Horny Toads & Other Critters of New Mexico

These past few weeks had me traveling through the high desert of the Southwest to do some visiting and shooting. Flying into Denver, I head south to visit with some good friends. Flat scrub brush land and high mountains dominate the landscape. There’s plenty of interesting critters in the vicinity, for sure! Mother Nature has equipped them with the means to survive in such a tough environment.

Here’s the tale of a few I was fortunate to photograph. Mind you, I wasn’t on a photograph safari per se, but happened to have a camera handy in this creature-rich environment.

Photo Opportunity

While driving down the lane of the NRA’s Whittington Center, Speed Goats, commonly known as antelope, are coming out to quench their thirsts at the water tanks scattered around the area. Keen eyesight, fleet of foot, and sporting hooked horns with brush guards, give these goats perfect options for the “fight-or-flight response.” Said to have 10X eyesight, they spot predators long before the predators see them. Once danger is identified, they’re gone! Swift of hoof, these prairie goats can get distance between themselves and predators like no other.

Driving in the high country, we see a momma elk cross the road. She keeps looking back. We stop to investigate, finding her cuddly calf hidden in the high grass. We quickly leave, letting momma and calf reunite, but not before snapping a few pictures.

A Case For Brass

The spent brass is self-explanatory to the voluminous amounts of shooting occurring daily at the premises. It’s a warning of sorts, telling any roaming trespasser they best heed caution and be on their best behavior, as the occupants of this adobe home are armed and know how to shoot.

A Good Visit

Visiting with old friends is always great! Seeing a bunch of new critters is great as well. We can all learn something from Mother Nature’s children if we just take the time to look around and reflect once they’re seen. There’s a reason for most things happening … the fun part is figuring it out over a cold drink, a setting sun and a good compadre to talk about such things.

Subscribe To American Handgunner