Team Fur News
My Life As A Train Robber
By FUR-FISH-GAME Editor, John D. Taylor
These are train robbers from the Black Hills Shootists’ Association, a Single Action Shooting Society-affiliated group. Photo: Ted Steinke
“Use enough dynamite there Butch?” says a smirking Robert Redford (RIP), in his role as the Sundance Kid, in the 1969 classic buddy Western, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” Sundance says this as paper money cascades from the sky after a tremendous explosion shatters the train’s baggage car where Butch Cassidy, played by Paul Newman, tried to blow open the safe in a train robbery. The scene, a funny one, is just one a many, many moments I love about that movie. It’s a favorite western – along with Jimmy Stewart’s “Winchester ’73,” and Stewart and John Wayne in “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence.”
Like Sundance and Butch, I’ve taken up train robbing lately.
Oh, it isn’t that I need a quick infusion of cash for some nefarious purposes. I just kinda like doing it. It’s fun to hold up a train. I completely understand why Butch and Sundance did it.
Let me explain.
What happens is this: On a Sunday evening in June, July or a couple evenings in August, the Black Hills Central Railroad’s 1880 Train, steams out of Hill City, South Dakota, on its 20-mile, two-hour, round trip between Hill City and Keystone, South Dakota.
At a spot named Oblivion, a shotgun blast stops the train. Then from behind rocks and the Black Hills’ ponderosa pine forest, emerge a bunch of cowboy outlaws bent on capturing the gold contained in a strongbox carried by a Pinkerton agent. He’s sitting among the passengers on the train. These outlaws pop off a couple of rounds each from Colt single-action style revolvers and make a tremendous noise searching for the Pinkerton man.
When they find him – and they always do – they take him from the train, insist he hand over the key to the strongbox, and if he doesn’t, he’ll lose the hand the strongbox is chained to. To encourage capitulation, a hatchet or big knife is brandished, and it works. The outlaws get the gold. When the Pinkerton man tries to run off, an outlaw shoots him in the rump, and he hobbles away.
The outlaws also herd a select group of ladies dressed in 1880s-style garb from the train cars. They are bent on holding them for a special “dance” after they get the gold.
While the outlaws are celebrating their victory and ogling the womenfolk, also popping out of the nearby woods and rocks come a sheriff’s posse. Men with badges in dusters toting shotguns and six-shooters aim to protect the gold, the virtue of the ladies, and, maybe, the train.
A big shootout ensues. The outlaws gun down some lawmen, but it’s a losing battle with law and order. The outlaws go down bravely, but their gold is lost.
Just when law and order thinks they have things wrapped up, the ladies get an idea. They get greedy. The demure fairer sex decides they should have the gold. So, they shoot down the sheriff and his posse and take off with the loot.
All the while this is going on, the train’s passengers – and they come from all over the U.S., some even from Europe, to visit the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, and experience a sense of what the West was like in the 1880s – are having a blast watching this impromptu theater take place.
And it is theater... blanks are used, none are harmed – although one time a fella, upon “dying” from a gunshot, fell into what grazing cattle had left behind. Those of us participating in the train robbing are members of the Black Hills Shootist Association, a Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) chapter. After it’s all over, we take a bow and watch the train chug off into the sunset.
I’ve been an outlaw who stormed the train, and once, the Pinkerton agent. Actually, my SASS handle (made up name) is “Lord Baltimore.” If you remember the “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” movie, he’s one of the lawmen who relentlessly chase Butch and Sundance after they rob the Flyer, an E. H. Harriman’s Union Pacific Railroad train, and blow all that money sky high. Lord Baltimore was the Indian, a tracker who could trail anyone, anywhere, even over rocks. He joined Joe LeFors, E. T. Keller, George Hyatt and two other lawmen to bring Butch and Sundance to justice – or send them to Bolivia. In reality, it was Charlie Siringo, a Texas cowpuncher who later became a Pinkerton agent, who tracked Butch and Sundance all over the West. I wanted Siringo as my SASS handle, but it was unavailable.
Why do we do this?
The Black Hills Central Railroad offers the Black Hills Shootist Association a stipend to entertain the tourists on the train with a shootout. We do the shootouts every Sunday at 5 p.m. in June and July, then two additional events in late August, after the Sturgis motorcycle rally. The stipend helps maintain our Pringle, South Dakota, shooting range where we hold our SASS events.
