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:
 

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.

 

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.  

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.

I hope it's a Chevy:)

Nice carpeting in that blind Randy, first class accommodations    

I have had some fun times in Wyoming, can't wait to hear the rest of the story    

Alright Randy, that aint nice!

Oh the anticipation...."horns on the horizon".....  

Let's see some other pictures from the hunt while I type the story up.



There are 12 bucks in this picture. When Tracy sets a blind he has a reason for it.



A sunset meeting

We need pics.......of the new TRUCK.    

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.

 

New hunting knife I love it

Hey!
You took a pic of a Killdeer bathing!
   

Thanks for bringing us along on your hunt. Loved all the pics, even that one.
Killdeer