The Antelopefest

[exbiologist]

9 antelope, barely two days of hunting, all tags filled, home by 3 on Sunday. .264 Win Mag, 100 grain Ballistic Tips, Mach 3.3.
Gotta love Wyoming, but the weather was pretty crappy. 20 mph winds with rain off and on all weekend.

 

[CoRoMo]

From what kind of ranges did you take yours?

I plan to hunt Wyoming lopes next year.

 

[Captcurt]

Looks like a fun trip. Two questions. Did the munchkin in the bottom picture get to pull a trigger? And where did you get that fiddleback stock on that rifle. Nice!

 

[exbiologist]

Ranges were all under 300 yards. In the past we've had some 600 yard shots, but there's enough antelope around that we've gotten a lot pickier/more disciplined. I think 3 of the antelope were under 100 yards with some good stalking on two of them, and convenient terrain on the third.
Kids can't big game hunt in Wyoming until 12. So the 6 year old was just along for the ride.
Stock is from Great American. It's actually even nicer when there's light on it and you can really see the depth of the figure.

 

[ArmedBear]

God I love curly maple!

Looks like a great hunt!

I've looked for days where I have a tag, and have yet to see a single pronghorn, anywhere, at any distance. That's the last time I pay for a tag in that unit, I think -- I know better where to find them a couple units north.

 

[FLAvalanche]

Talk about whackin' 'em and stackin' 'em.

 

[Captcurt]

Ranges were all under 300 yards. In the past we've had some 600 yard shots, but there's enough antelope around that we've gotten a lot pickier/more disciplined. I think 3 of the antelope were under 100 yards with some good stalking on two of them, and convenient terrain on the third.
Kids can't big game hunt in Wyoming until 12. So the 6 year old was just along for the ride.
Stock is from Great American. It's actually even nicer when there's light on it and you can really see the depth of the figure.

You don't see much maple anymore. I once stocked a Kentucky Muzzel Loader with maple that I had fumed. Absolutely gorgeous.

When you have the stock ready to finish you de-whisker the stock with a strong tea. You rub the tea on, let it dry and then go over it lightly with steelwool. Do this several times and then suspend the stock inside an airtight box with a open jar of ammonia. Leave it in for about a week. Then remove and finish. The tea makes the open grain darker and the ammonia turns the light maple into a golden brown.

I may have to do another one now.

 

[CoRoMo]

I think you mean... Antelope-FEAST!!!

You'll certainly feast for a good while anyway.

 

[Roughneck08]

Wow that is an awesome experience. Nice shooting and beautiful rifle.

 

[TonyM]

Awesome post(s)-- heading out there in less than 4 weeks for a antelope/deer hunt.

 

[~z]

edson,
First off, welcome to THR.
I'm not sure what exbiologist spent on this outting but last year doe tags were $34 each. Wyoming is a wonderful place to hunt!

exbiologist, thanks for sharing the pictures. I wish I had the chance to make it up there again this year but a new baby trumps the antelope hunt!

~z

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

Captcurt, Not trying to hijack here but you have intrigued me with that "fuming" task. Which tea would you recommend? Something along the lines of a rich Earl Grey? Or a simple American type tea? Not being a smarty pants, Just curious as to which would be best to use. I have heard tale of this but have never been in presence of anyone with actual experience of it.