2016 Blacktail - It's on!

[shanevg]

I'm off at noon and headed into the Western WA backcountry for 5 nights of solo archery hunting for blacktail deer. This is the trip I anticipate most each year. I literally spend 10 months planning, working out, shooting my bow, refining my gear, and anticipating for this trip. Ultimately my goal is to harvest the best organic meat available to feed my family for the winter. But a successful harvest is not the determining factor of a successful trip. The part I look forward to most is the time alone in God's amazing creation where all the distractions and barriers of a busy life seem to melt away and I can feel the presence of God more than anywhere else. For it is alone in the alpine where I can truly witness "Even the mountains and the hills bursting forth into song" proclaiming the glory of God.

I've been incredibly blessed with great alpine blacktails the last 2 years.  Honestly just being out there will be enough for me but I sure won't complain if God blesses me again with a solid blacktail buck.

Good luck to everyone headed out this weekend and in the coming weeks!

[Irish_hunter93]

Good luck Shane! Hopefully you can have as much fortune as in years past.

[pd]

Good luck, Shane.  You are an inspiration to us all.

[X-Force]

Awesome! Enjoy the rain... i mean trip. I cant wait for the conclusion.

[ELKBURGER]

Good luck, Shane.  You are an inspiration to us all.

A purist! Enjoy your time on the mountain... and may God bless you greatly!

[luvmystang67]

usually, i'd be really envious.  Looking at the weather forecast... i hope youre waterproofing is strong like ox.

[kodiak 907]

Good luck. That's a familiar view👍🏻

[fishnfur]

Shoot strait!  Best of luck.  (wish I was young again  )

[jkthomps]

Good luck! Looking forward to the write up and photos!!!

[RudyP]

👍🏽 get it!


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[Gringo31]

The part I look forward to most is the time alone in God's amazing creation where all the distractions and barriers of a busy life seem to melt away and I can feel the presence of God more than anywhere else. For it is alone in the alpine where I can truly witness "Even the mountains and the hills bursting forth into song" proclaiming the glory of God.

Spot on! 

[Ridgerunner]

Looking forward to your write up when you return and the lessons He teaches you up there.


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[Lucky1]

The part I look forward to most is the time alone in God's amazing creation where all the distractions and barriers of a busy life seem to melt away and I can feel the presence of God more than anywhere else. For it is alone in the alpine where I can truly witness "Even the mountains and the hills bursting forth into song" proclaiming the glory of God.

Spot on! 

That's really cool. It's a incredible awesome beautiful majestic creation. We are blessed to be able to enjoy and take part in it. God is good! I pray blessings on your hunt.

[Wingin it]

I am envious! I recall last year's buck and it was a Dandy for sure! Enjoy your hunt and I will be looking forward to the story and pics.

[westside Elkhunter]

Good luck. Looking forward to the story after you get back

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[hendog]

Phil 4:13

[JakeLand]

We're expecting another good one !!!

[Bow tech hunter]

Nice goodluck already looking forward to the story and pics

[jgeorgio]

Looking forward to hearing about your adventure later today or tomorrow.

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[davk]

Awesome! Enjoy the rain...

It was miserable for me.  Was pouring water out of my boots on the way in, along with finding out my waterproof pants leaked on both knees. 4 days of hiking around in soaking wet boots and wet pants was a blast  .  Had stars one night when got out of the tent to take a piss.  I was pumped for the next day ... only to wake up to the sound of rain.

[pd]

It was miserable for me.  Was pouring water out of my boots on the way in, along with finding out my waterproof pants leaked on both knees. 4 days of hiking around in soaking wet boots and wet pants was a blast  .  Had stars one night when got out of the tent to take a piss.  I was pumped for the next day ... only to wake up to the sound of rain.

I have been there before.   I know exactly where that is----Mount Miserable!

[Kit Carson]

Good luck man!! 

[Natures Way]

good luck!

[Buckewe]

Good luck hope to hear a great report as always

[JDhunting_Aus]

Beautiful looking country, all the best mate

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[shanevg]

Awesome! Enjoy the rain...

It was miserable for me.  Was pouring water out of my boots on the way in, along with finding out my waterproof pants leaked on both knees. 4 days of hiking around in soaking wet boots and wet pants was a blast  .  Had stars one night when got out of the tent to take a piss.  I was pumped for the next day ... only to wake up to the sound of rain.

LOL, it was miserable weather but good for stalking.  I didn't get a buck this weekend but had a great time.  Was 37 yards from a bear waiting for him to step out from behind a tree when the wind switched on me.  Saw 2 different 120+ bucks.  Got within 20 yards of one of them in thick brush but never did see him.  My brother was glassing from across the canyon and saw the buck scoot out of there without ever even giving me a glimpse.

All said I spotted 6 different bucks (3.5 shooters... I would have had a really time passing on one really heavy 3 point I saw thus the 0.5).  Got within 110 yards of 4 different bucks but was never able to seal the deal.  I'll be out again for high buck and then again for modern rifle so it's not done yet! 

I'll try to post some photos and video later tonight. 

[X-Force]

Thanks for the update. Can't wait for the photos.

[shanevg]

Well like I said earlier, I had a good time but no arrows released.  Saw 6 different bucks, at least 2 of which were shooters.  (There was a small 4 point and a big 3 point I would have considered as well, but two in particular that were definite shooters.

I got within 100 yards of 4 different bucks, and 20 feet of the biggest one.  Unfortunately it was so brushy I didn't even see him.  My brother just watched him sneak out below me from across the canyon. 

I'll let the pictures tell the rest of the story.  You'll notice that the story is dominated by rain and fog! 















A few notes:
-Caching a tarp earlier this summer was a lifesaver!
-Packable crampons are an absolute must!!!  I use these ones: https://www.amazon.com/Hillsound-Cypress-6-Crampons/dp/B0096PFSFC
-Absolutely LOVE my Z-Packs pack cover

Can't wait to get back out there!

[saylean]

Looks awesome man. Thanks for posting. Also looks nasty, but fun!

[fishnfur]

Great photos.  Looks like a blast!  Just curious, what's your approximate elevation? 

[shanevg]

Great photos.  Looks like a blast!  Just curious, what's your approximate elevation?

I generally am hunting 4500+

[pope]

Any issues with cold feet when wearing crampons?

[Raven23]

Has anyone seen any projections/predictions for start of the rut this year?  Seems it was a little early last year. Also seems like a lot of things in nature came a little early this year too.
Just wondering.

[X-Force]

Amazing country. You do a great job capturing the backcountry.

[HunterofWA]

Has anyone seen any projections/predictions for start of the rut this year?  Seems it was a little early last year. Also seems like a lot of things in nature came a little early this year too.
Just wondering.

The rut was at the it's peek right in between the two modern firearm seasons. I'm at 900-1,300 foot elevation. I don't know when it will begin this year, I'll try to study deer activity more this season even though I already got a deer, but you can never learn everything about deer hunting!