The Dom Draws Blood
#184638
10/09/2017 5:50 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,512
Ernie
OP
Distinguished Master
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OP
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,512 |
The plan was to out on Thursday, but because of other priorities, everything was moved to the following day. This was my first time to hunt in this area. Because of a series of events, this rancher has become a friend. We met him at 7:30 that morning, visited, played with his dogs, then he hopped in with Chris and I and began to show us the place. After the nickel tour, he got out so he could go about his normal ranching duties. We headed out to find a nice buck we had noticed while driving around the ranch earlier. By the time we got there, he was closer to the draws and was on his way to bed down. We parked in a place out of sight, and then began to make our way. The wind was good, and light. All I had with me was the 6.5 Creed Dominator. I have had so much fun with it. It?s really handy and it shoots lights out. The long walk ended up being a dry run, but we did get a better idea of the draw. On the way there and on the way back there was a young antelope buck that was begging to be killed. If I had my new S&W 44 Magnum with me I may have given in. The 44 Mag and my 284 Win XP was in the truck in a hard case, but this day belonged to the Dominator. It started out as a 308 Winchester (still have the original barrel). Chris Rhodes took a 1-8 twist chrome moly McGowen barrel. Can't remember if this is a Harrell brake or if Chris made it. Trigger job is awesome. 39.5 grains of H-4350, Hornady brass, Federal Match primer, and some old Hornady140 grain A-Max's. Using the Bog Gear tripod/PSR top. Scope is a Leupold VX-3 2.5-8 Extended Eye Relief (pistol scope) that has a target turret added for quick elevation adjustment. Using a new Low-Pro field bag underneath the pistol grip and Sig Sauer 2400 laser rangefinder. I taped a drop chart to the right grip panel for quick referencing. This set-up works great for field shooting and hunting. We continued to move and glass different areas, noting that some of the animals we had spotted had already disappeared. We were in route to find what we called the twin of the big buck we had missed on our first stalk, when we glassed a different buck from a distance. Couldn?t tell for sure, but he seemed to be okay. By the time we got closer, he had gone down into the draw. Felt like this was the second verse of the same song. The ridge went basically from north to south and I was on the west side of it heading north, to the area where we thought the buck had gone in. I went on my own this time, and after a relatively short amount of time I bumped the buck at about 80 yards and got a glimpse of him. I am not sure who was more surprised. I saw him going down further into the draw (To my right) and I was heading north for open part of a finger of the ridge to see better. Making my way quickly, but not running. When I got there, I was thinking he might be in the bottom, but he was already on the other side working his way up. I was trying to look at his antlers and knew something was weird in that his rack wasn?t normal. I had to make a decision, so I ranged him quickly as he was slowing to give me, what I thought was that last turn around that mule deer sometimes do. Dialed 5.75 MOA, and made a steady, but quick shot from the double kneeling position. I have really become fond of this shooting position. He was not quite broadside and the shot entered right behind the shoulder and exited through the shoulder on the offside. The 140 grain A-Max whacked him hard and he dropped immediately. I reloaded as quickly as you can a Dominator, just in case. In the process of reloading I saw Chris almost to my location. When he saw me change how I was walking he knew something was up, hopped the fence, and headed toward me. The joy of a buck down with the Dom, was and is, precious. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCBWr5zoSFM&index=1&list=FLfEoqqK-q7iARmKwk742NZgNow the work of quartering him, and a short pack out took a little time. With my knee still being weak from surgery, it was great having help. Chris brought his truck, which keeps me in good graces with my bride, as it would have been difficult to put three critters in my Yukon without making a mess. Chris carried both hind quarters and the head out, and I did the rest plus my hunting gear-What a guy!. The knee did okay-Yipee! Now that the buck was out of the way, I had two doe antelope tags and a buck antelope tag. I wasn?t planning on going after a buck, unless it was a big one, and the landowner was pretty sure there were none of those around. Antelope can be really easy, really difficult, or anywhere between the two. As we were loading the quarters in the truck we noticed two small groups of antelope, one was to our right and the other was to our left. We decided to go after the group to our left and there was almost a shot opportunity. The grass was too high and the tripod I was using would not allow for a standing shot. Then we tried for the group on the right. They were further away and they were more in the open, and they spooked. As we began to head back to the truck, the first group had moved around and we made another attempt at them. We had nothing to lose. I was double kneeling and I could see a doe, just to the right of a buck and there was just enough of a clearing where I could make a shot but I could not get a range on her. I assumed if I stood to get a confirmed range she would spook, but you never know, so I tried. The distance was close to 200 yards and they moved before I could get a shot. We made the walk back to the truck and started to leave the ranch hoping to see something that we could make a stalk on. Every group of antelope we were seeing was running. Close to the edge of ranch there were some buildings, and we saw group of antelope and they seemed calm. We thought we would give it a try and we used the building to block their view of us getting closer. We went to the very corner of the building and then set up and I was able to take two doe antelope out of the same herd. One was at 186 yards and the other was at 230 yards. Three hours of hunting and three critters?It was a great day!
