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.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w266/MGERARDI_2007/73edcc47-97ba-4049-a937-a54bc10bcd54_zps220dc10d.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/MGERARDI_2007/media/73edcc47-97ba-4049-a937-a54bc10bcd54_zps220dc10d.jpg.html)
Congrats! Nice pronghorn.
That's awesome!!! Sweet picture :clapper:
nice!
Great photo. Congrats. Doug is looking good he has really taken to that western look.
Awesome job! Antelope are so cool
Well done Mike!
What's better than friends and game down?
Hiding in plain site - LOL - Great job.
JW
Congratulations!!
:archer:
Beauty!
Congrats!!!
Awesome congrats on a great hunt and animal.
Way to go buddy!!! I am so pumped for you. That is just awesome.
Congrats on the antelope!
We have been useing tripods and quad pods for years and they work really well lots better than a pop up. Congrats on your antelope ...Tim
Very cool!! Nice shooting.
That is a ridiculously cool photo! Congratulations!
All I can say is Mike practiced religiously all summer and the hard work paid off. Congrats on a fine animal.
QuoteOriginally posted by Trumpkin the Dwarf:
That is a ridiculously cool photo! Congratulations!
X2! :thumbsup:
Great photo and congrats to both of you! :thumbsup:
Excellent on your success. I remember when Doug first posted up about building his rigged stand in the wide open... and having the same feelings as you.
I think if Doug said to hang a stand on a light pole, I'd do what he said!
Great memory with wonderful people!
Thanks everyone. I can't thank Doug and Karen enough. Two of the finest people one could have as friends. The hunt was just icing on the cake.
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w266/MGERARDI_2007/DSCF1338_zps49dcd650.jpg) (http://s178.photobucket.com/user/MGERARDI_2007/media/DSCF1338_zps49dcd650.jpg.html)
Congrats brother! And yes, an awesome pic :clapper:
Wow that is in the open! Who knew ha
Wow, you couldn't have been more exposed if you sat up there without your clothes on! (Or were you? :eek: )
Great looking speed goat Mike! And Doug and Karen are as fine of hosts as you could get. Congratulations!
Congratulations!
Felix ...Nothing better
Doc noc never a doubt.
Could not send a text Curt. No verizion service.
Whip I had a guy on my flight into Bozeman looked just like you. It was for sure sizzle hot during the day. Thought about shredding some clothes.
Congrats!!! :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Congratulations on a nice Antelope!
Congrats! :thumbsup:
A big congrats! Looks like being up works well in a place with no trees. I bet the view was better up there than in a double bull.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Awesome speed goat. Congratulations.
Congrats!
Great job, Mike. You are a lucky guy to have Doug for a guide on your first antelope hunt. Looks like your hard work paid off.
Congratulations! Gotta love antelope hunting!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
I've wondered how you can get close to an antelope with a bow. I figured you would have to run pretty fast. Congratulations.
:thumbsup:
I've been bowhunting so long that I remember when whitetails didn't look up either! Congrats on a nice Antelope. Very fine eating if you get them cooled down right away.
Great quote Mark.
Snufer she was in the river less than and hour after she was down. The meat is tender and tasty.
Moots next year it's spot and stalk on the Antelope.
Thanks again everyone.
Looks good, great job!
Nice picture to commemorate the hunt and friendship.
Congrats on the Lope!
Congrats, Mike!
Awesome speed goat! :thumbsup:
Congrats!