A year later a year smarter has allowed me to do some hunting. Whenever I am out I am so thankful to be able to do so, even though I have picked one of the most difficult quarry to get with a bow... the pronghorn antelope.
They don't call them speed goats for nothing. These critters are fast and spooky. Getting withing 100 yards of them is a feat in itself. They like the open country so it is almost impossible to stalk up to them.
On Wednesday I did. I got to within 150 yards and then let them close the distance, which they did, but the big buck was at 70 yards and I did not feel comfortable at that range. They spooked and ran off. I met them at the other end of the valley and had them within 100 yards as they crossed a creek.
Yesterday instead of chasing, I sat and waited. I knew about where they were going to go, but I did not know when. Well, after 4 hours of sitting and waiting they came. They went right were I thought they would. Problem was, they didn't stop. The herd sprinted past me, 20 yards away, and I never got a shot. I could smell their distinctive antelope smell as their breeze blew by me. There were some stragglers that started me. I almost got a shot off, but I arrow fell off my rest.
Needless to say, I have learned a lot this week about archery hunting and antelope hunting. Hopefully my patience and persistence will pay off, but if not, that's cool too. The experiences and views have been worth it.
Peace all
Is this just a "let's kill em" sport, or do you like the meat? What does it taste like? I've been to lots of restaurants out West and don't ever recall seeing it on the menu.
ReplyDeleteI never just go out to kill something, other than coyotes. Any big game animal I kill I will eat. Antelope back-straps are some of the best meat I have ever eaten... lean but tender with a gamee flavor that I can't describe.
ReplyDeleteYou won't see antelope on any menu, just like you won't see deer on any menu in a restaurant.