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

[h20hunter]

15 DAYS!

15 days until we hit the road. I spent some time a weekend or two ago with my outfitter. I was able to get to know him, see some land, and spend some time with his family. The experience only gave me more confidence in my choice. We saw at least 4 shooter bucks and only covered about one square mile of his area. I sat above a 4 point for 45 minutes with a  archery tag burning a hole in my wallet. I was out with him to take a doe via my bow but it was awesome to see the 4x4 up close. At one point we had three shooter bucks in range at the same time. Talk about tough. After a good weekend of looking around I ended up with a better appreciation for what an outfitter does, a renewed excitement for my fathers upcoming hunt, and my first archery deer. Keep us in mind and keep checking in for updates.

[JackOfAllTrades]

After a good weekend of looking around I ended up with a better appreciation for what an outfitter does

I've never gone out with a guide/outfitter. Seen them in the woods with clients. Most of them work damn hard for those clients.

-Steve

[Ripper]

Great thread. I wish you both a lot of luck. My dad died 17 years ago, so I miss being outdoors with him. The memories I have as a youngster are still some of my finest. Now I have my 11 yo son to take out and teach like he did for me. Good job and cherish this time.    Mark

[h20hunter]

2 Days left of work! Got all the little details set. Spa time arranged for mom and wife. Butt pads picked up for sitting while 'yote hunting. Knives sharpened even though they were already sharp. Exta ammo has been loaded and double checked. Wednesday will be a range day to triple check zero and scopes. Big dinner Thursday, hit the road Friday and be ready to go Saturday at o'dark hundred. I'm finally getting a little nervous now that we are getting close. I'll post some pics of the range day and try to do a daily update once we get hunting.

[Pathfinder101]

Good luck h2O

[Birdguy]

Good luck post those pics and be sure to take extra pics of your Dad in the field, you will be thankful you did some day.

[hunterbuilder]

Good luck and can't wait to see the pics!

[h20hunter]

Story to follow but here is the buck. Couldn't be more happy.

[C-Money]

Nice Buck! Congrats! Good to see smiles!

[haugenna]

Nice Buck! Congrats! Good to see smiles!

Great job guys.....i think the buck is smiling too.     Looks like an awesome time.  Nice job.

[high country]

gotta love the big smiles!

is that a lightseeker or a S&B I see

[CAMPMEAT]

I think I know what outfitter you used. He does a very good business over there in the Okanogan. He has alot of land tied up.

That's really nice you did that for your Dad. I lost mine 6 years ago. I wish I could of done that for my Dad.

[elkslare]

Good buck and good times, good job guys

[h20hunter]

Sooooo, here begins the story telling and more pics.

We arrived at the Tanglewood Ranch and met up with Oren Jensen. A few other hunters that were showing up began to arrive. We spent the first evening just getting acquainted with other guides, settling in, having some food, and getting general gear ready. Here are a few pics of the ranch house and us just hanging out.

[h20hunter]

My dad and I were guided by this fella. His name is Todd Jensen. Brother of Oren (lead guide and "The Man"). He is a father of one and has one on the way. He is a hell of a guide and person. Since he grew up in the area he knew the hills like the back of his hand. If he said this is where the deer were gonna be, they were. If he said the deer are going to bust out of this draw and go there, they did. Great guy. Also, he had some real words of wisdom. Here are a few exchanges that were common.

While sitting in a blind:

Me: Dad, let me know when you are going to shoot so I can plug my ears.
Todd: Don't worry, it ain't gonna be that loud.
Me: Really?
Todd: Yeah, you ever shoot out of a truck?
Me: No Todd, I have never shot out of truck....
Todd: You know of yotes........well....I was young once.

While hiking:

George: So, where we heading.
Todd: Oh, we'll just park the truck and then it's just a hop 'n a skip

That was followed by at least a hard 1/2 mile uphill.

While gearing up, setting up, cresting a ridge, taking a leak.

Todd: Shake and bake.

Or, before running into town for beer and whatever else.

Me: Todd, you need anything?
Todd: Yeah, mind picking me up some Redman?
Me: Are there different types or what?
Todd: Nope, just don't pick up any of the *censored* in a can, it's for p***ys.

Also, on the topic of chew.

Us: Todd, you know that *censored* will kill you?
Todd: Nope, they just tell you that. Besides, nobody wants to be a quitter.

Todd Jensen, hell of guy, great guide, loves the hills, hikes like a goat, and wears tennis shoes in the field so he can "feel the rocks better".