Tag Archives: Oregon Hunts – Pronghorn

Successful Hunters 2011

Philip’s 2011 Warner Unit Antelope

1 Comment

Philip got a hold of me prior to the season on anything I could come up with on the Warner Unit for Lopes.   Philip had a buddy that knew area, plus he spent a great deal of time talking with the Area Biologist.   Funny the biologist told him he would not have a problem in the Warner Unit harvesting an Antelope.   Recently I talked with Garrett at Artistic Taxidermy and he told the average buck coming was about 14 1/2″.   Philip’s buck is a really dandy and I am sure when he has it on the wall in the trophy room he will be glad he decided to have the trophy mounted.

Philip E. & his 2011 Warner Unit Pronghorn

HI Frank,  Here’s my story from the Warner unit. We ended up hunting an area that my buddy had previously hunted which also happened to be near one of the waypoints you gave me.  Thanks for all of your help.

I began preparing for my first ever antelope hunt shortly my hunting buddy and I were drawn.  My buddy loaded several rounds of 130 grain Nosler ballistic tips for my .270 until we finally settled on a load that produced a muzzle velocity of roughly 3,050 fps.  We shot several times at the practice range until I felt relatively comfortable out to 300 yards.  I had my gun zeroed at 200 yards with a 6 inch drop at 300 yards.  I purchased some Stoney Point shooting sticks, open country Camo shirts, knee pads from Salvation Army, and some leather gloves in case I needed to crawl. 

The day for our departure finally arrived, and we got up early the Sunday morning before the Wednesday opener, loaded up my truck with all of our gear including a spare ice chest loaded with block ice and hit the road.  We made it to the first area that we wanted to scout and did some evening scouting.  For the next two days, we scouted some areas that were recommended to us, as well as, an area my buddy had hunted previously. 

Philip must have had a great feeling to walking up on this buck?

On opening day, we ended up settling on the area that my buddy had previously hunted. We got up early on opening day and decided to split up and set up in a couple of areas that we had seen antelope the day before.  I had several does come down off a ridge along with one nice buck.  I was set up on the other side of a Juniper tree because of the sun direction and could not get a decent shot at about 250 yds.  They started to head away on the other side of small depressions.  I tried to put a quick sneak on them by using  Juniper trees as cover but got busted.  No other opportunities on opening day. 

That evening I walked several ridges and plateaus to get to know the area better.  I saw several antelope.  The next day I set up in a different spot.  I tried to put the sneak on a nice buck with 8 does.  I made a big loop to get around where they were loafing.  Unfortunately, by the time I made it to where they were by using Junipers as cover, they had moved and decided to mosey to another area and was now out of range and heading away from me.  I spotted another large group about a ¾ of a mile away and began another sneak.   For some reason, they spooked when I was well over 1,000 yards away.  I thought this was strange as I was being very careful to hide behind Junipers. 

Great photo op! Great horn symmetry! Great Prongs

I decided to continue on anyway to see if there were any others left in the area.  I got set up and was glassing and noticed another hunter hiding under another Juniper about 150 yds.  Away (he probably spooked the antelope that I was trying to put the sneak on).  I waved to him and left to go back to the truck as it was now about 12:30.  My buddy radioed me on the GPS that he was ready to come in and head back to camp for a break.  He said there was a nice buck bedded down between him and the truck.  He said if I could position myself between him and the truck he would try to “push” the antelope towards me.  I thought what the heck, we might get lucky so I positioned myself under a Juniper in the shadows and set up my shooting sticks.   After about 20 minutes I saw my buddy on the top of the ridge about a half mile away.  He headed down and about 10 minutes later I saw a nice buck headed my way about 800 yards out.  I was amazed that he kept on heading for my position.  I glassed him at about 400 yards and he looked pretty nice.  I decided that I would take him if the opportunity presented itself. He kept on walking briskly towards me.  I finally ranged him at 248 yards and knew he was in “the zone”.  There was a very brisk wind so I waited as long as I could for him to come broadside and almost dead down wind.  He stopped for a brief moment.  I swung my rifle from left to right through him just like a duck.  I centered on his front shoulder and moved it back an inch or two.  I sensed he was about to step forward and pulled the trigger.  He folded like a sack of potatoes at 227 yds. 

