redline410 Report post Posted September 14 Being the gunner on a pronghorn hunt is way, way different than being the spotter. Especially after you've waited half your life to pull the tag. Here's a quick recap of my 2024 pronghorn hunt Scouted all summer looking for something to really focus my efforts on. Although we did find a few decent bucks, it took until the beginning of August to find the one that really got my heart rate up. We first spotted him a little over a mile away with heatwaves making it tough to really know what he was. The next morning we walked in before sunup in hopes of at least being close enough to get better pics to review. Found him that morning at about 700yds. Something piqued his curiosity and he made our morning way easier: IMG_5745_2.mov He was probably prettiest speed goat I had ever seen, plus he seemed to like me back, so my mind was made up. We named him Heart for obvious reasons. We continued to scout other areas but always made one more pass through to 1) see if we could relocate him 2) see if there were any archery hunters on him and 3) see how many rifle hunters were scouting in that area. As it turns out, we never saw a single vehicle until day two of the hunt. way less stressful that way. As hot as it is, big props to the archery guys... trying to close to bow range with buzz worms crawling around is a ballsy proposition IMG_5433.MOV Sadly, this one died of lead poisoning not long after this video was taken... Fast forward to the day before the opener: I am fortunate that my brother Curt has the ability to work remote thanks to Elon Musk and Star Link so he was in camp early. I wasn't able to get out of work until about noon. Just as I was pointing the Bronco north I get a message from him. He hasn't moved a half mile from the weekend prior. IMG_5982.mov Opening morning: Here we go!!! I had a lot of help from friends and family on this one. had two sets of spotters with Curt and I on the ground the area we had last seen him. As the sun rises we get a call that the buck is in a pasture. We make the half mile walk to get into shooting position only we missed our mark and the buck spotted us before we spotted him. things got real frantic, real fast and I ended up sending a shot across his bow. I lost a little piece of my soul when he kicked that extra gear and was leaving a dust wake across the prairie. We played hide and seek with him for a little under 5 miles. He finally bed and we were able to get to 450yds before we ran out of cover. Its way easier when they don't know you're there- was able to get a comfortable rest, in the shade, and waited for him get up to stretch. Results below: Helluva thing these pronghorn... Hope everyone gets to experience it at least once. Thanks for looking Dave 36 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mmlj Report post Posted September 14 Congratulations on a great buck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Huntnfish Report post Posted September 14 Congrats, cool write up. That is an awesome goat. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dsotm Report post Posted September 14 heck of a goat, congrats Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Evan Report post Posted September 14 Congratulations again Dave! Beautiful antelope! Great to meet you, and thanks for your help Friday afternoon and Saturday. Great time up there with you, Curt and everyone else! Hopefully we can do it again in 25 years lol. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Couzer Report post Posted September 15 Very nice buck! Congrats Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rhinoaz Report post Posted September 15 Congratulations on a toad of a goat. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redline410 Report post Posted September 15 EVAN!!! we had us a weekend for sure, my friend... was a blast hanging out with you and Andrew. Glad you were able to seal the deal and we had front row seats to watch it. Not sure I have another 25yr wait in me, though..... will have to figure out something easier to draw.. or become professional prairie dog hunters 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Big Browns Report post Posted September 15 That's a beautiful goat. Congratulations!!!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chef Report post Posted September 15 Congratulations! Stud buck. High cutters...long cutters, great mass, just gorgeous. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sam Report post Posted September 15 Great looking antelope. Started applying in the 80s and finally drew a tag 4 years ago. You're right, special hunt indeed. Nice job! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kevlar46 Report post Posted September 16 Great buck, videos and story. Congrats! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Viper Report post Posted September 16 Beautiful buck. Congrats! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mocha1545 Report post Posted September 17 Beautiful Goat! Congratulations. Thanks for the write up Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHT_MTNMAN Report post Posted September 17 Perfect shape to him. Huge Congrats on a great looking goat. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
