Pathfinder's Idaho Deer Hunt

[Pathfinder101]

Back at the truck we unpacked our rucks and enjoyed the air conditioning as we tooled around the unit.  Since it was the heat of the day we were just making notes on our map and looking at roads and hillsides.  Little Pathfinder got to eat a cactus- he was a little disappointed- a lot less like a fruit and more like an avocado than he expected. 

[Pathfinder101]

As the day approached evening we found a new camping spot by a lake with rising trout that promised better fishing, so we set up camp and did a little flyfishing.  The cutthroats and rainbows here were much more cooperative.  After an early dinner of trout we set out to learn the unit a little better.
Finally, we started seeing deer.  Does at first (and mostly), but we did get one glimpse of a good buck.  He was with a doe, and she stuck around as he put his head down and retreated through the sagebrush.  I didn’t even get enough of a look at him to guess at a score, but at least seeing a buck was encouraging.  Unfortunately, he was on private land, so locating him,( however briefly) did little for my scouting efforts as far as actually filling my tag.  Of course, no chance for a picture. 
We did get a picture of a Booner Jackrabbit though. 

[Pathfinder101]

The next morning I decided to let Little Pathfinder sleep in while I got up and climbed to a vantage point to wait for light.
As the sky turned gray, I noticed a knot of shapes milling about in a meadow a few hundred yards distant.  As the horizon lit, it became apparent that I had located deer.  As it got lighter, I started seeing antlers.

[Pathfinder101]

As the sun hit them they started moving in my direction to bed, so I was able to get a few pictures.  Unfortunately, I discovered that I was not the only one watching these deer (the area wasn’t exactly remote), and they got bumped out of the draw I think they were intending to bed in.  This did give me a chance to get a few more pictures as they moved location.   I did see a couple of shooters in the group, including one really good buck that will easily exceed the standard that I am looking for.

[Pathfinder101]

I had to get back to Spokane the next day for a doctor’s appointment at the VA, so that morning was unfortunately the end of my scouting trip. LP and I packed up camp, caught a few more fish and had to hit the road.

[Pathfinder101]

 I had about 2 more locations that I would have liked to look at, plus I would have liked to get back up into my first area to see if the deer moved back in once the cattle were gone.  I don’t think I’ll be able to free up time for another scout before my season starts, so it’s back to BLM Maps, Google Earth and OnX again. 
It does worry me that the only deer I found are obviously being watched by other guys that must have the same tag as I do.  I have some ideas to get to them, but man, I’d really like to have a couple of viable backup plans when that one inevitably fails. 

[Bob33]

You've already got some priceless memories. Great story so far.

[Dan-o]

Great report.

What a terrific trip.

And that one buck looks reallllllllly good.

[Timberstalker]

Nice write up.
Looking forward to your hunt.

[Machias]

Awesome, so cool to experience with your young man!!!

[MtnMuley]

Super cool, Mark. Can't wait to see the treasure you turn up.

[Bigshooter]

Can't wait to see how you do on this hunt.

[Pathfinder101]

Thanks guys.  I'm looking forward to it.  Fingers crossed for good luck

[Skyvalhunter]

Looks like a good hunt congrats

[CoryTDF]

Back at the truck we unpacked our rucks and enjoyed the air conditioning as we tooled around the unit.  Since it was the heat of the day we were just making notes on our map and looking at roads and hillsides.  Little Pathfinder got to eat a cactus- he was a little disappointed- a lot less like a fruit and more like an avocado than he expected.

AM i the only person that sees the Bigfoot clinging to the rock behind Conner?  You are both lucky to be alive!