We played cat and mouse with the antelope for the next three days until we finally got my buddy a nice buck on day 5.  We had a great steak dinner at the Adel store on Saturday night and hit the hot springs on Hart Mt. in the afternoon after my buddy got his antelope. 

The folks at the Adel Store are super friendly (Al and Marcie Prom, Debbie, and Ben).  They let hunters use their walk in cooler to store the antelope.  We purchased ice, gas, and had refreshing cold tap beers for $2 after we brought in my antelope.  They were exceptionally friendly and helpful.  Unfortunately, Al and Marcie have their store and home up for sale so who knows how the set up will be in the future.  For now, I would encourage anyone to patronize them if they are in the area.   Based on my conversation with the taxidermist who was stationed at the Adel store, I decided to have my antelope mounted.  He measured one side at 15 3/8, but did not measure the other side.   The only downside to the trip was that we saw more hunters than we anticipated for the first three days of the season.  After the third day however, all but one of the hunting camps had left and on the fourth day we had the area to ourselves  Unfortunately, several of the hunters on days 1-3 were hunting like the cavalry out of ATV’s, jeeps, etc. and spooking every antelope in sight.  I don’t mind people using ATV’s to retrieve their game, but in my opinion, too many people hunt out of them and screw up the hunting for others in the process.    All in all it was a great trip.  We saw many antelope, sage grouse, mule deer and some wonderful scenery.  I look forward to the next time in another 10 years or so when I will be the ripe old age of 59.

Not much cover! That is Lope Hunting country for sure!
Successful Hunters 2011

Steve’s 2011 Murderers Creek Antelope

5 Comments
Steve passed up this buck the first part of the season!

Sometimes even I get to see something different!  In all of my years of harvesting Lopes and chasing them, I have never seen a buck that looks like this great buck with sweeping forward horns.   Truly a trophy buck that everyone would love to have hanging on their wall!  Steve had contacted me earlier before the hunt and gave him some landmarks.  Steve was able to find a place to hunt that he found this monster buck on.  For the future if anyone has a friend or hunter that draws the Murderers Creek Antelope Tag, we can get you the information on the ranch!

Steve's Monster Lope - Murderers Creek Unit

 Hello Bwana,

Here are the pictures from my antelope hunt as promised.

 I was hunting the Murderers Creek unit and near Seneca, Oregon. I saw this guy on opening morning pushing some does but at about 300 yards and moving.

16" Long Forward Sweeping Lope

It wasn’t a great shot and it was the first day so I passed. It was tough hunting as these antelope see you coming from far off and run away. I walked miles in pursuit only to have them spot me again and run half a mile or more. There isn’t much to hide behind for stalking in closer. I was within 600 yards on many occasions but couldn’t close the deal. I had been in the field every morning by 5:30 but on Tuesday I was out at 4:30 and headed to a lone tree where I had jumped them twice before. It was about 8:00 when I first saw him at 800 yards and coming my way. He was all alone this time and I had been told the big bucks will frequently be seen that way. At about 275 yards I realized he wasn’t going to get any closer so I dropped him.

This is my first antelope so I’m not an expert but I think he’s pretty good. (Great Buck! Bwana) I had trouble judging him due to his odd horn configuration; note the forward slant of his horns.

Look at the width of the horns - Awsome Display!

This was part of the reason I passed that first day. I have not had him scored but the length is about 16″s. I am anxious to have a pro measure him. Let me know what you think.

We had a great time and stayed at a perfect campsite with a nice creek and fire pit close by.

Thanks for your information.    Steve 

Successful Hunters 2011

Roger’s 2011 Steens Antelope Hunt

3 Comments
This picture tells it all about the hunt! Great shot after the kill!

Roger had only got a hold of me this summer about the Steens Antelope Tag he had drawn.  I gave Roger some waypoints and I believe even a jpg paper map.   I had another fellow hunting the unit, but it is a large area to hunt, so I felt they would not cross paths which they didn’t!   So here is Roger’s great story of his hunt, which I have enjoyed to read which all of you will!

