He was Waiting Just for Me
In April of 2025, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation hosted a ladies’ trip for 14 women to experience a Field to Fork experience at the FTW Ranch in Barksdale, TX. The program is an immersive experience for women of all skill levels to learn hunting skills, how to process their own animals, and prepare them in the kitchen. It included four spot and stalk hunts on the ranch. I was fortunate enough to be among the ladies participating.
For several months I dreamt about harvesting a blackbuck as my first large game mammal. During the trip, we had four scheduled hunting opportunities where we experienced all different types of hunting environments and techniques including blinds, spot and stalk, travel on foot and in a vehicle, and watching a feeder. On our final morning, my guide and I followed a beautiful blackbuck all over the property. We finally had him at 400 yards, but FTW advises against shooting at a blackbuck at more than 250 yards. Before we could get closer, he ran away. While I was unsuccessful, I experienced the full exhilaration of what a true hunting experience could be like – you aren’t always going to be successful.
Somewhat disappointed, I had a crazy idea. What if we could go on one more hunt? I just had a feeling that it would happen if I could just get out one more time. I begged my guide and then the ranch owner, and lo and behold they agreed!
A great confidence came over me. I told some of the other ladies that the perfect blackbuck would be waiting for me when we pulled up to our hunting spot. We headed off on our final trip, and as I expected, the most perfect blackbuck was hanging out just waiting for me. After setting up my rifle, very quietly, I got ready to take the shot. I took a few deep breaths and psyched myself up. I confirmed with my guide before taking the shot.
I pulled the trigger, and it landed just right. He took a few steps and fell to the ground. It was a clean shot right to the heart/lung area. I was overwhelmed by the realization that I had accomplished my dream, having waited for the perfect animal. The shot was right at 250 yards.
He ended up being 125 pounds. I now have a freezer full of delicious blackbuck meat. I’m getting him mounted and turning the rest of the hide into a handbag, using every part of this amazing animal.
PJ Carleton
Senior Director of Events and Donor Relations, Congressional Sportsmen Foundation
President of SCI Capitol Chapter
