  
The plane ride was comfortable and no big mishaps occurred on my journey from New York City to Boise, Idaho. Steve, my best friend, picked me up in his new Dodge Ram, a long way from when we met when we drove all over Idaho in his 15 year old Bronco. The time is August 30, 1997 and I was returning after just leaving Boise from college to "hunt" down a career in the Big City.
After swapping the usual hello's we jumped in the truck and headed to our "Secret" spot, revealed to know one, not even our closest friends.
Expectations were high because Steve had taken a nice buck 4 days earlier, scoring 68 P&Y.
The previous two years we had roamed all over these high deserts chasing Antelope and being schooled by the Master of sight and speed with their only downfall being that they live in an area where they need to drink at dangerous locations.
Steve and I have stalked these guys, had shot opportunities, but getting close to the big boys (P&Y 70+) is nearly impossible when stalking! Decoying is the next effective way, but since we were in college, money was tight, so no decoys. After two previous years, and one 62 P&Y Antelope we gave in and decided to try a blind on a waterhole. Waterhole hunting is the most popular way to hunt Antelope, it's the best opportunity for a beginner to see lots of animals and have a shot at a true trophy. I will jump in here and say that a trophy is more than the size of the antlers, but the time and effort put in the hunt.
Back to the story.....it's 4:30 AM when we finally get settled in. I am too wired to sleep but catch an hour or so of sleep and we head to our waterhole.
The air is crisp, the familiar scent of sage, the full Moon so big it almost looks plastic. The valley walls hold my anticipation, as in a few hours, Antelope will be on their rims looking to see if the coast is clear.
Sunrise comes slowly, radiant colors fill the skyline, and eyes peer out hoping an early bird arrives. An hour passes, movement on the valley floor about a half mile catches our attention. It's Devil Horn, an Antelope we have seen for the past few years, Steve says softly, "I am going to get him next year."
Devil Horn looks real good this year I ponder on whether I should take him if I have the chance. He makes his way up and stops at a "staging" area where he rips up a few bushes, the rut is near.
As he nears our waterhole, I get ready for a shot. He passes just out of bow range and for some reason keeps on walking without taking a drink. Good move.
An hour later, while enjoying the moment Steve breaks the silence, "Pat, 4 does and a nice buck!" I hesitate as Steve is known for his practical jokes.
He yells some expletive at me begging me to get up and look. I know he is serious. I peek out our peep whole and see a very nice buck. Steve videos him for a minute or so. He is 75 yards directly behind us, heading our way. I hear him pass feet away from our blind, cautious at every step. As he turns broadside at 20 yards I draw, a doe steps in front of him blocking the shot, I hold for a minute, heart in my throat, she steps away, I release........thunk! Quicker than lightening he is 100 yards off and down, 2 maybe 3 second. What a anti-climatic ending to a wonderful hunt. It's time to head home.
The picture above is of my 1997 Antelope, scored 74 4/8 P&Y
Steve and his Antelope (68 P&Y)/Steve with his Dads Antelope (78 4/8 P&Y)
 
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