Location: Limon, Colorado

Guide: Aaron Neilson

Cameraman: Jeremy Bennett

Hunting Partner: Megan Lawrence

Outfitter: Western Legends

Dates: October 7 - 8

Rifle: Ruger Tang Safety 7 x 57 with Sellier & Bellot 173 gr. ammo

Animals hunted: Pronghorn Antelope (Speed Goat)

Animals taken: Speed Goat


Shortly after my fifth round of Chemotherapy for Stage 4B Lymphoma I focused on round six to come in 21 days. I had decided early on in my treatment to set milestones to help me get through and round six would be my last one. It helped me to look to the next step on deck and not be distracted by the physical side effects of treatment.

Much to my surprise and happiness my next milestone/goal would be dropped in my lap by a Facebook contest. Aaron Neilson hosted the contest and the rules were simple. Describe in 50 words or less why hunting equals conservation. Not an easy task with the 50 word limit, but I posted up my offering. On March 1 an announcement that I had won popped up on my page and Aaron’s. The hunt would be conducted in October, just short of seven months after my last round of Chemo and the clean PET Scan that signaled my remission.

Needing to get back in shape to be a good hunting partner was certainly motivating. Especially when I realized that I would be hunting with Megan Johnson (now Lawrence) who is in fabulous physical condition. So having this goal in mind I started walking, then hiking the trails in Alaska. When I look back I find it remarkable how short of breath a simple walk of 400 yards made me. It was truly a struggle to accept the physical weakness caused by the Chemo, which my Oncologist kept reminding me could take a year to get over, and get back to the Crossfit shape I was in pre-cancer diagnosis and back surgery.

Jim and I made it to Limon, Colorado on October 6th and were met by Patrick Montgomery of Western Legends. Megan’s flight had been delayed and Aaron had to stay in Denver to await her arrival. Patrick was kind enough to drive us out so I could check that the sight-in of my rifle had not bumped out during the flights from Alaska.

Aaron arrived with Megan that evening. With one look you can see why she places well in fitness model competition. Getting to know her made the trip that much more enjoyable.

A plan was made over dinner for Aaron, Megan, Jeremiah (Aaron’s cameraman) and I to meet up at O-Dark-Hundred outside the motel. I had not realized this hunt would be filmed for a potential airing later on Aaron’s show. This fact did not change the enjoyment of the hunt and actually made the experience that much more interesting. I now have a much greater understanding of what is involved in producing the hunting shows Jim and I enjoy watching.

Jeremiah’s presence, his sense of humor, endless funny stories, and great impersonations had me laughing so hard my cheeks hurt.

Unlike most folks, I did not start hunting till late in life. Though I have enjoyed camping and hiking my whole life and accompanied Jim on freezer filling hunting trips in bush Alaska, my first hunt was in Africa in 2010. This trip for Speed Goat would be my first opportunity to hunt the lower 48.

With Aaron, Jeremiah, Megan and I loaded up we headed out in the predawn darkness. Western Legends leases over 200,000 acres of prime Pronghorn, Mule Deer, and White Tail country within the Eastern plains of Colorado. Though the land looks flat there are rolling hills and hay bales that allow for stalking of the Pronghorn who have a very acute vision. One hour after enough light to begin hunting and after a short stalk and shooting off of sticks my Goat was down.

Once Jeremiah was satisfied that he had enough footage and I was happy with my still pics, the meat was properly cared for (Aaron can take apart a pronghorn in no time flat) we headed back towards the hotel for lunch. The afternoon brought Megan’s opportunity and one shot later another Goat hit the ground. Again the meat was carefully handled.

We all enjoyed dinner later that night with the company of the cast of characters already mentioned, and our good friends Brett and Jena, who were to begin hunting the next morning. Also, AR’s own Bwana Cecil and his life long friend Sonny made the trip from their Pronghorn hunt an hour south to join us. A great time was had by all and I pounded down a couple of Margaritas. Aaron later mentioned we would all meet again at O-Dark-Hundred to go out and film some interviews. I thought he was joking and told him I wouldn’t be up that early. The look on his face was priceless. It took him some effort to convince me that a few more Margaritas were not a good idea!

As I already mentioned the experience of being filmed for a potential hunting show episode brought a different flavor to this adventure. When we headed out to do the interviews the wind was uncooperative and the filming had to wait.

