This is topic St. Francis in forum Member forum at The New Huntmastersbbs!.
To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://www.huntmastersbbs.com/cgi-bin/cgi-ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=001409
Posted by Cal Taylor (Member # 199) on December 10, 2006, 09:12 AM:
Well, now that we have Williams out of the way, who is coming to St. Francis? I have heard that I will be there, Higgins I think, Jerry Hunsley, and Kevin Lukens. Jerry Hunsley said he was bringing me a call (cool), Kevin has got me a couple, and Higgins hinted that he might get me one someday, but I haven't seen it yet. Thats really the only reason I go to these damn things is to beg calls off of call makers. I wish Rich Cronk would show up once in a while, or Jay. ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
Posted by KevinKKaller (Member # 559) on December 10, 2006, 12:48 PM:
Ya I will be thear. I hope to see every one again.
Now lets hear a really good plug for all those free calls. Now you know that thay have to be really high on the list to keep receving them and I think mine should be TOP! (Just kidding) I hope you like the little things I have built them out of intrest of the sport and the fun only. You know the old saying if you dont like them tell ME If you like them tell every one else. I havent herd from rich latly I hope he and Tyler will be thear Last year I herd a nasty rumer that Tyler and Locohead wear going to teem up for the event. That would be cool Loco is always a kick to be around too.
Good Hunting Kevin
Posted by Rich Higgins (Member # 3) on December 10, 2006, 04:22 PM:
Tyler will be hunting with me at St. Francis this year.
Cal, my source for horns dried up. A young fellow at the campout told me he would send me five or so very nice ones but I haven't heard from him yet.
Posted by TA17Rem (Member # 794) on December 10, 2006, 04:43 PM:
What kind of horns do you need Rich
Posted by Cal Taylor (Member # 199) on December 10, 2006, 05:22 PM:
What if I were to send you a buffalo horn? I happen to have one laying around gathering dust.
Posted by CrossJ (Member # 884) on December 10, 2006, 06:33 PM:
Rich, I be the young guy at the campout. I will get you some soon. I just sent some to a guy on another board. I'll put some together this week,and send them to you.
Posted by J_hun (Member # 872) on December 10, 2006, 06:54 PM:
Do you think a guy needs to reserve a room now? What are your thoughts. What do you other guys do?
Posted by UTcaller (Member # 8) on December 10, 2006, 09:12 PM:
Cal,
You'll really like that call of Jerry Hunsley's,I've got one and have been using it quite a bit this year and have been having great luck with it.I think those coyotes like how high the pitch is or something.Very easy to use to.Good Luck in St.Francis Good Hunting Chad
By the way hows that .204 ruger working out for you?
[ December 10, 2006, 09:20 PM: Message edited by: UTcaller ]
Posted by Jrbhunter (Member # 459) on December 10, 2006, 11:20 PM:
Send Higgins the buffalo horn... he can't tell the difference. He thought Geordie was a young guy for cryin' out loud! ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
Happy Birthday CrossJ. ![[Cool]](cool.gif)
Posted by Rich (Member # 112) on December 11, 2006, 04:31 AM:
Cal Taylor,
Don't send Higgins that buffalo horn unless he agrees to fit it with a decent mouthpiece and reed. You and I both know that rubber bands ain't gonna cut it in the real world. ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Posted by Cal Taylor (Member # 199) on December 11, 2006, 06:09 AM:
UT, I like my 204 so far. I've killed 12 or 15 coyotes with it now with no problems. They seem to be dead shortly after I shoot them. I have a couple shots that I want to try just for my own curiosity, but I haven't got around to it. I haven't yet shot one in the shoulder and I want to see how that goes. I have figured out that if you shoot low in the chest (heart shot) they will run just a little and if you hit center line of the chest, they just go stiff and fall over. Oh, and I shot one in the head and he fell over also.
Rich C. I want a really pretty elk bugle. Higgins knows that I am die hard on open reed howlers, but a guy just can't have too many toys.
