My RSS Feed

White Sands Missile Range - A HUNTER TRIUMPHANT!

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2010-12-22T14:28:34-07:00

On Dec. 4th 2010, I took Mr. and Mrs. Sanders on an another wild adventure... An Oryx hunt on the WSMR in Southern New Mexico. The WSMR hunt administrator, Gilbert Villegas accompanied/escorted us on the hunt and below is what Gilbert had to say.

“Good Evening everyone,

            I wanted to share with everyone a special hunt that took place several weeks ago that embraces the human spirit and defines how our sport brings people of all races, ethnicities and disabilities together at one point in time to share an experience that lives forever. I have the great privilege of meeting all types of sportsmen and women each year and every year there will be one or two special hunts that remind me why I enjoy hunting.

The story begins with Bo Prieskorn of Brazos River Outfitters, who was able to obtain an incentive tag and had the perfect hunter to take advantage of this opportunity. To make this happen we had the tag validated with the help of Ray Aaltonen, Dan Brooks and the Special Licensing Department with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.

Bo and I had several conversations about his hunter, Mr. Sanders who is 100% blind. I obviously was very curious and started to wonder how this was going to work out. To be honest, I was wondering if we could harvest an animal, especially when the average shot is 275 - 300 yards and Oryx are constantly on the move. Bo knew it was going to be a challenge, but it was nothing like the challenge Mr. & Mrs. Sanders had overcome. He sent me this link to give me some insight on how this couple conquered the impossible so they can do the things they love to do, hunt!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swkumYa8EVE

If you were like me you, were moved by the video but inspired at the same time. Needless to say, I was excited about the hunt and couldn’t wait to meet Mr. Sanders and his wife. That morning I gave the hunt party their range orientation and hunt briefing before we started. Bo gave me a breakdown on how Mr. Sanders gets into position and how he actually aims and shoots. Basically, his scope is attached to a special video display unit that allows his wife to see what Mr. Sanders is pointing at. She meticulously guides him in for the shot. This is what it would be like in the cab of the truck, 2 O’clock…up, down…a hair to the right and hair down…GUN!!!!!! Gun is the key word for Mr. Sanders to let lead fly. The unit also records the shot ( Below is a whitetail hunt he had.).

Team Sanders also let me know they would need 30 to 45 seconds to get on the animal, which is an eternity for Oryx. Mr. Sanders indicated he was solid at 200 yards and wasn’t afraid to shoot out to 300 yards.

            So at day break we were off. I had radio contact with Bo and Mr. Sanders to make sure we were always communicating as we were driving down range. I also had Jason one of our WSMR Game Wardens, helping us from the west. As we started our way onto the range, Jason let me know he had a nice bull right off the road. Since Mr. Sanders has a mobility impaired certificate that allows him to shoot from the road and from inside the vehicle, it was a great opportunity, but it was about 20 minutes away. As we started driving that direction, I was scanning each side of the road to make sure we didn’t miss anything close, and all of sudden there wa a nice Oryx 70 yards to my right. I fumbled around to get my radio to let Bo know, and I pulled off the road to get a better look. I couldn’t believe it! She was just standing there looking at us. I got so worked up I couldn’t judge her correctly, all I said, (almost shouting) “She’s a good one, 33…34 inches!”. After about 15 seconds, I was amazed she was still there looking across the road, so I naturally started to turn to look around. Forty yards on the other side of the road was a nice looking bull; we had split up a cow and bull. So I got on the radio, “To your right! EITHER ONE!”. The bull didn’t want any part of this, and within seconds he was gone, but the cow wanted to cross the road to follow the bull. She eventually spooked a bit and ran off to about 125 yards, standing right in front of a yucca and preventing Mr. Sanders from taking a shot once he was on her. I was, however, confident she would run off a bit more and look back to see where the bulls was. I told them over the radio she would stop again, and she did exactly what I thought. She ran about another 55 yards and stopped, and after about 20 seconds I hear a shot and a SMACK! She took off like most of them do, but I could see that she was hit hard. The Oryx ran another 80 yards and fell over. We didn’t celebrate just yet because we all know Oryx are notorious for jumping up and running out of sight. So Bo and I went to make sure it was down and the roar of victory echoed through the desert that morning as we confirmed that cow was down for the count. Mrs. Sander escorted her husband to the kill. He was about to burst with joy and excitement. One shot! She was a trophy: She measured 37 inches! We all set up for the camera, but before we took the pictures, Mr. Sanders knelt to examine this fine animal that he could not see. He ran his hands over every inch of that animal, marveling at the wonder of it all – as certainly were all the rest of us.

