Zach’s First Antelope
By Harry Neill

    Zach and I left for Gillette, Wyoming for the PCBA Antelope Hunt on September 11, 2007. Initially, I remember my wife Joann being concerned about Zach and me flying on September 11^th. However, flying on September 11^th gave me the opportunity to explain to 13 year old Zach about the sacrifices others make for us to enjoy the freedoms we have and to enjoy the diverse experiences our great Country offers. So off from the east coast to Gillette, Wyoming we went!

   Zach and I were met by Linda Bricker at the airport and were immediately made to feel welcome. A group of the PCBA hunters and guides had dinner together and soon the dinner time conversation centered on “goats”. Zach asked me “I thought we were hunting for pronghorn antelope”? Zach and I shared with the other PCBA hunters the fruits of previous hunts and tried to learn more about these so called goats. At dinner, it wasn’t long before Terry Smith and Zach made a connection with Terry making Zach laugh and feel welcome.

   The next day we took a ride with several of the PCBA hunters to get the lay of the land and Zach got to see his first antelope and was amazed at how fast they could run. To date, Zach’s bow hunting had been for whitetail deer. He was mystified how he would bowhunt an antelope in such open country. We stopped by a few waterholes and the mystery became a little clearer, but he was still uncertain. Later that day we met with the whole group of PCBA hunters to sight in our bows. It was very encouraging for Zach and me to see the variety of bowhunting equipment available for physically challenged bowhunters. After sighting in Zach felt good, I remember him saying “Let’s go shoot a goat!” We then met at the Church Hall, for dinner. Zach met Carlston, our camera man for the hunt.

   The next morning came and Carlston and took us to our blind over the waterhole. After the sun came up we could see many antelope at a 1,000 plus yards. Now, to eastern whitetail hunters this was something special. Zach waited patiently. Believe or not after a few hours, the first group of antelope came in and Zach had the patience to say “Too small, I will wait for a bigger one.” Zach’s poise in the outdoors is well beyond his 13 years. It was around noon when we were glassing a group several hundreds yards to our left when several antelope snuck into the water hole from our right, first the does and then a buck. Carlston was right on them with the camera. I ranged the buck at 24-yards. Zach looked through the scope of his Barnett crossbow and said “I have the perfect shot!” Zach let the arrow fly, “Thump!!” the antelope ran but 50-yards and died. I pushed Zach in his wheelchair out to his first antelope and his first PCBA harvest. Look at the picture of his smile and mine, need I say more.

   The next day was my turn. This time Zach played the role of the cameraman. Zach filmed me while I cleanly missed the first two antelope I shot at. It was well after lunch by the time another group of goats came into the waterhole. I drew my bow and asked Zach if he had the antelope on camera. Zach said, “Yes, and Dad you got to make the shot this time!” I let the arrow fly and it hit its mark and down went the antelope. Later we looked at the tape and just before my arrow hit the tape ran out!!!! Just like a seasoned hunter Zach has jokingly reminded me it took three shots for me and one for him.

   PCBA thanks for the memories!

A special thanks to Steve Bricker, his family and the group of dedicated volunteers who did a top notch job of organizing and running the annual Antelope Hunt.