Methow Valley Beast! 210 3/8 Gross

[Griz231]

Here is our biggest Washington Muley to date. My dad was fortunate to take him on Saturday afternoon.

It all started Saturday morning when I hiked in to my favorite spot about 3.5 miles and 700+ ft in elevation. I got setup overlooking a ravine that has been a consistent producer for us. Opening weekend I had several nice deer but just couldn't connect. The Bucks were chasing does and fighting. It was the first time I've really felt like I was hunting some pre rut action.  A small 3pt was milling around about 200 yards out but I decided to hold off since it was early and 3pt's are tough to shoot when we are that far in. About 20 min went by and I spotted horns and more horns. I pulled up the binos and sure enough there he was but at 450 yds. I set my .270 on him and let er rip. I shot over him. I took 3 more shots all at 500ish yards and missed. I wasn't too bummed as that is the upper end of my range and I don't have a ton of experience shooting that far. I learned a few things for next time. I'm sure I was just rushing the shot as he was moving away from me and I had about 30 deer between him and me so getting a stalk in order was not happening.
I licked my wounds and got on the radio to let my dad and brother know about him. About 2 hrs later I was able to move over to where I last saw him and I double double checked and didn't find any blood. Deep down I was hoping I got lucky but knew that I missed clean.  Dad went up high and circled to where we thought he would go. I stayed lower in hopes one of us would push him to the other. Mid afternoon came and nothing. I moved up a bit and started glassing the ridge above me. Dad decided he was going for the gold and headed up the nasty steep recently burned ridge.  Around 4pm he got pinned down by 5 does at 40 yards. He stood for what felt like and hour perfectly still thinking in the back of his mind that a buck would eventually come to those does as we had seen quite a bit of chasing both weekends. Just as the does started to move and feed he caught movement to his right and here comes the buck. The big one I missed earlier. He was at 200 yards uphill and he dropped him.

Now it was a SOB of a hike and pack out. We got back to camp at midnight with the head, cape, tenderloins, and backstraps. Ended up going back up at 6 am and getting the quarters that we hung in the most sturdy burnt up tree we could find. We had found fresh wolf sign the first weekend so we weren't taking any chances. It was a 3 hr hike to get to the meat then bone out fronts and load up frames and head down. Got back to camp at 2:30pm. I passed up a small 4 point this morning due to all the work we already had going on.
It was a great hunt with my dad and older brother and every time we look at this buck on the wall we will remember that frickin hike but more so the great memories we had together on one of many great hunts we have had over the years.

What do y'all think he will score?

[HUNTaHOLIC5]

     One heck of a buck! 

[Natures Way]

Great buck That things is a stud for sure!

[USMC86]

Wow.  Wow-o-Wow.  That is an amazing animal.  Congratulations to your Dad on a wonderful buck.

[scoyoc5]

What a great trophy...

[The Weazle]

WOW!

[Euro mount]

Low to mid 180"

[elkrack]

What a great buck

[Skillet]

My favorite buck so far this year.
Congrats!

[PlateauNDN]

 

[PolarBear]

AWESOME!!!

[carpsniperg2]

Masher!

[hirshey]

Wow! Congrats on a once in a lifetime trophy! He's gorgeous!

[wsmnut]

Beautiful buck!  Nice job.

[wsucowboy]

Dang! That's a great buck

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