Follow up hunt listed after 11-28-07 post

Date of Hunt: October 25-29th (4 days hunting)
Location: Wendell Reich's Red Bluff Ranch - Texas
Animals Taken: Mouflon Sheep, Fallow Deer & Aoudad (taken by my hunting partner)
Game Seen But Not Hunted: Red Stag, Axis, Whitetail and Mule Deer, Javelina, Rio Grande Turkey, Sandhill Crane, Ducks and Quail.
Weapons: Weatherby Mark V synthetic in .280 caliber. Friends rifle: Remington 7 Mag.
Outfitter: Wendell Reich www.redbluffranch.com
Guides: Wendell Reich, Mike Arne
Hunters: Mark Thornell (Thornell's Father) and myself

After returning from Africa in late June, I became restless and began searching for something to do in early fall. I had postponed a trip to Wyoming, so the only hunt I had planned for out of State was in November for Deer. I had visited Wendell Reich's web site several times and decided to give him a call. Wendell was very informative about hunting on his ranch, and I really liked what he told me about his management plan. He only accepts a limited amount of hunters each year, and adhere's to a trophy policy when hunting his major species. After discussing some of his exotics, I booked a hunt for a friend and I. My friend wanted to hunt for an exceptional Aoudad (Barbary Sheep) and I would hunt for Mouflon Sheep and Fallow Deer. Arriving in the late afternoon on the 25th, we each checked our rifles. Both were good to go.
As the Sun set, we glassed over the distant river bottom to find a myriad of wildlife moving through the mesquite grass land. As darkness settled in, the temperature began to drop and the stars were shining bright as we set down for dinner. We discussed our game plans for the morning: My friend Mark would hunt for Aoudad with Wendell, and I would hunt with Mike for Fallow Deer and Mouflon.
Day 1
Pre-dawn found Mike and I slipping through the dense Juniper in search of game. Several times we were busted by Aoudad and Whitetail Deer, but no Fallow Deer or Mouflon Sheep were seen. We walked out on a ridge point and began glassing the grass land and pond below us. Many trophy class Whitetail bucks were moving towards their bedding areas. In the distance we spotted a herd of Red Stag. A half dozen Hinds, some with calves were coming to water. What followed stunned me: a huge Stag. One of the largest pure Stags I've laid eyes on. This old boy sported a beautiful, tall, massive set of antlers that counted 8x9 points. As he stood on the dam (at 220 yards) he watched his Hinds drink while surveying his domain. I decided immediately to talk to Wendell about the prospects of taking this Stag on this hunt, or returning later. He was a Stag of Stag's to say the least.
As the morning pushed onward, the Sun rose higher and the early morning temperature began to climb. It was 36 degrees at dawn, and now it was climbing fast. Mike and I decided to go back to camp, so we walked back to the truck and came in. We were met by Wendell and Mark, who were excited to tell me they had seen the Mouflon's up on one of the bluff's overlooking the river. We all jumped in the Mule and headed towards the bluff region. Once we arrived, Mike scampered up one of the finger points and after checking the wind, crawled to the top to take a peek. He moved back down off the skyline and hand signaled that they were still there. Evidently, a Ewe was in heat and three Ram's were bidding her favor. I picked up my .280 and started up the steep point followed by Wendell and Mark. Once at the top we made a plan and Wendell peeped over the edge and backed up to advise me to take the Ram at the highest level. I turned my hat around and loaded my .280 as I crept up to the top. As I peered over, I found myself straight across a canyon from the Ram. He spotted me but didn't move a muscle. He was broadside, facing left. I set the cross hairs about a hand span behind his left shoulder as I didn't want the 160 grain Nosler Accubond to make contact with any large bone. I squeezed the trigger and recovered in time to see the Ram jump, but didn't hear the familiar whop of impact. All hell broke loose and Sheep scattered like Quail. My Ram make a quick dash to the top and then spun around in the loose rock and come down 20 yards before ducking into the dense Juniper and mountain grass. Wendell asked me about the shot and I replied I felt good about the sight picture but was concerned I hadn't heard an impact. No one else heard it either. A large dust cloud came up behind the Ram at the shot, but no other indication of a hit other than the Ram making an initial high jump. We climbed down into the canyon and up the other side to start looking. Mike was the first to find blood. I began to search side hill as I had seen some of the Sheep head back into the canyon. Finding tracks but no blood, we retraced our steps and went back to the sign. Mike went into the dense Juniper but didn't go more than 20 yards before finding my Ram. He is a beautiful Mouflon with typical blonde horns. Both tips are broomed and he is a Roland Ward class trophy. This makes the fifth Mouflon I have taken and of all the worlds Sheep, these are considered by many to be the most colorful. I have to agree.


