First Manchurian Sika Hunt for 2009!
Patt has been a staunch supporter of the Safari Club International for many years and faithfully attends the Dallas Club convention in January. This past January, a donation by the Stumberg Patio Ranch to the auction featured a pure Manchurian Sika hunt. As with all hunts that Patt anticipates, he researched the Patio Ranch as well as information on the animals present on the ranch. His search convinced him that he would like to bid strongly on this Pure Manchurian Sika hunt. After the smoke cleared on the auction floor, Patt was the high bidder.
The first evening on the ranch was spent viewing the historic main lodge and then checking the firearm performance. A few animals were seen, but the daylight faded before any serious hunting had a chance to develop. The next morning dawned with a near full moon in the sky and the animals just bedding down. They had probably been feeding most of the night as only some lone bulls were seen of which most were bedded. One of the larger bulls that Patt was able to view really appealed to him at first sighting…it was a 10 ½ year old bull with great mass and long points with great character. He turned shy on us and retired deeper into the brush. With the animals becoming less visible, it was decided to let the animals rest as we went to the lodge for a bite of lunch; this would also give the animals a chance to calm down for a hunt later in the day.
After lunch and a short rest, Patt decided that he would like to hunt the large old bull that we had left earlier in the day. We decided to sit in the midst of a fallen oak tree that would serve as a great blind near the spot where we had last seen the old bull. A seemingly foolproof plan was made to wait for the old bull to make his way out of the brush in the open spot in front of our hiding place. After what seemed like ages (but was probably less than a half hour), we heard a twig snap behind us. Turning, we saw the old bull with another younger bull where we did not expect him…directly behind us! He had obviously found a flaw in our plan. Patt’s only option was to twist in place and find an open space in the brush cover through which he could fire. With the large bull moving, Patt was able to fire from his awkward stance through the open spot. The bull lurched and ran back toward the brush…had we seen blood on his shoulder?! A slow and laborious search through the stifling thick cedar brake finally brought us in sight of the still standing animal. A final shot dropped the majestic old bull in his tracks.
Patt and his wife enjoy so many things about a hunt: the animals seen, the meals shared, the fellowship of participants and the blessing of being part of this wonderful hunting heritage passed on to us generation to generation. We invite you to come share a hunt with us here on the Patio Ranch to celebrate your part in this hunting heritage. Bring the excitement and experience of your hunt to others as you “…tell a different hunting story!”
Best wishes for abundant rains this fall!!