The adventure began a little over a year ago when my good friend Greg Peet and i were sitting in his Boat on the Columbia River fishing for Rainbow's that were feeding on the surface. Greg moved back to Trail after living and working in Red Deer for years. Greg pops the question, Hey Phil, being a BC resident i need to apply for Antelope with an Alberta resident in order to boost my priority. Better than that Greg i will put you in with me and we will Hunt Antelope together if drawn!!
August rolls around this year and my WINRELM results says Trophy Antelope...SUCCESFUL !
I get on the phone and inform Greg he better get practiced running at 60 mph because we are going on a hunt for his first ever Pronghorn Antelope.
We agree to meet at camp Saturday Night after their long drive from Trail BC.
I headed out Saturday at noon just as excited as them.Along the drive i watched for Antelope and hopefully one of those Prairie Bulls i have heard about will show himself, when low and behold i encountered this nice 6 point Bull.
After some pics and video footage i carried on to Hanna to get some fuel and look for Donny Bears camp there, but he was out scouting like an educated Antelope hunter should.
I arrived at camp parked in the shade of the big Cottonwoods waiting for Greg and His Father, Austin to arrive. Around 7:30 that evening the guy's arrive just before the storm hit. We sought refuge under the big trees but when they started blowing over we pulled out into the field . Hail damage can be repaired ,one of those humungus trees landing on us could end the trip right there. After the storm subsided we set the wall tent up in the dark and light rain shower. Once settled in we had some vittles a drink of rum and got a restless sleep with the tarp flapping,coyotes howling and that lonely Bull Elk calling along the river valley.
We spent Sunday exploring the country and went to see if Hank the Tank was still around from last Tuesday's scout. Sure enough he was right in same spot but never provided me a close photo opportunity but he is still absolutely the
biggest Antelope i have ever seen.!!
Monday opener i had Hank in the crosshairs at 348 yards when a vehicle on the road comes to a screaching halt in the gravel and his 2 Does are up and running and so is he. Hank did the Houdini in the rolling hills and i never saw him again.
After passing on numerous Bucks we spot a nice heavy horned Buck but he is up and on the run. We pursued this Buck trying to head him off and i Missed my first shot in the howling wind. Again we spot him and he's headed South so we get way ahead and hoof it across the rolling landscape only to come to an abrupt stop when a pocket holding 12 Does and another smaller Buck. Were patiently waiting their move when my Buck heads right into their group. Again they are headed South and again I miss when my Buck turns just before my shot. Further South we go and they head West this time . Now their a km away and we head back North, then West awaiting their next move. We see Austin in the truck and he is waving to head West we crouch and run SW and await their arrival. Were laying in the tall prairie grass when they start coming over the rise ,here comes my Buck and Whop i hit him !! High fives exchanged and some whoops let out. We head for the crest there,he lays,wait a minute, this is not the Big Buck i saw earlier,he pulls the Ground shrinkage ,the Bigger Buck slipped away but I am still happy.
We spend the next 2 hours reliving the hunt and get my Buck photographed,cleaned and caped.
Were off again and scout and Greg turns down many good Bucks.On the way back to camp we drool over some big Whitetail and Mule Bucks and a Brute of a 7x7 Bull Elk that showed now fear. It was to dusk for photo's but his rack is engrained in our memories.
Day 2 were up and down the road after a hot Tip from another hunter that told us of a spot along the river valley on EID land bordering posted land.
We spot some great Bucks on the posted land and as we continued on the foot access only area Greg spots his Buck with a Doe. This time we hunker down and think this one out. Hmm what are they going to do ??
Along comes a truck a km or so away and they spook the Antelope toward us .Greg sets out the bipod and when the Buck slows to a slow walk his 280 rings out and his 250 yd shot connects with a Whop. Again the high fives,whooping and hollering we walk up Greg's fine looking Antelope.
Austin joins us a short while later and we relive the adventure.Austin was able to watch both kills through the spotting scope. We take photo's and tag,clean and cape Greg's Buck.
Sadly our successful Hunter Hosted Antelope Hunt comes to an end.
We head back break camp and were off to home to visit Marco at Sugar Creek and drop off Greg's Buck for mounting.
Greg and Austin are 2 of the finest gentleman i have ever hunted with and i cant wait to Host Austin for first ever hunt and Greg and I again for ours.
Thank's guy's and your welcome around my camp anytime.
Springer