by Peyton Merideth
Last year: 3 Days in a Sauna
If you’ve ever hunted from a blind in the middle of summer, you know what “hot” really feels like. Last year, I spent three long days in a pop-up blind, melting while watching movies on my phone and staring out at antelope I couldn’t reach. Meanwhile, Jay—my hunting partner and co-owner at Shoshone—abandoned the blind and tried a spot-and-stalk. Naturally, he tagged a beautiful antelope on the first try.
“Maybe if you sat still, they wouldn’t see you squirming,” Jay laughed afterward. The team joined in, taking shots at my inability to stay still, my “movie marathon hunting strategy,” and my blind etiquette. It was all in good fun but left me determined to make a change.
This Year: No Blind, No Excuses… Except for the Shoes
My new strategy: spot-and-stalk. No more baking in a blind. I had a rifle, cameras for YouTube, and a positive attitude. Unfortunately, I also had two left shoes. Not one to ruin a hunt over footwear, I swapped into my backup option—my Hey Dude loafers. Not exactly mountain boots, but surprisingly quiet. And as it turned out, just capable enough for what came next.
The Role of Good Gear—Especially the Trigger
There’s a confidence that comes from knowing your rifle setup is dialed in. For this hunt, I was using Choice Ammunition—reliable and accurate for long-range pronghorn shots—and, more importantly, a Timney Trigger, the first custom trigger I’ve used since my law enforcement days.
Why Timney Triggers Matter
Founded in 1946, Timney Triggers are renowned for smooth, consistent, and reliable triggers. Hunters, competitive shooters, and tactical professionals rely on them for one reason: accuracy starts with the trigger. Their drop-in triggers are easy to install and engineered for zero creep, a crisp break, and consistent performance in the field.
- No trigger travel (creep)
- Crisp, clean break
- Light pull weight
- Reliable in dust, cold, or rugged terrain
The Stalk
As the morning sun painted gold across the grasslands, we spotted a mature pronghorn. Using the terrain for cover, we crept forward. The wind was perfect, and my Hey Dude loafers, surprisingly stealthy, helped me stay quiet. The antelope lifted its head several times, scanning for danger, but we moved carefully.
After about twenty minutes, we ranged him at 450 yards. I settled prone, steadied my breathing, and aligned the crosshairs. The antelope was slightly quartering. I broke the shot, and the Timney Trigger performed flawlessly—smooth, predictable, and precise. The pronghorn dropped.
Wyoming – Mule Deer & Pronghorn Combination Hunt
All we can say is you better call really quick if you want to reserve a spot on this hunt!
A First Antelope—and a First Taste
Walking up on a harvested animal is a special moment. The horns were impressive, taller and more curved than I’d imagined. We processed the animal carefully, ready to try pronghorn meat for the first time. Filming the hunt for YouTube added another layer of excitement and memory-making.
What Makes Pronghorn Hunting Special
Beyond the hunt itself, it’s the camaraderie that makes pronghorn hunting unforgettable. Sandy Hills Hunting Company ensures everyone feels welcome, whether it’s your first hunt or fiftieth. The teasing, laughter, and shared problem-solving are part of the adventure.
Lessons Learned
- Don’t sit in a hot blind for three days.
- Good friends make all the difference.
- Timney Triggers are game-changers for precision shooting.
- Two left shoes can’t stop a focused hunter.
- Hey Dude loafers—not ideal for hunting, but they might surprise you.
As I packed for the drive home, the Colorado sunrise felt brighter. I had a new story, a first pronghorn, and a reminder that hunting isn’t about perfection—it’s about embracing the adventure.
Next time, I’ll double-check my shoes. For now, I’m grateful for laughter, lessons, and memories made on the plains of La Mar.
Peyton Merideth, CEO, Shoshone Adventure Consulting
