Trials and Tribulations of Mule Deer Bowhunting.

[Muley Shed Freak]

The season started off like any other. Warmer weather, wind, and no rain. Typical though for this time of year. Only this year, I'd be trying my hand at Bowhunting Mule deer with a Traditional Bow. Those of you that are familiar with the Traditional Bows know that the farthest a perosn should shoot is 20 yards. That being said, getting within 20 yards of a Mule Deer buck is frustratingly difficult to say the least.
I picked the Traditional Bow because of the challage of shooting one.
The first couple days were hot, 85+ degree's and swirling wind. Not good for a bow hunter. I caught word that a local had shot a buck with his bow but couldn't recover the buck. Shame. I have pics of the buck he shot. But, that goes with the territory of Bowhunting. Sometimes they run forever.
After a week of seeing no bucks, but getting dang close to Does and fawns, I decided to try my luck in another area.
Anyone ever see Fawns playing in an open field after just waking up from a long nap? Funny stuff. They ran out of the trees jumping and whining to one another for 10 minutes. Running within 10 yards of me several times. I wonder where mom is at and if she has pinned me.. nope, just taking her time getting out of bed. They soon settle down and start to feed. I am suprised to learn that Mule deer like to eat thisle. Its the first thing they went for.
After moving into my new spot for the week, I settle in an old deer bed over looking a feeding area. The wind picks up and swirls. Dang, swirling wind again. I leave the area at dusk after seeing not a single deer. Fizzled again. I decide not to go back to this area the next day.
I finally get back to the truck and find a fried of mine has called. I hear on the voice mail they spotted a buck about 75 yards from the road. Ain't that my luck.
I get an idea to watch the area the buck was spotted in the following day.
Around 1:00 in the afternoon I see storm clouds rolling in. This is gonna be a big one. I figure its a great time to go set up, hoping the rain could drive him out of his bedding area.
I get all camoed up. Face paint and all and start walking. I find a nice spot overlooking a trail. The smell of rain soon fills the air. I take a deep breath and enjoy the calm before the storm. No buck yet.
I sit for a while longer and then CRASH! Thunder so lound and deep I jumped to my feet. Then the lightening came over head and the wind gusted.
The though crosses my mind that I am way to out in the open for this kind of storm and I head to lower, more covered ground.
It begins to sprinkle, and nice light sprinkle along with the heart pounding thunder and bright white lightening.
The sprinkle turns to a terrintial downpour. Everyhing is getting soaked, me included. I spot a nice over look of the creek below and a bush to hind near to block some of the rain and wind.
I am sitting there no longer than 10 minutes while the sky unleashes burn down on me, when I hear... shhhi, shhhi. None other than the sound of rustling grass. And its close. I look to my left and see the buck standing... 5 FEET from me. Thats right, 5 FEET not yards. I cant move, my bow in on my lap and he isnt sure what I am yet. I close my eyes and rely soly on my hearing to tell me what he is doing and where he is at. I hear him walk above me and then wander back up the creek.
Gosh dang it!! Blew it! Had a chance and blew it!
Frustrated and soaked to the bone, I get up, grab my things and head out cusing the whole way back.
The next several days I go back to try to locate him, but to no avail. Traditional Bow hunting for Mule Deer.. Unbelievably frustrating and heart pounding.
I get home and reminise about the last couple weeks of bow hunting. Lessons learned the hard way and the thrill of being so close to deer that you can hear them breath.
I look to my right and see my rifle sitting in the cornor. I figure that buck is gonna get his come rifle openner.
That brings some comfort.. remembering there is always rifle season.

[m gardner]

It sure beats a good day at work! Sounds like you had an adventure. After my first near miss by lightning I watched where I sat or camped when it looked rainy. Really makes things creep up if you get my drift!
Mark

[Bowtech43]

You are a good writer. I just experienced a whole lot of the same stuff, but with elk. I'm going through them again and again in my head wondering... what if I would have done this, or that... then what? That's hunting, no luck, no luck, no luck, then bang! Exhilaration! And that is why we keep coming back.

[killerbee]

yes, that was a very good read! all you can do is keep trying! dedication pays off!
great story thanks

[johnyutah5]

Just think how rewarding it will be when it all comes together......I really started to see and enjoy nature in a different way when I started bow hunting. Gotta love it!!!