Hi Frank,

Thanks so much for the advice provided for my Steens Mountain antelope hunt. Your advice was the difference between success and tag soup for me. As requested here is a short story and photo of my buck. A very small price to pay for the knowledge provided.

 After 14 years I was finally able to draw my Oregon Antelope tag. My wife and I decided Steens Mountain would be a great spot to hunt due to the high success rate and legendary scenery. The trip and hunt, although a calamity from start to finish, did end nicely and we were not disappointed!

 I reached out to you after discovering my work would allow no scouting before the trip. In addition, I would be traveling to Steens Mountain on opening morning instead of hunting. I was fretting to say the least. I obtained the hunting GPS maps you recommended and even got a new Garmin 62s GPS to use with them. This was an awesome GPS/map combo that did contribute to my success in the end. The waypoints you provided were great starting points for the search and put us square in the middle of good antelope territory.

 My wife and I started out from Portland early Saturday morning with a lot of high hopes and anticipation. This bubble was soon burst however by a flat tire while crossing Mount Hood. This little delay cost us our Saturday and we were not able to reach Steens Mountain until Sunday afternoon. On Monday, the 3rd day of the hunt, a time when most hunters were finishing up, we found ourselves just getting started, with the antelope scattered and wary. It was Wednesday before things started to settle down and we were able to spot a few small herds, though some were now missing the buck.

 Thursday morning things were looking up, we had a couple of herds to setup on and again anticipation was high. But again a problem… First thing in the morning, we had an axle issue that forced us to miss the whole days hunt and travel to Burns for repairs!

 Friday morning, we were back on the road but a whole week of hunting was fast disappearing. And I had not yet put my sights on a buck. I was starting to dread becoming a member of the “20 Percent Club”, that unfortunate group of Steens Mountain antelope hunters who fail to fill their tag. We tried some road hunting, to cover more ground and find a herd. We were finding them, but once these already fuzzed up antelope saw a truck, approaching them was all but impossible. We tried all the road tricks, like slowing down just enough to drop the hunter out the passenger door and then driving on, but no good, these antelope had seen it all.

 Latter Friday morning, we spotted a herd of antelope from some distance, before they were able to spot us. This allowed for a spot and stalk. I was able to work my way to within 489 yards of the herd but could go no further as there was nothing but wide open space between the herd and me. So, I settled in between some small juniper scrubs and started eyeing the buck. He was BIG. After a few days of looking at bucks, once you see a good one, you know it. I was excited to say the least. I got a good shooting position with rifle and bipod and started to contemplate the risks/rewards and even sanity of a 489 yard shot. No wind… I had practiced at 400 yards and felt somewhat competent at that range, but 489 was another story. About then I noticed the herd was actually feeding toward me and a bit to my left. This was my best chance of the week. Now all I had to do was wait them out! But again it was not to be. The herd became very nervous and they were all looking in the direction of a road that I could not see, about 500 yards to my left. They then bolted, crossed under a fence on their side of the field and disappeared. I suspected another hunter had been stalking the same herd and spooked them. I picked up my gear and had started the hike back to the truck, when I heard it… Bang Clang Clang Bang Bang Bang Clang. The herd had been spooked by a rancher with a rattling horse trailer traveling up the road. The only other vehicle I saw the whole day! Such are the challenges of public land hunting I guess.

 This is where the GPS/map combo came in handy. While back at the truck, we could see where the antelope had traveled almost full circle and were now visible on a far off rise.  The rancher approached our truck on horseback. I explained what had happened and apologies were given and they explained they were in the area to round up some cattle they had grazing the BLM land. I replied, no worries, as the antelope could have just as well spooked my way, which would have been a very good thing. I discussed some property boundaries with the rancher, as the herd had seemed to go under the fence onto private land. I knew this because of the GPS maps. The rancher confirmed that the fence was the boundary between their land and BLM land. The rancher seemed somewhat relieved that I asked about and understood the property boundaries.

