Tag Archives: Hunting

Protecting Our Ears In The Field: The Overlooked Necessity

Today’s Hearing Protection Technology

Diaz, grew up in California, has incredible photography skills, and has a background as a musician. Wearing hearing protection as a musician is commonplace, as Diaz shared, and his goal when he started working with Alclair Outdoors was to bring his experience as a musician wearing hearing protection to the field. He wanted to improve his hunting experience, and safeguard his hearing without sacrificing environmental awareness. Alclair Outdoors specializes in creating custom-fit hearing protection for outdoor enthusiasts. This is what drove him to help build customized, high tech options for hunters. Unlike the basic earplugs that muffle all sounds, today’s hearing protection equipment is designed to filter harmful noises while allowing hunters to hear ambient sounds, such as the movement of game or the conversations of fellow hunters. This balance is crucial for maintaining situational awareness while hunting, ensuring both safety and success. One of the many questions I had was if the technology would allow me to hear soft sounds such as wing beats, conversations next to me, and the soft crunch of grass as a deer approaches. Diaz explained that his experience as a hunter and understanding what hunters like myself wanted to hear, is what allowed him to help build the innovation into the lineup of hearing devices Alclair Outdoors offers. One of the UpDuck podcast cohosts, Matt Jeske, bought a pair of ear plugs from Alclair Outdoors. On several episodes of the UpDuck Podcast he referenced his ability to hear conversations of other hunters in the blind with him, and the protection afforded after firing over 300 rounds in a day during a guided Mexican duck hunt.

Custom-fit for Comfort and Efficiency

Diaz emphasizes the importance of custom-fit devices for hunters, which offer unmatched comfort and efficiency. Custom-fit earplugs are molded to the unique contours of the user’s ears, providing a perfect seal against noise while staying securely in place, regardless of the hunter’s movements. This personalized approach not only enhances protection but also ensures that hunters can wear their devices for extended periods without discomfort.

One significant barrier to widespread adoption of high tech hearing protection among hunters is the perceived inconvenience of obtaining custom-fit devices. Diaz demystifies this process, explaining how simple it is to get fitted for Alclair’s products either at their facilities, trade shows, or through audiologists. A hunter needs to have a mold made of their ear via a puddy-like impression material. This mold is then sent off to Alclair Outdoors or another manufacturer. At an audiologists office, the appointment to create the molds can be completed in 15 minutes and the cost, while insurance dependent, isn’t typically over $100. While the process can seem daunting at the start, it is much simpler than it initially appears, and it’s hard to put a price on the benefits of hearing preservation.

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A Shift in Perspective

There’s another piece of the conversation, and that is the cultural shift needed within the hunting community around hearing protection. Just as hunters have embraced advancements in gear and safety equipment, there’s a growing need to prioritize hearing protection. High-quality, custom-fit earplugs should be viewed as essential gear, akin to a reliable firearm or a sturdy pair of boots. Hearing protection is not just about preserving our ability to hear; it’s about maintaining our quality of life. Putting venison in the freezer, dropping a big rooster after my dog does his work, or shooting a few ducks are wonderful memories. Being able to share those stories and hear stories from other hunters throughout the rest of my life is even more important. While I spend a good amount of time thinking about hunting, the majority of my time is spent at my job, with my family, and living a regular life. For me, I don’t want the 1% of time spent in the field affecting the other 99% of of the life I live. As the hunting community becomes more aware of the importance of hearing protection, it’s hopeful that more individuals will take the necessary steps to safeguard their senses. I know I will be when hunting season approaches this fall.

Jared Scheffler: The Fred Bear of the Modern Hunting World

Exploring Jared Scheffler’s Revolutionary Approach to Hunting in Today’s Hunting Era

I’ve been watching the Whitetail Adrenaline DVDs since they first came out, and I might have been one of their number-one fanboys. Years ago, I used to show customers scenes uploaded to YouTube at a computer retailer where I worked. When I started podcasting in 2013, Jared Scheffler was my first podcast guest, and I was nervous about interviewing him. Of course, he was just as humble back then, and it was an “okay” first episode.