If you’re unfamiliar with SASS, it’s much like the three-gun events you might see on television’s outdoor shows. Using old West-style firearms – a lever-action rifle, two period-correct revolvers and a period shotgun – we compete in monthly timed shoots at a variety of steel silhouette targets. Generally, we shoot five “stages” each offering a different combination of targets and ways to shoot those targets. It’s a lot of fun.
So, while most of us no longer look like Redford, Newman or Katherine Ross doing our train robberies – we lean more towards the “The Over the Hill Gang” crowd of Walter Brennan, Chill Wills, Edgar Buchanan, Andy Devine and Jack Elam from that late 1960s TV western – we have a lot of fun, do it for a good cause, and entertain the train passengers. So, it all works out.
If you get to the Black Hills some Sunday in June, July or late August and you’re looking to have some fun, try the 1880 Train. You’ll meet and greet some cowboys at the station beforehand. I’m likely one of them So, say howdy and you’ll get a warm F-F-G greeting back.
Grassland Conservation Money Available Through ODNR
ODNR and the National Bobwhite and Grasslands Initiative Foundation are working with interested landowners to offer grassland habitat for wildlife.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Division of Wildlife has $9 million available for landowners who want to create grassland habitat that can support native wildlife, like bobwhite quail and other grassland nesting birds. Several types of grants are available for interested landowners. Eligible lands include cropland and non-cropland, and grants will be awarded on a per-acre basis or based on number of projects. Contract agreements can range from one to four years. ODNR and the National Bobwhite and Grasslands Initiative Foundation are working with interested landowners to provide hands-on technical assistance at no cost. “This grassland habitat program is a win-win for landowners and wildlife,” said John Kaiser, Private Lands Program Manager for ODNR Division of Wildlife. “Healthy native grasslands support pollinators, improve soil health, and create vital cover for birds and other wildlife. With the right guidance and support, landowners can make a big difference.” Grassland birds, including bobwhites, have experienced significant population declines in Ohio due to habitat loss. The new program provides customized solutions that align with the landowner’s goals, such as improving soil health, increasing recreation value, supporting livestock, or enriching wildlife diversity, with proven conservation practices. Visit nbgif.org and wildohio.gov to learn more.
Bear With Plastic Jar on Its Head Freed
USDA Wildlife Services personnel recently freed a bear that stuck its head in a plastic jug.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Wildlife Services staff near Cable, Wisconsin, recently freed a bear with its head stuck in a plastic jar. Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) partners with USDA Wildlife Services to respond to a variety of wildlife-related agricultural and residential damage or nuisance situations, including unique situations like this. WDNR and USDA Wildlife Services staff first learned of the bear with a plastic jar stuck on its head in north central Sawyer County in late July. From the time the bear was first spotted, it moved nearly 50 miles and was reported multiple times across northern Sawyer County and southern Bayfield and Douglas counties. USDA Wildlife Services set several live traps for the bear but couldn’t catch the roving bruin. On August 3, a trained wildlife professional responded to a report of the bear at a residence and was able to safely dart the bear with an immobilization drug. Sedated, USDA Wildlife Services staff were able to cut the jug off the bear and examine it for injuries. No additional injuries were noted, and the 70-pound, 2-year-old sow was relocated to a safe wooded area with ample food and water to recover.The bear was alert and quickly began feeding on a patch of nearby berries. WDNR’s large carnivore specialist Randy Johnson didn’t know how long the jug was on the bear's head, but noted it was skinny when captured. Bears of that age typically weigh 100 to 150 pounds. The bear was likely surviving on body fat reserves.
100th Anniversary Cover Metal Tack Sign
After hearing from many F-F-G readers who loved our anniversary issue cover, we've produced this special uncropped version. This new custom embossed and cut tack sign is a larger rendition of our 100th Anniversary cover.
•Custom made for F-F-G
•11-1/2 inches X 15-1/4 inches
•.024 aluminum
•Laser cut to shape
•Embossed
•Pre-drilled mounting holes
•Made In the USA
•Really cool
Only $24.95 each, plus shipping, and sales tax where necessary.
Click here to order, or call our office M-F 8:30am-4:00pm EST at 614-231-9585.
