The chiseled featured of the Lemhi mountains framed the scene. More than 20 miles away the snow-capped peaks loomed so close it seemed I could reach out and touch them. Rivulets of water flowed down from these peaks making the desert green along the tiny watercourses. The water fed the giant alfalfa miles away that drew the antelope during the winter months.

I drew one of the 40 controlled antelope hunting permits for traditional muzzleloader hunting in the high desert near Leadore. Only patch and lead round balls are allowed on this hunt. No fancy scopes, custom built rifles, special bullets or powder pellets are allowed. No use of off-road vehicles to assist in hunting. It is on foot, and goes back to the traditional weapon of pioneer hunters.

The one concession to technology is binoculars. I spent hours glassing hillsides, draws and sage-filled flats looking for antelope and finding out how much wildlife the desert holds.

I watched a magnificent bull elk herd his harems of cows and calf elk from one mountain range to another across the desert. The little herd looked like a black speck.

Two hours later I could make out five shiny tines on the bulls antlers. The little band of antelope I watched scattered making way for the elk.

This actually helped me. The antelope went over a small knoll as the elk passed. I strapped on my pack and headed for a small gap in the hills that would let me get within shooting range of the antelope. Halfway there a flock of sage grouse erupted from the sage at my feet. Where were these birds when I was hunting sage grouse?

Too soon I was on my hands and knees crawling through the sage wishing I had kneepads and that the leather glove on my right hand did not have a hole in it. Tiny cactus make the desert floor home and they can find the smallest hole in a glove to cause pain. Between rocks and cactus, crawling across the desert leaves much to be desired.

The plan actually worked. Kneeling in the sage I cocked the hammer on my muzzleloader, put the iron sight on the little antelope buck about 75 yards away and squeezed the trigger. The percussion cap popped like a firecracker, but the powder in the barrel did not go off.

The antelope herd disappeared in a cloud of dust. Dumbfounded, I looked at the muzzleloader and said things not fit for children or horses to hear. I pried off the cap, put another one on and tried it again. Boom! went the powder, sending the lead ball hurling off into the antelope-less desert.

I decided to camp nearby at the foot of the mountains along Clear Creek. Driving up the canyon something caught my eye. It was the outline of an antler obscured by the willows along the stream. Wading the stream I found a dead moose in the tall grass.

It was probably shot from the road 100 yards away. Catching the culprit was not going to be easy. Decay had set in. Clear Creek road is a dead-end road in the middle of nowhere. The best chance for solving this case would come from an archery elk hunter working this drainage or someone camping nearby who saw something suspicious or out-of-place.

Local Fish and Game Conservation Officer Justin Williams is investigating this case. Call him at (208) 756-2271 if you have any information. If you find a poached animal this season please call the local Fish and Game Office or the Citizen Against Poaching Hotline. You can remain anonymous by using CAP and rewards are offered.

Despite the sour note of the poached moose, the muzzleloader antelope hunt was great fun.

From bright moonrises to the hunting cry of a golden eagle, the high desert holds some stunning sights and sounds. Meanwhile, I will be working on my muzzle loading skills and follow advice of practiced hands on which loads to use. Next time I will get one.