In the last 20 years I have drawn this hunt 7 times with muzzleloader. I think it was the first seven years I put in for it. I drew every year. On group applications, all my hunting party usually drew. Back in the good old days there was little to no interest in this hunt. Heck I think one year, I stood in "fireline" sale in Raton after the draw and got this tag.
Before the muzzleloader hunts, I hunted this unit with my dad, grandpa, and uncles when it was open to rifle and then bow. My uncle has a great buck he killed near Laguna Larga out a tree stand with his recurve bow.
At present time this hunt is almost impossible to draw. My wife has drawn twice in 4 years and my son once in 3 years. I have not drawn since 1995 or 1996. Since about 1997, I starting obtaining a unit-wide antelope landowner authorization for this unit from a real good family friend. If I do not use it, either my wife or my oldest son uses it. Since they have become more interested in hunting antelope recently, they've always had first dibbs. This year, they told me to hunt. I gladly agreed!
My youngest son will be taking hunters ed. this year. After our success this weekend, he has already claimed the tag for next year. That's cool. He is welcome to it, but will have fight his older brother for it. To me, it will come down to who gets the better grades in school or something like that. I'm sure they both will try to get staight A's. We shall see....so game on boys. I hope you are reading this.
With that, I have been very fortunate to have hunted Unit 52 for antelope for many years. I have enjoyed every minute of it as kid learning from grandpa, dad, and uncles. Some great memories there. Now I am enjoying this by spending quality time with friends and passing this ritual to my own family. Through the years we have taken some good animals. Some years not taken any. Our hunts have never been measured by bagging a buck, but by spending some quality time together. This would have not be possible without our great friend hooking us up with an antelope hunting opportunity over the years. For this, I am in debt and very greatful to him.
Man, I can't wait until next year........