Taking aim at a Ram. He's the dark spot across the canyon just under the white vertical rock on the left of center.


Mouflon

That afternoon, Wendell and Mark were headed for the canyons and washes to look for Aoudad. I had seen about 25 during the morning, but Mark had yet to lay eyes on one. Mike and I headed back to watch the larger pond we'd been at during the morning, hoping to see one of the trophy Fallow Deer the ranch has. I'd seen two Fallow that morning, one an up and coming buck and the other a trophy class dark phase Fallow with lots of spots. I wasn't in a hurry, as we had 2-3 more days to hunt. Getting a Mouflon was over and we'd all figured that would be the most difficult trophy to find. That evening, while glassing numerous Whitetail and Mule Deer, we heard a shot off in the distance. Maybe my friend had found a trophy Aoudad. There were no follow up shots so we expected he had luck on his side. Mike and I had been at camp for about 45 minutes when Wendell and Mark came rolling in. One look in the back of the Mule and we were shaking Mark's hand. He had taken a great Aoudad. They had caped it out for a half size mount as the old Ram had a full beard and chaps down both front legs. Mark told me that he and Wendell approached a deep canyon and planned on setting up and doing some glassing. As Wendell began to set up his spotting scope, Mark walked over to the edge and looked down. Sixty yards below him was an Aoudad Ram, standing there but twisting his head back and forth. Evidently he had heard their approach but never looked up. Mark said: "There's an Aoudad!" Wendell replied: "Where?" "Right there!" "Where are you looking?" "Right below us!" Mark replied. Wendell spies the Ram but isn't sure he's of trophy class just yet. The Ram starts walking across the canyon and Mark asks: "Do I shoot?"......"Not sure" Wendell replies, "I can't get a good angle on him, and I need to see him from the rear." By the time the Ram gets across the canyon, he's over 120 or so yards but finally he turns and Wendell says, "Yeah, shoot!" Mark makes a good shot and the Ram takes off to the top, stopping inside some Juniper. He sways back and forth, then disappears....to the sound of falling rocks and crashing sounds. Mark and Wendell scamper to the top and look down.....the Ram fell straight off a ledge, landing amongst big boulders. They have to circle back around the canyon in order to enter the mouth. No way to descend the vertical cliff. Once they locate the Ram only a minor problem is found. One of his long horns pierced his side. Nothing broken. I congratulate both on a fine Aoudad. He will measure nearly 30 inches with 12.5 inch bases. Mass remains heavy all the way out to his first year growth ring. I hope to be so lucky next year when I return for my Aoudad hunt.


Mark with his Aoudad

Day 2
We split up the next morning in hopes that we could find just the right Fallow Deer I wanted to see, but it never happened. We saw plenty of game all day including a couple of good Fallow bucks, but again I was taking my time and in no hurry. I watched some Javelina today. They are as aggressive as their reputation, but hunting them is closed in the area. Right at dusk Mike and Mark were glassing some big Whitetails when Mark looked over his shoulder and there stood the kind of Fallow buck I was hoping to take. For me it was where I wasn't. The Sun had set so maybe tomorrow.
Day 3
I had asked Wendell about the big Stag I had seen on the first day, so if he appeared this morning, I would attempt to take him. I hadn't seen him on the second day, but Wendell and Mark had seen him with 4 other Stags. We had walked the draw they went into but to no avail. This morning found Wendell and I bumping Mule Deer and Aoudad on our way to a point overlooking the big pond. We sat there glassing for a couple of hours. Big 8 and 10 point Whitetail bucks stopped to drink, as did Red Deer Hinds and one Stag; an up and coming 7x8. He could be another great trophy by next year or for sure by 2009. He is already what most consider a top trophy but Wendell won't hunt him until he's really mature. About 9:30 AM we see a big Fallow buck walking to the pond. I've seen him each day doing the same thing. Five minutes later his younger buddy follows. I call him Lobster Claw as one of his main beams tops off with a pair of tines that look just like a Lobster claw. They both drink and the bigger buck beds by the pond. About 10 minutes later I tell Wendell I'm going to take a look on the other side of the point. I ease over and just as I focus on the fields below, I see a nice Fallow buck walking towards the pond. I scramble back to inform Wendell and I get into a prone position. Within a minute I find the buck in my scope. He's not the light colored buck I've been told about but I really wanted a dark spotted buck with good palms and this buck fit the bill. Juniper bush obstructed my field of fire so while I awaited for the buck to clear, I asked Wendell to try and stop the buck if he continued walking. Range was around 120 yards at a steep, downward angle. When the buck walked clear, Wendell bleated and the buck stopped. I squeezed the trigger and the Weatherby boomed. The report of the impact was very loud and the buck didn't travel far. When we arrived down in the bottoms, Wendell's cell rang and it was Mike. He'd heard the shot and was on his way to help. After pictures we took the buck back to camp where we skinned and quartered. Wendell has a very nice walk in cooler so all meat was getting chilled before we headed home. I caped out all three animals and we froze them over night.