 The rancher decided to help me get within range of the antelope again. With me hidden between the horses, the rancher attempted to approach the antelope on horseback. The antelope obviously knew this trick too and bolted to places unknown for the day. I spent the rest of the day finding a spot to setup that would allow a good shot, if the antelope returned the next day.

 On Saturday morning, last day of my hunt, I walked to the setup spot with just enough light as to not require a headlamp, sat down beside a three foot juniper that was on a small rise overlooking the open field. This gave me a perfect 300 yard shot to where the antelope had crossed under the fence the previous day and also allowed me to cover the opposite side, if they showed up there as well. At 7:30am I saw a buck feeding down the BLM side of the fence line. The buck slowly grazed to about where the antelope had crossed under the fence yesterday. Unfortunately, he was not the same buck from the day before. He was smaller. I watched this buck for about 10 minutes, hoping that the rest of the herd might not be far behind, but no others showed.  This buck seemed to be alone. Now I had a decision. Should I take this buck or wait for one that may never show? It was 7:30am, my last day, and some scattered clouds arrived that were beating back the sun. I knew that with the early morning air and clouds, I would be able to get the meat out in good shape. So, I took the buck with one shot from 280 yards with my 25-06. The buck was only 20 yards on the BLM side of the fence. I now have some good meat and stories for elk camp this year!

 This is where the GPS/map combo really shined for me. In years past, I would not have hunted an area with such close public/private land boundaries. But the maps allowed me to hunt with confidence and I got my antelope, which I may not have gotten otherwise.  I hope to hunt the Beulah unit next year. I know an area where some big mule deer hang out and it too is a patchwork of BLM and private land. I cannot wait…

 Thanks again, Frank!

 Roger

Successful Hunters 2011

Roy’s 2011 Steens Mtn Antelope

Leave a comment
Roy's 2011 Antelope Buck after the long wait!

Roy contacted me back in early summer that he had a Steens Antelope Tag.   He also told me that he had hunted deer the Steens and knew that area well.   He was wondering if I would share some extra info on places that he might get into Antelope in the Steens.

Just in case his spots did not work out that there were other avenues to work in the Steens.  The spot that Roy hunted is a great area for lopes which his story tells the end result!

Frank, I got a great picture of some real nice rams in the area and sharing it with you and your readers.

Bighorn Sheep that Roy was able to get close to!

I killed a nice buck on Thursday evening, 14 inch buck, nice ivory tips, and good size!  I gave up on the long range shooting and sat at a water hole for hours and hours. I hunted in the area northeast of Moon Hill Road.

This buck has some Cutters (Prongs) I know why he took this lope!

I had multiple Does bed down below me at the waterhole when I shot this buck. There were antelope everywhere, and the good thing was, when I got a shot it was a mere 186 yards. The buck didn’t even move, he just crumpled right there.

I was pumped, got him to the locker in less than 2 hours, and the meat tastes great.

Thanks Much, Roy Jackson

I really like this buck and he was definitly a shooter and will look great on the wall!  Bwana

Successful Hunters 2011

Brett’s 2011 Silvies Antelope Hunt

1 Comment

Brett's Lope back from the Taxidermist Oct-2011 - Love the Turn!

Brett and I have been emailing back and forth since the spring of 2009 and the Silvies Unit in Oregon.   He had enough points to get drawn in 2009 I thought but he did not get drawn.  So expecting him to draw in 2010 and forgot.  Anyway in 2011 after hearing he got his tag and learning about the mapping software, which Brett bought, the hunt was on.  Great they he took this hunt so serious and spent the time in the field.   Brett wrote a great story that all of you are now reading!

 
 

Brett's 2011 Silvies Lope - 250 Yard Shot

In June 2011, I finally drew my Silvies #2 Antelope tag.  I thought I was going to get it in 2009, and forgot to put in for it in 2010.   Now the work begins.  I took my first scouting trip the last weekend in June.  I saw several billies, ones that I would’ve shot, had it been in season.  There was lots of water this spring, and the creeks were high.  When the dry lakes aren’t dry it seems like it keeps the antelope further out in the desert, and not as close to agricultural lands.

