Pronghorn Scouting… getting the blood pumping for opening day!
by: suzee
When temperatures are in the triple digits some smart people head for the high upper country to do their scouting. Then there are those whose brains don’t seem to think clearly… and when the temps skyrocket, they head for the desert to soak up a little more heat! But in our defense, you have to go where the animals that you are looking for live! That’s how we found ourselves in the middle of the desert sweating it out as the heat waves shimmered all around us… but the sight of pronghorn dancing in the midst of those shimmering waves made the heat of little concern! Here’s a little sample of the visions that got the blood pumping and anticipation pitched to a high level.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWXvrfjkaAU
8 Responses to “Pronghorn Scouting… getting the blood pumping for opening day!”
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Great footage. That’s some wide open country and I wish you the best. Are you going to spot and stalk, set up a blind, or perhaps try anything?
Terry… you’re right it is pretty wide open! There were a few ltlle ravines and dips and folds in the terrain that the video didn’t portray… but for the most part you are pretty exposed. I’m not sure yet what we’ll do… I think you hit it on the head when you said , perhaps try anythng! My Dad has a tag also so we hope to find a good place for him to sit and ambush from a blind… I really would like to try spot and stalk… I’ve tried it on mule deer with zero success, but it sure is fun! I’ve been looking at those moo cow decoy/blinds… but they are just too spendy for me right now… I think something like that might work, as the pronghorn were feeding and one was bedded right close to the cows!
Seeing that video makes me jealous! I love it.
As far as stalking, it can definitely be done. But, you are talking about LITERALLY crawling on your hands and knees for as much as a mile! And, sometimes crawling isn’t low enough, and you’ll need to slither! If you plan on doing it, get yourself good gloves and knee pads. I once stalked a small group of pronghorn with a potentially P&Y buck out there in 46 for about a mile. Most of the time was on my hands and knees, and the lava rocks can shred knee caps. I got to within about 70 yards when the stalk was blown by an ATV. I didn’t have knee pads, and my knees were shredded and bleeding. Take knee pads Suzee!!
Brandon… thanks for the reminder!… we walked about 10 miles that day and those lava rocks made it interesting just trying to walk in boots… I cringe to think of crawling or worse slithering for a mile over those! I’m not a real patient person… but it’s seeming more and more appealing to sit in a blind! ( 70 yards from a P&Y… and here comes an ATV?!… Oofta!)
Nothing quite like scouting and seeing what you are looking for! Good luck with your hunt – I don’t think I could stalk anything… I’m so clumsy I always end up making some noise that scares everything away. I know someone who hunts with a recurve bow and has become so successful at stalking that he was able to take a mountain goat from 20 yards. He is a very patient man.
Blessed… that is an amzing accomlpishment to get within 20 yards of a mountain goat!… and even more amazing to be able to close the deal with a recurve! Thanks for the good luck wishes… I can always use good luck!
Great scouting trip and footage. I have got to make this hunt one day. The temperatures are about the same as where I live but I would be lost in those open spaces. If antelopes lived in cypress swamps, then I might have a chance!! Good luck.
Hugh… This is a first for me so I’m pretty excited to give it a try! I visited your site… it’s awesome… your taxidermy work is exceptional! Those swamp whitetails are unique and truly beautiful. Do they get that dark red color on their face from the vegetation they rub or is that their natural color?It sure gives them a distinct look!