Interior Department Has $102.9 Million for Wetland Conservation
The U. S. Department of the Interior has funding that could help to conserve or restore more than 548,000 acres of critical wetlands. Photo: Hans-Jürgen Weinhardt/Unsplash
The Department of the Interior recently announced that $102.9 million in North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) funding has been approved by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and its partners to conserve, restore or enhance 548,242 acres of wetlands and associated upland habitat for migratory birds across North America. Partners will provide more than $201.2 million in matching funds. For more than 35 years, the North NAWCA has fostered partnerships and an investment in wetland conservation that yields both ecological and economic returns for local communities and a broad range of industries, including tourism, commercial fisheries, forestry and agriculture, said Interior secretary Doug Burgum. USFWS USFWS Deputy Director J Shirley noted how NAWCA funding supports projects that enhance or establish areas for hunting and birdwatching. NAWCA is the only federal grant program dedicated to the conservation of wetland habitats for migratory birds. Since 1991, more than $7.1 billion in funding has advanced the conservation of wetland habitats and their wildlife across more than 32.9 million acres of habitat in all 50 U.S. states, Canada and Mexico.
Leashed Tracking Dogs for Recovery of Game
Vermont has a listing of certified tracking dog owners who can help hunters recover deer or bear not found after a shot.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (VFWD) has a list of certified leashed tracking dog owners who volunteer during hunting seasons to help hunters locate deer or bear that have been shot but not yet recovered. The leashed tracking dog owners, who provide their services free of charge, must pass an extensive exam to be certified and licensed to provide their services. For example, three names from the very long tracker list include Nicholas Merritt, of East Fairfield, at (802) 238-3884 or (802) 922-2515, Steven Bourgeois, of Bridport, (802) 758-2526 or (802) 989-0026 and Justin Lord, of Northfield, at (802) 917-2090. Visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com and search under the whitetailed deer segment for the complete listing, which may be updated during hunting season.
Motus Network Could Revolutionize Understanding of Migratory Animals
Motus Wildlife Tracking System could revolutionize understanding of migratory wildlife, especially songbirds. Paul Crook/Unsplash
Radio tags have been miniaturized to the point where they can be put on very small creatures, including hummingbirds, even dragonflies and monarch butterflies. The Motus Wildlife Tracking System program, a global telemetry network, with more than 2,000 tracking stations worldwide, detects these radio tags. When a tag passes within 6 to 9 miles of a station, the person who attached the tag and biologists and researchers at the station will receive data on the path of the bird. Motus will allow biologists to follow migration and stopover points at a much smaller scale than bird banding, for example, did in the past. Alabama recently became part of the Motus network, with seven tracking stations. So, when a biologist in Maine tags a bird, and during fall migration it passes one of Alabama’s Motus stations, Mercedes Maddox, Nongame Wildlife Biologist with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) will get the data the tag records. For example, a white pelican tagged in Bear River, Utah, was detected in Baldwin County, Alabama, five months later. Same for a wood thrush tagged just south of Toronto, Canada. It was detected on Alabama’s Gulf Coast five months later. A new program under the direction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will tag wood thrushes in each state in the bird’s breeding range –Illinois through Alabama, and east through Virginia – and partner with Latin America to get a perspective of wood thrush range and migration. In five to 10 years, Maddox said, the Motus system will create a wealth of information biologists can use in more than 900 monitoring projects on breeding, post-breeding dispersal, stopover and migration behavior, habitat use and overwintering ecology. This will revolutionize an understanding of migratory animals.
Iowa’s Pheasant Numbers at 20-year High
This map shows where pheasant numbers are highest in Iowa.
Iowa’s statewide pheasant population is at a 20-year high, and state wildlife experts are forecasting a banner year for bird hunters. Todd Bogenschutz, upland wildlife research biologist for Iowa’s Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), credits a mild winter for the high bird numbers. Adult hen and rooster survival was excellent, and this drove the population increase, he noted. Bogenschutz coordinates the annual August roadside survey, covering 225 30-mile routes. The 2025 survey counted more pheasants, quail, cottontail rabbits and Hungarian partridge than last year. Although chick survival was down, statewide, IDNR staff reported 1,038 pheasant broods, which is 338 more than last year. The statewide average of 28 birds per route is the highest since 2005. Bogenschutz said if hunter participation is similar to 2023, the pheasant harvest could be in the 600,000-700,000 range. IDNR and Pheasants Forever are celebrating 100 years of pheasant hunting in the Hawkeye State. Pheasant season opens October 25 and runs through January 10, 2026. Visit www.iowadnr.gov for detailed information.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Debuts New Duck Stamps
The Federal Duck Stamp has raised more than $1.2 billion to conserve more than 6 million acres of wetlands on national wildlife refuges around the nation.