Jerry, We may get a room for the last night in St Francis, but the rest of the time we will be staying alot closer to where we are hunting. Last year we really didn't even need a room since we practically drove all night both nights of the contest. We did stop and get a couple hours sleep and a shower. This year we are hunting much closer and may get a full nights sleep!
[ December 11, 2006, 06:10 AM: Message edited by: Cal Taylor ]
Posted by Andy L (Member # 642) on December 11, 2006, 06:39 AM:
What are the dates of the hunt? I was planning on coming. I had them wrote down but cant find the damned thing anywhere.
Posted by UTcaller (Member # 8) on December 11, 2006, 07:40 AM:
Cal,
Good to hear you're having good luck with the .204.I've hit one in the front shoulder,and it was alittle messy,but went through the bone and anchored the coyote.My experience is like you have said,all the frontal chest shots have been bang/flops,they just go stiff,with a little .20 caliber hole no exit.Most Broadside shots have been the same except I've hit acouple high in the back that were anchored but were not dead when I got up to them,had to shoot them with a .22 pistol.I did hit one in the lower jaw(moving through the brush) that I thought was a good hit,it just folded when I shot.But when I got to it,it was trying to get up,probably just knocked him silly.lol But shot him with the pistol to.But overall it has done a great job on coyotes so far.Good Hunting Chad
Posted by Locohead (Member # 15) on December 11, 2006, 11:03 AM:
Tyler and I were going to partner up last year but all of the hunting spots filled up for the first time in years. We didn't get registered in time.
Tyler and I considered teaming up this year for the hunt. But there was a contingency!
Sorry fellas, I couldn't find permisson for any locked gates. LOL
I will be there and plan on hunting this year.
I look forward to seeing you there Kevin and hearing many more of GREAT stories.
[ December 11, 2006, 11:05 AM: Message edited by: Locohead ]
Posted by Rich (Member # 112) on December 11, 2006, 11:19 AM:
Cal Taylor,
You were victim of my ornery tricks again. I'm sure that Higgins can build you a dandy Elk bugle.
Good luck on your St. Francis hunt.
Posted by Cal Taylor (Member # 199) on December 11, 2006, 01:47 PM:
By golly Rich, I heard that old Mert was trying to get you to go to St. Francis. Any truth to the rumor?
Posted by Rich (Member # 112) on December 11, 2006, 02:48 PM:
Cal,
Yes, I just talked to Mert about that again today. My luck just don't seem to change. I'm almost healed up after the gall bladder surgery,but now I am swallowing horse pills to fight a bad sinus infection. If I get healed up good enough to make the trip,I may just be there.
Now for the BAD news Cal. "Jeremy Kansas" hopes to be there with a new super winner of a call.
Posted by JeremyKS (Member # 736) on December 11, 2006, 04:39 PM:
shhh...Rich that was going to be my secret weapon haha. Hope to see everybody there.
Posted by Cal Taylor (Member # 199) on December 11, 2006, 04:43 PM:
I hope you included the sinus infection with that call Rich. They have too good of country to hunt healthy. They need a little sinus infection to slow them down so the rest of us have a chance.
Posted by JeremyKS (Member # 736) on December 11, 2006, 06:08 PM:
haha I will make sure I disinfect it when it arrives.
Posted by Rich Higgins (Member # 3) on December 11, 2006, 06:15 PM:
Geordie, I'm in no rush. Steve and Cal may be.
Cal, bring the buffalo horn to St. Francis and I'll take a look at it. You may want to wait on a nice cow horn.
Posted by Rich (Member # 112) on December 11, 2006, 06:51 PM:
Cal,
I will give this sinus problem to anyone who wants it. You interested? Come on man, it's really fun walking around feeling like your head is blown up like an oversized baloon.
Posted by nd coyote killer (Member # 40) on December 11, 2006, 09:43 PM:
Wish i could come boys some day i will make it down there. But i will not donate my money if Cal and Cenny AND Rich and Tyler are coming its just a losing battle for me
I wish some of you guys would come up to Dickinson for the "Classic" and we could see what kind of men you really are LOL
I shot a 204 all of last year and then bought one in the spring. I'm really impressed so far i haven't had the oppurtunity to tip one over at a longer distance yet though 300-350 to see how it does.