Fast forward 10+ years when Jared Scheffler, the mastermind behind Whitetail Adrenaline, recently hopped on the Okayest Hunter podcast; it wasn’t just another episode but one that should leave you feeling inspired and motivated to be a deer hunter. It was a deep dive into the essence of hunting with a man I believe to be the Fred Bear of our time. Scheffler is a beacon of raw, unadulterated hunting adventures in an industry teeming with scripted hunts and predictable narratives, much like Bear was in his time.

A Legacy in the Making

With Scheffler’s vision, Whitetail Adrenaline has shattered the mold of traditional hunting content. By embracing the unpredictable chaos of unscripted, public land hunts, Scheffler has carved a niche that resonates deeply with the hunting community. His narrative isn’t just about hunting; it’s about the adventure, the unpredictability, and the sheer joy of the pursuit—echoing Fred Bear’s legendary spirit in a digital age. Of course, when things are unscripted, sometimes, s*** happens. Some of the blunders Whitetail Adrenaline documents are not only highly relatable, but they’re also gut-busting hilarious.

Scheffler said on the Okayest Hunter podcast,

“I liked the idea of the customer paying for it. I remember it being very important to me in the beginning. I felt that held me to a standard that I had to produce something that was worthwhile that people were going to pay for and were willing to pay for. So that kept me in check to produce a better quality product.”

This quote reflects Scheffler’s commitment to quality and authenticity. He ensures his content genuinely resonates with his audience and values their support and investment in his work. When you watch the DVDs, this is extremely evident.

Mastering the Craft Against All Odds

Scheffler shared his epic saga of battling the digital wilderness, from YouTube’s capricious monetization policies to the turbulent world of sponsorships. Opting for DVDs in a streaming-centric world, Scheffler’s Whitetail Adrenaline thrives by setting its own rules, much like Bear did by pioneering bow hunting when it was considered obsolete. When Jared was getting his start, he drove to local hunting retailers to sell his DVDs on their shelves. Scheels was one of his first retailers. This was a big feat, considering DVDs were on their way out then, and even the big-name hunters weren’t selling in retail as they transitioned to connected TV. You gotta admire the grind and hustle of someone like Scheffler pursuing what he loved. That same grind, hustle, and unwavering work ethic is also imbued throughout the Hunts Whitetail Adrenaline documents.

The Art and Philosophy of Hunting

Scheffler isn’t just about the how-tos; he’s about the whys. His insights into hunting strategies, from open terrain to dense timber, are not just tactics but philosophies. He teaches us that to understand hunting truly, one must embrace failures, adapt, and continually refine one’s approach. In a world filled with how-to content in hunting podcasts and YouTube channels, it’s an entirely different angle to learn from Scheffler simply by watching him in his element out in the whitetail woods. It reminds me of the adage, “Do as I do, not as I say.” <– I might have inverted this saying, hmm? You get the idea. Learning through osmosis is a powerful addition to all the how-to content we consume as whitetail hunters thirsty for knowledge to improve our craft season over season.

More Than Just a Hunter

The impact of Whitetail Adrenaline extends beyond thrilling hunts; it’s about building a community that values authenticity and relatability. Scheffler’s willingness to showcase the unfiltered realities of hunting—successes, blunders, and all—has fostered a culture of genuine connection and learning among his audience. This authenticity positions Scheffler as a modern-day Fred Bear. Scheffler said in the most recent Uncuffed season, “I’ll shoot a smaller buck if I’m excited about the hunt.” This is a hell of a message to the hunting community in a day and age where monster bucks continue to be the prize hunters are after. Sometimes, as we promote at Okayest Hunter, the thrill of the hunt is worth pursuing.

