10,000 ft Wyoming Buck

[jjhunter]

I just got back from a great DIY backpack hunt in the Wyoming high country.  I flew into Gillette on Wednesday afternoon and made the 7 hour drive to Hoback Junction.  Got the tents set-up, backpacks loaded, and bed about 10 p.m.  Woke up at 3:45, drank a BUNCH of water, and headed into the high country.  No trails, just bushwacking to the highest, nastiest peak illuminated in the moon light.  Three hours later found me at the "top".  I had a nice bull moose grunting below me and a few does feeding on the ridges.  I was still 1500 vertical feet from where I needed to be, but it was tough going and I was waiting for my partner.  I could see through a gap up into the target basin and set-up the 15 swaro's.   First thing I see is a nice buck thrashing some bitter brush - things were looking up and I was stoked!  I grapped my partner and we kicked it into high gear, racing the rising sun.  We worked through the last timber patch, gaining another 1000 vertical feet and set-up his spotter and my 15's.  I spotted three groups of buck (17 total) including two nice 4-points.  Not first day shooters for me, but he was interested!  We watched as they worked high into the cliffs and disappeared into the thick foilage.  I continued to glass through-out the day, picking apart the mountain looking for some thing special.  I counted over 40 bucks in the basin that day, but nothing really exceptional.   The plan was to move in closer and intercept the bucks as they fed out at night, as they were unapproachable in their beds high up in the steep face of the peak.  As night approached, we realized that the bucks would not be up until it was too late to make a move.  It was decision time....I was thinking of a mountain house meal and my sleeping bag at the bottom of the mountain, 3.5 "linear" miles away and 4000 vertical feet below.  My partner stated that he would never make it back up.  We decided to stay put for the night with two power bars, on bottle of water, no sleeping bags or tents.....long night!  At first light we are on our vantage point, looking for deer and are surrounded by bucks.  Where are the big boys?  I look up on the mountain - they are already on top!  We move down the ridge and run out of cover.  655 yards to the big 4 point.  We click the custom turret on the 6.5x284, check the wind.  No wind, I say.  My buddy replies "there is wind and that is 650!"  I'm holding 1 MOA, he says.  BOOM!  Miss on a full velvet 175" buck! I look back for the other nice 4 point and there is a side profile of a new buck - a heavy, tall buck with an inline.  I range him at 645 - my buddy is rattled!!!!  "You shoot", he says.  I grab the rifle, hold no wind, bottom brisket.  BOOM followed by the distinctive WHHHAAAPPPP!   

This was the most challenging and rewarding hunt that I have ever been on!  I cannot wait to visit the Wyoming high country next year!

[turkey slayer]

Good looking deer and great write up

[yelp]

   Great Buck..I love Wyoming...Good Job!

[bearpaw]

great buck....congrats

[hornhunter]

Nice work!  Im sorry I failed to give you any feedback earlier, but, I see  you didnt need it.  The Wyoming high country is a beautiful place!  I cant wait to get back either. Congrats on the beautiful buck!

[alecvg]

Holy cow!! That is my dream hunt right there!  Awesome job on a fantastic buck!  Someday I will do a hunt like that!

[jason4429]

I can't wait i'm leaving friday to wyoming . nice buck

[Ridgerunner]

Lets see some more pics of that buck, Wyoming high country is a very special place.

[shag]

How much you think that buck weighted on the hoof?

Great job.  IMO nothing in America beats mtn high mulies!

[Wyoming08]

Great Buck and Awesome story  What unit were you in?  The Wyoming country... There is nothing like it.  We Drew out in area G in 06, and in area D in 08, hence Wyoming08.  We had an awesome hunt went 5 for 6.  Awesome job man.

[bowhunterforever]

Thats a whopper buck,Congrats! What do you think he scores?

[Cougeyes]

Nice buck, I love that country.  We packed in on horses years ago out of the hoback junction, can't recall what trail we went up.  Lots of country and lots of deer.  We took some decent bucks and saw some great country. 

[Buschingc]

Sounds like a great time.. Congrats

[jjhunter]

Thanks, guys.  I would definitely recommend this hunt to anyone interested in seeing beautiful country and a shot at a huge buck.  Although I did not see one, I know that they are there!   Although I normally pass on these kind of deer, something changed in me in those high mountain peaks.  It was an awesome experience to say the least.  This buck was the largest bodied deer that I have ever killed.  You would have to see it in person to believe.  My guess would be close to 400 pounds on the hoof.    I can tell you that he was HEAVY on the way out and gave myself and the Eberlestock packback everything that we could handle.  I will post some more pics later.  My partner has most of the field photos.

[Hornseeker]

Nice Job! Yeah...MORE PICS...that is a dream hunt for sure!

Did you guys get him out in one load? Did your buddy score or did you guys go home after 1 night??

E