Suka
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Really, the only reason I decided to post this it so say the following: Despite being pushed hard to get the job done, all the way back, bent over, huffing and puffing, all I could think of every 100yds when I stopped for a rest was, "I can't believe how fortunate I am to be able to experience all of this wonder."
Now the story:
I just about didn't go hunting today as wife had to work, but it was just so nice out this am I couldn't pass up the opportunity.
In my little, "honey hole 2 sections" where I've hunted most every year for the last 37 the deer took a nasty hit 2 yrs ago. Where 20 yrs ago we'd commonly see over 100 deer, now it's more like 5. There's more around, but they're scattered out in fields, abandoned farmyards, and anywhere else they can find to escape all the coyote's and wolves.
When I arrived I recognized the other truck from previous years and knew the occupants would be hanging around a couple, "go to" funnels, waiting for something to walk by. While this tactic works, it's not my cup of tea.
I walked straight W from the truck as to pass S of them; no point in possibly spoiling their hunt by tramping by. Saw one of them in wait, exchanged waves.
Walked about a mile W; nothing but dog tracks. Cut NE, came across fresh deer tracks, good size too, so I followed them. Came across two rut pits and a scrape so knew it was a good buck making it's rounds. Eventually lost the trail in some dense brush covered in dog prints. Figured if the buck was in the pasture it'd be N, so headed that way. Come to a small ridge, bino'd the area and sure enough, my buck was between 3-400yds N of me. That's about my limit, but we practice all summer at 100 and 350 yds, so I knew it was within my comfortable range. The buck wasn't spooked, so I laid down, got my breathing under control and squeezed one off. My trusty blr 30-06 with a 165 hornady over 4064 landed right where I aimed. (inny chest side of RF shoulder, outie just ahead of the back left rib)
He faltered, sort of took a couple steps back. I stood up and he bolted. I lost him in the brush. Walked to where he was, it was easy to follow the prints and blood trail in 8" of clean snow. He went about 40 yds before piling up. Turns out if he'd made it another 5 yds he'dve landed Exactly where my son's first mule buck landed. Something to be said about knowing the area, eh?
Since this pasture is strictly walk in drag out, I boned him out, laid the meat on plastic, then in gamebags and onto my packboard. Boy, I had a hell of a time standing up. I figured the pack must've weighed 160, as I could barely walk. Go about 100 yds then stop, bend over 90 degrees so the weight's off my shoulders huff and puff, then 3 deep breaths and another 100 yds.
I jogged about 400 yds N so I could walk along a fence, resting the pack on the fenceposts during my breaks. Quite frankly I was scared to stop and take the pack off as I'm not sure I could stand up with it again. My truck was about 3 mi. away.
Gradually I passed known landmarks, noting my progress to give myself incentive and eventually reached the trail.
I'm not sure if it's because I'm an, "outdoorsman", or a glutton for punishment, but all the way back all I could think of was how truly fortunate I am to have such experiences.
Enjoy your hunts everyone, and best of luck.
Now the story:
I just about didn't go hunting today as wife had to work, but it was just so nice out this am I couldn't pass up the opportunity.
In my little, "honey hole 2 sections" where I've hunted most every year for the last 37 the deer took a nasty hit 2 yrs ago. Where 20 yrs ago we'd commonly see over 100 deer, now it's more like 5. There's more around, but they're scattered out in fields, abandoned farmyards, and anywhere else they can find to escape all the coyote's and wolves.
When I arrived I recognized the other truck from previous years and knew the occupants would be hanging around a couple, "go to" funnels, waiting for something to walk by. While this tactic works, it's not my cup of tea.
I walked straight W from the truck as to pass S of them; no point in possibly spoiling their hunt by tramping by. Saw one of them in wait, exchanged waves.
Walked about a mile W; nothing but dog tracks. Cut NE, came across fresh deer tracks, good size too, so I followed them. Came across two rut pits and a scrape so knew it was a good buck making it's rounds. Eventually lost the trail in some dense brush covered in dog prints. Figured if the buck was in the pasture it'd be N, so headed that way. Come to a small ridge, bino'd the area and sure enough, my buck was between 3-400yds N of me. That's about my limit, but we practice all summer at 100 and 350 yds, so I knew it was within my comfortable range. The buck wasn't spooked, so I laid down, got my breathing under control and squeezed one off. My trusty blr 30-06 with a 165 hornady over 4064 landed right where I aimed. (inny chest side of RF shoulder, outie just ahead of the back left rib)
He faltered, sort of took a couple steps back. I stood up and he bolted. I lost him in the brush. Walked to where he was, it was easy to follow the prints and blood trail in 8" of clean snow. He went about 40 yds before piling up. Turns out if he'd made it another 5 yds he'dve landed Exactly where my son's first mule buck landed. Something to be said about knowing the area, eh?
Since this pasture is strictly walk in drag out, I boned him out, laid the meat on plastic, then in gamebags and onto my packboard. Boy, I had a hell of a time standing up. I figured the pack must've weighed 160, as I could barely walk. Go about 100 yds then stop, bend over 90 degrees so the weight's off my shoulders huff and puff, then 3 deep breaths and another 100 yds.
I jogged about 400 yds N so I could walk along a fence, resting the pack on the fenceposts during my breaks. Quite frankly I was scared to stop and take the pack off as I'm not sure I could stand up with it again. My truck was about 3 mi. away.
Gradually I passed known landmarks, noting my progress to give myself incentive and eventually reached the trail.
I'm not sure if it's because I'm an, "outdoorsman", or a glutton for punishment, but all the way back all I could think of was how truly fortunate I am to have such experiences.
Enjoy your hunts everyone, and best of luck.