The Journey Continues

As the conversation drew to a close, it was evident that Jared Scheffler’s story is far from over. With plans to delve deeper into bow hunting and explore new storytelling avenues, Scheffler is set to continue his legacy, much like Fred Bear did for decades. His journey reminds us that passion, authenticity, and an unbreakable bond with the natural world are at the heart of hunting.

Jared’s appearance on the Okayest Hunter podcast wasn’t just a conversation; it was a declaration of hunting’s enduring spirit, a tribute to Fred Bear’s legacy, and a glimpse into the future of hunting content. As Scheffler continues to innovate and inspire, he solidifies his place as a legend in the making, a modern-day Fred Bear leading the next generation of hunters into the wild unknown with courage, integrity, and a DVD player in hand.

Duck Hunting in Mexico: Planning & Travel Best Practices

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There is plenty to plan and think about when taking any hunting trip. If you are traveling abroad to hunt, the amount of planning and detail required to get the most out of your trip is amplified by 10. Recently, I traveled south of the border to Mexico on an unforgettable duck hunting trip with my father. Reflecting on the trip, there are a number of suggestions I’d make to other hunters looking to make a trip to Mexico or any other foreign country.

Plan and Book Early

If an international trip is for you, consider planning early. For this trip, we utilized a waterfowl hunting booking agency that books directly with the outfitter in Mexico. The agency handled that side of the trip reservations, while we were responsible for the flights in and out of the country. The main lodge held 10-15 guests per slot, rotating out hunting groups every five days. With such limited slots and seats available in each slot, booking early for the dates you personally have available is important.

Pack Light

There is no need to pay for overweight baggage if it can be avoided. Bring enough hunting clothing and gear to be comfortable for your time afield. When traveling abroad, it becomes a challenge to not pack your entire hunting wardrobe when you aren’t sure what the conditions will be. Watch the weather for temperatures and pack for comfort. On this trip other hunters at the lodge wore mid-weight jackets in the morning. Personally, I never wore more than a sweatshirt over a long sleeve shirt.

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Over the years, I have learned that less is more. That includes what you’ll wear at the lodge after your hunt. In my experience, no one at the lodge ever cared what I was wearing after the hunt. There was a laundry service available at the lodge as well. If used, you could cut back on clothing and hunting attire even more.

Outfitter Provided

The lodging and meals were two of the benefits provided by utilizing the outfitter we hunted with. The house was formerly the owner’s childhood home which had multiple bedrooms, a dining room, bar with a seating area, outside seating, and bird preparation areas. Three meals were provided each day with blind food for morning hunts as you got to your hunting spot. Between traveling to and from the hunts each day and the hunts themselves (typically out the door by 4 AM and not back until 5 PM), it was nice not to have to think about what I was going to eat each day.

Water and drinks were provided daily, and you were always welcome to grab additional water before or after the hunt. Each morning, I would grab a few additional bottles to be sure I stayed hydrated in the Mexican sun.

Bringing in firearms is allowed and completely acceptable. While we did not bring our own this trip, there were several people at the lodge who brought their own during our stay. Again, planning in advance is necessary, and a hunter needs to follow all TSA requirements. Additionally, you will need to allow extra travel time in the airports in order to accept your firearms upon arrival at each destination. This also requires an extra charge for importing the firearm through the lodge in Mexico. Work with your outfitter and/or booking agent to confirm the process and complete the necessary paperwork. For us, we utilized the firearms provided by the lodge. The Shotguns provided were primarily 1-2 year old Benelli and Berettas that are cycled out of service every few years due to the amount of use. We had no issues with our provided shotguns, and after a morning of shooting, we were comfortable with handling them.

Birds

Each day the ducks for the entire lodge are collected and donated locally. It is a good way to utilize the birds that cannot be consumed or brought back to the US in such numbers.