On July 17th, I got back out to do some more scouting.  This time I was able to get into the areas that Frank sent me, and there were antelope exactly where Frank’s way points were.  I ended up spraining my ankle pretty badly on this trip and had to cut short, but I saw several antelope and a couple more shooters.  Unfortunately, I was unable to do any more scouting before the season started. 

 
 
 
 

Brett is one proud Lope Hunter!

 

On August 24th , I set up camp on Nicoll creek.  Once I was situated, I headed out on the desert to hunt.  I only had the chance to scout one of the areas Frank gave me for about an hour. That afternoon, I decided to go check out the area where I saw the big billie in June.  There was one billie there, but not big enough, so I decided to pass on it.

On August 25th, I decided to head north to the Paulina area.  I was surprised that I didn’t see anything ,not even on the GI road.  In the afternoon, I headed more towards Burns.  I found another  billie.  It would’ve been an easy shot, however, it didn’t strike my fancy, so I passed.

 
 
 
 

His daughter likes his Lope also!

On the morning of August 26th, I decided to go back and really work the areas Frank gave me. I got up to the Dry Lake around 8:30 and was glad to see no tracks up there other than mine from 2 days before.  As I came out onto a big flat, I spotted some antelope about 400 to 500 yards out.  I got out my  binoculars and I saw a billie and some nannies.  They were definitely watching me. There was a small rise ahead of me, so I got on my hands and knees and crawled far enough where I could get a better look.  I saw he wasn’t a monster but I liked his curl and width.  He satisfied me and that’s what mattered. I was still 350 plus yards out and had no rest, so I had to belly crawl another 100 or so yards across the desert, to a couple of trees which gave me a make shift rest and a good view.  I was resting against the tree, watching the billie.  He was out about 250 yards but had nannies all around him. I had to wait for what seemed like eternity (but in reality, was probably 10 to 15 minutes) until he was finally clear.  He didn’t give me the best angle.  I made the shot, and hit him.  He ran about 100 yards and went down. 

 
 
 
 

The Lope Country that Brett found his buck!

Frank was right on the money with his locations.  He really helped make my hunt a success. When I went to the places I was thinking of going on my own, I had very little success but every time I went where Frank said the animals were, they were there!

Successful Hunters 2011

Ray’s 2011 Malheur Antelope Hunt

Leave a comment
Ray's 250 yard running shot 2011 Malheur Pronghorn

Ray contacted me around June 30th after searching the internet for information on the Oregon Malheur Antelope Unit.   What I liked about Ray, was that he was prepared for hunting, having the right equiptment.   He also had a Garmin GPS with mapping and he did buy the www.huntinggpsmaps.com Maps for the hunt!

Frank, I used my Remington 700 – .270 with the Winchester Ballistic 150gr (I think, could be 130gr).  We ended up camping off of Warm Springs Rd just a few miles north of the Res. (we were the only camp I saw all week).  We covered a lot of ground in this area from camp towards Riverside and S.W. towards Crane before deciding to hit the hills east of Shumway south out of Juntura.  As you had mentioned, most water holes were full so jumping pond to pond wasn’t giving us any results.  On the hot afternoons saw a herd bedded in the timber. Jumped a nice herd of 10-12 lopes with a huge Buck in the rear but we were crossing through private land at that point. We ended up trying to stalk that herd once they ducked the fence to BLM but it only took a few minutes for them to cover a few miles.  After hiking to where we thought they might have slowed down they were nowhere to be seen (It took us a few hours to get there).  They were bedded down in the sage on a hillside maybe 80 yds off of the road. Saw a nice shooter again on private right along the highway one morning also.

Ray's first big game animal!

Hunting Buddy - JACK!

Ultimately I took my buck on our evening hunt last Wednesday. After a late lunch and a few cold drinks (we had been out since 5AM and had covered over 100miles on our quads and several miles on foot) we headed out of camp around 5:30PM on our quads headed North on Warm Springs Rd.  Our plan was to try to glass the hills south of Hwy 20 where we had seen that nice buck off the highway that hit the hills toward camp once we pulled over to see him.  We turned on to a road about 5-6 miles south of the highway (spotting scopes in hand) thought we would ride in to look for a good vantage point to sit out the sunset and hope to see him.

