trophy wife

This hunting season I was drawn for an antelope tag. I was a bit surprised since I didn’t even know that I had put in for that hunt. Nonetheless, I was excited for the opportunity of a few days away with Colby.
After dropping off my kids with Chea (thank you so much), I headed to Flagstaff where Colby and I had our last warm meal (or so I thought- we actually camped about 3minutes from a Wendy’s) before stepping into the mysterious world of hunting. By lunchtime of opening day, we had seen a few antelope and blew the stalk (like my hunting lingo?) on a big one. After a nap in the trailer and Wendy’s for lunch- I know, it isn’t how I imagined hunting either, we headed back out. We found “the one” and started to hike towards our target. We kept getting closer and the antelope kept running over the next ridge. I told myself, “I don’t care how big it is, I just hope I get it ‘cause this hiking isn’t really my idea of a good time.” Luckily, with the pressure from another hunter, I got my chance to shoot. Colby was a little worried because the shot was a little far. I wasn’t worried about the distance, I was more worried about the other hunter getting MY antelope. I could see the antelope in my scope and asked if I could pull the trigger. Colby, again a little cautious about the distance, asked if I was sure I was ready. ‘Yep, let me shoot’. One shot and I got him! We had no idea how big it was until we saw it close up. Colby and his friend, Jay, were so excited! Apparently I had shot a pretty big one. I was so excited that I didn’t have to haul the heavy rifle around anymore.
Now, here is the most interesting thing I learned about hunting: trophy pictures. If you have ever experienced a grumpy husband during family pictures; let me tell you, it isn’t the actual picture taking they are grumpy about- it must be the setting. I witnessed these two guys literally rolling in the rocks and cactus just for the perfect picture- it was hilarious! When I looked at the pictures I was bugged that Colby didn’t tell me to smile more or to take off my hat. But then I realized that all of the picture taking wasn’t for me, but for the other trophy in the picture:)


When we got home, we found out that my antelope really is a trophy buck. It scores as the third largest antelope shot by a women according to the Safari Club International. The shot was of a distance of 508 yards, which apparently is pretty far. Not too shabby, if I do say so myself. Thanks Colby for a great hunting experience.