Seems like every call I make to get on yet another new ranch to shoot varmints has
turned into a big "yes you are more than welcome" lately. Couple of weeks ago it
was for a totally new valley only a couple hours away, and I not only got a signed
permit good for a year, but the rancher also gave me the use of a nearly new 5th
wheel already set up to stay in when up helping rid him of his diggers, badger and
especially jack rabbits. He also gave the nod on his "private" herd of Pronghorn
as well if I can draw a tag. Looking good so far... I also have made the calls and
been able to add a bunch more small ranches up in the valley where I held Digger
Wars One last year. Not a single turn-down (they had all heard how great my
group was). Hey, its looking like I can't do anything wrong. Then it happened.....
I did my bimonthly check in with the owner of the biggest "host ranch" that we
camp on during the shoot. The rancher, who has become kind of a friend, started
off the call with "Larry, I don't know how to tell you this"..... Yep, he sold the
ranch! But all was not lost, as he had already got the new owners permission for
us to shoot it again this year. Whew! Even so, I kind of chewed him out for not
letting me know sooner. Licking his wounds, he offered a new name in what he
said was an even better area to try calling "as a back up". Well, long story short,
I really hit it off with this new rancher, who told me he only lets one group shoot
his ranch every year and he asked the bunch from CA who had shot it the last few
years to not came back again (they shot up some center pivots last year and didn't
tell him). Well, after over an hour on the phone getting to know each other, I was
given exclusive use of his entire ranch this year. Says he is already over-ran with
diggers, and since he doesn't poison them, could really use our help. At just
about 200,000 acres of squirrels (that's over 300 square miles), he really does need
help (mine and that of all my Digger Wars guests as well I'd say). So, DW2 has
now been changed, with 7 of the 10 days dedicated to this new ranch alone.
Ought to be a heck of a time with several barrels shot-out. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Now if only that wholesaler can get me the case (or 2) of 17HMR I'll be needing.....
.
.
turned into a big "yes you are more than welcome" lately. Couple of weeks ago it
was for a totally new valley only a couple hours away, and I not only got a signed
permit good for a year, but the rancher also gave me the use of a nearly new 5th
wheel already set up to stay in when up helping rid him of his diggers, badger and
especially jack rabbits. He also gave the nod on his "private" herd of Pronghorn
as well if I can draw a tag. Looking good so far... I also have made the calls and
been able to add a bunch more small ranches up in the valley where I held Digger
Wars One last year. Not a single turn-down (they had all heard how great my
group was). Hey, its looking like I can't do anything wrong. Then it happened.....
I did my bimonthly check in with the owner of the biggest "host ranch" that we
camp on during the shoot. The rancher, who has become kind of a friend, started
off the call with "Larry, I don't know how to tell you this"..... Yep, he sold the
ranch! But all was not lost, as he had already got the new owners permission for
us to shoot it again this year. Whew! Even so, I kind of chewed him out for not
letting me know sooner. Licking his wounds, he offered a new name in what he
said was an even better area to try calling "as a back up". Well, long story short,
I really hit it off with this new rancher, who told me he only lets one group shoot
his ranch every year and he asked the bunch from CA who had shot it the last few
years to not came back again (they shot up some center pivots last year and didn't
tell him). Well, after over an hour on the phone getting to know each other, I was
given exclusive use of his entire ranch this year. Says he is already over-ran with
diggers, and since he doesn't poison them, could really use our help. At just
about 200,000 acres of squirrels (that's over 300 square miles), he really does need
help (mine and that of all my Digger Wars guests as well I'd say). So, DW2 has
now been changed, with 7 of the 10 days dedicated to this new ranch alone.
Ought to be a heck of a time with several barrels shot-out. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Now if only that wholesaler can get me the case (or 2) of 17HMR I'll be needing.....
.
.