Dark phase Fallow

My experience at Red Bluff Ranch was very positive. I found Wendell to be very forthright, honest and a great hunting companion/guide. He's done a very good job on building his comfortable living quarters (fully furnished cabin). His management program is obviously working and bookings are best done a year in advance. Hunting can be suited for most: blind hunting, still hunting or spot and stalk. Terrain can be a challenge for anyone not in shape but there is plenty of room for those who can't "hoof" the canyons, washes and ridges. This is a perfect place to take the wife, children or both. I hope to return soon and take my wife....that big Stag has to be around somewhere!
Good hunting,
LDK

David and Wendell, those are super critters! I need to schedule a hunt there!

Beautiful animals David! I was awaiting this thread anxiously when I heard Wendell say that ya'll were heading down!

Excellent Mouflon! I'd bet that was one of the toughest hunts on the ranch!

I plan on heading back sometime to get an Aoudad, it was very impressive how they could spot you from so far away and take off in an instant

VERY NICE!

Thanks to all for the compliments. All I can say is Mark and I had a great time and will return. I enjoyed Wendell and Mike's hospitality as much as the hunting. Wishing everyone a great hunting season, David

Nice report, animals and pics David. Sounds like a fun few days indeed; congrats!

KG

I think I might need to put my name on the list for one of these hunts.

Congrats on a nice hunt/trip!!

quote:

Originally posted by graybird:
I think I might need to put my name on the list for one of these hunts.

You will have an excellent time!

That is a STUD Aoudad! I would love to get one of those with my Muzzleloader. Ron

Thanks guys. Ron: Aoudad can be a challenge just to find sometimes, so a M/L hunt would be a slick accomplishment if successful. Shots can sometimes exceed 300 yards with a rifle, so your going to need all your stealth to get within M/L range unless your shooting one of the new super mags. Definitely a good hunt to undertake. LDK

Great report, David. Those are some great trophies indeed. I know that dad had a great time and was really pleased with the hunt. Maybe next year I will be able to go! Talk to you soon.

I'm with Thornell on this one. I'm hoping to be along on next year's trip. Congratulations to both of you. Great trophies for sure.

David Walker

Man David, now you realy got me wanting one with my ML. I have done a little reading on them and they seem like a great hunt. I have read that other guys say the same as you they can be a tough critter to get. This is the ML I would like to use. It is a TC renegade with a green mountain 1-18 twist .458 barrel.
I use 475 gr bullets with 90 gr of Pyrodex P. this thing still has over 1000 foot pounds of energy at 275 yards. This is not one of the super mags you are talking about but it is a "old school" super mag. It is sighted in out to 200 yards. I haven't had time yet to go out farther. Ron

I hope you guys can make it next year. I've already reserved an Aoudad and Axis Deer. If all goes well, I'll be back next month for a crack at that Red Stag I saw. Ron, that would be a great hunt with your rifle. With some patience, I think you would do just fine. Sometimes you look down into a wash or canyon and there they are. Other times they're running over the next ridge 300 yards away. While I saw 35 Aoudad in 3.5 days, my friend Mark shot the only ram he saw. And what a ram it was. Good hunting, David

VERY NICE!!!

Thanks Tim. We're going back in a couple of weeks for Red Stag and maybe a Whitetail for my friend. I leave tomorrow for Illinois: 2nd gun season. Let two different 8 points walk on 1st gun. Just waiting for the right buck. Good hunting to you, David

Nice Aoudad and Fallow buck.

