Well today is the 21st of August, 6 days after the opening day of the 900 series tag open for Antelope here in Montana. The exciting time of year when hunting begins again. As my wife and many of friends know, it's a time of year I have been looking forward to. I haven't had success yet this year, but I am trying and learning from my mistakes. Last year was my first year bowhunting and I had purchased the 900 series tag over the counter from the leftover licenses. I tried a few times last year in August but almost arrowed a buck in September. It was a perfect setup, the buck was transitioning from one field to another and to do so he had to go over a hill. I setup at the bottom of hill and he popped out at 45 yards in front of me and paused. I took the shot but let my nerves take the best of me and pulled my shot. I watched my arrow go right in front his neck. That buck was never to be seen again. Today I took my third trip out to fill my tag. So far the lessons I have learned from this season that I can pass on to you; First, if you see an Antelope, make sure to mark exactly where it is at. Today, I saw an Antelope feeding up a hillside, so I moved to the top of the hill to enter the state land. I came in and stalked for the position I last saw him in. Unfortunately I got the hill wrong. It was the hill to my left, and I realized my mistake when I saw him take off. He caught my scent in the wind.
Second, when using a decoy for a spot and stalk get into at least 200-250 yards before showing the decoy. That means crawling low or using terrain features to your advantage. I showed my decoy too early today and instead of getting the buck to challenge me, he gathered up his does and took off.
Third, last week I was making a stalk on a buck with a group of does. The does didn't like the way I looked, so they took off leaving the buck alone. I worked in closer to the buck and he started coming towards me, but I didn't realize one of the groups of does didn't go that far, and they caught the side view of me and started calling to the buck making him immediately turn and run off with them.
Fourth, when using a decoy, don't push your luck, if you have their attention just sit and wait for them to come to you.
I know I keep referring to them as Antelope which they actually are not, they are a breed of Antelope, but true Antelope don't have branched antlers. The Antelope here in the west is actually called Pronghorns. You can learn more about them on the Montana FWP website at http://fieldguide.mt.gov/speciesDetail.aspx?elcode=AMALD01010.
For now I will continue the chase and plan my stalks better. But for now, here are some pictures for my hunting for now. Another positive, is being able to scout deer at the same time. Now if only 1 September would come sooner when Block Management Area open.
