Paper to Plastic, is that an Upgrade?

If you missed the last story on antelope, go back and get the details of our 2006 archery antelope hunt; a grueling story of suspense, intrigue, suffering and hard won victory.

The following is a reasonable representation of the events of the 2007 hunt for goats that smell bad.

Jesse and I are full of enthusiasm. We are a proven team now that we have one goat to our mutual credit and are considering writing a book. For now we will settle with a short, somewhat factual story for the web.

We spent the year in reflection and decided we had to upgrade equipment if we were to have any chance at all of staying in the game. After talking with several experts we made the decision to invest in plastic. The past season had good results but the paper decoy was wearing thin after being repeatedly drug across 40 grit prairie. Plastic was the answer to longer life and what some claimed more realism. So our new decoy has one steel leg, kitchen cabinet hinges and a heavy plastic skin complete with look-a-like colors.

First stop, Bowman, ND where the deer and the antelope play. In fear of their life I might mention, now that the proven team has arrived. I admit we are a little green at this game of chasing antelope with a bow. I say that to help you understand the results of our first stalk. I learn more from negative experiences so it wasn’t a total loss.

Goes like this; we spot a herd of antelope with an exceptional buck and decide they are easy pick’ns. With the help of rolling hills and some very well placed round bales we get to 100 yards or so with little effort. Wind is in our favor so we figure our hunt will be a short one. Jesse is shooter on this hunt and I get the plastic out, unfold it and show off a little to the goat gang.

Don’t ask me where that guy came from but all of the sudden we have an antelope we didn’t see come in from the side nowhere near the herd. First thing it does is take a look and move down wind to get a whiff of our scent free clothes and plastic. Didn’t like it so he is off only to be replaced by a hand full of does that had their curiosity aroused by contestant number 1. They did the same thing with the same results.

Big buck is still somewhere but out of sight as we are trying to become one with a round bale in order to remain unseen. All of of sudden here he comes at less than 20 yards, stops and gives us the once over. Here is where green is not good. Jesse, thinking like a whitetail hunter, is waiting for the perfect opportunity to draw. We have since learned just draw, sure they are looking right at you, but they are also mesmerized by the decoy. Anyway, Big Buck runs off, stops and does a retake. I’m guessing 30 yards, Jesse shoots and dust kicks up 2 feet low. Bad guess Dad.

Day two and wind is pushing 30. Not ideal for holding a decoy in a lifelike position but we are hunters so let me at ‘em. Our strategy is spot a herd, sort out a stalk and see what happens. Most of the time the antelope decide we are dangerous and make tracks. I’m starting to wonder two things. Are we really that dangerous? Is plastic is an upgrade or simply more durable. The theme for the week. Spot, stalk and watch as our fun runs the other way.

Most of the week is same story different location. That is until it happened. We spot a big bunch of antelope in a low area trying to stay out of the gale force wind. We look at each other with smiles of anticipation and keep right on driving to the next farmstead. With permission and local support to reduce the antelope numbers we are back with a strategy. The truck is parked and we are off to a overlook above the herd. Wind is howling and we arrive just in time to see several antelope leaving. I’m on deck and it is Jesse’s turn at the decoy. Up goes the plastic and I take a low peek. All I see is antelope leaving. I’m sure they ain’t seen the set up as they are walking away from us. With my eyes just high enough to see over the hill I catch a flash of horns coming our way and fast, antelope speed full forward.

Having learned about being too cautious I draw as soon as the mental calculations are completed. We arrive at exactly the same time. In a split second, full draw and antelope buck, sights are perfect and then with a gust of wind and squeeze of trigger too far forward. But at less than 20 yards and just a little shoulder blade the arrow drives completely through to stick out the far side.