Going into this weekend I was anything but comfortable. A long season of missed opportunities was a constant reminder every time I cracked the door on my deep freeze and on top of a dwindling meat pile I had the added pressure of trying to find a respectable buck for my wife, Stephanie. My hunting partner Brandon had already been in the area for a few days and was seeing some great bucks. Our first morning found us full of optimism as we headed out in the gray of the morning. First light found us on a high point with our binoculars glued to our eyes. It didn't take long for us to spot what appeared to be a decent buck and several does. We made our our way to a closer vantage point and settled into get a closer look. Another quick look through the bino's revealed exactly what we were after. A rut crazed, heavy framed, mule deer that was a perfect representation of the specie. We threw our packs on the ground and had Stephanie in the prone position in a matter of seconds. A quick shot with the range finder told us the buck was approximately 220 yards. The shot was farther than I would have preferred for her but I knew Stephanie could shoot well and our 7mm Rem was more than capable for the task. We watched as the buck chased some does and finally gave us the shot we were looking for at about 250 yards. "Take him!" was the last thing I said before I watched the buck drop. It felt like it was my first deer! "You got him, you got him!". I looked down just in time to catch that perfect moment between a hunter and the realization of their first kill. I missed that. After hand shakes, hugs, and tears we were on our way to recover Steph's buck. Upon reaching the buck we were again rewarded with the affirmation that the shot was perfect, taking both lungs cleanly. We snapped a few photos, cleaned the buck, and were on our way. The rest of the day was taken up reminiscing tales, good laughs, and some failed stalks. With an hour of daylight left we spotted a group of deer. A quick look showed a young buck that was dogging does hard! He was not the biggest but definitely peaked my interest for my first archery mule deer. The three of us closed the distance to about 80 yards and I slipped in another 40. The deer were situated on a small knob and were seemingly unaware of my presence. I watched somewhat impatiently as the buck harassed does for nearly ten minutes passing anywhere from 40-50 yards several times. I came to full draw more than a few times with the buck always stopping behind a bush, doe, or just not offering a good angle. Finally he locked on to a doe that passed an opening at 44 yards. I knew I was going to get a shot. I drew just as the buck entered my "spot". I took a deep breath, settled my pin, and squeezed the trigger. I watched the arrow took a perfect arc and hit the buck perfect. He mule kicked and dropped over the other side of the knob. We gave him a few minutes and went to retrieve my buck. Day one came to a close, we had two deer down, and my freezer was about 150 pounds heavier! We spent the next day looking for a deer for Brandon to no avail. New bucks were moving into the area, though. The third day of our hunt seemed like an identical replay of our first day. We spotted a large group of deer about a hundred yards from where Stephanies fell. We moved to the same hill Stephanie shot from for a closer look and we pleasantly surprised to find a nice 4x4 pushing does hard. We quickly ranged the deer at 220 yards and got set up for a shot. The buck finally took a break from his rutting endeavors long enough for Brandon to land a perfectly placed shot to the vitals. The buck stayed upright for a few moments and then went down. In three days we made some incredible memories, filled some freezers, and visited those rare emotional feelings that truly remind us all why we take to the woods each fall.
Thanks guys! Lots of work to do this week. Cutting deer tonight and tomorrow. Boiling skulls on Wednesday. Got a new all stainless grinder as a wedding present. Can't wait to put it to use! Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2
Month and a half to go, no end in sight! Going after spot and stalk does tomorrow. Going to do some post rut scouting as well. Now that I have some meat in the freezer I can focus on taking some more pictures!
Thanks buddy. It has been a great time doing this thread and I have learned a ton for next years journal. The struggles have been great this year, but the support from my family, wife, and the board has been greater. Next year I am changing gears. No more young bucks. I have taken enough bucks and a few specie to be satisfied from a killing standpoint. I am holding myself more accountable, if I want my perception of greatness I need to get after it. Its up to me. NEVER STOP PUSHING!
Well, raining here. Heading to the trail head regardless. Will see if it clears. I've got killing on my mind. Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2
This weekend was nothing but rain! Got soaked to the bone this morning but did manage to stalk to 40 yards on a doe. She spotted me drawing and bolted just as I was getting ready to shoot. Next time! Calling for rain the rest of this week, BS. Hoping to get back out next weekend depending on weather.
On my way out. mostly on a scouting mission today to check out the rut conditions for next year. trying to find a few staging areas to exploit these big mountain bucks on. Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2
Yesterday I purchased a new DVD, Hill Country Bucks, after it was recommended by several members. This video is absolutely worth it's weight in gold! I took several things I learned and applied to them in a practical manner tonight. What did I find? A confirmed buck bedding area with years worth of rubs and an active scrape. More homework will determine when and how to hunt the spot. Parting shots of tonight. Here's an idea of the type of country I have been in lately.
Getting ready to head out. 8" of fresh snow at my house just from last night. Should be looking at a foot or more where ill be hunting. Going to be an incredible day. Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2
About 200 yards from 300 head of elk. Bugling and cow calling like crazy. Wish I had a micro phone for you guys! Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2