Posted by Brad Norman (Member # 234) on December 12, 2006, 07:10 AM:
I'll be there Cal, but I'm not bringing you any calls. I may bring you a Bud Light or two.
It looks like I'll be doing all that driving you did last year. It's a good thing I'm young!
You and Cenny need to plan on staying Sunday night. I'm sure we can find something to do.
Posted by Rich (Member # 112) on December 12, 2006, 07:46 AM:
Jeremy KS,
After you win the St. Francis contest, I would like to see a photo of this call on top of that winning pile of dead coyotes.
Posted by Melvin (Member # 634) on December 12, 2006, 09:27 AM:
Rich Higgins,tell Tyler,there is someting coming through the mail.It should give you guys the edge,should there be high winds at the St. Francis hunt.
Posted by Cal Taylor (Member # 199) on December 12, 2006, 04:45 PM:
Rich C, Right call. Wrong name.
I have one exactly like that, but it dang sure don't have Jeremys name on it!
Posted by JeremyKS (Member # 736) on December 13, 2006, 07:07 PM:
The call looks great can't wait to use it. I can't promise you much but we will sure give it our best. Thanks
Posted by Norm (Member # 240) on December 13, 2006, 07:11 PM:
better have strong lungs to use that call... i wore myself out with it.... it is a 30 second call as it takes 30 minutes to catch your breath after using it.... ![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
Actually it is a great call. You will do well with it.
Posted by Rich (Member # 112) on December 13, 2006, 08:16 PM:
Ah Shucks Norm, I'll be 66 years old next month, smoke too much, 40 pounds overweight and still find those calls real easy to blow. I do blow calls nearly every day though. Helps my lung capacity I suppose.
Posted by JeremyKS (Member # 736) on December 21, 2006, 08:53 AM:
Rich,
I got the call in the mail yesterday after the wind lets up I will put it to use.
Posted by Norm (Member # 240) on December 23, 2006, 03:55 PM:
The call works Rich; no worry about that... it should do well in St. Francis; everyone there will have one...
Posted by bearmanric (Member # 223) on January 01, 2007, 07:56 PM:
well look's like i'm heading to Kansas. would like to meet people. was heading to idaho but havnt a clew what is going on there so Kansas here i come. Cal i have a wierd call i got from Rich in 2004 it is a Taylor special are they any good. Rick
Posted by KevinKKaller (Member # 559) on January 02, 2007, 09:22 AM:
bearmanrick Look me up when you get to Ks I will be the one in camo lol.
I am leaving in the morning Hoping thay get the roods clean.
If you have time give me a call 520-559-6222
Good Hunting Kevin
Posted by Locohead (Member # 15) on January 02, 2007, 11:04 AM:
SHIT!!!!
I 1jpned went to 1Brent's wened e and I once to o pound out that all cplassesare full!!!!This hapt year too!!!illed water on it!
elling whatev\er it wants. Must of spNow me keyboard ios sp
Posted by Rich (Member # 112) on January 02, 2007, 11:50 AM:
Norm,
Everything is under three feet of snow down there around St, Francis. Butt deep on a tall ****** . I wonder if Cal is good at calling ridgetops and walking with snow shoes.
Posted by Rich (Member # 112) on January 02, 2007, 11:52 AM:
Oh man,can't even say I-n-d words on here. Can I say Native? Native NATIVE
Posted by Locohead (Member # 15) on January 02, 2007, 02:46 PM:
Yeah, but what is it like in Oklahoma?; that's the 1reting 1to 1edit 1only 1make 1it 1worse! 1aardon 1the 1funky 1keyboard 1errors. 1Attemp 1question.
lease 1p
LOL 1this 1is 1fun!!!