That evening we lost the light sooner than expected so we couldn’t rap up the filming. The spot chosen for the interview was mosquito ridden and by the time we finished, Aaron, Megan, and Jeremiah were covered in bites. I wisely decided to wait up at the road and didn’t suffer the same fate. Finally, after another predawn start the next morning, with the interview taping completed, Jim and I headed back to Denver to have the meat processed and flash frozen for our return to Anchorage.

Later the next evening we had the pleasure of meeting AR’s Surefire7 and his lovely wife for a dinner at their home and a viewing of their impressive trophy room. They kindly prepared Antelope steaks for our first tasting of Pronghorn and boy are we glad we are taking the meat home. It’s delicious and tender.

I’d like to extend many thanks to Aaron Neilson for this opportunity, his company, and his guiding expertise. Jeremiah for his filming artistry but mostly for his humor. Megan was a hoot and as you can see in the pictures she is one fit beast. It was a joy to hunt with another woman and share our stories and experiences.

Cheers

Joyce aka “Bait Babe”





Speed Goat with Aaron.



Megan and Aaron on the stalk with Jeremiah filming



Megan and Aaron "Strong is the new skinny"



BEASTMODE



The Ladies!!

thanks for offering to share...

Lots of great stories That can't be shared on here.

It was truly a pleasure Joyce, you are one exceptional lady!! Jim on the other hand.....

Very nice report, Joyce! Congrats on the speed goat, I still haven't hunted them but it sounds like I need to soon.

Greg

It was a pleasure to finally meet Jim & Joyce along with Brett & Jena.
The laughs were well worth the drive.
Truly nice people.

Congrats on the goat!

Good on ya, Joyce!

Before this hunt when I asked folks about Pronghorn meat the answers were split right down the middle with half of those asked saying the meat is terrible and the other half saying it is great.

We are now back in Anchorage and I just grilled up some burgers (10% fat added by processor in Denver) and they are to die for. This meat is excellent. Shame these critters aren't the size of a Moose.

It was Frostbit's hunt report that first introduced us to Andrew Baldry and Royal Kafue in Zambia. After a few phone calls and Pms for further information, we were informally introduced to each other. We then went and enjoyed our safari with Andrew this past summer.

When Jim & Joyce told us they had won the antelope hunt in Colorado, the plans began for us to meet in person. It almost fell through, but luckily we made it happen, and it was our pleasure to entertain them Friday evening. Glad you enjoyed the antelope! We hope to see you again soon.

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:
It was truly a pleasure Joyce, you are one exceptional lady!! Jim on the other hand.....

On second thought....maybe there are a few stories that need to be told.....

Really Aaron?

WOW with those 2 Beastie-Babes and antelope too, I bet there are a few stories to be told.

Joyce, congratulations on your antelope, great job!!!!!

So, now I'll wait for the other stories!!!

Best of everything to you both, Darin

Thank you for all the kind words. It was a wonderful way to be introduced to hunting in the lower 48. Very memorable. It's all about the friends you make and the laughs you share.

Congratulations! Great hunt, although not that long it sounds like, but still great.

quote:

Originally posted by pagosawingnut:
Congratulations! Great hunt, although not that long it sounds like, but still great.

If you mean that Joyce shot her Goat about one hour into actual hunting time then I guess you'd be correct. But I'd have to add that both Joyce and I look at a hunt as the sum total of the experience not just the animal going down.

In this case she had three very long days that started predawn and went to and through sunset on two days. That time included exposure to what the filming of a hunting show may be like including interviews and problems with wind, lighting, and insects.

The area is flush with Pronghorn and I suppose she could have kept telling Aaron she didn't want to shoot until the last hour of day two but frankly the experience would have been no different.

One of the successful hunters present had multiple stalks blown by a crop duster. I guess my preference would have been Joyce's experience.

Cheers
Jim

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:

quote:

Originally posted by pagosawingnut:
Congratulations! Great hunt, although not that long it sounds like, but still great.

If you mean that Joyce shot her Goat about one hour into actual hunting time then I guess you'd be correct. But I'd have to add that both Joyce and I look at a hunt as the sum total of the experience not just the animal going down.

In this case she had three very long days that started predawn and went to and through sunset on two days. That time included exposure to what the filming of a hunting show may be like including interviews and problems with wind, lighting, and insects.

The area is flush with Pronghorn and I suppose she could have kept telling Aaron she didn't want to shoot until the last hour of day two but frankly the experience would have been no different.

