DAN SIMMONS Sportsman's Quest MORE COLUMNS Advertisement

In a recent article we told of Mallory Genet-Garcia's hunt for the elusive, trophy antelope she named Einstein.

She successfully arrowed a nice buck, but the crafty Einstein eluded her. This year, her father, Mark, was fortunate enough to draw an antelope tag in the same Southern Nevada area, so the hunt was on for this antelope with extraordinary horns.

He was taking no chances this time. He and his friends fabricated four ground blinds to place beside waterholes; he scouted the area prior to the hunt and found Einstein alive and well. He also hired a Pioche guide and outfitter, Shane Stever, of Purple Sage Outfitters, to keep an eye on the area and help set up the blinds.

On opening day everything was in place. He and three of his friends, who had also drawn tags for the same general area, agreed to share a main camp and hunt for four days in different directions. Mark concentrated on finding Mallory's Einstein.

All three of his friends scored the first day, but the only meat Mark was able to claim were the elk steaks Shane had arranged for dinner.

Stories were told around the campfire and went long into the night; then it was Mark's dreams of Einstein that woke him at 4 a.m., and he was off to his blind where a big antelope had been seen. Could it have been his?

Nothing was seen that morning, so he went back to camp and returned to the blind that evening - still nothing. After dinner, and more elk steaks, he and Shane set up a blind at the water hole Mallory had hunted the year before and they finished the carefully concealed blind at 1 a.m. Mark was back in it at 4, waiting for what he hoped would be Einstein.

At sunrise of the third day, two buck antelope came in with does. One was quite large, with a nice set of horns, but Mark waited, and watched them for a long time.

He was waiting for Einstein, but as time drew on he realized this could be his last and best chance (we all know this one); he couldn't resist the big buck and launched an arrow. It took four steps and dropped.

Mark is proud of taking this antelope, but he named it "Einstein's Little Brother," since it wasn't the animal of his dreams.

The season is now over and Einstein lives. I'll be putting in for this tag next year. Who knows? It may be my turn to sit in the blind, with Mark right by my side.

The story, like life, continues. That's not the end of the story though; they drew a bull Elk tag for Mallory and Mark also drew a Rocky Mountain goat tag. But, like the guy on the radio says (Paul Harvey), "That's the rest of the story."

My hats off to this huntin' family, and it looks like they'll be eating well this winter.

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If you have an adventure, a story or a comment give me a call at 727-9777 or e-mail me at dansimmons@usa.net.

What's new

I've written previously of Scopecoat rifle scope covers. They are a neoprene/nylon complete scope cover that offers maximum protection from rain and rough country hazards. I've used them for years and they are a great product.

They have now come out with two new products that are also part of my regular gear. One is the BinoBib which gives excellent protection for binoculars, and their new Barrel Boot which offers the same great protection as their scope covers.

It also prevents moisture and dirt from entering the end of your rifle's barrel.

So, whether you are going after Antelope in dusty Nevada, Grizzly Bears on Alaska's wet coast or deer in the humid south, Scopecoat's products will help you keep your equipment safe and dry. For more information go to www.scopecoat.com or call them toll free 1-877-726-7328.

Events

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is holding its annual banquet Nov. 22 at Mt. Falls Country Club. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.. Save the date and don't miss this great event. For more information call Tracie Dreyer at 775-209-6750.

Recipe

Mark's antelope was delicious, and here is one of my favorite recipes dedicated to his lovely wife Nicole and daughter Mallory.

Mark has his antelope hanging and it's being aged.

This is usually necessary as antelope are not as tender as deer raised in a corn field, and they also tend to be a little gamey. This recipe offers the solution to both of those conditions and is one of my favorites. If this doesn't work on one of the older animals, add more whiskey.

Antelope Steaks with Whiskey Onion Sauce

Four 10-oz antelope steaks; Marinade: 3 Tbsp olive oil; 2 Tbsp spicy mustard; 1/2 cup whiskey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup cider vinegar; 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 lemon, juiced; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 shallot, minced; Onion Sauce: 2 Tbsp olive oil; 1 medium white onion, sliced; 1 small red onion, sliced; 1 shallot, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp ground black pepper; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 cup whiskey; 1 cup beef broth.

Place all marinade ingredients in ziptop bag with antelope steaks; marinade for eight hours or three days, depending on the animal's habitat and what they have been feeding on; remove bag from refrigerator at least one hour before cooking steaks.

Meanwhile, pour 2 Tbsp olive oil in cast iron skillet; add onions and shallots and cook until beginning to brown; add garlic, cook until tender; add remaining ingredients and cook until sauce is reduced by half; grill steaks over medium coals to desired doneness; serve with onion sauce and mashed potatoes.