My weekend began with a 3.5 hour treck South from Buffalo Gap to the beautiful hill country terrain near Rock Springs. Thanks to great directions, I landed near the ranch around 2:30AM, after negotiating the DOT's paved goat trails South of Junction.
After a few hours sleep, I got camo'd up and ready to meet Chad, who would be the morning guide. He rolled up promptly at the designated time and after introductions, we were on the way. This meeting was certainly a leap of faith on both our parts, as I actually made it to a specific location in the middle of nowhere, down 3 hours of pavement and 30 minutes of dirt road to arrive at this obscure intersection and Chad trusting I would be there. Thankfully, the trip and meeting was flawless. We made the short drive into the hunting area, dismounted the Bad Boy Buggy and started walking. Only minutes into the walk, we noticed movement only 60 yards to our front. It turned out to be a group of Aoudads, which seemed unconcerned about two figures slipping through the woods. Fortunately, we made it to the blind with no problems or disturbance to our quarry of the day.
As the dusky shadows began to succumb to the morning sun, we began seeing white-tailed deer move around the area. A couple wily does began coming in, but became increasingly nervous. Chad and I hoped our quarry was coming in and sooned realized this was the case when we heard heavy footsteps.... and a lot of them. A young ewe came in first, followed by three or four others, then a large mature Ewe. After getting Chad's green light, I was immediately stricken with a case of Aoudad fever...shaking uncontrollably. Upon hooking the release up, I went into "business mode" and eased back the Xforce, steadying the bright green pin for a fifteen yard shot. The Rocket tipped Xweave flew like a laser through the Aoudad’s chest, tight behind the shoulder, just like Chad said he wanted to see. We were able to see her bolt about 50 yards before slowing down to a walk. We then lost sight of her due to the brush. Chad then gave me a sudden poke and said
"are you gonna shoot?" Apparently, another group of Aoudad had come in to investigate the ruckus that had just occurred. One was three legged, so unfortunately, the green light was given and the green pin soon followed. Seconds later, the Xforce unleashed rocket number two for a 25 yard shot. Again, right behind the shoulder.
Two short tracking jobs revealed my first to Aoudads with a bow.
I certainly appreciate the hospitality of Judy, Clent and Chad. I had a very memorable experience and an awesome hunt. You guys have a beautiful ranch.
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After a few hours sleep, I got camo'd up and ready to meet Chad, who would be the morning guide. He rolled up promptly at the designated time and after introductions, we were on the way. This meeting was certainly a leap of faith on both our parts, as I actually made it to a specific location in the middle of nowhere, down 3 hours of pavement and 30 minutes of dirt road to arrive at this obscure intersection and Chad trusting I would be there. Thankfully, the trip and meeting was flawless. We made the short drive into the hunting area, dismounted the Bad Boy Buggy and started walking. Only minutes into the walk, we noticed movement only 60 yards to our front. It turned out to be a group of Aoudads, which seemed unconcerned about two figures slipping through the woods. Fortunately, we made it to the blind with no problems or disturbance to our quarry of the day.
As the dusky shadows began to succumb to the morning sun, we began seeing white-tailed deer move around the area. A couple wily does began coming in, but became increasingly nervous. Chad and I hoped our quarry was coming in and sooned realized this was the case when we heard heavy footsteps.... and a lot of them. A young ewe came in first, followed by three or four others, then a large mature Ewe. After getting Chad's green light, I was immediately stricken with a case of Aoudad fever...shaking uncontrollably. Upon hooking the release up, I went into "business mode" and eased back the Xforce, steadying the bright green pin for a fifteen yard shot. The Rocket tipped Xweave flew like a laser through the Aoudad’s chest, tight behind the shoulder, just like Chad said he wanted to see. We were able to see her bolt about 50 yards before slowing down to a walk. We then lost sight of her due to the brush. Chad then gave me a sudden poke and said
"are you gonna shoot?" Apparently, another group of Aoudad had come in to investigate the ruckus that had just occurred. One was three legged, so unfortunately, the green light was given and the green pin soon followed. Seconds later, the Xforce unleashed rocket number two for a 25 yard shot. Again, right behind the shoulder.
Two short tracking jobs revealed my first to Aoudads with a bow.
I certainly appreciate the hospitality of Judy, Clent and Chad. I had a very memorable experience and an awesome hunt. You guys have a beautiful ranch.
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