Posted by Cal Taylor (Member # 199) on January 02, 2007, 03:40 PM:
Bearman, I still have one or two of those calls that I have seriously tried to wear out. They have killed a pile of coyotes in the last few years. I'm surprised at old Cronk for sending one to Jeremy to kick our butts with after I put his calls on TV and in the movies. But as soon as he got a Loudmouth and a Minaska I knew that his senses had all gone out the window with his last spell of oldtimers. (actually I have heard that he is under the influence of some mind altering drugs, or aliens, I'm not sure which.)
Posted by Rich (Member # 112) on January 02, 2007, 04:14 PM:
Cal Taylor,
I sold the Loudmouth a couple of weeks ago, so some of my senses are returning anyhoo.
Posted by bearmanric (Member # 223) on January 02, 2007, 04:51 PM:
the call is sitting by a killer call and a smaller one part of my collection. Rick
Posted by Locohead (Member # 15) on January 02, 2007, 06:52 PM:
Cool! I got a new keyboard and now for a translation of the above.:
SHIT!!!
I just went to Brent's board and found out that all classes are full. DO NOT SEND APPLICATIONS says the site says. Dang it!!! I've looked forward to this event all year. I've even lined up some great hunting spots in Colorado. That happened last year too. I've learned my lesson and I will plan on submitting an application way early next year.
This event has potential to be GIANT. I don't know Brent's intentions but I bet limiting the teams isn't going to help that get accomplished. I say this tongue in cheek not knowing what Brent's intentions are. Nonetheless, it is a fantastic hunt and an opportunity to meet some really super great people. I'll attend but only to visit, buy some videos & calls, shake some hands, and maybe go pheasant hunting.
Brent, know of any ranchers willing to let some bird hunters on their land around the 6th and 7th of January?
Posted by Rich Higgins (Member # 3) on January 02, 2007, 07:17 PM:
Tyler and I are leaving early in the morning for Co. We'll be back Monday. Be as naughty as you want while we are gone.
Posted by Cdog911 (Member # 7) on January 04, 2007, 07:06 PM:
This is too late to catch any of the participants, but I hope they all have a safe hunt and make the best of things. That entire area is now considered to be a federal disaster and things don't look good. They have power companies in from all over the country. Blackhawk helicopters from the National Guards in KS and CO both are air lifting hay to cattle stranded in drifts as deep as 18-20 feet. They say they have seen a number of herds that were killed not so much by starvation but by the driving snow during the blizzard(s) literally filling their nostrils and asphyxiating them. I don't know about in CO, but KS has an estimated 3.5 million cattle in the effected region and they estimate that as many as 100,000 are in need of hay and water.
In the NW corner of the state where St. Francis is, areas received as much as 34 inches of snow. St. Francis got a reported 15. To the south, freezing rain has coated power lines until they were nearly 6-inches in diameter. There are nearly 10,000 power poles down in that region and many of the 44 counties declared in the disaster declaration were completely devoid of power for several days.
Until earlier today, the only vehicles that could get into western KS were Humvees from the NG and Hummerts, the big trucks. I guess that temps got up to the low 40's today in SW KS and the problems with snow gave way to bigger problems with mud and slush. The farmers and ranchers are using their big tractors to literally pull the power companies' big trucks into place so they could set new poles and run wire.
All in all, it's a big friggin' mess out there and they say it will be 3 weeks before things start looking like normal again. More snow and wind is forecast for tomorrow night in the region, but only a couple inches. The best news is that no one in NW KS is known to have just sat on their asses freezing to death and doing nothing while they waited for FEMA to show up. Even the cattle made some effort.
Posted by UTcaller (Member # 8) on January 04, 2007, 08:02 PM:
Lance,
Sorry to here that.Hope everything works out.Sounds like a damn mess.But like you said, at least some states(people)step up,and pull together when faced with a Natural disaster,not wait for the feds to save them.I hope New Orleans is watching this unfold,and can see how it should have been done.Good Hunting Chad
Posted by Cdog911 (Member # 7) on January 05, 2007, 11:07 AM:
From the reports today, the area was hit by five inches of rain, followed by 2-4 inches of ice, then 2 feet of snow. I anticipate that anyone entered that can get anywhere to hunt will find lots of eager coyotes since the rodents and prey are all well protected beneath all that covering ice and snow. It will be interesting to see the outcome.
