Outdoor Expeditions Scouting Report
07/15-07/25 2009
Southern Colorado

Things look to be shaping up for another great season in Southern Colorado. We have had a busy last couple of weeks scouting and getting the ranch house ready for our Antelope opener August 15th.

Despite a significant amount of rain early in the summer, things seem to have dried out to the point that the “speed goats” are back to utilizing regular water holes and our cameras are picking up bucks almost daily.

While game cameras are great, nothing beats the “tried and true” methods of scouting (raking out water holes and spending lots of time with a good set of optics glued to your eyeballs) and we have been doing plenty of both. On average we are seeing between 10-15 “shooter” bucks on each venture to the ranch. Checking and re-raking water holes every other day is showing us great numbers of tracks in each blind location which should translate to great opportunities for our hunters.

The blind locations have been set and, if you are hunting with us, plan on shots in the 15-30 yard range. While some blind locations may move slightly, we will do our best to keep our hunters within that range.

While we’re talking about ranges…now is a great time to discuss what you, the hunter, can do to prepare yourself for your hunt with us.

• Shoot, shoot, and shoot your bow! The more comfortable you are with your equipment, the better your chances of success when that big ol’ buck puts his head down for a drink. As I mentioned, blinds are placed for shots in the 15-30 yard range. Practice at these distances until you are consistently hitting a 4 inch by 4 inch square. It may seem redundant but preparation is the key to success.
• Practice in different positions, you will mainly be seated for the majority of your hunt so it is imperative that you are comfortable shooting from this position.
• Mentally prepare yourself for long days, heat, and a significant amount of boredom. While hunting over water holes isn’t always “in your face” hunting, it is proven to be the most effective means of taking an antelope with a bow. Bring something good to read and be prepared to sit from sunup until sundown. We will do all that we can to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.
• Write any questions you may have for your guide down as you think of them. If you are hunting with us this season, on of your guides will be contacting you in the coming weeks to discuss your hunt and any special needs or considerations you may have.
I hope that you have found this information useful, be sure to check back in to the site frequently for additional reports.
–Jason