Hunters, bird watchers, stamp collectors and artists celebrated when the 2025-2026 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp – the duck stamp – went on sale recently. The new federal duck stamp and its younger sibling, the junior duck stamp, debuted at a special event hosted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the Mack’s Prairie Wings in Stuttgart, Arkansas. The federal duck stamp, painted by Adam Grimm of Wallace, South Dakota, will raise millions of dollars for habitat conservation. Grimm’s painting of a pair of spectacled eiders on the new stamp is his third federal duck stamp. His art was chosen in September 2024 from 239 entries. The new Junior Duck Stamp, which also went on sale, raises funds to support youth conservation education. This year’s stamp features a northern shoveler painted by 18-year-old Catheryn Liang from Texas. Since 1934, duck stamps have raised more than $1.2 billion to conserve more than 6 million acres of wetlands on national wildlife refuges around the nation. A current federal duck stamp is good for free admission to any national wildlife refuge that charges an entry fee. Of the 573 refuges, most offer unparalleled outdoor recreational opportunities, including hunting, fishing, bird watching and photography.
If you're wondering where you know the name Adam Grimm from, yeah, that was his stunning painting gracing the cover of our January 2025 issue. Congrats, Adam!
Hemorrhagic Disease in Deer: Three States Concerned
Three states are concerned about outbreaks of hemorrhagic disease in whitetailed deer. Deer that die of the disease are often found in or around water.
Three states – Missouri, West Virginia and Michigan – are asking residents to keep an eye out for deer impacted by outbreaks of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) and blue tongue. The diseases, together called hemorrhagic disease (HD), is spread through the bite of no-see-um or gnat midges. Outbreaks of the naturally occurring virus typically start in July. Heavy autumn frosts, often in October, kill the midges that spread the disease.
HD kills deer quickly, making the effects of the disease highly visible. However, the disease doesn’t have long-term effects on the overall health or sustainability of deer herds. Even after a severe outbreak, the deer population recovers within a few years. Signs of HD in deer can include reluctance to move; difficulty breathing; swelling of the head, neck or tongue; and unusual behavior, such as appearing dazed or unresponsive. The virus can cause high fever, prompting infected deer to seek water. Deer that die from HD are often found in or near water. Death can occur within days of infection, although some deer survive and develop immunity. There is no cure or vaccine for HD. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has received reports of hemorrhagic disease (HD) and is asking the public to help determine the extent of the disease by reporting suspected cases. MDC isn’t anticipating a large outbreak, but every report helps biologists monitor deer health and better understand the impacts of the disease. To report a suspected case of HD in Missouri, contact the local MDC office or speak with a conservation agent. Find local MDC offices and agents at mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/local-mdc-contacts.
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) also reports confirmed HD cases in Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie and Wood counties. WVDNR staff continue to investigate reports of sick deer across the state. Some 75 deer were reported by the public as HD-infected. While HD can cause illness and death in deer, it poses no known health risk to humans and is not known to infect people or household pets. Residents who see sick or dead deer should report the sighting and location to their local WVDNR district office. Contact information is available at WVdnr.gov/contact.
Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) has also seen the state’s first confirmed cases of EHD. MDNR’s Wildlife Health Section, Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study confirmed EHD virus in whitetails from Eaton, Jackson, Van Buren and Washtenaw counties. Residents who suspect EHD in deer should submit a Diseased Wildlife report through the MDNR’s Eyes in the Field online system. Visit www.michigan.gov.
Microfishing: A Maryland Trend or Growing Hobby?
Microfishing, targeting small, minnow-like fish appears to be a growing hobby in Maryland.
