That blind had almost blown away a few days before. Was kind of ripped up a bit but worked fine.
Will put in T-posts and a fence big enough to put a blind in it several weeks prior to the hunt. Usually pre-set the blind so I can cut the fence out for the shooting lane and have a good entry spot. I will have several locations set up like that and move blinds as needed.
If you can scope out the shoreline and see a place with majority of tracks where they want to drink for whatever reason, then set blind 20 yards from there if it's a really big pond.
Seriously, along the lines of original question, anyone have insight regarding hanging a treestand on a windmill tower at a spot where too many cattle to set a blind? How to stay cool? How much movement can you get a way with? Height of stand? Other?
I have just rigged regular strap on tree stands up to the windmills. I have also set up ladder stands.
Never had a real comfortable stand setup in a windmill but have been successful on deer, pigs, and antelope from them.
I prefer to be up near the top but low enough that I won’t get knocked out of my stand if the windmill turns in the wind.
I have tried hanging stuff to get some shade or additional cover on windmills but have had limited success with them staying up there very long. Usually blown away in the first wind storm.
I’ve seen some umbrella that you can mount that would be nice to have for the sun.
I have thought about building a “mini-blind” with 2x4’s and tie wire but haven’t actually done it. Have a couple of windmills at my folks ranch that would be prime windmill locations that I will set up mini blinds on for pig hunting.
Keeping cool. A breeze through the blind makes a big difference but make sure to button it up tight behind and on sides if lopes start getting even a little close. My favorite blind addition has been a small pressure bottle that sprays a mist on you, worth its weight in gold. Also if you can drive out to blind and drop off a ice chest with cold drinks and frozen water bottles makes for a more comfortable day. Most tanks have a two track to them and most landowners don't mind you drive to them but make sure they are ok with it before just doing it. Most tanks the rancher checks on regularly so I don't think driving out there in the dark hurts. I done it many times and often will have goats with in a few hundred yards when sun comes up.
Have a comfortable chair. Again if I drive to it, I take a zero gravity chair. It is like having a recliner in the blind with you. Last bring entertainment. Internet on phone is often questionable. If it works bring a battery bank. I usually read a book in the blind. If cows in pasture with you I'll take a walking stick to encourage them not to lean blind and break it with a mild poke.
Embrace the suck
Interestingly, when I have sat windmills, the critters seem to totally ignore me up there. It would definitely help for antelope in the heat to have an umbrella, though. The sun can cook you.
Have two ladder stands on windmills at the family ranch now. My boy killed a bunch of pigs from one of them.
Last couple of times I have used that snow fence that has the little wooden slats in a wire fence. Cattle won’t tear it up and I make it big enough to drop a blind in.
Kinda worried about rattlesnakes now… Have two pop ups out for deer in AZ now and saw a big rattler run over right near one of my setups.
One thing not mentioned is blind location in reference to the wind. Pronghorn have some of the best eyes in the World.....they also have incredible noses. Where I've hunted Wyo and Colo antelope the wind generally blows in certain directions. It's obviously wise to keep that in mind when selecting blind locations.
I don't think many hunters give truly whopper antelope bucks the respect they deserve. It's actually pretty simple to harvest any ole buck from a waterhole blind that makes P&Y. It's a super challenge locating a particular high scoring buck, figure out where he waters, and have all the stars align. For this to happen may take quite a few days in several blinds. The best dates to waterhole hunt are obviously the hottest and driest. It can be a challenge sitting days upon days in a blind hoping a particular trophy buck shows up. If there is much water in your area, you may be screwed. My idea of a "trophy" is an 80+"er while others it may be a pretty common 14" P&Y. It took me quite a few days one year to figure out that the giant buck I was hunting only watered at night! Other monster bucks have circled the blind to catch wind of any strangers. I've had others lay and watch a blind for hours upon hours without even coming to water.
I've had does and mediocre bucks almost run in to water but most older whopper bucks tend to know something's up....especially if a blind hasn't been up long. I would definitely agree that in years like 2023 with lots of water scattered across the hills can be challenging, especially targeting whopper bucks from waterholes.
There's definitely a pretty big learning curve harvesting a B&C antelope buck. If you aren't picky and want a P&Y buck it's actually pretty simple!
I've been very fortune over the years to harvest many whopper bucks. I put in hours upon hours of research, scouting, and time searching for special bucks in country that is known for producing whoppers. I grew up in that country and it's a special place! A B&C pronghorn with bow is super tough proposition and a great accomplishment. As I mentioned above, P&Y is a slam dunk in good antelope country....B&C with bow is tough!
I really haven't been willing to put in the time during archery season. I guess I've been spoiled over the years hunting with rifle. I often don't archery hunt but spend hours covering gobs of country looking over literally hundreds of bucks. I can be a lot pickier during rifle season searching miles upon miles of country finding the 1 or 2 special bucks that may exist in a given year. Honestly, it would take even more time during archery season to harvest a buck I would be excited about....and I haven't been willing to devote that kind of time to an archery hunt. Those that have harvested B&C bucks on their own know...especially with a bow know exactly what I'm talking about!
This will be even tougher the next few years with the low antelope numbers/fewer mature bucks that exist from winterkill in the premier antelope units where I spend a lot of time. Pray that there isn't another bad winter in certain pronghorn states and units affected in the coming years or the consequences are going to be horrific. Sorry about dragging this on when it has relatively nothing to do with the original post.
With all that said, have a great time on the prairie....that's a lot more important than a buck's score!