Green Antelope Country in August!

It wasn’t a few miles in when I creped around a blind corner and saw an antelope moving through the meadow (about 200-225 yds away) I grabbed my rifle and jumped off my quad. I put my sights on him and realized right then that this was my chance.  The sun had dropped below the next ridge and things happened so fast that I quickly but softly asked my buddy who had just ran up with binos in hand “that’s my buck, right?” without hesitation he replied “YES! TAKE THE SHOT!”  By this time he had us pinned and had adjusted his walk to a gallop and was broadside planning on getting up over that ridge.  I squeezed the trigger and heard a whack!  The adrenaline at that point I felt had never been stronger!  

Ray's other hunting partner Neil! Find them Lopes!

But he didn’t drop, I hit him a bit low and he ducked around a lone tree at about 225yds .  I almost began to panic wondering if I only imagined that whack since I had been dreaming about it every night since I drew the tag.  Just then he popped out the other side and stopped broadside looking right at me, I squeezed off another round and he dropped in his tracks! After a few minutes of high-fives, hugs, and holy —-‘s I went up to claim my trophy!  Not the biggest one out there but a solid buck with ivory tips and a broken kicker tells me he could have been a little bruiser! 

Not the biggest one out there but a solid buck with ivory tips and a broken kicker tells me he could have been a little bruiser!  I can’t wait until Christmas time when I get him back and have years to tell the story of my lifetime.  Incredible hunt, and an incredible animal… 

Antelope Country of Malheur Hunt Unit

We saw a large herd of Big Horn Sheep and more coyotes then I have ever seen in one place.  Lot of deer too, and one really nice buck (wish I would have gotten a picture of). 

Thanks again Frank (we will be in touch),

Ray Nastasia

 

 

 

 

 

 

Successful Hunters 2011

2011 South Wagontire Antelope Hunt Mike-Cristine & DAK

2 Comments
Mike A. 2011 S. Wagontire Lope 300 Yards

This is a great story about making new friends in the hunting world.   DAK was a local hunter that contacted me and met with me at the local Burger King for lunch in 2010.   David (DAK) wrote a great story about his hunt, which probably should have been in a magazine or real time public land hunting.  Since that time DAK contacted me that he would love to go back over to South Wagontire, if I had a hunter that would like another set of eyes and field work.   DAK definitely is a man that is analytic in the field and how he hunts.  Mike contacted me and I thought about DAK.  The rest is history now and once again there is a successful hunt in South Wagontire. 

Frank, Once again, thank you for assisting me on my Antelope hunt. It was a great success! As agreed upon, I am providing a story, and photos. I must add that it’s an honor to do so.  I don’t consider myself a journalist in any way, shape or form, but here it goes!

After fourteen years of applying for a South Wagontire Rifle Antelope tag, I was finally successful in drawing!  The excitement level was off the chart!  My wife Cristine and I immediately planned a scouting trip for the long Fourth of July weekend.  I gathered all the maps that I had, and acquired some more from the local BLM office.  After studying the maps, we decided on starting in the southern end of the unit.  We were on the road early the morning we left to scout. It was about a four hour drive from Grants Pass to the small town of Paisley. We started seeing Antelope after we headed north on Hwy. 395 out of Lakeview.  Our first stop was at the Hot Springs RV Park that’s about six miles west of Paisley to see if we wanted to park our trailer while we were there to hunt.  What a rustic, but neat little park with full hook-ups, and mineral pools to soak in after a long days hunt! Cristine was really excited about that perk!

We started to see game immediately, but all the property that they were on was ZX Ranch land.  No hunting there! We headed north out Red House Rd. and headed out into open country.  I had no idea that this unit was so vast, and we were just seeing a small portion of it!  After five hours of driving back roads and jeep trails, we had glassed some Antelope, but not the numbers that I had expected.  We did see animals in most of the spots that looked “gamey” too me, but putting a stalk on them would be difficult at best, and sitting on a spot and waiting would be an inefficient use of hunting time.  After hitting pavement on Hwy. 395 north of Abert Lake, we found a place to stay for the night and talked about what we had seen that day.

