My 2013 Late Permit Hunt

[Westside88]

For years my Dad and I have wanted to hunt Mule Deer together, but for variety of reasons it hadn't happened. This year when a friend asked us to join them at their deer camp, we decided this was the year. I'd managed to build up 10 points applying for a local hunt, but it's not what it used to be so I decided that I'd put in in the area we'd be hunting general season. I figured maybe my friend and I would both get drawn. My Dad and I always put in separately, that way we can put all our efforts into supporting each other if we get drawn. Not to mention it maximizes our chances.
I was extremely excited to find out I was drawn for a quality any buck late modern tag. I immediately began preparing. That's how I found this forum. I've met some really great people on here and appreciate all the input. Hopefully I can help others in the future. I never asked or received specific locations to go. I think putting in the time and learning the area is a big part of a successful hunt and experience. What I did receive were tips on expectations, judging, technique etc. and that is very much appreciated.
We hunted general season and spent our time exploring the are followed by more map studying, google earth etc.  By the time the late season came, I felt I had a decent grasp on the area. As it turned out the 1st through10th was my best time to hunt. The more I learned the more it concerned me, but I figured I still had the last weekend if needed. We decided to head over the 31st and start hunting the first. We discussed my goals and expectations. I told Dad, my goal was to have a good hunt together and take a nice solid 4X4. One common piece of advice was "don't shoot the first one"
When we arrived the weather was nice, but snow and wind forecast. We decided to keep moving the first couple days and not stay too long in any one place. Dad joked about holding my bullets for me.
Day one we decided to start where we'd seen deer the evening before. One was a big wide 2, possibly small 3rds. Not a shooter, but he had does so we decided to start there. All day long we stuck to our plan to keep moving. We took several nice walks and found some areas we really liked.  With a couple hours left on day one, we found ourselves in some timber in an area I really liked. We agreed we'd be back, but for now we wanted to get to another area I'd seen deer the previous day.
When we arrived at the next spot it didn't take long for me to spot some does. Pretty soon Dad spotted a Buck. As we looked him over Dad said he wasn't real wide, but he was tall and heavy.  He asked what I thought. I couldn't help remember "don't shoot the first one" I wanted a better look and moved forward a little bit for a better vantage point. I also had an old snag there I could use for a rest if needed.  About that time the buck turned his head and I saw nice tines . Dad says at that point "when they say don't shoot the first one I don't think they're talking about this one" I thought of my goals for the trip and decided I wanted him. Meanwhile the Buck had spotted me looking and wheeled and ran straight away. No shot, dang I blew it. But wait, after about 75 yards he turned 90 degrees and slowed a bit.  I'd stayed on him in the scope hoping for him to look back. Thankfully I had a rest. 250 yards broadside moving some......Boom. Dad says from behind me "you hit him hard, I heard the bullet smack". I headed down to some brush where I last saw him to hang a ribbon for reference. Two steps there he was, less than 10 feet away. Not even another step, more of an instant down and slide.  He was just what we thought for width, with a couple extra small points. 5X6 + eye guards if you count all the little ones. I'm very happy with the outcome. I didn't expect to take the first one, but I have no regrets. He grossed 182 and change and netted 174 and an eighth after deductions. Not bad for a first mule deer! Thanks to everyone who provided tips and encouragement.  Especially a big thanks to my Dad for all his suppport. I can't seem to attach a pic so I'll try later

[carpsniperg2]

Congrats. You need to resize your pic's to get them to post. Open them in a program like paint and shrink them down to like 30%

[Westside88]

Here are some pics. I couldn't make them work with the ipad. He weighed over 3oo lbs

[E-man32]

Nice buck! real tall!

[Bullkllr]

Wow, nice buck, dude! Congrats!

[7mmfan]

Yep, when they say don't shoot the first one, they didn't mean that one! Good work and a beautiful buck! 

[carpsniperg2]

Very cool looking buck congrats.

[wamuledeer]

Great buck.  Was in the area earlier this month too. Seen some nice bucks in that unit.


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[Button Nubbs]

Wow, nice!

[Natures Way]

Nice buck congrats!

[Jason]

Congrats on a nice Buck

[Wanttohuntmore]

Nice buck!

[highside74]

Yep, when they say don't shoot the first one, they didn't mean that one! Good work and a beautiful buck! 

 

[Skyvalhunter]

That is a brute Westside and you were able to get him out whole too!! Congrats

[Westside88]

Yeah it wasn't easy, but we decided to take him out whole rather than head back for the pack boards.