This was The sheep that wouldn't die
The setting was a Preserve that I had not been to before but got a referral for, through the owner of the Keystone Country Store.
He said that it would be a challenge and he was not kidding on that part!
It was like walking for 16hrs. up and down the side of a house
The hog that I went for was a joke and with the trad. equipment I was just out matched in this area.
(I could have done it with the wheels but I didn't bring them)
After 12:00 we decided to try this Barbados that David had seen earlier and really wanted , if it offered a challenge.
It offered something more than a challenge and for the next 8 hours we dogged this ram and his troop over hill and dale...never once getting closer than 40yrds. before they would again break and run .
We had about an hour to go before total darkness and I was beyond angry as there were at least a few opportunity's where I could have made that shot but David would not attempt it for fear of a wound.
You have to understand that I am Irish and I have little patience for someone who has no faith in themselves but chooses to go hunting anyway.
The fact of the Matter is that I knew David could put the smack down on a Ram as big as this one any day at 40yrds+...
I knew that! , for a fact!... and that was the most frustrating thing , I was trying to urge him to trust in himself while the Ram kept at that distance
So here we were , 1 hour before pitch black and the range finder is non operative now and we are leaving for Virgina first AM the following morning.
This is it....no more chances.
My eye's can just make out the rams side and I can see that this last hill has him breathing fairly labored (not as labored as me .... I will say that
but labored.
(for an animal with 4 legs that is born to climb
)
We make a quick game plan on the assumption that the Ram will pace himself and allow one of us to get closer while he catches his breath and prepairs for the next mile trot athon.
The herd animals (6) that have been following his lead all this time are all much fresher (seemingly) and start to mill nervously as David and I split to the fore and aft.
This milling blocks the Rams vision enough times for David to use the cover of the tree's and this fact to ease to within 35yrds. of the Ram which now has his eyes focused on me.
There is no sun left by this time and I can just make out Davids silhouette, anchored solidly and steady and then collapsing as the arrow cuts through the air and through the Ram.
With a burst the Ram shoots ahead perhaps ten yards and is cut off by a frightened hue which brings him to a halt.
I look over to see David once again anchored and before I even get the chance to guess the yardage and throw him the sign , the arrow is off
This time the Ram busts out and is on a full run but it wont be a long run this time
Perhaps 60yrds over the ridge we find the Big Ram layed out , leafs piled high in front of his chest from the plowing dive he made as he hit the ground at full stride.
Of course I was thrilled ;D...Perhaps a bit harsh considering such a hasty follow up shot.
After all....without taking advantage of my superior ability to estimate range
, David had surely risked a double wound since in those few seconds it took him to renock and arrow,he could not have seen where (for sure) the first had gone or at what range the next shot would need to be.
(surely not
)
Ah well....
After many congratulations to my son for taking such a fine animal and for putting in so many miles on his feet without giving up....it was time to take some Pics and check our quarry.
The following conversation followed something like this.
"Now see here"...I said , pointing to the single hole on the Rams side.
"you completely missed on that second arrow !"...That was a very foolish shot and unneeded as well....why did you do that?.
"I didn't miss"...said David , I just shot for the same spot.
Being stubborn as he is ...I continued , trying to make him understand that there was only one hole but he was having none of it
"Well Dave!...if you hit him twice! , there would be two holes!
"I shot him in the same place!"
"Yeah right!"
"well look!!"
"Fine!!!"
Rolling the heavy Ram over I was amazed to find two large exit wounds , one in front and one behind the shoulder.
What was I gonna say now
"Great shootin' Dave!! ;D
but labored.