Ernie the Un-Tactical
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Re: The Dom Draws Blood
[Re: Ernie]
#184639
10/09/2017 7:50 AM
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
REDHAWK1954
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209 |
It was a great day for sure!
Michael Joe Moore
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Re: The Dom Draws Blood
[Re: REDHAWK1954]
#184642
10/09/2017 10:25 AM
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 607
nytracker
addict
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addict
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 607 |
Really great day. Congrats .
Save liberals from them selves, stich their sphincter closed so they cant talk out their arse
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Re: The Dom Draws Blood
[Re: nytracker]
#184643
10/09/2017 11:10 AM
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Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,821
45MAN
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,821 |
REALLY NEAT LOOKING BUCK, REAL GOOD DAY IN THE FIELD.
"ADAPT OR DIE". I USE ALL CAPS, NOT BECAUSE I AM YELLING, BUT BECAUSE IT IS AN OLD HABIT FROM MY ARMY DAYS, PLUS IT IS EASIER TO TYPE AND READ.
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Re: The Dom Draws Blood
[Re: 45MAN]
#184646
10/09/2017 12:48 PM
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,502
reflex264
Gun Slinger
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Gun Slinger
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,502 |
"A quiet hit in the right place is better than a loud miss in the wrong place followed by 10 more shots on the run"
I was a handgun hunter, when handgun wasn't cool.....
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Re: The Dom Draws Blood
[Re: reflex264]
#184648
10/09/2017 1:21 PM
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,006
Zee
Shooting Expert
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Shooting Expert
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,006 |
Buck looks quite a bit bigger in the back of the truck. That's a super nice deer!!
"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
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Re: The Dom Draws Blood
[Re: Zee]
#184649
10/09/2017 1:22 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,512
Ernie
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Distinguished Master
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OP
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Posts: 5,512 |
He ended up being bigger than I thought at first - 27 inch outside spread
Ernie the Un-Tactical
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Re: The Dom Draws Blood
[Re: Zee]
#184650
10/09/2017 2:11 PM
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Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 31
SacredCrows
newbie
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newbie
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 31 |
Buck looks quite a bit bigger in the back of the truck. That's a super nice deer!! i think thats a small truck
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Re: The Dom Draws Blood
[Re: Ernie]
#184651
10/09/2017 2:23 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608 |
Indeed. Good shoootin', Ernie.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: The Dom Draws Blood
[Re: s4s4u]
#184653
10/09/2017 4:10 PM
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,057
Gary
Distinguished Master
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Distinguished Master
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Posts: 5,057 |
Congrats Ernie. I always thought those dominators were cool
You can't wait any longer. Join the NRA and start writing your Congressmen and Senators.
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Re: The Dom Draws Blood
[Re: s4s4u]
#184654
10/09/2017 4:23 PM
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,669
Chance Weldon
Distinguished Expert
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Wow, that was one heck of a hunt! Awesome job!
Formerly TN Lone Wolf
"We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided." - J.K. Rowling
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Re: The Dom Draws Blood
[Re: Chance Weldon]
#184655
10/09/2017 4:37 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,512
Ernie
OP
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OP
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Posts: 5,512 |
Zee, Do you have your Dominator up and running yet?
Ernie the Un-Tactical
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Re: The Dom Draws Blood
[Re: Gary]
#184657
10/09/2017 5:18 PM
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Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 89
SGalan
journeyman
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journeyman
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 89 |
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Re: The Dom Draws Blood
[Re: SGalan]
#184658
10/09/2017 6:13 PM
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Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 488
Handgun400
addict
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addict
Joined: Sep 2016
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Great story. Followed it on Facebook. Now I want to go muley and antelope hunting.
My filter is broken.
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Re: The Dom Draws Blood
[Re: Ernie]
#184659
10/09/2017 6:35 PM
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,020
tradmark
Shooting Expert
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Shooting Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,020 |
Nice job. He heckuva day.
