Show
& Tell -
Pingree North Dakota,
January 11-16, 2004
Had a number of VGCA/Norva members on a Hunt in Pingree
North Dakota from January 11 through January 16, 2004. There were a
total of nine individual hunters that included:
Click an image to see full-size All of the hunters scored on buffalo during
some of the coldest weather of the season. The days just before we
arrived logged temperatures in the minus 37 degree range. The animals
ranged in size from 900 to well over 1500 pounds. In addition the
hunters had the opportunity to take and miss a number of coyotes. During
an average day in the field it was the consensus of the group that an
average of 100 to 150 deer would be seen. Several of those observed were
judged to be record/trophy class animals with racks exceeding the size
of most huge bucks on the east coast. Large quantities of birds,
especially sharp tail grouse were visible each and every day. Since most
of the ponds, or as they describe them, potholes were frozen over and we
didn't observe many species of waterfowl however we were told that in
season there are literally thousands of ducks and geese in the area. The
waterfowl are part of the central flyway group and seasons as well as
limits are generous with an abundance of areas to hunt them.
Click an image to see full-size Most of the hunters resorted to using single shot rifles
in the 45-70 caliber and most were taken with a single shot. Although
two of the group used 7mm's in the 7STW and 7 short magnum. Shooting
distances varied from under a hundred to approximately two hundred
yards. Each of the hunters collected their heads, hides and meat for
their efforts. I would suspect that in the near future you may have the
opportunity to view these treasures on the wall and floors of each of
their homes. All in all it was a great time for fellowship, the
adventure of a far away hunting trip and the opportunity to bag a trophy
animal from days gone by.
Click an image to see full-size The outfitter, Mr. Oren Krapp
(pronounced Kroop) that we used was most accommodating, provided the
group a great place to stay that was clean and had an abundant supply of
hot water to shower at the end of each day. He also provided a hearty
breakfast each morning and dinner on several occasions. Hunting was at a
leisurely pace since it didn't get to be daylight until after 8 am so
everybody got their beauty sleep. Darkness arrived at about 1700
everyday. Coyote hunting was an all day event if you could stand the
cold; hunters didn't have to be up and out before daylight and the
animals were active all day long. Most of the group carried along a
varmint rifle in 223, 22-250 or 220 swift for the long shots that the
coyotes provided. The group tried manual as well as electronic
calling---sometimes with good results and sometimes the calling caused
the animals to run in high gear---away from the hunters call.
Pingree North Dakota is about 30 miles north of Jamestown North Dakota
and about 200 miles south of Winnepeg Canada. Jamestown is known as
Buffalo City since this was the area from which a great deal of buffalo
meat was collected during the building of the railroads. For history
enthusiasts, there is a lot of Indian lore and history associated with
the region. A number of Army scouting parties began in this area to
collect and transport various tribes' members to the defined
reservations.
Click an image to see full-size All in all I think we would call this a
very successful trip for the VGCA/NORVA gang. Many have talked about a
return visit in the near future. If you have questions or want to
contact the outfitter please contact either Jack Bokinsky at
703-781-0664, Gary Holderman at 703 754-9528 or Kelly Cook. I'm sure
they would be pleased to tell you all about the hunt, embellish on their
hunting prowess, and show you the fruits of the hunt.
Jack Bokinsky
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