Manchurian Sika…Another Super Trophy!
The hunt started as many do during this late fall time of year in the Texas Hill Country…a warm day that suddenly turns cool with the passing of a fast-moving cold front. But the day was too advanced to search for the sika that Wes had been saving for this special friend; we decided to wait until the morning to start the hunt in earnest. Instead, a special birthday with two special people that had returned to the ranch to share the celebration was enjoyed by all. A warm fire burning in the lodge fireplace, good wine, a great meal (compliments of Jayne) and good fellowship topped the celebratory evening.
The next morning dawned clear, cold and with a brisk north wind...a great day for a hunt. The first part of the morning was spent searching for the larger sika bulls to get a feel for the type of animals that were in the pasture. The wind had the sika mostly bedded-down or in the parts of the pasture shielded from the wind but where the warm sun could provide a comfortable resting spot. Although not all of the bulls were found, the two largest bulls were seen in different areas of the pasture and they could be observed from a distance during the first search of the pasture.
A decision was made to pursue the first bull that had been sighted. As is common with hunting, returning to find a previously sighted animal is seldom successful. By the time we returned to the original sighting spot, the group of bulls had moved on to an unknown area. After another search pattern was completed, the group of bulls and the one special bull were finally sighted for the second time. A plan of action for the stalk was formulated and acted upon.
The bull was almost downwind from our spotting position. Trying to approach from upwind would have exposed the hunters to the field of view of the group of bulls, so the hunters backtracked and circled so that they could approach the bull from a crosswind position. Stalking from oak tree to oak tree for cover from watchful eyes, Wes finally had the shooter in position. A shot rang out and the large sika bull dropped in place. The final chapter of this special hunt can be told from the picture of the magnificent pure Manchurian Sika bull.
An invitation is always open to come join us here on The Patio Ranch to share a hunt…whether it be in conjunction with the celebration of a special day in one’s life or to celebrate the creation that we are blessed to enjoy with every day spent here in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Come join us and share an experience that will afford you the opportunity to visit with good friends and to “…tell a different hunting story!”
May special blessings come to you during this Thanksgiving season!