Posted by TRnCO (Member # 690) on January 05, 2007, 12:17 PM:
He who has a snowmobile will have an advantage of great proportions!
My cousin west of Norton just got his electricity back Wednesday night. He says they had about 2" of freezing rain, under about 12" of snow there. I think it only gets worst to the west of him.
Posted by Rich (Member # 112) on January 05, 2007, 01:31 PM:
This Kansas snow and ice storm sounds worse than the blizzard of 1949. At least back then, we were all equipped to live without the help of electricity or propane. We didn't know what those things were, so it was mainly the livestock that suffered. I remember the military dropping hay for the cattle. We were supposed to somehow scoop or plow a big X in the snow if we needed hay dropped.
Posted by TRnCO (Member # 690) on January 06, 2007, 03:18 AM:
I'm headed out this a.m. toward eastern CO. So I'll keep my eyes open for some of the teams. It's dang cold, and the wind is suppose to be below 15 mph. Should be good, if a guy can get to them!
Posted by Cdog911 (Member # 7) on January 06, 2007, 07:00 PM:
Got a phone call from one team this evening during dinner. I'm not going to be too specific, but it sounds like those that are hunting the disaster zone and who are adapting to the conditions are doing okay. Those who chose to suffer thru 50-plus temps in the temperate zones farther east are wishing they hadn't. 'Sposed to get another callback tomorrow evening and will relay what I hear ASAP.
Posted by TRnCO (Member # 690) on January 07, 2007, 06:13 AM:
I only did 8 sets out east, and called in 3 singles and killed all 3, saw 4 other coyotes. Saw one team, but didn't get to talk to who ever it was. They were calling some of the same country that I was! Walking in that some what crusted snow was tough, even with snowshoes. I tried without them a little, and it was worse. The snow was crusted, but not enough to hold a person up. The wind really picked up through the noon hour, but was still workable. I drove around in 2 wheel drive all day, but there was a lot of inaccessable country do to drifts.
There will be some tired guys after walking in that snow. It was some tough walking!
Posted by BigO (Member # 1062) on January 07, 2007, 07:39 AM:
WELCOME TO KANSAS!!!!!!!!!!
Just a reminder of how our weather runs. Kansas is the only place i've been that you can be standing in mud up to your knees and the dust is blowing!
Posted by Cdog911 (Member # 7) on January 07, 2007, 04:38 PM:
Just got off the phone with Kevin Lukens and the Professional Division was won once again by Jeremy Gugelmeyer and Nick Peterson , last year's winners, having bested their own record set last year by three with 18 coyotes.
The Sportsman's Division was won by a Kansas hunter as well, Todd Wilson (partner unknown) with five coyotes. Kevin and his partner from AZ took 2nd in the SPortsman's Class with 4 coyotes.
6 coyotes put you in the money in the professional division I guess, and Kevin said that they didn't even get to call on Sunday since winds were gusting at 40 mph across much of western KS.
Sounds like it was pretty brutal.
[ January 07, 2007, 04:47 PM: Message edited by: Cdog911 ]
Posted by yuccabush (Member # 582) on January 07, 2007, 06:16 PM:
Man thats a bunch of coyotes. Congrats to the winners. Sounds like some tough hunting weather wise.
Posted by Cal Taylor (Member # 199) on January 08, 2007, 06:22 AM:
It was unreal in the part of Colorado we hunted. Just the kind of snow TR was talking about. We couldn't go anywhere. What had looked pretty good during scouting went to hell with another 5 inches of snow. I hunted with Jim bob Martin from Colorado because my usual partner couldn't even make it there. We worked our butts off on Saturday and killed a couple, but in the conditions we were in the coyotes wouldn't budge unless you were right on top of them. They weren't about to come very far. Snowmobiles weren't allowed so if it wasn't a plowed road, you weren't going. We walked out quite a ways to our first stands so at 11 am we had only made 3 stands and were wiped out. In the afternoon I shot a coyote at about 350 yards and it took me over 20 minutes to walk out and get him. Saturday night the wind came up and I knew that every little plowed out oilfield road was going to be blown shut again so we bagged it and I drove home Sunday. I did get to meet a few new guys at check in, including Jerry Hunsley and got to try one of his new howlers. For the money it is a must have. And got to see alot of old friends briefly, as we were late of course. We had been stuck on and off all day trying to scout some more after the new snow. It was an "experience" to say the least!
edit for temperature. My pickup thermometer read -17 when we got out to go on the Rhino. Not windchill, just straight up -17.