Most species of ducks are able to be brought back to your taxidermist if you choose to do so. You must ensure you have the correct paperwork during this process. Work with your booking agency and outfitter to be sure all Mexican and United States laws are followed to import your birds. I would suggest utilizing the 2-gallon freezer bags to seal your birds and freeze them for travel. We utilized a medium sized collapsable cooler bag to transport birds as a carry-on item, while others choose to put the frozen birds in a bag within their checked baggage. Either way, you will be visiting a separate check station at the airport upon your return to the United States.

Upon returning, plan to follow all USDA and USFWS guidelines regarding taxidermy and care of imported birds. When coming back to the US, you’ll need to go through a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) checkpoint and review your birds with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) where you will need to have your birds clearly identifiable. We had ours wrapped in shrink-wrap with the proper tags as suggested by the outfitter, and while that packaged the birds nicely for travel, it made it difficult to unwrap and show USFWS while trying to make connecting flights. With this process, a minimum of two hours for a connection is highly recommended.

Document Your Trip

For many, this hunt could be a one-time, trip of a lifetime. Even if you plan to frequently travel to hunt, document your trip to enjoy afterwards. As I do throughout the fall seasons, I like to take pictures and videos of each hunt, and traveling abroad was no different. For photos and videos, I brought my cellphone, DSLR camera, and GoPro camera (with extra SD cards) to utilize and remember the hunts. I came back with hundreds of photos, and dozens of GoPro video clips which I am still sorting through.

I also typed notes and reminders in a note on my phone, which will be useful in remembering details about the trip in the future. Anything from the location of the hunt, weather, other hunt or travel specifics, and how many and which types of birds were harvested each day.

Enjoy the Adventure

While on your trip, enjoy the entire experience. Get to know your fellow hunters at the lodge. Everyone comes from different parts of the country, has unique experiences, and hunts different species all around the world. Really get to know your driver/guide for the week. It is more enjoyable to get to know them on a personal level, and you might never know when they can do something above and beyond for you as a visitor.

If you have time, have your driver/guide take you out and enjoy the local food. Other hunters at the lodge had gone out with their guides on previous trips to experience the best local food and drinks. While we did not have this opportunity, we would make time for it on a future trip back.

In reviewing my trip, preparation was the key for experiencing a rewarding and memorable hunt in Mexico. When you take on this type of adventure, plan early, pack light, properly prepare your birds, document your trip, and enjoy the entire experience. You won’t regret it.

How Non-Hunting Laws Impact the Hunting Industry

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The hunting industry operates within a complex legal and regulatory framework.

What do Energy Regulation and Cybersecurity Laws Have to Do with Hunting?

The hunting industry, steeped in tradition and driven by a community of passionate enthusiasts, operates within a complex legal and regulatory framework. This framework is influenced by direct legislation and many laws in areas like environmental policy, energy regulation, cybersecurity, and public infrastructure. While the National Law Review’s trending section might not spotlight hunting-related laws, it’s a treasure trove of insights on legal domains that indirectly yet profoundly impact the hunting sector.

Environmental and Energy Laws: A Conservation Catalyst

Environmental and energy legislation, at first blush, appears distantly related to the hunting ethos. Yet, these legal domains are instrumental in preserving the ecosystems vital to the industry’s sustainability. “Laws like the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act play an unexpected, yet pivotal role in maintaining the health of habitats crucial for game populations,” notes a policy analyst in a discussion on conservation laws’ impact on hunting (Smith, Environmental Conservation Journal, 2023).

The intersection of energy policy and hunting is equally significant. While the push for renewable energy sources is beneficial on a global scale, it necessitates careful consideration of wildlife habitats. “Renewable energy projects must strike a balance between sustainable development and conservation needs, ensuring that hunting practices can adapt to changing landscapes,” states an energy policy expert during a webinar on renewable energy’s environmental implications (Doe, Renewable Energy and Conservation, 2023).

