I'm back boys (pics)
BOHNTR
12/5/07 7:26pm
Well I’m back boys……..what an experience…..both highs and lows. Got up there the night before and set camp up. Checked on some deer I had scouted the week before and was amazed that most of them were busted up pretty bad. Now I’m not talking a tine here or there, but WHOLE main beams broken off above eye-guards. That’s a lot of torque. Two friends (Wally and Jerry) showed up to help me along for the weekend. It was nice to have some company. With a lack of snow in the high country, I knew it was going to be a VERY tough to locate a big buck, as most of the deer were still in the high country.....out of the unit.
Decided on an area to hunt the next morning since my backpack plan (Plan A) was foiled, as two rifle guys were packing into a place I was going to hunt. No problem, with eight days of scouting in I had a few back-up plans. (I thought)
Opening morning, I drove to an area that held a pretty nice 3x4 I photo’d the weekend before. He was one of the better-framed bucks I scouted and would have flung an arrow at him anytime even though he was only a 3x4. Remember this one I photographed last week........would you cast an arrow at him? I sure wanted to.
http://www.jesseshunting.com/photopost/data/500/medium/Goodale_Scout_1_065.jpg " alt="" />
http://www.jesseshunting.com/photopost/data/500/medium/Goodale_Scout_1_067.jpg " alt="" />
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Well, as I pulled into the area, there was a truck exactly where I needed to be……in fact 3 vehicles. We backed out and decided to get away from folks. This began to be a daily routine for this ol’ bowhunter.....searching for areas that didn't have folks.
Long story short, I had two bucks shot out from under me. One of them Jerry saw the whole thing un-fold. I’m 70 yards from two shooter bucks, one of which is a nice 5x4 with a 7” in-line. They’re feeding towards me when all of a sudden BOOM! Dirt flying everywhere and bucks confused……then another BOOM. I’m scurrying for some nearby boulders for protection and waving my orange hat. That stalk was over. Although this hunter didn’t realize I was there….un-like the other incident.
The older gentleman (70’s) walks down the hill towards me and realizes he’s just ruined my stalk. He apologizes profusely and I let him know it’s okay……that’s what I expected being out here with a bow. With his sincerity I felt obligated to help him get that back that was standing a couple hundred yards away. After helping the gentlemen find the buck in his rifle scope, he finally downed the buck……man was he happy. Never had a man shake my hand so much….made my day.
Ended up getting up on a few bucks over the weekend and ended up passing a few….one of which I regret now, as the broken tines got worse each day. Here’s a few I passed during the hunt and the older gentleman and his buck.
http://www.jesseshunting.com/photopost/data/500/medium/G-3_buck.jpg " alt="" />
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http://www.jesseshunting.com/photopost/data/551/medium/Goodale_Buck_07_004.jpg " alt="" />
******** Continued *********
Decided on an area to hunt the next morning since my backpack plan (Plan A) was foiled, as two rifle guys were packing into a place I was going to hunt. No problem, with eight days of scouting in I had a few back-up plans. (I thought)
Opening morning, I drove to an area that held a pretty nice 3x4 I photo’d the weekend before. He was one of the better-framed bucks I scouted and would have flung an arrow at him anytime even though he was only a 3x4. Remember this one I photographed last week........would you cast an arrow at him? I sure wanted to.
Well, as I pulled into the area, there was a truck exactly where I needed to be……in fact 3 vehicles. We backed out and decided to get away from folks. This began to be a daily routine for this ol’ bowhunter.....searching for areas that didn't have folks.
Long story short, I had two bucks shot out from under me. One of them Jerry saw the whole thing un-fold. I’m 70 yards from two shooter bucks, one of which is a nice 5x4 with a 7” in-line. They’re feeding towards me when all of a sudden BOOM! Dirt flying everywhere and bucks confused……then another BOOM. I’m scurrying for some nearby boulders for protection and waving my orange hat. That stalk was over. Although this hunter didn’t realize I was there….un-like the other incident.