Cristine & Mike 2011 Near Lake Abert

Sunday morning we started at the northeast corner of the unit and went west to Christmas Valley.  We did see one small herd of three does between Hwy. 395 and Christmas Valley.  Antelope do have a way of disappearing on the landscape, and then reappearing again, but we just weren’t seeing them.  After doing a complete loop of the entire unit, we were back in Paisley, and seeing some game again.  After a scouting until early in the afternoon, we started on our drive home.

I was at a conundrum as to how to approach this hunt, and this is where I found Frank (AKA Cobra).  After going online and googling South Wagontire Antelope, his sight came up and I made contact via an email. Cobra seemed excited to finally hear from a hunter that was lucky enough to have drawn this tag!  The rules of engagement where made clear and that’s where this success story started.  First of all was to get a gps unit that would support the information that Cobra was going to provide, and best of all he mentioned that he had a friend that had a successful hunt in 2010, and he might be interested in meeting up with us to show us how to really hunt this unit.

Mike (LF) & David (RT) Success is so sweet!

Cobra made contact with his friend DAK and explained the situation, and DAK made contact with us, and an instant connection was made.  After a few weeks of communication and going over GPS way-points on the map, it was time to hunt!  Cristine and I pulled out of Grants Pass at 3:00 am with the trailer in tow Thursday before the hunt so we would have time to set up camp and get some more scouting in.  The drive over was awesome like always, and the excitement level was high.  After camp was set up, we changed into hiking boots and Camo to go out and scout some of the new way-points that we had acquired.  Some of the waterholes we went into had very little traffic coming in, but there were a couple that had lots of fresh tracks surrounding their entire perimeters.  BINGO.  We planned how we would set up a hide depending on the wind direction at each spot. We were also seeing lots of game, including some really nice bucks. After running around all day we headed back to camp to bib some steaks, and to enjoy a cold drink.

"view of the water hole from our blind."

DAK pulled into camp around 9:30 Thursday evening and introductions were made.  What an outstanding man with allot of knowledge of the quarry we were to pursue. After enjoying dinner, it was time to get down to business and discuss what Cristine and I had seen earlier in the day and which areas that where left to scout the next day. We all hit the sack around 11:00 pm Thursday night and were up at 5:00 am Friday morning to get out and cover some more ground. Cristine planned on staying back at camp and soaking in the mineral pools and hiking around camp for the day.  DAK and I started on a marathon day that would bring us back to camp at 8:30 Friday evening! We started to see animals immediately as soon as we left the pavement on ZX Ranch property.  After checking out one water hole that had some light traffic, we proceeded on to the next spot and glassed a couple does with a nice buck in tow.  I was great for me to get DAK’s opinion of all the bucks we glassed that day to help in making an informed decision on what kind of buck to look for.  The day scouting was most productive and several bucks were seen. When we arrived back at camp, there was one happy rested and relaxed wife that had amazing fajitas waiting for us!  What a great day and the anticipation were high!

We were up at 3:00 am Saturday morning.  I don’t think I hardly slept a wink!  It was about an hour drive to the spot that we decided to try first so we were rolling down the road by 3:30.  That would give us plenty of time to hike in and get our hide set up before the sunrise.  We pulled onto the trail that leads to our parking spot, and what did we see? A rig with a tent pitched had come in Friday night and had the same spot picked out! -No trouble.  We had covered enough ground the day prior to have a “plan B” up our sleeve.  So off we went with about seven miles to cover and an easy half-mile hike in to our hide.  We were still in and on our spot with a make shift blind set up against the rimrock before the sun came up.  The nearest cover to the water hole was 244 yards to the near side, and 298 to the far side but that was okay!  I had been practicing shooting from field positions and had sighted my 257 Weatherby in at 300 yards.  The outcropping that we chose also had a perfect rock “bench rest” to shoot from I had humorously pointed out to DAK the day before while scouting.

David's Shot at the waterhole!

