ShaneVG's 2016 Western WA Alpine Blacktail

[762Armo]

Awesome as always.
What are the attachments on your boots?

[jasnt]

Tagging for later. Congrats

[shanevg]

Awesome as always.
What are the attachments on your boots?

Hillsound Cypress6 crampons.  (http://hillsound.com/hillsound-product/cypress6-crampon/)

They are a lifesaver in the snow/rain in the steep alpine I'm hunting.  With that said, this was my first year with the full on crampons (as opposed to microspikes) and I wasn't too impressed with the ratcheting system on the Cypress6.  The crampons on my left foot actually came undone and I lost the crampon altogether no my stalk for my buck.  Right after shooting I took an unexpected slide down the hill.  With that in mind I ordered the non-ratcheting Petzl Crab6 last night.  (https://www.petzl.com/US/en/Professional/Packs-and-accessories/CRAB-6)

While I'm on the subject.  Some new gear I tried out this year that I absolutely loved!!!
1. Tarp for camp (self explanatory)
2. Crampons (per above, I don't recommend the Cypress6 but have heard great things about the Crab6)
3. Black Diamond Whippet trekking pole (won't leave home without it again) - (http://blackdiamondequipment.com/en/ski-poles/carbon-whippet-ski-pole-BD1115410000ALL1.html)
4. ZPacks pack cover (the large easily covers my loaded Kifaru pack and only weighs 1.7 oz.  - (http://www.zpacks.com/accessories/pack_cover.shtml)

I'm still undecided on the Yukon gators.  Definitely more breathable than other gators I've had but I feel like the "waterproofness" wore off quicker than my old black diamond gators did. 

[MountainTracker]

Awesome!! Thanks for sharing always enjoy.

[HunterofWA]

Nice one! your work definitely paid off!

[Born2late]

Great pictures and story.
I run the crab 6's also they are awesome. Be careful of the 2 little center bolts to adjust the width. Had a friend break them on a steep pack out in alaska and he said could have been a disaster in the wrong spot since he had a goat on his back. I replaced them with stronger bolts from fastenal.

[shanevg]

Great pictures and story.
I run the crab 6's also they are awesome. Be careful of the 2 little center bolts to adjust the width. Had a friend break them on a steep pack out in alaska and he said could have been a disaster in the wrong spot since he had a goat on his back. I replaced them with stronger bolts from fastenal.

Good to know. Thanks for the heads up.

[elkrack]

Great story behind a great buck! That hit list buck is a bruiser maybe next year

[shanevg]

Great story behind a great buck! That hit list buck is a bruiser maybe next year

That's what I figure. Next year he'll be even bigger!

[7mag.]

Have you looked at the First Lite gaiters? I have the Yukon gaiters now, but plan on trying the First Lite next year.

[Muleyslyr]

Great write up! Way to get it done up there again!

[zkhowes]

I want to be you when I grow up. That is exactly the kind of hunting I want to get proficient at (given I'm a wet sider w/ kids and limited time). Awesome.

[fishnfur]

Wonderful story with exceptional photos.  Easy to get lost in your well told story and imagine it at though I'd been there myself.  Congratulations on your successful hunt.

[shanevg]

Wonderful story with exceptional photos.  Easy to get lost in your well told story and imagine it at though I'd been there myself.  Congratulations on your successful hunt.

Love to hear that!   Glad you enjoyed!

[tgomez]

Great story, fabulous pictures, and a good buck Shane. You almost got a 2nd bear this year as well. A great year for you, God has truly blessed you this year! Your hard work and great hunting skills don't hurt either. FANTASTIC WORK!!!! 👌👍😁.