Cybersecurity: Protecting the Digital Frontier of Hunting

If you’re an AT&T customer, you might remember a national outage a few weeks ago that left thousands of customers unable to call or text without being connected to wifi. Moreover, Meta reported a global outage for all its Facebook and Instagram users the other day. These large-scale outages are becoming more commonplace in our modern age of technology. The relevance of cybersecurity in hunting might soon become apparent, yet the industry’s growing digitization from wildlife tracking to permit applications brings it to the forefront. “The integrity of digital tools in wildlife management is paramount, making cybersecurity a key concern for the hunting industry,” emphasizes a technology specialist in a report on digital innovation in conservation (Johnson, Cybersecurity in Wildlife Conservation, 2023).

Public Services Infrastructure: The Unsung Hero of Access and Conservation

It is important to consider the role of public services infrastructure in hunting access and conservation. Infrastructure laws that enable access to remote hunting grounds while promoting sustainable land use are crucial. However, this requires a careful balancing act with conservation priorities. According to an infrastructure planner in a study on recreational land use (Williams, Public Infrastructure and Recreational Land Use, 2023), improved infrastructure can benefit hunters. Nevertheless, sustainable development is key. As a conservationist argues in a debate on sustainable development (Anderson, Sustainable Development Forum, 2023), infrastructure projects in hunting areas must prioritize environmental sustainability to preserve these lands for future generations.

Looking Ahead: The Interconnectedness of Law and Hunting

The regulatory landscape for hunting is dynamic, reflecting the interplay between various legal domains and the industry. Staying up-to-date on developments in environmental law, energy regulation, cybersecurity, and public infrastructure is essential for the hunting community. “Understanding the broader legal environment allows us to advocate for policies that support sustainable practices and conservation efforts,” concludes a hunting industry spokesperson in a panel discussion on the future of hunting (Taylor, Future of Hunting Symposium, 2023).

The absence of hunting-specific legislation in the National Law Review’s trending section doesn’t imply irrelevance but points to the complex legal ecosystem influencing the industry. The indirect effects of environmental and energy laws, cybersecurity, and public services infrastructure on hunting underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to navigating the legal challenges within the industry. This holistic perspective ensures the industry’s resilience and adaptability amidst evolving legal and environmental landscapes.

Hunters Getting Involved in the Legal Process

As we’ve traversed the complex legal landscape impacting the hunting industry, it becomes evident that the voices of hunters, conservationists, and industry stakeholders are crucial in shaping the future of hunting sustainably and responsibly. Getting involved in these legal processes is about advocacy and preserving a tradition deeply embedded throughout the US.

Hunters can engage by staying informed about legislative changes, participating in public comment periods for new regulations, and joining hunting and conservation organizations that lobby for hunter-friendly policies, like the National Deer Alliance, Sportsmens Alliance, NWTF, and plenty of others. Even attending local government meetings where relevant policies are discussed. “Engagement in the legal process allows hunters to protect their interests and contribute to the conservation efforts that ensure the longevity of their passion,” emphasizes a legal expert in environmental advocacy (Miller, Hunters and Conservation Law, 2023). By taking these proactive steps, hunters can ensure that their legacy—and the ecosystems they cherish—can be enjoyed by future generations.

Appendix: Suggested Resources for Further Reading

To find information and resources similar to the fictional citations provided, consider exploring the following types of sources:

Environmental and Conservation Laws

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): For information on the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and other environmental regulations. EPA’s website
National Wildlife Federation: Offers insights into how environmental laws affect wildlife habitats. National Wildlife Federation’s website

Renewable Energy and Its Impact on Wildlife

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE): Provides comprehensive resources on renewable energy projects and their environmental assessments. DOE’s website
Renewable Energy and Wildlife Conservation: A section within conservation-focused organizations’ websites, such as the Wildlife Conservation Society, discussing the balance between renewable energy development and wildlife protection. Wildlife Conservation Society’s website

Cybersecurity in Wildlife Conservation

Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): For insights into cybersecurity best practices that could apply to wildlife management systems. CISA’s website
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): Reports on technology’s role in conservation, including cybersecurity concerns. IUCN’s website

