Now...time to get serious about the goat hunting...

The mouse had been gone only minutes when I saw a herd of does being followed by a bruiser of a buck.  Even from several hundred yards away, it was obvious that this goat was huge.  I knew he would stay close to his harem so I was hoping that the does would come to water and bring him in tow.

All of the antelope in this group were in an adjacent pasture and I was more than a little surprised when the entire herd sailed over the barbed wire fence just like deer.  I had seen antelope jump before, but never so many at one time.  They were an incredible spectacle!

As fate would have it, the does did not come to water, but continued across the pasture.  But an equal measure of fortune was to be had on this day when the big buck hopped over the fence and came straight to the blind, turned broadside, and dropped his head to drink.

The bow and arrow were as ready as I was.  And it was almost unconsciously that the limbs of the Thermal were drawn, the arrow was anchored, and the projectile was released.  The Grizzly broadhead sliced through the big buck's ribs and gave this noble pronghorn a death that was worthy of him...clean, quick, and fair.  

As wonderful as the horns are on this buck, it was his body size that most impressed me when I walked up to admire him.  I've never had a pronghorn buck that I could not drag a few hundred yards away from the blind before field dressing...until this one.  This buck was simply huge...and I am a very lucky hunter to have had the opportunity to take him with trad gear.

I'll be back at the Spearhead Ranch again this year...and not because I need another antelope or mule deer.  I'll go for the reasons I always go...the reasons I stated before:  to celebrate life, the Creator, and the hunt...not necessarily in that order   .

Claudia

I have sat in those metal tanks - they can get a mite warm.   Great story!!!!  

Thank you for sharin' the adventure with us Claudia!

We look forward to future success stories - for *all* of the right reasons!

In His grip, Shinken

       

Claudia,
You sure do have a way with words!
What a great adventure...  

That was a story worth waiting to read about.  Thank you Claudia.  Perhaps one day I'll get up to the Spearhead too....and finally get to meet you.  :p

Yep, and we'll be waiting for the elk story(ies) later this year.  Must be rough to have to remeber to prominently display the "bling" to keep the rif-raf subdued...  :D

Congrats    on a great goat.

Claudia,

Thanks for such a well told story of a great hunt. Also thanks for building up such pretty arrows that I apparently bid the highest for. My wife and I will both be happy to have her shooting them.

Allan

Thank you maam!  Great story telling...

Thanks so much Claudia, great story and speed goat! Riff Raff

Claudia,
Great story...looking forward to "celebrate life, the Creator, and the hunt...not necessarily in that order "  Doc

Everyone, I am glad you enjoyed my tale of the hunt.  It was quite the trip!

Allan, thank you for your winning bid on the arrows!  They are tough as nails and should serve your wife well for a long time to come.

Tippit, I too am looking forward to September.  Now THAT will be an adventure!

Claudia

You folks that post great stories may never realize the great therapy that lies within to those of us who cannot make such fine trips.

Always a pleasure and Claudia, you do turn a phrase nicely. You and Killy rival any of our ole boy's tales!

Thank you for the armchair hunt in dreamland!  

Wow Claudia:

I felt as though I was another field mouse hiding in the corner just watching your hunt unfold.  You truly take us along with you.

Thanks for sharing the hunt.

Claudia can tell tales around my campfire anytime. As usual job well done. Thanks for sharing and "Keep'um Sharp".  

Can we get some info on the Spearhead Ranch?

Nice story claudia!  You could've sent me that pic, then I would have only had one head to carve!!!  Might've been done in 6 months instead of a year!