A lone coyote came into the water hole at 7:30 am for a drink of water.  He headed up into the sage brush on the opposite side of the canyon and started hunting for breakfast.  What a treat to watch him through the binos! This was the second time that my wife Cris had been along on a hunt with me, and she was amazed at how fun it is to watch animals in their natural surroundings.  I was busy watching the coyote and she whispered “here they come!”  I first thought she meant more coyotes, but when I panned to the right through the Binos, ANTELOPE!

Seven does single filed up the edge of the canyon on the opposite side towards the water hole. About 50 yards out from the water hole, they all squatted and went pee at the exact same time.  We both giggled about that.  I knew that there should be a buck with them and when I glassed further down trail from them, there he was!  I watched him walk the last 150 yards to the water hole and I could tell he was a nice buck. Possibly the “one”.  He next strolled up on top of the berm to the right of the water hole like he was saying “look at me”.  When he turned his head and quartered away slightly, I could see his deep hooks. I wasn’t going to settle on the first buck I saw, but this guy was really appealing to me.  I whispered to Cris that I was going to take him when he gave me a shot. She asked me if I was sure about him, and I said once again I was going to take him.  He dropped behind the berm and was out of sight. A few seconds passed and he walked around to the back side of the water hole, drank some water and then turned perfectly broadside to us.  I made sure that the does were all clear of him and placed the crosshairs right behind his shoulder and squeezed the trigger.  At the shot I heard that solid “whack” that you get when a bullet connects solid with an animal.  He dropped at the shot and didn’t even kick. He was 298 yards according to the laser range finder. What an emotional moment for the both of us! Cristine now understands the feelings and emotions that we go through when an animal is taken. She wants to start to apply for the same hunt next year!

There’s a phenomenon known as “ground shrinkage” that is sometime experienced after taking a game animal.  This buck looked bigger and bigger the closer we got to him. We were stoked!  Once we got to him we must have spent at least 20 minutes looking at him before I took off to get the pickup.  I managed to get a hold of DAK on his cell phone and told him what had transpired in the last half hour. He was busy watching another possible spot and took some great pictures of another herd at a waterhole.  DAK double timed it out and made it to our location to join in the celebration.  After caping, skinning, and quartering my buck out it was off to Paisley for ice to cool the meat down.

Cobra, what a great hunt for all of us thanks to you my friend.   To all of you those are fortunate to draw this tag, have a great hunt!!!    Mike & Cristine

David's Monster Buck in wrong unit!

Many waterholes that were dry last year had water this year.  Wildcat waterhole, which was full up last year, was dry this year. Very strange! Had a blast! Mike and his wife are great folks and fun to hunt with.  We glassed many Lopes Friday (8 different bucks and lots of does). While Mike shot his buck on waterhole _13, I was sitting on _7.2 with a camera (classified). Watched 13 does and a smallish buck come in, water and feed, and head out.  They never knew I was there. I got some great pictures which Mike has.  Here are two good ones from the waterhole.  Last picture is a monster buck I saw by the highway coming in Thursday night but was not in the right unit for us to go after.  Biggest lope I have ever seen by a long ways.  If you have anybody in South Wagontire next year keep me in mind. DAK

David is planning his next hunt!
Successful Hunters 2010

2010 Justin’s Malheur Unit Antelope Hunt

1 Comment
2010 Malheur Lope - Justin P. Group

First off hunting is about networking and in this case it surely is.   Justin use to work with or my son worked with Justin in the days of Sportsman’s Warehouse in Portland.   I had seen pictures of Bulls that Justin and his group had taken along the John Day River some years back…  He knew what he was doing for sure when it came to hunting.  

In the early part of 2010 once Justin knew his group had tags for Lopes in the Malheur he got a hold of me and asked if I knew any areas for the Malheur.  I knew a few spots and shared the information with him.

As you can see his group was very successful with a couple of good bucks for that area.

2010 Malheur Lope - Justin's Group 100% Harvest

This year I had some other hunters in the unit for both deer, elk and lopes.   Justin shared his information on his hunt, which I have past along to the new group of hunters.   Those hunters last year got information from me on the Steens Mtns. for deer.

As the small world turns!   Bwana Bubba