Seeking Partner For 2012 Mule Deer/Pronghorn hunt!

[roysclockgun]

I have hunted with the same rancher 12 times since 1992. I have always filled both license stamps for deer and pronghorn by the third day and had time to gun prairie dogs. The hunt is not cheap, but compared to many that I have scoped out, it is a good value. The rancher/guide allows me to go off and hunt on my own, which is rare anywhere on these types of hunts. You can see my photos from this year in the photo section of the forum.
The accomodations are in a two story log house, built on the ranch in 1893. Everything is in the house, save for food, which we buy locally and bring in. Some evenings we drive 24 miles north and eat at a restaurant.
No parties are mixed and we have one on one contact with the rancher for the entire five days.
My wife goes along and there is no fee for her to stay in the log house and ride along on the hunts. A second gun would have the opportunity to bring along a non-gunning guest, or another gun, as the guide will handle up to three guns for the hunt.
This a quality hunt and if one can hit game cleanly at 150 to 200 yards, one will fill his stamps. The guide will make the hunt as hard or as easy as you choose. He will allow you to hunt on foot, on your own, or he will help you locate and get up on game and be with you for the kill. He will dress all game if you want to allow him to do so. Local processing and freezing is available. In the past, I have sent my bags home via UPS and have transported the frozen meat in suitcases, as my luggage, for the flight home.
Contact me by email if you are interested in the Fall 2012 hunt with me. sashe@cfl.rr.com
Best,
Steven L. Ashe
DeLand, FL

 

[Scott Spencer]

Steven -
I've already got plans for 2012, providing my health holds up, but it sure sounds like an awesome hunt. I hope you can find a good partner to hunt with you.

 

[roysclockgun]

Yes Scott. I am in the same boat. At 69 years of age, I never know when the next western hunt will be my last, or not. Right now, I am in fairly good condition and ride my bike 10 miles most every day. Yesterday my wife and I put up a two man ladder stand. The directions say to have at least three men doing the job. With ropes and what muscle we can manage, we got the thing up. I think that since it is on private property, I will just leave it up after this season, as I am not convinced that we can put it up by ourselves next year! <8^)) Each decade brings challenges and adventures and we just have to meet them as they come. In some ways, I am enjoying NOW, more than any other time in my life, as we have a lot of freedom and as I say, I get up in the morning when I am finished sleeping. Truth is, most mornings I am up and fixing breakfast by 5:30A.M., even though wife, Storm loves to sleep in at least until 8:30 or so.
Good luck on your 2012 hunt. If I do not find someone to be a second gun, then Storm and I will again make the trip and I may get her an Antelope license.
Best,
Steven

 

[DrMike]

Steven, you're a young man. However, I'm pulling for you to find someone to share the hunt. It sounds really good. It would be a great experience for someone looking to find some new adventures.

 

[Polaris]

What state is this in? Might be interested, would depend a bit on the price. I'm young enough and dumb enough to do it if I can afford it.

 

[gerry]

Good luck in finding a good partner. Pronghorn is one animal I would love to get one day.

 

[roysclockgun]

Polaris, the hunt is all on private land and you would not see another party hunting...at all! The ranches hold lots of game and they are not over hunted. Unless you spot trophy animals and want to go back to a spot, you likely will not hunt the same area twice. You would mostly hunt open, semi-arid land, where animals can be glassed from a mile away. No stand hunting, but lots of moving and action. So that sort of hunting does not come cheap. I have scoped out a fair number of combo hunts and this hunt is reasonable, compared to most. Over the week's trip, you would probably have $5000 in the hunt. $3400 dedicated guide fee and lodging in the 1893 log ranch house. $620 for combo license in Wyoming. Air fare to Denver. Car rental, split between hunters for the week.
Best,
Steven in DeLand, FL

 

[Polaris]

Wyoming would be driving range for me. Even with goofy gas prices that would save some money vs. flying out there and renting a car. Probably too much hunt for me at this stage in my life. If you're still looking in a few months I may know more about how my finances are looking that far out. Would really love a hunt like that, but probably need to find a cheaper option this year. Have to fix roof, windows etc. first. Thanks for the reply though.

 

[roysclockgun]

Polaris, good luck in all of your endeavors. As you say, maybe in the future we can get together on a hunt.
Best,
Steven

 

[Guy Miner]

Steven - should I break the news? :grin:

Have been looking for a ranch hunt, somewhere I could go year after year and hunt private land.