The older gentleman (70’s) walks down the hill towards me and realizes he’s just ruined my stalk. He apologizes profusely and I let him know it’s okay……that’s what I expected being out here with a bow. With his sincerity I felt obligated to help him get that back that was standing a couple hundred yards away. After helping the gentlemen find the buck in his rifle scope, he finally downed the buck……man was he happy. Never had a man shake my hand so much….made my day.
Ended up getting up on a few bucks over the weekend and ended up passing a few….one of which I regret now, as the broken tines got worse each day. Here’s a few I passed during the hunt and the older gentleman and his buck.
******** Continued *********
10,809
Well, after Jerry and Wally left, I went to an area that we had seen a tall narrow buck with good mass. Also, I had to return to work to cover the bureau, as my Captain had to leave for a family obligation. Now, when I say narrow I mean NARROW! He had a broken G4 on his right side, but compared to all the other mature deer, he had the least amount broken. So, Tuesday morning (my last day), I ended up spotting him up on the hill chasing off some other bucks from an apparent hot doe. With him was a 27" 3x3 with a 4" dropper. I had tried for this buck earlier in the hunt, as he looked impressive. After closer inspection, his right G4 was actually an abnormal point. He was also a willow horned buck with almost no mass. I decided to go for Mr. Narrow. After closing the distance I was able to put an arrow into him......he lurched a bit on the shot from 40 yards and I caught him in the liver. He stood there quartering away and allowed another shot from 23 yards. Now he was down for good.
I haven't had time to run a tape on him.....not that it really matters. But I do know he's about 20" wide with about 17" of mass per side. I guess he'd probably score in the low 150's if he wasn't broke.......but his broken G4 and partial break of his right G1 will kill his net. It was a fun hunt and I was able to see a lot of deer. I scouted the entire unit for over 8 days prior to the hunt. I saw ONE buck that would go 180" and it was shot Sunday in the high country. The lack of snow really hampered this hunt, IMO. Some people I talked to who have been up there for years said it was the worst (as far as big bucks down) that they've seen in years. It was different hunting along side rifle guys, but really wasn't too bad.......most just shook their heads when they saw what I was carrying.
Lastly, I sure enjoyed the hunt up there. Even though I arrowed a buck smaller than what I passed on opening weekend. That's the gamble you take sometimes. I felt blessed just to be chasing those bucks....and satisfied I was able to do it with a bow after a lot of folks said no way. Hope you enjoy the photos.
That is a sweet buck the older guy took, I wouldn't be to happy having bullets flung my way at that distance. :)
Crazy of the busted up tines, looks forward to the rest.
Heck BOHNTR I'd be happy with that buck for sure with my bow. Don't get to worried about passing the bigger one, your buck might be narrow but he is very pretty looking IMO. Great mass and good looking height/buck.
Great job, I really enjoyed the story and photos and was anxious to see how things went. Sounds like lack of weather really slowed things down a bit.
Great hunt none-the-less. :thumb
I agree with Brett, the buck the old guy took is pretty darned nice also.
You're certainly a die-hard Roy. Again, congrats on a successful hunt and a really pretty buck. You're the man, my friend!
BTW a lot of the bucks in my neck of the woods are busted up too. Could it be from lack of water?
Sounds like a great time. I'm very impressed with your dedication to archery hunting. Taking a good buck like that with a bow when you are competing with rifle hunters is a huge accomplishment. Thanks for sharing your trip with us.
Jason.
your are one of AWESOME BOWHUNTER! congrats to you!!! :arrow
vinihunt
Great story, Nice Buck. I'm sure I would have been one of those guys shaking my head if I saw you walk by me with a bow on that hunt! :)
Marvin
WTG, sounds like you had some fun in there. That is a good buck.
Guess I just assumed most just bought rifles in the store, some ammo, sighted in, and down goes a buck. Definitely some hardcore lead slingers out there....you this hunt opened my eyes in several positive ways.
For your info: I would definitely have shot the 3x4 you had pics of last week!
Some nice bucks you took pictures of and that is awesome of you to help the guy get that 5x4. You are truly a good person at heart and that shows it in my book!
I saw the pics on AT, but I knew the place to get the whole story was on here!!!
Congratulations!