A survey of Maryland anglers shows interest in microfishing – using a hook and line to target small-bodied fish that most people would consider minnows or baitfish – has been gaining traction. The sport has received considerable media attention and social media buzz. Stories highlight the sport’s specialized tiny hooks, tackle, its focus on native fish species diversity and catch-and-release. To learn more about microfishing, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conducted a survey of freshwater fishing license holders in May. Anglers were asked questions about their personal experience with microfishing, such as how often they participate and their primary motivations. The survey received 921 responses. While the majority of respondents didn’t intend to target small-bodied fish, 25% stated they actively microfish. Among that group, 18% indicated that they prefer to target small-bodied fish over larger gamefish, suggesting a small but distinct microfishing community. Similar to birding, many microfishermen keep a “life list” of the species they have caught, focusing on diversity rather than size. Other aspects of the sport that attract new enthusiasts include simplicity, portability of gear, and the ability to fish creeks and small, local waters. Although microfishing remains a niche activity, the survey suggests there is potential for it to grow in Maryland. Of 602 respondents who never tried it, 35% said they’d consider microfishing.
Arizona Urges Vigilance During Canine Distemper Outbreak
Coyotes in Arizona are showing up sick with distemper. Photo: Joshua Wilking/Unsplash
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has been receiving an increasing number of reports recently of sick or disoriented coyotes within residential neighborhoods, parks and green spaces. Lab testing confirmed canine distemper, a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of both domestic and wild animals, primarily canids. While distemper cannot infect humans, it poses a serious risk to unvaccinated dogs and certain wildlife species. Pet owners should ensure their animals are fully vaccinated, keep dogs on a leash and avoid contact with wildlife. Infected coyotes and foxes may display unusual behavior such as a lack of fear toward humans, stumbling, seizures or discharge from the eyes and nose. The virus spreads through direct contact, airborne droplets and shared food or water sources. It’s important to note that canine distemper cannot be distinguished from rabies based on clinical symptoms. Hence, it’s important to avoid approaching or touching wildlife, and report any sick or dead animals to AZGFD. To report sick or dead wildlife, call the department’s 24-hour hotline at (623) 236-7201.
Nebraska Upland Bird Hunting Prospects Optimistic
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is looking at an improved upland bird hunting picture. Photo: June Gathercole/Unsplash
Nebraska’s Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) says positive surveys and field reports point toward an optimistic outlook for Nebraska upland bird hunting this fall. Statewide pheasant counts during spring’s rural mail carrier survey increased 83% compared to 2024 and saw increases in all six pheasant management regions. However, the same July survey calculated a 12% drop in compared to 2024, and mixed results at the regional scale. According to surveys, the Panhandle and Southwest should support some higher pheasant densities. Other regions also saw increases compared to 2024, but pheasant habitat is spotty in these regions. Where quality cover exists, hunters should find good opportunities. A mild winter also benefited bobwhite quail in Nebraska. Spring and summer surveys show similar or increased quail numbers across the bird’s range. Statewide, whistle count surveys were higher compared to 2024 counts and above the 5-year average, with increases in five of six management areas. The southeastern and southcentral regions support the state’s highest quail densities. Sharptails and greater prairie chickens also overwintered well, according to lek observations and the rural mail carrier survey. Statewide rangeland conditions improved greatly compared to recent years and created quality nesting and brooding habitat for this year. Brood reports appear to be up. Upland hunters should be aware the U.S. Department of Agriculture has authorized emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program lands in most of Nebraska’s 93 counties due to drought earlier this year. This could affect available cover. To view the complete outlook, detailed summaries of upland bird survey results and other upland hunting information, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov/hunt/game/upland. The hunting season for pheasants, quail and partridge is October 25 through January 31, 2026. The prairie grouse season opened September 1 and closes January 31, 2026.
Grab Bag Antelope
100th Anniversary Article from April 1943
By Bob Hagel
Most of us can remember when, as kids, we paid a nickel for the privilege of reaching into a grab bag and seeing what we could pull out. Well, that's the way the Idaho Game Commission did it in the fall of 1940. Only the price was $4, and somebody reached in and either pulled out an antelope permit or a big disappointment.
A friend of mine wrote me from southern Idaho saying he wished me to guide him on the hunt – if the grab bag paid for him. Well, it didn't. So that left me to hunt by myself. However, I knew a fellow who wanted to go along for the hunt even though he had no permit.
We shoved off two days before the season opened and made camp at the mouth of Sulphur Creek on the Pahsommeroi River.
After waiting out a rainstorm, the next day we drove over the greasewood flats, and climbed the low foothills. We saw bunch after bunch of antelope and some of them were fair heads, too, but nothing that looked very good to me. I still had the whole five-day season left, so I wasn't in any hurry.
It rained in torrents part of the day and at other times the sun shoe and the steam rose from the flats until the visibility was very poor.