Called Steven. Seems we value the same things in a hunt. I think we'll get along just fine. I'll bring some Washington apples for him!

Called the guide. Nice guy! Again, I think we value the same things in a hunt. This isn't a big buck contest, but an opportunity to enjoy a hunt together, in a largely unspoiled setting. Am truly looking forward to this. What a great opportunity.

I can't thank Steven enough for opening up this opportunity. Believe I may have found my mule deer hunting spot for years to come. Hopefully decades.

Thanks Steve!

Guy
Wenatchee, WA

 

[cloverleaf]

Guy, you are finally gonna get a crack at a Pronghorn!! :mrgreen: :grin: !!! I am Stoked for YOU. Very cool. Wish I could afford to go with, but again very happy for you. Post your story and pics! Remember this is what you are looking for Sorry couldnt resist...... CL

 

[Scott Spencer]

That is awesome Guy!! So glad that you and Steven have hooked up for this! Had I not made plans to take my son on a hunt - for his HS graduation - I would have taken the spot.

I can't wait to hear the reports and see the photos!

Scott

 

[Guy Miner]

Yeah, this is going to be an interesting hunt. Out of the lower 48, we can't get farther apart: Florida is on the extreme southeast, and Washington is on the extreme northwest. We'll meet in mule deer country and have a fine hunt.

Didn't tell Steven that I'm going because at 56 years old, I'll be the "kid" of the group! :grin:

Cloverleaf - Is that what those things look like? :grin: Wow! Great looking mount! I've got to get me one of those!

Honestly, I am really looking forward to this hunt.

Regards, Guy

 

[DrMike]

Sounds like a great hunt developing.

 

[SJB358]

Congrats on the hunt Guy. I can't imagine you will have a bad time! Hunting for big muleys and antelope should be a blast. Scotty

 

[Polaris]

Polaris, good luck in all of your endeavors. As you say, maybe in the future we can get together on a hunt.
Best,
Steven

Well, if you're interested in an old-fashioned Northwoods deer hunt in Northern MN, complete with a leaky wood stove and lots of wet wool socks to dry by it, I'm working on buying a small rustic camp while real-estate is dirt cheap. Found one last year, asking price was 50% of the standing timber value. It's still for sale and I got my logger lined up. 50% cut is just about what I want for improving deer habitat and clearing a road and cabin site. Won't be much private land, but I know the "secret" public spots that aren't on the public hunting info maps, but are on the platt book with cryptic abbreviations only a forester can read. I'll keep you in mind if it comes together.

 

[SJB358]

Polaris, good luck in all of your endeavors. As you say, maybe in the future we can get together on a hunt.
Best,
Steven

Well, if you're interested in an old-fashioned Northwoods deer hunt in Northern MN, complete with a leaky wood stove and lots of wet wool socks to dry by it, I'm working on buying a small rustic camp while real-estate is dirt cheap. Found one last year, asking price was 50% of the standing timber value. It's still for sale and I got my logger lined up. 50% cut is just about what I want for improving deer habitat and clearing a road and cabin site. Won't be much private land, but I know the "secret" public spots that aren't on the public hunting info maps, but are on the platt book with cryptic abbreviations only a forester can read. I'll keep you in mind if it comes together.

That sounds like a cool Northern deer hunt for sure! Scotty

 

[Guy Miner]

Update - a few weeks ago I sent the rancher/guide a deposit.

Today I applied for the nonresident pronghorn and deer tags...

Now it's a waiting game until the drawing. Should know the results by June 30th.

The .25-06 is already excited! I've got 100 brand new brass cases, and still have over 400 of those great 115 gr Nosler Partitions on hand. Things are looking good!

 

[SJB358]

Update - a few weeks ago I sent the rancher/guide a deposit.

Today I applied for the nonresident pronghorn and deer tags...

Now it's a waiting game until the drawing. Should know the results by June 30th.

The .25-06 is already excited! I've got 100 brand new brass cases, and still have over 400 of those great 115 gr Nosler Partitions on hand. Things are looking good!

Nice! That is awesome Guy! I am pulling for you to draw buddy.. Should be a great hunt.

 

[DrMike]

Best of luck on the draw, Guy. No doubt the 25-06 is anxious to get some new fodder!