So it began back in May when we all anxiously awaited the results of the draw.... Needless to say, I was pretty stoked to see 'SELECTED' next to my Quality Deer application. Immediately I had dreams of big bucks. Having only hunted the East side one other time, and never hunting this unit before, (yes, I was one of 'those' guys)
I knew I had my work cut out for me.
Work constraints and a kitchen remodel kept my scouting efforts to a minimum, but I did get to go over and check the unit out. WOW! This unit is big country! Beautiful, rugged, open, dense, it's all there.
Evidence of past burns were everywhere....
It took me a bit, but I figured out that these holes were from burned out stumps.
I figure, these bare spots were from logs that completely burnt to ash.
Day 2, my girlfriend spotted this guy...
Having never taken a Mule deer, I really wanted a nice respectable representative 4x4 buck, and being that this guy was a 3x4 he would be 'Plan B'. That was that last we saw of him, but I knew where he was hanging out.
I found this guy, a 2x4, the same day. I also lost count on deer that day after I'd reached 120.
Day 3... a small 4x4
and this guy...
A young'un
Then I found the one I would pursue...
I took these pics a couple minutes before he passed by us at 55 yards. I didn't actually think he'd head towards us because on an earlier stalk a doe busted me and the last I saw of him he was headed to the next drainage. We'd just pulled up in the truck, stopped, and the herd was milling about in front of us. I couldn't believe they came back! I was at full draw on him, but he wouldn't stop for the shot.
Day 4 I decided to head up high to see if I could find one of the famous Entiat monsters. No such luck. This was the only buck I saw up high.
On the way up I found this TANK! The closest I got to him was 55 yards, but there were too many branches in the way for a shot. I wish I could've taken him, he's got some gnarly eye guards.
Day 5: A couple new bucks and my old friend...
Day 6: I spent up high again and still didn't find one of those big bucks. If there was a way to wear out a spotting scope I would have done it.
Day 7: The fog rolls in. FOG SUCKS! I searched for little pockets where the fog hadn't settled yet and quickly glassed before losing all visibility.
During my glassing session I heard a branch break not far behind me. I turn around and there was a buck not 40 yards away! I grab my bow and head after him. After an hour long stalk, the fog rolling in, and a bit of cat and mouse, I finally got my shot. A mere 25 yards! BUCK DOWN! After A LOT of glassing and hiking I filled my Entiat tag.
He wasn't the biggest buck, but he's my first Mule deer. I thought about passing on him, but considering the weather report of lots of fog over the last couple days of the season, I figured I better take advantage of what was given to me. I also heard the voice of my grandfather in my head saying, "SHOOT HIM!" So my inner meat hunter took over from there.
Some guys might say I wasted my tag. I say I was fortunate enough to get drawn to have an opportunity to hunt such a fantastic area. I saw plenty of deer. Lots of bucks, the fewest number of bucks I saw was 6 in one day, the most I saw was 11. The lack of snow didn't help at all, but ya gotta play the cards you're dealt. I had a blast and hope to get drawn for this area again some day.
Fresh rub...
After a complete pass through.
As he lay...
Cheesy grin!
Hmmm... fresh rubbing from the earlier tree? I say yes!
