to see great hunting stories told this time of year. Thanks for sharing once again :)
Good shooting Buddy. Congratulations.
QuoteOriginally posted by FerretWYO:
QuoteOriginally posted by Steve O:
That is awesome! Can't wait to see what Tracy ends up with...
I can't think of a better hunt to share with friends, it is so much fun. We (Professional Bowhunters Society) are going to be taking a group of young bowhunters to your fine state next August to expose them to all the differents styles of hunting pronghorns :thumbsup:
check the hope and faith thread. [/b]
Well, I'll be darned! You boys are top notch :thumbsup:
Shedrock\\'s portion... (http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=118617;p=7)
Congrats Randy! Thanks for sharing!
Awesome!
Martin
Congratulations, Randy. What a great way to start the season. Thanks for the update, and good luck with the rest of your tags.
Way cool........Big hole
Great job, Randy!
Great story and Speedster Randy!! Only one thing missing...... ME :bigsmyl:
:campfire:
A most-excellent hunt Randy and awesome shooting!
Enjoy the feast!
Shoot straight, Shinken
:archer2:
Hey Randy, nice work!! I don't think I will have time to chase goats this year but have stafford and niziolek coming over in a few days so will get to hang with them for awhile and watch some arrows fly.
Thanks Randy! :archer:
Allan
Nice going Randy, you guys made short work of them.
Dandy,you are deadly with every bow you have on your hands. :clapper:
nice time, pics , thanks for the travel !
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
:thumbsup: :archer2:
Congrats! Good shooting
Excellent!
12 Bucks on the horizon, what a spot.
Nice shooting, Nice bow, I love the dark ones.
:clapper:Congrats :clapper:
way to go guys!! I leave next saturday for Spearhead Ranch near Douglas. 30 plus years I have been wanting to hunt speed goats, get ready here I come
:campfire:
NICE! Way to go.
Fantastic!
Cool story and great pics Randy. Btw, I'm reading this pn my phone, while sitting in a blind....
QuoteOriginally posted by huntnmuleys:
Cool story and great pics Randy. Btw, I'm reading this pn my phone, while sitting in a blind....
Good luck Brad looking forward to your story.
You guys are having too much fun. Nice job on a nice goat. :thumbsup:
Congrats! Great story and pics.
Congrats Randy! Great buck and great pics! Is that the first pronghorn you've taken with something other than one of your Pronghorns? Had to ask!
Nice job guys!
Sponsors were all over this hunt.
RMSG (Feathers and broadheads)
Stalker Recurves(Striker)
Scott Teschner(Awesome armgaurd)
Prarie Traditions(Badlands Pack)
Doug Campbell (knife)
Fantastic job! What a grand experience. Looks like you have to be careful with that knife, all blade. I'm sure it cuts like the devil though.
QuoteOriginally posted by maineac:
Fantastic job! What a grand experience. Looks like you have to be careful with that knife, all blade. I'm sure it cuts like the devil though.
I didnt really talk about the stone knife. That thing is amazing. I had used one before but never one like this. It was made by a very talented flint knapper by the name of Greg Nunn. It cuts amazing is is an exellent skinning tool.
Congrats again buddy!! :thumbsup:
Excellent job buddy!! Congrats!! :bigsmyl:
How SWEEEET it is :thumbsup: CONGRATS :archer2:
Congrats to both of you fine gentlemen!!
Nice job buddy! Good shot! :bigsmyl:
Man that is awesome Randy
Congrats and well done.
Gotta give that a go in the next few years .
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Enjoyed the pics and story. :thumbsup:
Ya Randy's teasing me now about going out for doe's in the am..
Great everything guys!
RB still my hero!!
Very nice Randy!! What a hunt! Love that hero pic.
:thumbsup:
Congrats and thanks for the story.
Thats great Randy :bigsmyl: Congrats!
Man, I'm glad hunting season is starting :archer:
Tracy
Congratulations on your great hunt! Nice pictures and story. Wyoming is really a beautiful state! :clapper:
Bernie Bjorklund
NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin
:thumbsup: :clapper:
QuoteOriginally posted by Matty:
Ya Randy's teasing me now about going out for doe's in the am..