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Re: The Dom Draws Blood
[Re: Handgun400]
#184660
10/09/2017 6:50 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,512
Ernie
OP
Distinguished Master
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OP
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Posts: 5,512 |
Great story. Followed it on Facebook. Now I want to go muley and antelope hunting. They are fun to hunt for sure
Ernie the Un-Tactical
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Re: The Dom Draws Blood
[Re: Ernie]
#184662
10/09/2017 8:48 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715 |
Sincere congratulations Ernie..... Over 30 years ago when the Dominator was first sold I used a special order model in 30-30 to take a small buck in PA using Federal 125gr HP ammo... Yes.. a good system as shown by Ernie excellent trophies....
Life member-NRA-SCI Member-HHI #2900-HHASA #067 Colt-Ruger-Freedom Arms-and S&W Collector Assoc.s "I have more guns then I need but not as many as I want" "Handgun hunters HAVE to be good"
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Re: The Dom Draws Blood
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#184663
10/09/2017 9:03 PM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,105
Russell
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
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Posts: 2,105 |
It's not the gun, but the man behind it.
Sheriff Russell Cottle, Ret. USMC; 1967-1970; Vietnam-'68-'69
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Re: The Dom Draws Blood
[Re: Russell]
#184666
10/09/2017 9:38 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,512
Ernie
OP
Distinguished Master
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OP
Distinguished Master
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Posts: 5,512 |
Ernie the Un-Tactical
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Re: The Dom Draws Blood
[Re: Ernie]
#184676
10/10/2017 1:15 AM
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,006
Zee
Shooting Expert
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Shooting Expert
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,006 |
Zee, Do you have your Dominator up and running yet? Yes. Just confirmed zero at 100yrds today. Gonna try and take an axis with it if possible.
"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
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Re: The Dom Draws Blood
[Re: Ernie]
#184678
10/10/2017 1:17 AM
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 601
PsTaN
addict
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addict
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A unique trophy with a unique gun. Good Stuff!
PsTaN
-Smith & Wesson Model 69 -Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter -Encore Pro Hunter
"Hold your horses, the elephants are coming, and out stamped Alabama"
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Re: The Dom Draws Blood
[Re: Zee]
#184683
10/10/2017 2:32 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,512
Ernie
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OP
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Posts: 5,512 |
Zee, Do you have your Dominator up and running yet? Yes. Just confirmed zero at 100yrds today. Gonna try and take an axis with it if possible. Wohoo!
Ernie the Un-Tactical
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Re: The Dom Draws Blood
[Re: Ernie]
#184684
10/10/2017 4:18 AM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 818
sixshot
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 818 |
Ernie, what took you so long! I watched you bang 50 Rock Chucks in that length of time..... Good job!
Dick
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Re: The Dom Draws Blood
[Re: Ernie]
#184687
10/10/2017 6:46 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,461
pab1
Distinguished Expert
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Distinguished Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,461 |
Experience is the best teacher, hunger good sauce. Osborne Russell Journal of a Trapper
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Re: The Dom Draws Blood
[Re: Gary]
#184689
10/10/2017 12:50 PM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
KRal
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963 |
It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
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Re: The Dom Draws Blood
[Re: sixshot]
#184693
10/10/2017 1:36 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,512
Ernie
OP
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OP
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Posts: 5,512 |
Ernie, what took you so long! I watched you bang 50 Rock Chucks in that length of time..... Good job!
Dick Well...uhmmmm....Let me see if I can come up with some good excuses...About 5 to 6 week since knee surgery....It was a Friday...The Dominator is slow to reload...I didn't have my speed shooting shirt on...I didn't have that many tags......And, last but surely not least: You were not there with me! After deliberate consideration, I have decided, it is all your fault Thank you. It is good when things come together.
Ernie the Un-Tactical
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Re: The Dom Draws Blood
[Re: Ernie]
#184812
10/12/2017 12:17 AM
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,374
cmnash
veteran
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veteran
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,374 |
That is quite an accomplishment and a day to remember. I really like the buck.
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Re: The Dom Draws Blood
[Re: cmnash]
#184963
10/15/2017 4:01 PM
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,276
cfish2
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
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Posts: 2,276 |
Wow, I really miss it out west. Awesome animals Ernie. Nothing better then a day a field with lots of game and good friends.
Life Member NAHC HHI Member #7149 NRA Member
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Re: The Dom Draws Blood
[Re: Gary]
#185317
10/21/2017 12:55 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,512
Ernie
OP
Distinguished Master
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OP
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Posts: 5,512 |
Congrats Ernie. I always thought those dominators were cool I agree. It was almost hard for me to hunt with my 284 Winchester XP for my buck antelope. The Dominator will see more hunting action soon.
Ernie the Un-Tactical
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Re: The Dom Draws Blood
[Re: Ernie]
#185335
10/21/2017 6:03 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 249
PythonHunter
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 249 |
Congrats Ernie. Great animals and great times.
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