I love the spot and stalk of Texas hill country.
I'm tempted sometimes to hang it up here in Nashville and move west.

Congrats,

Garrett

Thanks Garrett, sorry for the slow reply. Hunting season here has kept me busy and away from my desk.

I returned to Wendell's ranch early this month (December) to pursue Red Deer (Stag) and Aoudad Sheep. My friend and often times African hunting partner Louis came with me hoping to take a big Stag I'd seen back in October. The weather was cool to cold with light freezing rain at times. Although the Whitetail Deer's primary rut was over, we saw many young to outstanding mature bucks having at it over Doe's each day. Even the younger Stags were pushing each other around. But the mature Stag's were running together, and for the most part, staying out of sight during daylight hours. I went after Aoudad while Louis hunted Red Deer. The first day yielded no opportunities. The second morning was cold with a light freezing rain. Aoudad were hard to find but around mid morning, we found what I was looking for: a mature ram with long horns and heavy bases. Before I could take a shot, he bedded down. We ranged the yardage across the canyon: 197 yards. I set up shooting sticks and waited. I felt comfortable with my .280 and after 50 minutes he stood up and turned broadside. I shot....I missed. We went back to the Mule and picked our way around to the far side of the canyon. After getting our bearings, we looked for any sign of a hit. None were found. Wendell wanted me to check the POI of my rifle and honestly, I didn't think it needed it. I was wrong. I was shooting 5.5" high and 2.5" left at 100 yards. I have no explanation as my rifle hadn't been touched since my last hunt in late October. Just goes to show, you should always recheck before any long distance hunt or the beginning of a new season. Later on in the day, my friend Louis made a great shot on a nice Axis Deer. The first one he'd ever seen, and he dropped him in his tracks at a pond with his Remington 7 mag.


That evening, he saw a 7x8 Stag, but passed on him. I saw Aoudad, but no old billies. Over dinner we discussed the days events and Louis told me he would take the 7x8 Stag if he saw him again. The third morning found us hunting our quarry again. Cold, misty rain fell intermittantly. Wendell and I spotted a group of 20 or more Aoudad at Sun up and watched them for a while. The big ram was in the 27-28 inch range with a beautiful full beard and good chaps. But he wasn't what I was looking for, so I passed. I'm still second guessing myself but hey, I'm going back next year. We saw Mouflon Sheep, Javelina (closed in this county) Wild Boar, Whitetail, Fallow, Axis and Red Deer, Ducks, Sandhill Cranes, Quail, Dove and Turkey, but no big Aoudad. They are hard to hunt in the rough canyons, but we continued. Later on that evening, I was glassing across the river bottoms when I spotted several Red Deer in the distance. All at once I heard a shot echo across the bottoms, followed by another. Wendell set up his spotting scope and told me he could see the big Stag Louis and I were hunting. That wasn't the one I saw fall after my friends shots rang out. We scurried to the Mule and took off. When we reached the bluffs where Louis was hunting with his guide Mike, we were told that Louis missed his first shot at the biggest Stag (he moved at the shot) but he connected on the second Stag (there were four traveling together). We went after the other 3 in hopes of catching up to them before they entered the dense bush or joined other Red Deer that were scattered about. We found them and their range was 385 yards. I wanted to close the distance so we cut the distance another 100 yards. One shot from my .280 Mark V Weatherby broke the Stag's left shoulder and exited just at the edge of the far left shoulder. He didn't go 10 yards. By the time Mike, Wendell and Louis loaded the first Stag, it was dark. We brought Louis's Stag to mine and took pictures before loading both of them. That was a job! Although the Red Stag doesn't weigh what a mature bull Elk weighs, this herd that Wendell has on his ranch are exceptional in body size, and pure blood, not hybred's. Again, we had a great time and enjoyed every minute. We had the pleasure of meeting both Wendell and Mike's wives. You should see the Whitetail buck Mike's wife took this year! Her first and a monster. Good hunting,
David Keith

Louis with his 7x8



My 8x9 Stag



Louis, Mike, Wendell and myself

Looks like a great conclusion, although I can do without the freezing rain!

Very nice stags.

Awesome! That is neat that you got to see Javelina and Wild boar as well this time!

I picked up my Mouflon and Fallow mounts today. I'll try to get pics of them posted ASAP. May be a while on my Stag. We had a hard time finding a form that was large enough. Thanks to Mary K., "The rug lady" in AZ, I may have found the one I'm looking for.
LDK