[ January 08, 2007, 06:34 AM: Message edited by: Cal Taylor ]
Posted by UTcaller (Member # 8) on January 08, 2007, 07:30 AM:
Man,sounds like a tough weekend of calling.I know what you mean about Jerry's Howler,I've been using one this season and it has been great.Did You shoot that 350 yard coyote with your .204?Good Hunting Chad
Posted by Brad Norman (Member # 234) on January 08, 2007, 07:57 AM:
We didn't do worth a darn on Saturday. After talking to some guys that were hunting in the general area we were going to hunt Sunday, we decided to pack it in.
I really enjoyed seeing some old friends and meeting some new ones.
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on January 08, 2007, 08:36 AM:
Too bad weather interferes with a hunt, sometimes.
Actually, that was the type of conditions I encountered in Canada, so I can relate.
Congratulations to JeremyKS. Impressive kill. What did you do, plow all the roads leading to your stand locations ahead of time?
Good hunting. LB
Posted by Rich (Member # 112) on January 08, 2007, 09:58 AM:
Congratulations to JeremyKS on your impressive success under nearly impossible conditions. My hat is off to each and every hunter who braved those conditions.
I sort of figured that the hunters who could find some of those cattle that perished during the storm would find lots of eager coyotes.
Posted by Rich Higgins (Member # 3) on January 08, 2007, 11:58 AM:
Tyler and I drove to the ranch on the east slope of the Sangre De Cristo Mts. on Wed. About one foot of snow covering it all. We spent Thursday scouting the ranch and breaking trail for Saturday's hunt. Had to shovel ourselves out four times. Found tracks everywhere.
Friday morning it was snowing when we left for St Francis. The roads had four to six inches on them at 7:00 Am and it took us four hours to get to Colorado Springs and another four hours on I-70 ,which was iced over,to St. Francis. Met Brad and visited with Scott, Taylor, Les Johnson, Tad Brown,Tom Schmid, Jeremy, Kevin and several others. Drove back to the ranch on icy roads and got back at 3:00 AM. The ranch had another two feet of snow. Two hours sleep.
First light we were on stand, no new tracks anywhere. Wind came up and blew snow sideways. We got down into the low valleys and creek bottoms because we couldn't get the truch any where else. We walked two and a half miles along a creek through snow up to our hips. Called every 200 yards or so. Wind gusting at 50 mph. Snow blowing like a sand storm. Freezing, exhausted, couldn't hear each other call. Glad as hell when it got too dark to call so we could quit. Didn't see a single coyote.
Roads were closed to Colorado Springs and report of I-25 south closed. Left at 7:00 Am Sunday for I-25. Got on at Walsenburg. Iced over. Traffic moving at 20 mph until Trinidad where it began to clear. Ice patches and slow going until Las Vegas, NM. 75 MPH the rest of the way. Got home at 10:00PM.
Fun adventure.
Posted by Rich (Member # 112) on January 08, 2007, 12:18 PM:
Rich Higgins,
It sounds like you guys were lucky to make it back out of there alive. You and Tyler are a couple of tough cookies. Mighty stubborn pair also.
Posted by Cdog911 (Member # 7) on January 08, 2007, 05:01 PM:
Damn, Rich, getting up those roads to Wolf Springs in those conditions must have been like driving into the belly of the beast. Sorry it didn't work out for you, but danged glad you made it home alive. Sounds like it was really tough. Any place else you want will look easy in comparison from now on.
