My high buck hunt

[Craig]

I drew a Early high buck hunt in Colorado this year.  I knew I had to be in shape and get ready for this hunt but living at about 50 Feet above sea level is no match for the Colorado High Country. I will admit that I got my butt kicked big time. This was a solo hunt that I hiked into. Camped at 11,500 feet and had to go up to 12,000 -12,700 to hunt. Hiking up the mountain one or two times a day was tough. It was about 65-70 degree and then every day at 4pm the lightning and thunderstorms rolled in and shook the whole mountain. It was pretty cool. But made you realize how small you are and scares the crap out of you when you are above timberline. My body hurt and I had to eat ibprohin like candy because my head hurt from the altitude. Other then that the hunt was great and being up there is awesome. Seen some great country and even though I was looking for a bigger buck that fill the magazines but never found him. I am very happy with the one I got and dropped him off at a Taxidermist in Utah that is going to do a great Velvet mount for me.

The hike in


camp


view from camp


some bucks







My #1 buck I messed a stock up on and he was a smart guy that knew every escape route there was. he's the king of the basin.



My buck



I fought back and forth about small light gun or my big heavy gun That I know I can shoot lights out with and I went with my Rbros 7mm SAUM. It was tough lugging this thing around the mountain but Never would have been able to make the shot with my other option. This gun made the kill shot possible.


some random critters. A lost sheep and a marmot thing

[beave]

 

[jjhunter]

Awesome, Craig!

I'm right behind you and will be taking my diamox!

[MarkTrail]

Great photos! 12k will change you if you haven't been around those higher elevations. The horses even get winded easier. No shame in what you got, remember very few people will ever have the guts to even try this country, let alone solo. Thanks for sharing your adventure.

[full choke]

Awesome!
Cool hunt. Thanks for sharing!

[REHJWA]

Looks like you had a hunt most of us only dream of...maybe one day.

[haugenna]

Great story. Thanks for sharing. Nice buck.

[muleyslayer]

Nice buck! Beautiful country

[h2ofowlr]

Looks like a fun one!   

[teanawayslayer]

Thanks for sharing. Sounds like it was a great experience. Nothing wrong with that buck!

[SirSpencer]

Good looking deer! Gorgeous country too.

[X-Force]

Awesome. Beautiful country

[Timberstalker]

Gorgeous country and great buck!  Thanks for sharing, Craig.

[bowhunterforever]

Awesome

[RB]

Wow very cool! Nice Buck!