2006 brought an unexpected suprise to my hunting experience with the finding of this antelope early in the month of May. After trying to keep track of this fellow for months by sneaking around, worrying about whether or not someone else would find him before season, or just plain losing him, I was finally able to capitalize on his animal nature and catch him with several does at about 60+ yards on opening day of rifle season. After crawling/sneaking/laying/hiding for close to a mile to get close enough, I was able to pop over a hill and suprise him and his does before they made an attempt to escape with their very elusive open range speed that God gave them. After having "big daddy" scored, (that's what the kids and I named him) he measured 90 inches. I never imagined that he would measure that much even when I was holding him after the shot. The main horns are 16" with almost that much for width. The thing that made this antelope very unique is the spades (shovels, hooks, or whatever you want to call them). Most antelope spades curl up and back, not out and down. Currently, the antelopes' score is pending evaluation with Boone & Crockett for the new state record for South Dakota. The current record is 89 1/8 so let's all say a little prayer and hope Big Daddy makes the book.

After taking "Big Daddy", I called my friends Justin Haines (right) and Scott Peterson (left) to come out from town and help with my picture taking. Thanks guys!

My oldest son Drake with his first antelope. He took this beautiful 12 incher at 239 yds with a Ruger 6mm. Two minutes later a doe came back to see why her boyfriend wasn't moving and he took her without moving positions from the same distance. Two shots, two kills. Nice job!

Justin Haines with his 2006 14 inch beauty. We snuck up on this one to about 75-80 yds and he took it with one shot. Way to go Putz!