Posted by TRnCO (Member # 690) on January 08, 2007, 05:25 PM:
Congrats to the winning team. I wonder now, isn't there a rule that a "team" that wins twice in a row has to split. Hmmmmm! Wonder which lucky hunter will get to hunt that honey hole next year
Dang Higgins, sounds like you guys really took a snow job!! I thought the conditions were tough, BUT you guys found a way to make them tougher! ![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
Posted by Q-Wagoner (Member # 33) on January 08, 2007, 10:37 PM:
quote:
I hunted with Jim bob Martin from Colorado because my usual partner couldn't even make it there.
OUCH!!!! ![[Confused]](confused.gif)
LoL Just kidding. I saw the writing on the wall so I stayed home and saved my money/donation. Glad I did too.
Last Thursday night was beautiful so I hunted under the full moon all night and killed seven. Went out from ten to one o’clock on Friday and killed 2 mangy ones and then out again on Saturday night for another.
OH ya! I get first dibs at being Jerimies partner next year!!
Good hunting.
Q,
Posted by Cal Taylor (Member # 199) on January 09, 2007, 06:32 AM:
No Ouch intended Q, My partners father in law had been in the hospital and I went to do the scouting by myself with plans of him meeting me Friday night. I found out Friday afternoon on the way to check in that he wasn't going to make it. I was staying with JimBob near Greely anyway so he was the first choice for "victim". After Saturday I'm betting JimBob was wishing I would have found someone else!
Posted by Q-Wagoner (Member # 33) on January 09, 2007, 01:11 PM:
That is the way things go sometimes. I hope your partners’ father in-law is ok though?
Let me try another shot at my pic. Photobucket doesn’t like me much I guess. LOL
Good hunting.
Q,
Posted by Wiley E (Member # 108) on January 09, 2007, 03:05 PM:
Rich: "Congratulations to JeremyKS on your impressive success under nearly impossible conditions. My hat is off to each and every hunter who braved those conditions.
I sort of figured that the hunters who could find some of those cattle that perished during the storm would find lots of eager coyotes."
Rich,
Not to take anything away from the winning team but they were not calling in nearly impossible conditions like Schmids, Taylor, Myself, or Higgins. The winning team was calling in much better conditions where they were able to get in 17 stands and traveled on 4 wheeler. Again, not taking anything away from these fine men as they hunted their butts off and shot the hell out of things. They've earned my respect which isn't easy to do. I just don't want anyone thinking that everyone's conditions were the same because they weren't.
To put this into "apples to apples" perspective, my hunting partner and I pulled a calf sled for 7 - 9 miles across a 6 x 4 mile ranch. We were breaking through 6" - 12" of frozen snow with every step averaging 1.2 - 2 mph according to my GPS. We only got in 8 stands on Saturday and I am still stiff and sore. I have never hunted that hard in my life. We started this hike at daybreak and we were walking in the dark following a section line fence to where the rancher picked us up in the dark with the wind blowing in our face at 30 mph. The local game warden flagged us down to tell us we were out of our minds which we had already concluded. I had chills so bad and was so badly dehydrated that I wasn't sure I would be able to hunt on Sunday. It wasn't fun but it was highly educational. Neither of us would attempt those conditions again.
After visiting about the hunt and reflecting on the hunt, my partner said he was convinced that the coyotes could hear that sled scraping the frozen snow (30 mph wind was not until later) but we didn't have a choice because we could have never got those coyotes out of there any other way and we couldn't get off the roads with the truck. It was worse the further SouthWest you went. We should have brought the horses in hindsight because it wasn't too deep for them.
Again, if these fine young men were calling in the same conditions with the same coyote numbers, they would still kick some serious butt because they are serious hunters and excellent shots. The fact that they got in 17 stands and shot over 50% of what they saw says it all.
Q,
All I have to say to you is "BAAAAAWK BAAAAAAAWK"! Haha!
Was looking forward to seeing how you could handle such stiff competition. Hehe!
