13 replies to this topic

[Bozsik]

Hi everyone,Just got back from my annual desert trip with the kids. We do this for two weeks during the Easter Break from school. I just add an extra week with it.Shooting was just as productive with the rifles and shotguns as it was with the camera. I shot over 1400 photos this trip. We all got game "in the bag", so to speak with Lil'Shooter taking some jacks with her savage cub.The second day on the trip found us just south of Goldfields, NV to camp for the night. That evening, after taking care of the two kids and setting up the tent cots, I decided to give the location a shot with the foxpro. Hiking a couple of hundred yards from the camp, I set the Fox Pro up and set the delay switch on. I hustled back to the only cover higher than 8 inches and that was a joshua tree. Since they don't offer any real form of concealment, I just hunkered down next to the base.Soon, the familiar sound of dieing rabbit was cast across the desert. This went on for about 15 minutes, but alas, no results. It was almost dark anyway, so I return to the camp with nothing to brag about.Just before sunup the next morning, I hear yipping in the cool air. The sky had been overcast, but no real rainfall yet. I slipped into the camo gear, grabbed the E-caller, and slid one shell down the tube of the Rossi. Off I shuffled to give it another try.With the thin overcast, I could still make out the full moon which had not quite set yet in the west. I even set the caller in the same spot it had rested while reciting the tune the evening before. With the delay set, off I shuffled to the joshua tree as if this was a daily routine. I was hunkered down with the rifle facing towards the caller. About three minutes into the chorus, I detect movement from about 45 degrees to my right. There was a yote bearing down full steam on the caller and a second one not twenty yards behind. Since there wasn't any cover, I didn't want to risk swinging the rifle to pick up on the approach. I raised the already shouldered armament closer to eye position and rotated about twenty yards in front of the Fox Pro. This placed the rifle view between the oncoming critters and the caller.They were about 45 yards away from me and the first yote moved into the optical view of the scope. That is when it slowed to a stop. . .CRACK. The first shot hit the lead dog in the side just a bit right of the intended location, but it was enough to knock him down. I split the gun in half and rechambered the next cartridge when the second yote turned directly away from me and began to run. Slapping the forearm of the Rossi back to horizontal, I began to track the second one. In my head I could hear Shooter John saying "Bark like a dog", so I did. Sure enough the yote was now about 120 yards out, and it came to a dead stop and did a quick look back. At the same time, I noticed the first dog back on its feet. I took a shot at the second dog and the shot was high. It was not going to give me another opportunity, so I swung back to the first yote, rechambered, and let one fly. A resounding WHOP and it was all over.Some really good excitement was definitely had. I wish I had taken a bit more time with the second one, but oh well. I haven't bee practicing much offhand shooting, so maybe if I had the sticks with, I would have had two.The rest of the AZ part of the trip, I didn't want to purchase a non-res. liicense for just a coupe of days, so I whipped out the camera, and you can see the results below. I am sorry I missed the last meeting, I was told Mike brought the frozen bobcat for me. Wouldn't you know it, the only meeting in over a year that I would miss, would be the day. I will have to get in touch with you later, Mike.Anyway, I hope you all had as much fun as we did during the holiday.Take care,DB, Lil'Shooter, and Point Blank

[Cranky Farmer]

Those are some great pictures! I didnt know there were prairie dogs in NV. How many were there?

[ShooterJohn]

I didnt know there were prairie dogs in NV. How many were there?

Don't you mean how many did you shoot?

[capitol]

Now thats what I call a vacation. Very nice pictures too.

[Stiff Neck]

Great pics!

[Thumper Dunker]

Looks like lots of fun

[Hylander]

Great report and pics:I'm jealous

[Bozsik]

Thanks for the comments. I just wish I could fasten the camera to the gun. Then I could have the two synchronized to shoot at the same time. Although it wouldn't be fun for the non-game species. Now that the digital cameras are as good as the film cameras, I wish I could have the years back to spend shooting wildlife. I would spend 6 months to a year at a time in the Aussie Outback, or trekking in the South Pacific Islands shooting flora, fauna, and habitats. Digital is way faster and easier. It is the latest version of the polaroid. And I don't have to buy film, either!!! db

[RLS]

What camera do yo use and what lenses? The pictures are great and it looked like the whole trip was great.

[Bozsik]

What camera do yo use and what lenses? The pictures are great and it looked like the whole trip was great.

I use a Nikon digital body. The lenses are Nikon and range from 18mm to 400mm. But the equivalent in 35mm film is is 27mm to 600mm.I love shooting images as much as hunting. It's just kinda difficult to do both at the same time.db

[RLS]

I have a D-70 that I use for work. I have the lens that was in the package. 18-something. It is a great camera but you have a great eye besides the camera

[Cranky Farmer]

The D-70 ROCKS

[Bozsik]

I have a D-70 that I use for work. I have the lens that was in the package. 18-something. It is a great camera but you have a great eye besides the camera

Thanks. I do have a bit of practice behind me - 30 years worth. I also have a BA in Biological Photography. db