February 2025
New Mexico Antelope Hunting: Beyond Expectations
A New Mexico trophy antelope hunt is something my brother and I had been dreaming of for years. We found what we were looking for when Matt White at Huntin’ Fool Adventures introduced us to Brian Curtis at Territory Outfitters. After a couple conversations with Brian, we knew we were in for a special experience in New Mexico.
A few months prior to the hunt, my daughter and nephew expressed interest in tagging along. That desire grew as we watched several of the antelope film series on the Territory website. Without hesitation, Brian assured us that our kids were welcome, stating their camp is always family friendly. As we drove to New Mexico in late August, we were greeted with green pastures and a late afternoon monsoon when we arrived in camp.
Brian and our guide, Tanner, had patterned many of the bucks on the ranch where we would be hunting during the three-day season. We discussed a plan for opening morning while enjoying a great meal made by Mike, the camp cook. Antelope camp was just as Brian had described, full of good laughs and great people. Looking up at the unobstructed stars each night with my daughter, nephew, and brother is something I will never forget.
As the sun arose on opening morning, we were able to locate two nice bucks for my brother Mark. As Tanner and Mark set out to close the distance on the buck that was in a stalkable location, the kids and I were able to watch this buck do what smart antelope do best, dart across a sage flat just before they could close the deal.
Wasting no time, Tanner was onto plan B and we were off to another area where he and Brian had located another great buck in the days prior. As we crested a large ridge, the buck we were after seemed to read the script perfectly, already within range with a group of does. Mark was able to find a steady rest and make a great 400+-yard shot on a trophy New Mexico buck. The kids were beyond excited, and we were off to a great start on the trip-of-a-lifetime.
Keeping two kids under the age of 10 occupied in the back of a truck is no small task while glassing miles of New Mexico grassland in the summer heat. Tanner made it look easy keeping the hunters busy looking at bucks while also entertaining the kids. Even though we didn’t turn up a second trophy on day one, we were able to enjoy some afternoon ice cream and another great meal at camp while sharing success stories.
The next morning, we were on bucks again at first light. We glassed up several smaller bucks and made our way onto the flat where Mark had harvested his buck the day prior. We were able to glass up a great buck about a mile away, and it was clear he was a shooter. As we closed the distance to just under 450 yards, the buck and two does became restless and I was able to make the shot count before they bolted. Both bucks exemplified the trophy potential and character of New Mexico antelope. The cool morning allowed us ample time for pictures and stories as we celebrated a great hunt. 
Sitting on that ridgetop recounting our hunt with my daughter, nephew, brother, Tanner, and Brian is something I will never forget. We had high hopes leading up to this hunt; the entire Territory crew far exceeded our expectations and made this truly the trip-of-a-lifetime.
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