2010 Guided Mule Deer Hunt: Update, 9/23 Mount shipped!

[h20hunter]

So, I am beginning to document my 2010 outfitted mule deer hunt. Two years ago I decided that my father needs to go hunting. He has provided above and beyond over the years and it is time to pay it back. I did my research, put my money down, and began saving and planning. We will be hunting with an outfitter in the Okanaggen area for four days at the beginning of modern rifle season. I will leave the name of the outfitter out just so I don't step on anybodys toes. I am going along for the ride as a non hunting (deer that is) guest. After we get a mulie we will be hunting for prairie poodles with our remaining time. Our goal is simply to enjoy our hunt and take a good mule deer. We are not trophy seekers and are both fairly new to big game hunting. He is 61 and has humped the hills near Curlew for a couple of years. He has seen plenty of two points, just no shooters. I've got about 5 years hunting big game and have a doe to my credit. My goal for the thread is to post the scouting pics from the outfitter, daily pics from the hunt, one dead mule deer, and some dogs. I'd be glad to answer any questions along the way. Wish us luck.

Here are the first four pics from last week as the outfitter begins scouting and tracking bucks in ernest.

[rb2506]

good luck to you guys, that is a pretty awesome thing to to for your dad, does he know yet?

[h20hunter]

I kept it under wraps for about a year and half. Last year my outfitter emailed me pics of deer/couger, and some hero shots. I put it together along with a hat w/logo and in between hands of cribbage while visiting over xmas just handed it to him. Said now that I am a father of two and a bit older I guess he wasn't so full of *censored* all those years. Told him I appreciate it and just wanted to take him hunting. He just sat there, looked at it, and dealt the next hand. Needless to say, he is excited.

[rb2506]

that's cool, i'm sure it will be a great time, looking forward to the results

[NRA4LIFE]

Good luck to you.  You will not regret it.  One of the things I cherish the most in life is hunting every year with my dad.  It has gotten more and more difficult over the years as we live 2000 miles apart and he is 78 now, but we make it happen.  This year it's a rut hunt in MT for mulies.  Have fun.

[buckhorn2]

Everyone should be blessed with such a son. I hope the outfitter finds one that will be bigger than you even dreamed about. The hunt may be only a few days but the planning and preparing and the dreaming will be forever. He will make you proud.

[bucklucky]

Right on! Thats a hell of a thing you did for your Pops!!

[h20hunter]

I am hoping for at least a 4x?. I have a buddy that has agreed to cover half the cost of a shoulder mount as a thanks you for some time my father has spent working up a nice 6mm round for him. My father lives in IL these days and we see them once, sometimes twice a year. If he drops a respectable mulie and enjoys himself I'll be content. I think a WA mulie would look great in his loading room.

[CMG]

H2, great way to pay back your Dad! the preparations together and anticipation is half of the memories. don't forget to take lots of pic's with your dad and you in them to look back on for years. (I only have a handful of pictures with my father actually in the picture, regret it.)
  Have a great time and cherish the moments!

[GoldTip]

Thats a very cool thing to do for your Dad.  Good luck and I can't wait to read th story.

[Austrian Hunter]

I want my son to be like you Or I just go ahead and adopt you Nice thing you did for the old man! 

[buckreaper]

Man, that must make you so proud to be able to do that for your Dad.  And, your Dad must be proud as hell to see his Son be so appreciative of him.  I can't wait to watch this unfold.  Job well done.

[bowhunterforever]

Man that awsome you taking your dad on a guided hunt Hope he gets a big one.Good luck

[rasbo]

wow your dad is lucky...I think everyone should have two dads..Im available...Thats great I did one for my dad and stepdad yrs back it was a blast..keep us posted

[400out]

wow your dad is lucky...I think everyone should have two dads..Im available...Thats great I did one for my dad and stepdad yrs back it was a blast..keep us posted

AWSOME  how much did it cost for you to go along as a none hunter?