Late in the evening, we stopped the car behind a small ridge running out onto the flat and climbed to the top to have a look at a bunch of antelope feeding at the far edge.
As we sat there looking over that bunch and trying to focus the binoculars on the big buck in the center, I could see that he was far better than anything else we had seen. The wind blew in sharp gust and the rain fell in sheets. Here and there small clouds of mist lifted upward and were swept across the flats with the wind. All this made the visibility very poor, and it was hard to tell just how long the horns on the buck were. I handed Carrol the glasses, and he too was of the opinion that it was far above average. I believed the horns to go around 15-1/2-inches or better, and on this belief, we made camp not far away, so we’d an early try for next morning.
We were up and out where we had seen the big buck the night before, before sun-up, but the idea evidently was far from original. At least half a dozen cars were working the vicinity. The big bunch we’d seen the evening before either left or was shot into, so we decided to work the foothills nearby in hope of finding it again.
To the southeast, and perhaps a mile or so away, a large canyon opened onto the flat. Running from this canyon to where we now stood and paralleling the flats below, ran a high rimrock, cut here and there with passes that led upward from the flats to the backcountry. Hoping the antelope made an escape through one of the passes, we ascended the rimrock. Moving to the opposite edge of the mesa-like top, we looked over. Below us, perhaps five hundred yards distant, was a large circular basin. In almost the center of this was a large bunch of antelope. Some were grazing and others were lying down, totally unaware of our presence.
Leaving Carrol where we were, I crawled flat on my stomach to the edge of the cliff for a better look. After a careful study with the binoculars, I decided there wasn't a buck in the bunch. On the far side of the basin was still another bunch of five, but they, too, were without escort. Farther out on the flat that sloped away into the canyon were three more, but the distance was too great to determine if any of them were bucks.
As we watched, they came suddenly to their feet and were off across the flat and up the right side of the canyon. The reason for their flight soon became apparent. A sedan roared around the corner, below the rimrock at the mouth of the canyon and gave chase.
Up the center of the canyon bed was a wash that kept the car and the antelope separated by several hundred yards. However, as the canyon reached farther into the foothills, it became narrower, and it was soon apparent that the hunters would yet get a shot. As the antelope approached the gap, they split into two bunches. One small band crossed directly in front of the sedan, the other doubled back toward where we were watching. The car came to a halt, and the hunters opened fire. After at least 15 shots were fired, the antelope of the small band disappeared over the rim to the left and the barrage ceased.
The larger bunch took a course that would bring them through a pass within half a mile of where we were sitting, and thinking that perhaps they had picked up a buck along the line of flight, we put ourselves in a position to be in range when they came through the pass. The hunters in the car evidently had the same idea. They came back down the draw until they found a place where they could cross the wash and then started a race with the antelope for the pass.
At one time it looked as though the antelope were going to try to climb the rim to the left and end the hunt, but they seemed to think it a little rough and veered back for the pass. When they did reach the pass, however, they were high up on the slope above, and with a last burst of speed, such as only an antelope can give, made straight down the boulder strewn sidehill for the pass. The sedan was still seven or eight hundred yards distant.
I watched the band with binoculars and knew that there was not a buck in the bunch of thirteen. However, anything was legal, and the fact that there were no bucks in the bunch made no difference to the so-called sportsmen in the sedan below. The four hunters piled out of the car and lay down a fire that would have made the German blitzkrieg in Flanders look like a Fourth-of-July celebration. I held the glasses on the antelope to see if any were hit, but after the first shot was fired – it hit within about 20 feet of a fawn in the lead – no bullet hit within my vision.
They emptied their rifles twice and were starting on the third magazine when the antelope went out of their sight. That was about the poorest show of sportsmanship I have ever witnessed. The range was 700 yards or more, and any real hunter knows well it was slim chance of hitting a running antelope jumping boulders and clumps of brush at that range. Even if a bullet did have the misfortune to find its mark, there would likely be a wounded animal left to die a slow, lingering death. I hope the men in that sedan read this and take what I’ve said for what it is worth. It’s a shame such men should ruin the fine sport of hunting.
Seeing no more antelope, we returned to camp for lunch, then decided to hunt the Sulphur Creek country and surrounding foothills.