Public Infrastructure and Access to Hunting Lands

U.S. Forest Service: Information on how public infrastructure projects are planned and executed within national forests, affecting access to hunting areas. U.S. Forest Service’s website
Trust for Public Land: Discusses projects and policies aimed at improving access to public lands for recreational purposes, including hunting. Trust for Public Land’s website

Hunting and Conservation Organizations

National Rifle Association (NRA) – Hunter’s Leadership Forum: Advocacy and legislative updates relevant to hunters. NRA Hunter’s Leadership Forum’s website
Ducks Unlimited: Conservation efforts and how hunters can get involved in policy advocacy. Ducks Unlimited’s website

Taking Better Pictures of Your Gundog

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Capturing the essence of your gun dog in action, or at rest after a successful hunt, is an art form – a blend of passion, skill, and an eye for the right moment. On a recent episode of the UpDuck Podcast, professional photographer and videographer Keagan Keddell shared invaluable insights into the world of outdoor and hunting photography, with a special focus on photographing gun dogs.

Embrace the Journey

Keegan’s journey into photography began with a Nikon D3500, a base model DSLR. His pursuit of capturing the natural, untamed moments amidst the rugged beauty of Alaska allowed him to master his craft in some of the most challenging environments. He continued to seek knowledge and experience while upgrading his equipment before coming back to the lower 48 and beginning his journey into professional photography. Keagan’s story is a testament to the power of dedication, curiosity, and the willingness to learn from every shot, every light, and every shadow.

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The Art of Photographing Gun Dogs

Photographing gun dogs, especially in the dynamic and unpredictable settings of hunting, requires more than just technical skill. It demands an understanding of the animal, the environment, and the moments that tell a story. Keagan shared several tips for amateurs and professionals alike to enhance their gun dog photography skills:

Understand Your Subject: Knowing the behavior and tendencies of gun dogs, especially your personal dog, can help you anticipate moments worth capturing. Whether it’s the intense focus of a dog on point or the companionship of a tired dog after picking up a limit of ducks, understanding your subject is key.
Rule of Thirds and Framing: Utilize the rule of thirds to create visually appealing compositions. The simplest way to understand the rule of thirds is to open up the camera on your phone, and look at the grid lines that appear. Placing your dog’s eyes along these lines can draw the viewer’s attention. Framing, such as using natural elements or hunting gear, can add depth and context to your photographs.
Embrace the Environment: Whether it’s the golden hues of dawn during a hunt from your duck boat or the technical grounds at a training session, the environment plays a critical role in the narrative of your photography. Use it to your advantage.
Capture the Action and the Stillness: Gun dogs exude a range of emotions, from the adrenaline-fueled retrieve to the calm after a hunt. Capturing both the action and the stillness can provide the full story of your dog’s hunt and life.
Gear Matters, But So Does Your Passion: While Keagan emphasized the importance of understanding your camera’s settings and investing in quality gear, he also reminded listeners that passion is the most crucial element, and the best camera is the one your holding onto. Keep learning and growing your photography skills, and your vision and love for your dog will ultimately shine through in your photographs.
Share Your World: Perhaps the most compelling takeaway from Keagan’s story is his desire to share the beauty and thrill of the outdoor world with others. From his family to all his followers on social media, Keagan likes telling stories that inspire and connect us to the great outdoors and our companions within it using the pictures he takes. Personally, there’s nothing I love sharing more than pictures, videos, and stories of my dogs.

Summing It All Up

Photographing your gun dog is a journey, and one you won’t be disappointed in starting. Our dogs lives are never long enough, and capturing the moments you share afield with them means more as your dog ages. My oldest dog is 7 now, and I wish I had more pictures of him. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting with your first camera, the key is to start, learn, and never stop looking for those moments. Tell your story. Tell your dogs story. You’ll look back later in life and be glad you did.

