By
Joe Evans
I would like to pass on some ideas and thoughts regarding what I did right and what I did wrong on my New Zealand adventure chasing red stag and Himalayan tahr. This was a totally grand adventure and the memories created will remain in my memory banks forever. Most of this adventure went extremely well and most equipment selection and preparation cannot be faulted. First off: physical preparation. I spent several months walking and jogging up to two miles per day. This is essential on a trip of this nature as walks can be long and terrain can be and was steep at times. Nothing like poor physical shape can ruin a hunt. Even though your guide will promise that he will get you out even if he has to make several trips, it is far preferable for you to make it out in one trip under your own power! This, I did! The weather was great with no rain or snow and temperatures were very moderate. Light camouflage gear was all that was required. Boots? Now this is a real sore spot, quite literally. For many years in my job as a pesticide applicator I have relied upon Goretex, 400 grain Thinsulate leather boots with Airbob cleats. This is a dynamite combination which I found could not be beat. I always had great traction- never fell on any rough, steep terrain and my feet always remained dry and pesticide-free. I almost neglected to mention that I always used Obenauf ’s boot grease (which is by far the best I ever used) and I used all available on the Palouse. You do have to be careful on oily metal truck beds though- pretty slick, here! At any rate, quality Airbob soles were not available on my last pair of Danners. The Danners came with some type of yuppy, high-tech soles which I did not care for and quickly wore down. I was told that Airbobs were not available so had I had my boots resoled with the original Vibram sole. Not bad, but not in the same class as Airbobs. Well, on the last leg of my stalk for tahr, I was on some extremely steep terrain and lost my footing. I caught myself and avoided rolling to the bottom of the mountain by digging in the buttstock of my rifle. In doing so, I pretty well did in the rotator cuff on my left shoulder. I am told the look on my face indicated that I was in extreme pain. You bet, Jim Bob, I was in extreme pain. I do not think this would have happened had I been wearing my proven Airbobs. Surgery, which I have had, and a year-long painful recovery followed. Lesson? Select your footwear carefully!
Home&Harvest
Jan/Feb 2020
59