Team Sanders definitely worked like a well oiled machine that morning, at least it looked like that from outside the cab. I was telling Bo how cool this was and how calm everyone was before the shot and he was like, “No way it was CHOAS”, he said as he laughed. Mrs. Sanders agreed and Mike just laughed since he was the CHOAS part of the hunt. They gave me the impression he gets so worked up and excited, before and after the shot, he’s bouncing off the walls of the truck. It sounds like Mr. Sanders has the same passion I do. The hunt was a success, but the true essence of the hunt was not the hunt itself but the people I was fortunate to meet because of the hunt. Not only was I inspired by them, but I know I will be a better person too. There are no words to explain the dedication and commitment Mrs. Sanders has for her husband, whom she married after the oil rig accident in 2004. She was with him before the accident and it looks like she’ll be there for the rest of their lives. They have stood together against all odds, sharing their story for all that there isn’t an obstacle big enough to keep you from doing the things you love. I’ve learned there are no excuses in life other than the ones you make up, and I was able to share the Sanders’ experience with my nephew, who is learning the essentials of being a sportsman. It was a pleasure to meet two awesome people (Bo wasn’t too bad either.). By the way, Mrs. Sanders is a killing machine in your own right, so don’t let her fool you.

Special thanks have to be given to the NMDGF for taking care of all the paper work so this hunt could happen in such short notice.

Till next time, happy hunting….

Gilbert Villegas
Wildlife Biologist/Hunt Administrator
Zia Engineering and Environmental, llc”

Archery Hunt... Small bull taken on the last day of the hunt

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2010-11-16T15:52:57-07:00

I took this bull on the last day of the hunt...

Brazos Bulls...

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2010-11-16T15:50:46-07:00

A short clip of some bulls playing around

2010 Fly Fishing

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2010-10-15T13:59:12-06:00

Our 2010 Fly Fishing season was a great success... Please enjoy the pictures

Brazos River Ranch 2010 Fly Fishing on Fotopedia

2010 Ranch Elk Hunt

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2010-11-14T19:26:29-07:00

This year was another great success... We went 4 for 6 Archery Bulls, 13 for 14 Rifle Bulls and 9 for 9 Rifle Cows. We still maintained a 100% shooting opportunity for 5x5 or better. Congrats to all the elk hunters... See you again next year!

Brazos River Ranch 2010 Elk Hunt on Fotopedia

After 23 Years His First Bull Elk 7x8

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2010-11-07T10:41:00-07:00

Fly Rod Chronicles Under Armour Update

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2010-09-24T14:53:22-06:00

2010 Antelope Hunt

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2010-08-25T10:07:16-06:00

This Years Antelope Hunts Was a Great Success... 100% and one of our hunters was 100% Blind...

Chele's First Antelope... 200 yds -- NICE SHOT!

Chris Had Several Book Antelope Give Him The Slip Before Shooting This Really Nice First Time Buck... Next Year!!!

Mike Is 100% Blind And Missed On An Antelope That Would Have Been Upper 70's to Lower 80" BC Before Getting This Really Nice Buck At 250yds... Congrats Mike!

Fly Fishing Summer 2010

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2010-07-24T13:48:45-06:00

Best Dry Fly Action In New Mexico

Fly Fishing 2010

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2010-07-18T20:59:00-06:00

Another Great Trip On The Brazos River Ranch

Not only did we catch really nice Rainbows but we also caught 18" Brookies

Fly Fishing 2010-- Taos Fly Shop & Streit Fly Fishing Guided Trip

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2010-07-14T07:08:58-06:00

Nick and Taylor Streit from Streit Fly Fishing and Taos Fly Shop guided fly fishing trip on the ranch... http://www.taosflyshop.com/ http://streitflyfishing.com/

Fly Fishing Summer 2010

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2010-06-28T13:30:22-06:00

Fishing has been amazing... 100+ fish day

Solar!!!

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2010-06-28T13:24:13-06:00

It's Official, The ranch is now fully operational on solar and wi-fi... NO MORE GENERATORS!!!

Testimonial

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2010-06-22T18:03:01-06:00

I was having coffee with a group of guys and one gentlemen mentioned he had a friend that fished the ranch last year.

After a brief conversation with Ken, here's what Ken had to say in an email to our friend Pat:

"They say this is world-class fresh-water trout fly fishing, and I can see why. We were at 10,000 + feet on the 5,000 acre Brazos River Ranch, with 2 miles of private access to the Brazos river. The weather was perfect, clear water, good flow and minimal wind. I was the only one on the river. There were numerous riffles, pools, turns and grass overhangs- long casting which made it fun- meadow flatlands with no bushes or trees obstructing casts. The smallest fish I am holding is in fact a very large-size for a Brook trout (wild - native to the river). The others are Rainbows. The guide is holding several I caught. There were many catches we did not take photos of - seemed a little redundant. The cabins were built by the ranch owner. We carried our bedrolls with us- the cabins had a bed with no coverings, but it was very comfortable- small heaters. It got to 30 degrees at night. Pat, you may know the ranch owners- they're from Las Vegas NM . Great way to spend a couple of days. Look forward to doing it again next year..." Ken

Ken was guided by Taos Fly Shop, Taylor and Nick Streit in late Aug. 2009.

