Tuesday Morning...the One That Got Away

Tuesday morning of our hunt started much like Monday morning.  Breakfast and coffee, then into the truck for our 20 minute ride to the Verne Barton Ranch.  Our plan for the day was to use the spot and stalk technique that we had successfully executed in downing my buck on Monday.

A few miles down Grieves road, the road that the Barton Ranch is on, is a two-track that we used as our primary entry onto Verne's land.  The two-track is marked by what we have proclaimed Two Trees National Forest, which is comprised of two giant Plains Cottonwoods rising up out of a draw in the midst of miles of open grassland (...it is our belief that folks from these open plains consider two trees sufficient enough to call a forest).

Dad and Glenn in front of Two Trees National Forest

Once on the ranch, we decided to head north toward a watering hole that we had discovered the antelope tend to congregate around.  As we swung north on a two-track, we saw a competing vehicle already making its way toward our destination.  So we went to plan B, and headed east toward the area I shot my goat on Monday.  After following the track for a little more than a mile, we jumped out of the truck to glass the area, and determine where to head next.  On alert, I began to climb a steep grade to gain a better vantage point, being careful not to spook any goats that might be just over the crest of the hill.  I saw no movement as I came over the ridgeline, and then turned around to look at the opposite slope.  There stood a antelope buck, 100 yards away across the draw, staring straight at me waiting for my next move.

I signaled to Dad and Glenn, who remained at the bottom of the draw, that they had a shooter buck directly above them.  Due to the slope of the hill they could not see him, so we started a careful stalk.  Dad went off to the left, and Glenn off to the right.  I quickly caught up to Glenn and assisted by ranging various landforms ahead so he would know shooting distance if the buck appeared.

Suddenly off to our left we saw Dad crouch, kneel, and set his shooting stick and rifle, readying himself for a shot.  BANG!...5 second pause....BANG!...a couple of near misses at what ranged at 385 yards.  Then it was Glenn's turn, as the buck came our view at a full run.  It was a long shot, but Glenn took it as the buck slowed, pounding dirt just underneath the buck at what we ranged to be 525 yards.  Unfortunately, the buck started running again, quickly out of range and disappearing over the horizon.  The one that got away...but what a fun stalk!!  This antelope hunting can be addicting!