Well my son got his buck opening morning. Me being stubborn figured I would go in and hunt the last day so as to not waste any precious hunting days. Honestly didn't think I had much chance kind of a spur of the moment decision. I hiked in and set up camp around 3pm and Glassed til dark and saw nothing. Woke up at 6 am to a balmy 27 degrees and Glassed til 10am seeing only one doe I figured I had chosen the wrong meadow. I climbed into my sleeping bag chilled to the bone and to rest my tired eyes. I decided then that if nothing moved I would come off the mountain at noon. After 15 minutes I opened my eyes and noticed a new brown spot on the hill. Binocs confirmed buck, spotter confirmed legal, range finder set ot a 417 yards. I had neglected to have looked for anything to use as a rest and there was nothing within 100 yards. Ended up using my spotting scope as a rest. First shot was a hit and he headed up hill second shot at 460 put him on his butt. Now the possibility of a buck had become reality and the reality was I could either take a load out and head down the mountain to cell service and call for backup or do it all solo. I have done alot of young man work logging,firefighting,roofing and being stubborn I decided to just do it. 10.5 hours later and two trips out deer and gear were stowed in the suburban. Hardest thing I have ever done bar none. Never again by myself too much for this 50 year old smoker. As I set out for the 3.5 hr drive home I was thankful. Thankful for getting the deer thankful for getting off the mountain but mostly thankful for darrick my son who at 16 years old all he wanted was to hunt the high hunt. Thankful he got me to pick up hunting after 17 years off. Thankful for the opportunity to see him get his first deer last week. Thankful for the hours spent in those beautiful high spots that bring a peace like no other. Thanks darrick I am so proud of you. Next year you are deffinatley carrying my deer off the mountain.