Antelope Hunting is far from Whitetail Hunting

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Contributor: Will Bowen

I know whitetails. No, I’m not a biologist or a subject matter expert per say but I’ve spent a couple decades in the woods. I have been fortunate enough to experience almost everything a whitetail hunter can experience…except for killing a giant buck of course. But I’ve recently learned that being an adequate whitetail hunter doesn’t perfectly translate to being a good western hunter.

This past August, I made my first attempt at hunting antelope in New Mexico, and let me tell you, it’s a completely different ballgame. Vast, open landscapes, lightning-fast quarry, and a lingering against-the-clock anxiety only added to the challenge. Antelope aren’t whitetails and if you are going to hunt them, you need to forget what you know.

Stalking Speedgoats

As the sun started to set on Friday, I was filled with nothing but confidence in the following day’s hunt. Saturday would be opening day of New Mexico’s first rifle season for antelope and we were sitting pretty. A half-a-day of sighting in rifles and scouting proved eventful considering we laid eyes on four or five good bucks. The plan was simple in my head. Return the next morning, find the goats, get close, and take the shot. As we all have come to find out, plans are often only easy on paper.

Saturday morning arrives and I’ve got my mind on the task at hand. Several of the bucks we spotted on Friday were in perfect spots, either along two-track banks or near brushy areas that would be perfect areas to make stalks. We would visit those first. We pulled up to the first area on the property and started glassing. It didn’t take long to find one of our targets but unfortunately, he had made his way onto the neighboring state-owned property (my tag is only good for private land). This buck would have to wait.

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We drove for several hours that morning looking for the other bucks that we bookmarked but with no luck. We were seeing antelope, just not the quality or in the area that we needed. I started to feel my first bit of anxiety. I thought this was going to be a for-sure thing this morning and I had only two days to hunt. I pushed back those thoughts and we decided to move on to the next property. This property, we hadn’t scouted the day before.

We pulled into a massive greenfield and parked by the grain silos and farm shop in the corner. We had some slight elevation so this was a good glassing spot. A couple quick scans and we had found antelope everywhere, they were scattered however. We turned up several does and small bucks before finally finding a shooter. He wasn’t a giant but he had unique character with his left horn curling straight back instead of the usual inward lean. “I’ll take him” I said. He was in the wide-open field and a stalk would be difficult but we decided we should try. Maybe we could at least get within 300 yards of him.

I was hunting with some newly acquainted cousins, Kyle and his wife Nicki. Considering they were raised in the area I was going to take every bit of advice I could get from them. The plan was for Kyle to drop us off and move the truck, while Nicki led me on a stalk towards the buck. We crawled for well over 150 yards before stopping to get a range on the buck. He was just over 300 yards but was starting to get nervous. I dropped to my belly and put my eye in the scope. The stiff wind was blowing my crosshairs all around the target. “No shot” I whispered to Nicki. About that time an ATV and a pickup truck passed on the gravel. The antelope bolted and were on the next property in a matter of seconds.

I was filled with a mixture of disappointment and excitement. We were so close. He wasn’t a giant buck but he had some unique character. I would have loved to take him. We all convened back at the pickups and chowed down on some ham sandwiches for lunch. We spent the hour talking about what we had all seen. My dad and older cousin, Michael, had made another loop on some separate properties but had the same luck. After polishing off our sandwiches we decided to try a different property to the north. Maybe we could find some luck there.

The next couple hours were spent without seeing many antelope, just scanning the grass and sage. Finally, we received the sign we were asking for. A call from my Michael and my dad lightened our mood, “big buck down!” We worked our way across the property to their location. When we got there, we could see the white belly laying in the distance. “How far?” I asked dad. He responded “well over 300.” That’s a crazy shot for a native Arkansan, where even seeing 300 yards can be a rarity.

After recovering the buck, quartering him in the field, and throwing him on ice, we headed back towards the southern properties to find the afternoon goats we had seen the day before. We had a lot more energy and confidence this time-around. Dad’s buck was a giant and would end up only being a couple inches shy of the Boone & Crockett record minimum. It was going to be hard to beat that so I definitely wasn’t going to try.