I decided to try my rifle before leaving. I intended to bring a custom build .30 Newton, chambered in an Enfield action, an antelope hunter's prayer. Shooting at standing targets at 300 yards with that outfit, was something like shooting fish in a barrel. But that rifle suddenly quit shooting in the barrel, which put it out of the hunt. Instead, I had a Krag that had accounted for about everything this country provides. I used handloads with 44 grains of DuPont No. 17-1/2 powder, and 172 grain Western Tool & Copper Works open-point bullet, which gives a velocity of more than 2,600 fps with a long barrel. After trying it at 100 yards, I decided I still had a chance if the right buck got within range.
We were heading for a big canyon that lays just west of Sulphur Creek, when I spied a coyote and took a shot at it. Shortly after this, I became aware of a most unpleasant and prickly sensation in the seat of my overalls. I’d sat on a full-grown clump of prickly pear cactus. The more I squirmed, the more Carrol laughed. He was the only one who could see anything to laugh at.
We were just looking around over the country when two other hunters came down the road. They’d killed two good bucks several miles back in the foothills. While we were talking, I looked up and saw a buck standing on the ridge some 250 yards above us. One of the hunters put his glasses on the buck and urged me to shoot him. After looking over the 13-inch head, I told him I’d let him grow up first. He looked at me as though he thought I was a little off.
We decided to work up to where that buck was, see if anything larger was available. Walking along a sheep trail that ran along the side of a steep draw, Carrol said, "Look down there."
I turned and scanned the bottom, but saw nothing, so I looked at Carrol to see what all the excitement was about. He was pointing to where I’d stepped a second before. There, stretched across the trail, was a big rattler. He was evidently too cold to rattle. Had he been warmed up, I might have suffered for my carelessness.
We pushed on through the pass and around the hillside beyond. There was a band of antelope on the side of a small draw and the buck looked good, so we lay on the ridge and watched them. The buck looked to have 14 inches of horn or better, and a very symmetrical head, too. I was tempted to take him but decided against it.
From where we sat, we could see two other lone bucks below us, and perhaps a half mile distant. Then I spotted a bunch of five on a high ridge perhaps two miles away. We decided to look the two bucks below us over first.
When we were almost within shooting distance of one of the bucks, he came tearing down the canyon side and up the ridge spur toward us. I knew he wasn't what I wanted, so I took out the camera and ran to the top of the ridge. Suddenly, his head appeared over the top, and he whirled out of sight. All I got in the picture was his posterior.
We worked on to the top of the high ridge and were suddenly in sight of the band of five we’d watched earlier. They were lying down. There were six in the band, not five. When I put my binoculars on the biggest buck, I knew I’d found what I wanted. I believed his horns measured 16 inches.
There was an old doe in that bunch who was somewhat suspicious and looked nervously in our direction. From where we lay, it would have been hard to get back over the ridge without causing the old lady too much alarm. However, if I could make it down the draw that headed where we lay, for 100 yards or so, I’d be out of sight of the antelope and would be able to come up to within 150 yards of them, unseen.
I was out of sight of all but the suspicious doe and was crawling along very nicely when she came to her feet, followed by the rest. They trotted over the ridge and out of sight. As they were on the skyline, I got a really good look at the buck's horns and could see that the points curved straight back.
Carrol came down and I told him I intended to follow that buck until I got a shot if it took the rest of the season. I thought they didn’t go far since they were not badly frightened. With this in mind, I eased along their trail.
The antelope crossed the main ridge and went around the very steep sidehill. Soon we came to a sharp spur that overlooked a steep, rocky canyon. I left Carrol behind the ridge and crawled to the top. As I eased over, I saw a doe, but nothing else. Then, as I worked higher, a buck came into view – the binoculars told me it was the same buck that gave us the slip.
He was about 250 yards away and feeding with his head toward me. I moved the grass from in front of the rifle barrel and slipped into the sling – a perfect position. Waiting until he raised his head, I placed the crosshair just back of the point of the shoulder and fired.
At the shot, his knees buckled, and he fell forward in the rocks without knowing what had hit him.
Soon, we were beside him and applying the tape to his long, symmetrical horns. The left horn was 16 inches long, the right 15-7/8 inches, with a prong length of 4 inches, and a circumference of 5-3/4 inches. The spread of 12-3/8 inches.
According to the "North American Big Game" record book, published by the American Museum of Natural History, this was well toward the top of the world's records.
