Despite the continuing drought conditions throughout much of New Mexico, our 2011 Sept antelope hunters did very well, maybe even a tad better than last year’s hunters. We were a bit concerned whether the Sept 10th opener would coincide with any rutting activity which provides hunters & guides an extra edge. Not to worry, we saw a number of bucks chasing does! Our 16 Magnum Hunters harvested 16 mature antelope bucks with a couple pushing 80+/- inches. We conducted our hunts on four large ranches near Roswell, Vaughn, Corona and Ft Sumner, NM. Several bucks surpassed the magic 15" benchmark with a couple over 16". While size isn’t everything, it sure helps raise smiles in a hunting camp.
As with most hunts, there are many stories that could be told. We could talk about A.J.’s 450 yd one shot kill, or Mark’s 12 shot buck, or Corey’s 3 minute antelope hunt, but the story that must be shared is about a man who lost his mother only 3 days before he was to show up in NM.
John Thoman (VA) called to say that he would be unable to attend the antelope hunt and that he was not asking for a refund. When asked if there was anyone he could swap his hunt with, he said not on such short notice. We mentioned that we hosted a “Youth Hunter Education Weekend” 2 days before at our Lodge in Eldorado, TX and would he be interested in donating his hunt to a youth who might not otherwise have an opportunity like this. Without hesitation he replied “yes”!
We contacted a divorced mother of 2 whose 11 yr old son, Cameron, had successfully passed our hunter ed. course. Cameron and his mother spent their first day hunting with professional guide Donnie Mathis. Also in the truck was antelope hunter Randy Sagstetter of Houston, TX. About mid morning a nice pronghorn buck was spotted some 300 yards away. It was quickly determined to be more within Randy’s rifle range. The buck dropped at the shot confirming the decision. High Five’s were exchanged amongst the team and Cameron was up to bat! The first day ended with a beautiful New Mexico sunset but without Cameron firing a shot.
Back at camp, exciting stories were being shared by the 6 successful hunters along with words of encouragement for Cameron and A.J. Long (TX), the only hunters yet to fill their tags. Andrew Hofstetter, a big smiling 10 yr old from IN, who harvested a nice 15” buck earlier that day, asked if he could accompany Cameron on the next day’s hunt. As it so often turns out in our camps, hunters meet and soon become friends. These two boys represented the youngest antelope hunters we have ever had.
The next morning, Cameron’s team headed north on the 40,000 acre ranch, and A.J.’s team headed south. About an hour into the hunt Cameron drew a bead on a nice antelope buck, busy tending a small group of doe. The 325 yd “air ball” missed the buck, sending him and his does fleeing across the prairie. Guide, Jim Roche, continued to glass the retreating antelope as they eventually slowed to a walk then bedded up near a small group of junipers. Seizing the opportunity, they made their way across the open plain trying to keep the junipers between them and the now bedded antelope. Jim and Cameron belly crawled to the closest juniper tree. Slowly leaning out past the tree's fragrant bows, Jim laser ranged the bedded buck at 228 yds. It was now or never for Cameron!
Jim extended the legs of the Harris bipod on his 12 lb custom sniper rifle while Cameron snuggled up to it’s McMillan A-5 adjustable stock. Twisting the scopes magnification ring up to 25X on the Leupold Mark IV, brought the buck seemingly into Cameron’s face. A couple clicks of the elevation turret and Cameron had the green light to chamber the .300 Win Mag. Cameron offered up a quick prayer asking the Lord to help him with his marksmanship then slipped “off” the safety. Jim barked then howled like a sick coyote. After two or three long howls the bedded buck stood up to face the would be carnivore. Cameron felt confident and squeezed the trigger, sending the 180 gr “Barnes Tipped Triple Shock” bullet through the buck’s heart. Before ejecting the spent round, Cameron praised God for answering his prayer! Mother and son were elated, as was everyone in camp. Later that day A.J. bagged his buck, bringing the camp's success rate to 100%!
Cameron sent a thank you note with photos to John Thoman for making his hunt possible. At such a sad time in John’s life, a selfless act of kindness brought great joy to many. The Lord does indeed bless those who bless others. In John’s case, maybe it was the Lord calming the waters amidst the storm.

 

What an exciting story! I Praise the Lord for the Roches! I love ya'lls desire to give God glory and love people! Thanks for sharing such a great story.