FIELD JOURNALS - Robin Hunts Antelope in MT with Milk River Outfitters
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I had the chance to purchase an antelope hunt with Milk River Outfitters at a charity auction last winter. I have always hoped to hunt antelope and this was too good of a deal to pass up. Steve Jones would go along on this one since the hunt would coincide with the start up of a new school year for Keith.

The hunt was originally scheduled for mid-August hunting over water holes. Wet weather caused us to change the dates and methods to hunting with a decoy. Even better!

After driving 22 hours, we arrived to the lodge and on the way in even saw 2 bucks fighting over a doe. We were able to film them from the road as one of the bucks bred the doe. We were awake and ready to hunt now! After meeting MRO owner, Eric Albus and our guide, Cody, I knew I made the right decision hunting with their operation. MRO obviously ran a quality hunt and had the mounts and photos to prove it.

The first stalk proved to be very cool. After a long and strenuous belly crawl of 200 yards, the decoy was in place. Soon I could see him approaching the rock I had ranged at 40 yards. Cody said "Ok stand up and shoot," and I was in shock when I did actually get to full draw and the buck was still there. The shot looked and felt good. I told Cody I hit him, but we soon knew otherwise as the buck stood and watched us from 80 yards. Later the video showed that the buck literally turned away from the arrow. Otherwise, I would have had my buck in the first 2 hours of the hunt! But, we were pumped about the prospect of how cool this hunt might turn out.

And...cool it was!

The third day found me face down behind the decoy as Steve says, "He sees it...here he comes...Robin, he is coming on a dead run!" Next thing I know I am face to face with a buck at 6 feet looking right into my eyes! He knew something wasn't right and got out of there quick before I could even think of getting a shot. That has to be one of the all time coolest things I have ever witnessed in the outdoors!

Each day we had several close calls. I did manage to bungle 2 more decent shots, one at 42 yards and one at 54. Both shots were missed due to range errors. Range estimation over the open ground is very tough. When you couple that with the "goat's" quickness in jumping the string you have a hard target to hit.

This hunt truly was one of those hunts that you just can't measure success by the harvest. I had an awesome time! I would not hesitate to recommend a hunt with MRO. They are famous for whitetails, but don't overlook their mule deer and antelope hunts either. Check them out at www.milkriveroutfitters.com.

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