Great everything guys!
RB still my hero!!
It was a short morning. :campfire:
Nice planning and super spot. Where you on Public Land or Private? Great pictures, thanks.
Of course he scored....
Pic to pollow I'm sure...
QuoteOriginally posted by Shedrock:
Nice job buddy! Good shot! :bigsmyl:
Just got home, it was dark but no blind fold and he did take me to the honey hole. Rest asured it is safe though. There is no way I could get through that wind mill maze and find the bit of Heaven he so aptly named.
Got in the blind early this morning and the action started fast first doe was in by 7 though never offering a shot.
a few minutes later this guy showed up with a cammera shy friend.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSC_0340.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSC_0348.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSC_0345.jpg)
The critters were making their way in one after another. This group had one big doe which did not appear to have a fawn with her. The waiting game begins.
It took a while but finally she was withing range. The problem was they were all still in closed ranks with eachother. Chosing a clean shot that would not injure another was rather difficult. Finally she cleared the others and was standing just past this maker post.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSC_0341.jpg)
The blind you see in this picture is the one Shedrock got both of his from the other day.
I drew slow and working to my anchor I picked my spot tight to the shoulder and low. The Axis carrying a 150 VPA knew the way. Once again she bounded just a short distance before going down in sight.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSC_0352.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSC_0355.jpg)
The blind in the background
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSC_0366.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSC_0395.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSC_0375.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSC_0389-1.jpg)
Congrats again buddy!!
Cade and I were setting a ladderstand when I got your text pic...good morning all around.
Cade and I are looking forward to experiencing this hunt first hand :campfire:
Great shooting! Congrats again!!
great shot, Congrats :notworthy:
:thumbsup:
Randy, great shooting! May I ask what brand and model bow our shooting? It sure is beautiful!
Congrats bud! Good shooting! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :clapper:
I wish I could have sat in the other blind this morning to share the hunt with you. Next year we'll do it again! :archer2:
Excellent, Randy!! :thumbsup:
QuoteOriginally posted by Guru:
Congrats again buddy!!
Cade and I were setting a ladderstand when I got your text pic...
I was in the flipping post office when I got mine.
Am I the only one not preparing to hunt something soon?
Great Job brother man.
And antelope tenderloin sounds like a great idea for dinner
;)
QuoteOriginally posted by Guru:
Congrats again buddy!!
Cade and I were setting a ladderstand when I got your text pic...
I was in the flipping post office when I got mine.
Am I the only one not preparing to hunt something soon?
Great Job brother man.
And antelope tenderloin sounds like a great idea for dinner
;)
QuoteOriginally posted by South MS Bowhunter:
Randy, great shooting! May I ask what brand and model bow our shooting? It sure is beautiful!
The bow is a Stalker Recurve by South Cox. He is a sponsor here. The bow is amazing in craftsmanship and shoot just as good.
congrats, great hunt, thanks for sharing. Antelope do not come easy by trad gear, good for you.
Perfect shot again. Thanks for firing the pilot again. Fall is coming!
Nice shooting you guys. Man, there sure is a lot of blood on the ground around those two blinds. :thumbsup:
Awesome, can't wait for the rest of the season to unfold. Gotta love Wyoming.
Awesome begining of the season Randy,Tracy is for sure one talented of a outfitter!
QuoteOriginally posted by cacciatore:
Atesine begining of the season Randy,Tracy is for sure one talented of a outfitter!
Not outfitter he is great friend.
Randy,I know that!I was just saying that he is as good as a pro to prepare those blinds.LOL.
Sorry also for the typo.
Its time for some real hunting stories here
Good luck you guys tomorrow!
Awesome!! Great read with cool pics. Love it. I hope I am half as successful come Sept. Congrats Randy! What was the shot yardage on the buck?
Way cool! Awesome story and pics....Thanks for sharing! :campfire:
QuoteOriginally posted by Mike Gerardi:
Awesome!! Great read with cool pics. Love it. I hope I am half as successful come Sept. Congrats Randy! What was the shot yardage on the buck?
Mike this was last year. Shot was about 22 on the buck.
Thanks Randy.