With only a few hours of daylight left, we spotted a bedded buck almost a half-a-mile behind the landowner’s house. We parked in position to get a spotting scope on him. He appeared big enough to stalk but we couldn’t make out any details. Kyle would accompany me on this stalk and would serve as my coach. The buck was approximately 600-700 yards away from our location. The above-knee-high haygrazer field would serve as good cover and would allow us to sneak towards the buck.

In order to cover some distance, we crouch-walked for the first 200 yards or so, trying to stay below the cover of haygrazer. We stopped to get a range on the buck and reset. He was still nearly 400 yards away. Now the stalk got a little more intense. We would crouch walk 20-30 yards at a time and stop to range the buck repeatedly. I led the front with my rifle and shooting sticks while Kyle crouched directly behind me with the range finder. 350 yards became 320, and 320 became 280. We were almost to where I felt comfortable.

Suddenly the buck stands up and starts walking at an angle away from us. I started to panic. Kyle quickly interjected “if he’s moving or his head is down, just start steadily crouch-walking at him.” So, I did. This went on for a couple minutes when the buck suddenly stopped again. I dropped to my knees and found the buck in my scope. He was about 260 yards, within my range, but my increased heart rate and breathlessness made a shot impossible. “I’ve got to calm down a second” I said out loud.

God must have seen it fit, because the buck, out of nowhere, turned and started walking towards us through the haygrazer. Step by step he closed the distance, and beat by beat I started to calm. On my final call for a range, the buck was 190 yards. “Money” I thought. I beared down on my crosshairs and put it right behind his shoulder. “Boom!” With a sound of the muzzle firing, I had my first pronghorn buck. As I approached the downed buck, I was met with a surprise, it was the same unique-horned buck that I stalked that morning almost two miles away. You can’t make this stuff up!

Pronghorn Hunting isn’t Whitetail Hunting

It was quickly apparent that I was out of my element. I’ve gathered tons of experience hunting whitetails but this was way different. Thankfully though the coaching of experienced antelope hunters and a little bit of luck, my dad and I were able to seal the deal. It can be done. If you are interested in chasing antelope, forget what you already know! Here is how antelope hunting differs from whitetail hunting.

Stalking as Opposed to Ambushing

When you hunt whitetail, 90% of your time is spent waiting on a buck. You pick an ambush spot, and wait for him to come to you. While there is a small element of this in antelope hunting, the majority of your time is spent seeking antelope. And once you find one, you move to him. The average whitetail hunter has very little practice in the spot-and-stalk tactic. It’s completely different. Another thing to remember is that in antelope habitat, there is often very little cover to hide behind, so you might have to get creative.

Long Range Marksmanship is a Must

As a whitetail bowhunter, most of my hunting marksmanship happens within 30 yards. I can’t say the same for antelope. The first thing my cousin Michael said when we arrived was “we are going to have to find a way to extend your range to 300 to 400 yards.” Even with an accurate shooting rifle, I’m not very confident in my ability to shoot that far. A few hours at the range will raise confidence but the best option is to try and close as much distance as possible. But like I mentioned in the story, I stalked the buck for hundreds of yards and still had to settle for a near 200 yard shot.

You Have to Beat the Heat

Considering most antelope seasons are early in the fall or late in the summer, heat is definitely going to element that you have to face. Heat will affect you on multiple levels. First and foremost, you have to stay hydrated to ensure that you can perform at optimal levels, plus it’s a safety hazard. Secondly, you have to absolutely be prepared to take care of your harvest quick in order to prevent spoilage. We traveled with ice and quartered one of our bucks in the field to prevent this issue. You have to consider the possibility of extreme heat when antelope hunting.

Antelope hunting is not deer hunting, that’s obvious now, but it’s one of the most fun hunts that I’ve ever experienced however. I hope that everybody reading this gets a chance to try it on their own one day. If you do, just remember to forget what you know and be ready to learn!

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