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Letter to a Friend November 19, 2002 Mike, Returned from Montana last week and had a great time, as usual. As you might have heard, going to Montana this year was more like going to Alaska. The nights were cold. Got down to -10°. The warmest day made it all the way up to 18°. You would think with the weather that cold that the deer would be out everywhere. Sorry to say they were not. The first day hunting, we encountered fog. First time I have seen fog in Montana. There were times when we could not see 50 yards. Spent the better part of the first day just sitting in fields waiting for the fog to lift. On the third day, I saw a very large buck out at around 700 yards. Did two stalks on him, with no luck. It was exciting but not productive. While sitting on a small hill, my guide and I spotted something strange. Out in a winter wheat field was a big horn sheep. He stayed in the field, feeding about 15 minutes, then slowly moved back into the woods. There were a lot of bucks in the 14-to16-inch size but decided to pass and give them a few more years to grow. At the end of the hunt, my score was zip. The only shot I took was on the range sighting in my pistol. We went to a ranch owned by the new owner of the “Jim place.” Got a chance at a whitetail but could not get into the right spot. At breakfast on the morning I was to leave, the new owner said to me, “If you are not in a rush to get home, stay an extra day, no charge.” Didn’t have to tell me twice! Spent that morning stalking a nice four point, but the trees kept getting in the way. Needed to cut the distance down on that buck. As you know, I do not like shooting the .454 farther than 100 yards. While the buck never spooked, he decided that my presence was not in his best interest and left. Driving to another area on the “Jim place,” I spotted four does. One of them was very big. Made a quick decision. Slipped out of the truck, used the curve of the land to get within ninety yards or so, and took the shot. I hit her, where the neck and head join and she went down for the count. Did not waste any meat. That doe was as large as any buck that I have taken. Had an uneventful trip home and look forward to returning to Montana next year. I will be going back to Africa again, next spring, and will keep you informed. Ron
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© Copyright: Ronald Machado - 2002
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