2025 Antelope Hunt
On this Antelope hunt Alex and Draya take their teamwork and collaboration from the business point of view - to - in the field hunting for an Antelope doe. With this being their first hunt together there was an uncertainty of how it would play out. Upon spotting the first herd of the morning on a section of state land, there was no hesitation in working together to come up with a plan of how they could get in close. Using the topography to their advantage they slowly inched their way closer. The landscape may have looked flat to most but the small rises and falls of the sage grasslands offered cover as they came to 300 yards of the bedded herd. Taking inventory of the does, Alex decided on either of two she would like to take. The ground was frosty and cold as we waited for either doe to get up and start feeding. We chatted back and forth quietly about just how awesome this hunt already was. “If we don’t shoot one this hunt is already a success,” I told Alex. As they got up to start feeding it was apparent that one was much bigger than the other, so Alex got her rifle settled on the vitals, and with a quartering away shot, she missed. The bullet went right over the back and the herd bunched up unaware of what happened and ran off. We attempted to cut them off again but the herd was on edge and continued to move up the mountain and so we decided it was time to find another herd.
Signing into the BMA (block management association) box we enjoyed breakfast burritos and the heat pumping out of my truck vents warming our rosy red cheeks. Glassing into the flats we turned up empty and started the trek: drive 100 yards, glass, drive another 100 yards, glass some more, and so on until we found another group to go after.
The clouds hung low on the mountains and every blade of grass, branch and leaf were covered in white frost. The aspens glowed bright yellow and the willows a vibrant orange and red. A moody, fall morning reminding us that change is inevitable and that we must trust the natural cycle of it all.
Small white dots filled the viewfinder in my binoculars about 600 yards away. Where the flat met the rise of the ridgelines lay another herd of about 6 antelope. Taking in the last bit of warm air from the truck we bundled up, grabbed our packs and started our stalk. As we neared the last seen location of the antelope a small buck came running out of the drainage. We froze in our tracks hoping to not be spotted. The buck took note we were there but it was apparent he could care less as he raked the sage with his horns, and fed about.
Dropping our packs we got on our hands and knees and started crawling towards the drainage we believed the herd was in. A lone doe spotted us, her beady eyes staring holes through our souls and they took off in an instant. So close, yet so far away. We watched them run away, stopping here and there to make sure we were still a threat, and just like that, they were gone.
The afternoon was starting to warm now and the clouds were slowly rising from the mountains unveiling frosted fur trees, ridgelines, saddles, and meadows. I couldn’t look away. My mind wondered about what was out there as I scanned for any sign of life among the majestic span of mountains. Standing there in awe we took a moment to take it all in. The day had been filled with success, teamwork and creating memories we could always look back on. A hunting story to add to our many experiences we have shared together. Little did I know three years ago when Alex and I hosted a ladies social together that we would become such close friends. Being a handful of years apart in age, I believe our relationship compliments each other in many ways.
The next morning brought heavy snow and low visibility. We had plans to hunt another bma but as we gained elevation on the dirt road it was apparent we needed to come up with plan b. As we discussed where we should hunt we passed a field with nearly 100 antelope, if not more. Of course we stopped and glassed and complained about how they were on private land. Out of the blue, Alex mentioned, “we could go ask permission to hunt them”. I agreed it was a good idea, the worst case scenario, they would say no. Luck struck as the gentleman told us they let hunters hunt them all the time and was happy to let us run around on the property to find one we wanted.
These antelope may have been on private land and were used to humans and dogs running around but that didn't mean we could just walk up to 200 yards and take a shot at one. We assessed the herds and their behaviors and came up with a plan. We used the fenceline to slowly gain yardage closer to a herd feeding on alfalfa. We joked about how we were just “working on the fence” as we would walk three fence posts then take a break, then slowly continue to the next one. We managed to get to 300 yards while the herd was up on their feet feeding. Alex set up in front of a fence post while I stood just behind her. She picked out a doe that was healthy and close, and so the wait for it to turn broadside.
We could feel the pressure to take the shot as several antelopes passed behind our target and the herd was starting to move. What if they moved out of range? What if they ran off? We were patient and waited for the doe to turn broadside, and when she did Alex made a perfect double lung shot. She ran for a short moment and then expired. We hugged and sat there in awe of how fast it happened. Walking up on the doe we were reminded how beautiful, strong, smart and resilient they are.This doe was a representation of who we are as women- beautiful, strong, smart and resilient.
I encourage you to step foot into a hunt with a girlfriend. It can be a grounding space for your relationship, as you make mistakes, learn, grow and witness all that the wild places have to offer.
If you're looking for an opportunity to find your next hunting partner or to experience hunting alongside another woman there is an opportunity just waiting for you to grasp onto.
Venery Deer Camp: November 6th - 9th @ Wide Sky Adventures, Big Timber Montana.
Join us in Big Timber for an immersive, hands-on hunting experience designed for women* looking to build confidence and skills in the field. This isn't a guided hunt, but rather a chance to actively participate, learn, and grow as a hunter. You'll walk away with a deeper understanding of hunting, conservation, and the practical skills needed to continue your journey.