Thanks to Taylor and Nick Streit Taos Fly Shop

Fly Fishing Spring 2010 Brazos River Ranch

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2010-06-15T17:33:12-06:00

Fly Fishing At The Ranch Is Picking Up... Bring On The Dry's

Fly Fishing Spring 2010 Brazos River Ranch

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2010-06-07T07:12:51-06:00

Brookie Action...

OUR HEAD FLY FISHING GUIDE!!!!!

Fly Fishing Spring 2010 Brazos River Ranch

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2010-06-07T07:00:49-06:00

Brazos River Running Through The Ranch

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2010-06-07T06:38:42-06:00

Brazos River Ranch

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2010-06-07T06:32:03-06:00

Early Morning Pictures From The Cabin

Brazos River Ranch

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2010-06-04T07:15:30-06:00

Ranch remodel under way...

Privacy Fence (Wood Fired Hot Tub)

Fly Fishing Spring 2010 Brazos River Ranch

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2010-06-04T06:58:30-06:00

2010 First Fly Fishing Trip of The Year!!! GET HOOKED

Snow Up Date

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2010-03-31T15:41:06-06:00

This year we've had 84 inches of snow, Thats about 36 inches of water!! Fishing should be fantastic!!

Fly Fishing 2010 Summer Season

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2010-03-22T17:05:34-06:00

We are almost completely booked for our 2010 fly fishing season... only a feew weeks open. Please call 505-453-1212 or email us for availability.

Brazos River Ranch

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2010-03-22T17:04:27-06:00

As of 3/22/2010 the ranch has 120" of snow... should be a great year

***Update-2010 Private Land Elk Hunts Available

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2010-01-25T09:40:17-07:00

As of 1/27/2010 We are Booked for 2010 Private Land Archery and Only have 2 Private Land Rifle hunts left... don't miss out

Now taking reservations for Patagonia Adventures!!!!

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2009-12-08T16:44:59-07:00

Brazos River Outfitter and Guides is excited to announce an exclusive partnership with Sterling Adenvture Group and The Patagonia Journal.

EXOTIC FLY FISHING ADVENTURES | UNBELIEVABLE BIRD HUNTS | INCREDIBLE FREE RANGE RED STAG AND WILD BOAR HUNTS | AMAZING PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS

Keep checking back and let our experience put together an amazing adventure in PATAGONIA

Partnership- LOE guides and Brazos River Ranch

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2009-12-07T09:24:39-07:00

Coming Soon---Brazos River Ranch and Land of Enchantment Guides are in talks...providing World Class Fly Fishing Guides

**Update-2010 Private Land Elk Hunts Available

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2009-12-05T12:51:31-07:00

As of 12/05/2009 Only 1 Private Land Archery hunt left... don't miss out

2010 Private Land Elk Hunts Available

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2009-11-27T14:40:15-07:00

We only have 2 Private Land Archery Elk and 6 Private Land Rifle Elk Hunts Available as of 11/26/2009... Only 2 archery hunters(1x1) and 4 rifle bull hunters (2x1) are on the ranch during each hunt. First archery elk hunt still open, 2 slots on my second rifle (still bulging) and 4 slots still open on my third rifle (still bugling) hunt. We only allow 5 x 5 or bigger to be taken on the ranch. Over the past 13 years, our ranch has maintained an unbelievable 100% shooting opportunity (free-ranging) with a 90% success rate. All hunts are 5 days but usually only last for 2 days. For references or more information please feel free to contact us

2010 SCI Convention Reno, NV

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2009-11-27T09:27:49-07:00

Please join us in Reno, NV Jan. 20 - Jan, 23, 2010 for the 2010 SCI Convention. Our booth #3024... We have two items up for action, bid in person or via web: Donation #24166 and #24891

2009 New Mexico Antelope Success Rate

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2009-11-19T17:53:29-07:00

This Antelope season was a big success... 100% with one scoring 81 7/8" BC shot at 476yrds

Brazos River Ranch

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2009-11-19T17:53:23-07:00

The ranch currently has 66" of snow

2009 New Mexico Elk Hunting Success Rate

bprieskorn@yahoo.com — 2009-11-19T17:53:27-07:00

Brazos River Ranch and Brazos River Outfitters & Guides would like to extend a very special thank you to all of our 2009 hunters for making this year another successful elk season. The ranch went 5 for 6 archery elk and 15 for 15 rifle elk. It always a pleasure hunting with you guys. See you next year!!! Bo Prieskorn