That was quite a moon wasn't it? Don't think we didn't think about it but the rules say 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 before sunset. We did manage to "HIT" one at about 6:30 in a flat white field that got away into the river bottom. The temp was about 5 degrees and the .22/250 sounded like a pop gun. Could have dropped the bullet enough to give us the gut shot. We planned to go back and trail him but the snow blew so hard that we decided to gamble on killing another rather than risk trying to find blood in those conditions. After we got into the truck on Saturday night, all I could think about was McDonalds and a warm bed. YES ALONE! I told the rancher that if I was a puppy I would have wagged my tail for him. When I saw those headlights it was a beautiful sight.
BAAAAAWK! BAAAAAAWK!
~SH~
Posted by KevinKKaller (Member # 559) on January 09, 2007, 04:04 PM:
I just got home and unloadded. What a trip Between closed roads and 1000 + miles then Never being in the area we desidded to hunt then finding out that it was some of the hardest hit country with snow we braved on
On saterday we got in some plowed roads sow a old stock trailer at the edge of a stubol field posted walk in hunting. set up and called Gary my pard had the oners. we wached a pair rool in for over a half mile Thay checked at 120 yards I had the back dog hidden behind corn stocks I was saposed to shoot him then Gary shoot the onw in the open I BLEW IT. I missed the shot and with all the wind I was shooting a 240 weth. Wich made gary flinch I was pissed no dogs
Our forth stand just after 12 noon Gary called in another pair he shot one only shot fired 2 more stands I was calling 4 dogs showed 3 in the open and 1 hung up in a depreshion we tryed to lip squeek him up but no deal the lead dog got nervice I took him Gary shot the second then the third came back to chew on the second Gary shot wial running Broak his back leg he started spinning I dumpped him. We hunted hard in country we had never seen befor found 7 stands called 8 killed 4 couldent get off the highway on sun. so we headded back to check in We wear the first ones back after spending 4 hours of driving trying to get off of the main roads all drifted in
We had a great time and was lucky enouph to have shot all adalt mails and plased in the big dog and second in the sportsmens class
Congrats to all that hunted and plassed
I am glad to see all of you that I know and got to meet a few more
Good Hunting Kevin
Posted by TA17Rem (Member # 794) on January 09, 2007, 04:31 PM:
Q; Thats a nice bunch of coyotes you got and some nice looking country as well..
Posted by JeremyKS (Member # 736) on January 13, 2007, 02:10 PM:
Sorry we finally just got electricity back from the storm.
It was great to see everybody again.
We had another great year as we shot 18 coyotes and all of those on Saturday. I missed 1 coyote at 100 some yards and Nick missed 2 coyotes but were much more challenging shots than my give me 100 yarder. Our best stand of the day I called in 4 coyotes and Nick shot all 4. Nick shot 10 coyotes and I shot 8. Sunday was a bit more challenging with some 30+ mph winds(we need to figure out some more tricks for that kind of wind). We did not have near as much snow as I would assume most guys were trying to hunt it. We topped the win off with a placing in the big dog and little dog contest. Our big dog being a muscled up mangy male weighing 35 something and the little dog being 18 some pounds and I believe it was mangy also.
It was lots of fun and we will never forget that 18 coyote day.
Posted by Rich Higgins (Member # 3) on January 13, 2007, 03:20 PM:
Congratulations, Jeremy.
Posted by Rich (Member # 112) on January 13, 2007, 03:38 PM:
"Rich,
Not to take anything away from the winning team but they were not calling in nearly impossible conditions like Schmids, Taylor, Myself, or Higgins. The winning team was calling in much better conditions where they were able to get in 17 stands and traveled on 4 wheeler. Again, not taking anything away from these fine men as they hunted their butts off and shot the hell out of things. They've earned my respect which isn't easy to do. I just don't want anyone thinking that everyone's conditions were the same because they weren't. "
------------------------------------
Wiley,
I didn't see your post until a few minutes ago. Sorry about that, I wasn't really just blowing you off. Honest I wasn't. I have to say that the Game Warden was correct. You guys are down right crazy. Tough and stubborn too.
UBB.classicTM
6.3.0