UPCOMING EVENTS
North Carolina Trappers’ Association
The North Carolina Trappers’ Association will hold its convention September 26 and 27 at the Johnston County Livestock Arena, located at 520 County Home Road, in Smithfield, North Carolina. The convention features trapping and fur handling demos, a trappers’ auction Friday afternoon followed by a fellowship meal Friday night and a kids’ contest's Saturday morning. There is a one-time admission fee of $5 (15 and younger get in free). Contact Harold Dorsett (919) 732-7878 or Matt Bishop (910) 545-7760.
Kansas Fur Harvesters Association
The Kansas Fur Harvesters Association will hold their Fall Rendezvous October 3 and 4 in Belleville, Kansas, at 910 O Street, the crossroads of Highway 36 and 81. Admission is free, and the event includes vendors, food, a trap setting contest, a women’s skillet toss and a white elephant sale on Saturday. Contact Eldon Dunstan (785) 243-4872 (evenings) or email Dunstanconst@gmail.com.
Illinois Trappers’ Association
The Illinois Trappers Association (ITA) will hold its annual convention at the Logan County Fairgrounds in Lincoln, Illinois, October 3 and 4. The event features hourly demos, many vendors, tailgaters and raffles. Friday night will be a dinner, awards banquet and auction with proceeds going towards the defense fund. Saturday afternoon is the annual membership meeting. ITA reserved a block of rooms at a discounted rate. For more information, visit illinoistrappersassociation.com or call President Ryan Ruhl at (309) 368-2523.
Virginia Trappers’ Association
The Virginia Trappers’ Association (VTA) will hold its annual Trap Dye and Wax Day October 4, at 8 a.m., at 230 Hunting Ridge Lane, in Berryville, Virginia. Bring some or all of your traps. VTA will have plenty of dye and wax supplies on hand. Also, VTA will hold a Fur Handling Training, November 22 and 23 at 8 a.m. at the same location. Trappers should bring their own tools and hides or use VTA tools and learn how to skin VTA-provided hides. All are welcome at both events. Visit virginiatrappersassociation.org, email MichaelMeisberger, vtawebmaster@yahoo.com, or call (276)-210-7105 for more information.
Texas Trappers and Fur Hunters Association
The Texas Trappers and Fur Hunters Association TFHA will host a fall rendezvous October 17 – 18, at the Gatesville Civic Center, 301 Veteran's Memorial Loop, in Gatesville, Texas. For more information, visit www.ttfha.com.
Coming in our November 2025 Issue
Features
FEATURES
• Stalking Southern Whitetails - Will Bowen discovers a new way to hunt Arkansas whitetails, using skills he acquired chasing Colorado mule deer.
• Going Primitive - Dwight Yoder prefers Maryland’s late primitive muzzleloader season to experience deer hunting like the Longhunters of old.
• Catching Coons in Civilized Settings - Want to catch coons close to “civilization”? Mike Schoonveld shows you how to fill stretchers.
• Decoys in Black and White - A century ago, waterfowlers used mostly black decoys. Phil Goes explores how this still works today, in both black and white.
• Six-Gun Hunting - Landon Wardell decided to use a .357 Ruger Vaquero six-gun to tag a mule deer, and later, an elk.
• The Prairie Three - Jeffrey Miller shares the joys of gunning Hungarian partridge, pheasants and sharptailed grouse on North Dakota’s prairies.
Other Stories
• Mesa Gold, Chapter 3
• The Emerald Isle – Drew Haupt shares a Susquehanna River fishing adventure.
• Ontario Bear Hunt – Theresa Marie Blake hunts northern Ontario black bears with her father and others and tags a huge boar.
• Otter Be A Better Way – Carey Rideout shares his otter trapping tips
• Deer Down... And Out – Gary Shannon tells how to make a deer loading ramp for your pickup.
• Trapping the Little Kanawha River – Jospeh C. Duckworth share his memories of trapping the Little Kanawha River
• 100th Anniversary Article: A Schoolboy’s Trapline – John Curtis tells what it was like to run a 1943 trapline as a kid. Naturally, skunks are involved.
• The Long Walk – David Darlington learned a lot about life, how it’s one step at a time, sometimes through the blackest of nights, on a Wyoming elk hunt with his father.
End of the Line Photo of the Month
Blair, Dick and Walt Baxter, Cabot, Arkansas
Subscribe to this newsletter
Put Subscribe in the subject line and include your first and last name.
SUBSCRIBE TO FUR-FISH-GAME Magazine