One of the successful hunters present had multiple stalks blown by a crop duster. I guess my preference would have been Joyce's experience.

Cheers
Jim

Never pass up the opportunity that presents itself. In a good antelope area this is usually accomplished fairly easily!!! Aaron had a good place to hunt!! Both (blind) Bob and I got our Wyoming pronghorn within the first few hours of the first day because we were in prime hunting country! Don't be concerned that you had an easy hunt!!! Good outfitter!!

there is a difference between killing something as fast and as effortless as possible, so that you can go home and remember, and spending days out in the field stalking numerous animals numerous times.

I wouldn't suppose this is all tied up with filming for a TV show is it?

just curious is all...


Rich

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:


I wouldn't suppose this is all tied up with filming for a TV show is it?



Rich

Rich,

I'm not sure what is the intent or meaning of your question. It's in the hunt report that there was a cameraman present. Footage of both Joyce's and Megan's hunts were done as well as some "interviews" concerning hunting, the outdoors, women hunting, etc.

Does that answer your question? If not ask it more specifically.

Jim

Outstanding pics and hunt!

Congratulations Joyce !
Thank you for posting this great report.

Congrats on your goat!
shane

Very impressed!

You have been in my prayers!

Now go get that leopard!

Very impressive !!!!!!!!

Mike

Frostbit,

just curious about the story behind the hunt.

I was wondering when it would be on TV and which outdoor channel.

Rich

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:
Frostbit,

just curious about the story behind the hunt.

I was wondering when it would be on TV and which outdoor channel.

Rich

Rich,

I presume there is no guarantee anything filmed will ever air on TV. This is Aaron's Show in case you have never seen it on The Sportsman's Channel.

The Wild Sheep Foundation's World of Sports Afield

Just remember Joyce, the hunt/experience is all your own. I just think maybe next year we should try again, and do as Rich desires (we all want Rich happy). Look over a few more - and maybe let you take home the big one this time? Brett kinda hogged that title last week.

Sounds like my kind of show. Let us know when it is on Aaron.

In 2008 I shot a big elk about 7 am on day 1 of a seven day hunt. I spent the next six days, hiking with Ms AZW, fly fishing, looking for a deer, and just having fun. If you don't have to ask yourself "should I shoot it?" it is always worth pulling the trigger, no matter how early it is in the hunt.

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:
Just remember Joyce, the hunt/experience is all your own. I just think maybe next year we should try again, and do as Rich desires (we all want Rich happy). Look over a few more - and maybe let you take home the big one this time? Brett kinda hogged that title last week.

Yippee!! I enjoyed riding along and learning stealth techniques from you. Your trick with the tailgate decoy has been very useful here in Alaska. Really!

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:

Yippee!! I enjoyed riding along and learning stealth techniques from you. Your trick with the tailgate decoy has been very useful here in Alaska. Really!

Aaron. I am sure that with all the carrying around of the tailgate Jim will shortly have arms like yours!

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:
Brett kinda hogged that title last week.

Man, that's the truth. That sucker had some mass!!

Great to see some good friends having fun hunting.

Joyce you look great and well done.

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:
Just remember Joyce, the hunt/experience is all your own. I just think maybe next year we should try again, and do as Rich desires (we all want Rich happy). Look over a few more - and maybe let you take home the big one this time? Brett kinda hogged that title last week.

Yippee!! I enjoyed riding along and learning stealth techniques from you. Your trick with the tailgate decoy has been very useful here in Alaska. Really!

Jim, I said Joyce could come back! I said nothing about you bro.

quote:

Originally posted by little miss:

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:

Yippee!! I enjoyed riding along and learning stealth techniques from you. Your trick with the tailgate decoy has been very useful here in Alaska. Really!

Aaron. I am sure that with all the carrying around of the tailgate Jim will shortly have arms like yours!

We'll see Joyce, we'll see.

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:
Just remember Joyce, the hunt/experience is all your own. I just think maybe next year we should try again, and do as Rich desires (we all want Rich happy). Look over a few more - and maybe let you take home the big one this time? Brett kinda hogged that title last week.

Yippee!! I enjoyed riding along and learning stealth techniques from you. Your trick with the tailgate decoy has been very useful here in Alaska. Really!

Jim, I said Joyce could come back! I said nothing about you bro.

We're a package Dude!! Just like a fine steak sometimes has a bone.