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| Antelope Hunt From A Treestand |
Opening
day of Antelope season finally arrived. After stalking and sitting in blinds for Antelope
the past several seasons, I decided to try a new twist. This year I would hunt them out of
a treestand. Most places you hunt Antelope this could never be possible. I found a spot
where a stream coming down from the mountain was lined with trees as it progressed down
into the valley floor. It was here that I found a few Antelope crossings, a one tree just
big enough to hold a small tree stand.
As I sat in this stand opening morning, I was not sure what to expect. For the first 3 hours I seen plenty of Antelope, but they always sensed something was wrong and would never use the trail leading to my treestand. I started to doubt this was going to work and lowered my bow out of the treestand to go and sit another location. Before I stepped out I took one more glance with my binoculars and saw a huge herd approaching me way. I quickly pulled my bow back up and waited. There was one large buck and at least 30 does traveling in this bunch. As they came to my stand in single file, the buck was bringing up the rear. The lead doe hit the water (15 yards from my stand) and abruptly stopped. She was alert and sensed something was wrong. As she turned to head back on the trail she approached from, there was mass confusion as the rest of the herd bunched up right below my stand, including the buck.
I was at full draw waiting for a clear shot at the buck, but there were does going in every direction. After what seemed like an eternity the buck turned to head back and in an instant I released the arrow. The buck ran about 30 yards and stopped. I could see the red spot behind the shoulder and knew it was a pass through. I immediately took another shot and hit him a second time where he dropped for good. The buck scored P&Y 75 4/8" and ties for #82 in the State of Colorado for being harvested with a bow. A true hunt of a lifetime!! This Antelope was taken with Palmer Outfitters, Alan Palmer (Owner #1714) and can be reached at 58919 County Road EE.2, Moffat, CO 81143 or give him a call at 719-256-4817. If you would like any further information e-mail me at bohuntrbob@aol.com.