2 misses, a big bull, and a 2x2 mule deer

[C-Money]

Opening morning in Oregon was a day I will never forget. It began with deer running all over the place. A group of mule deer came by in the CRP grass with 3 small bucks in the group. I saw that our neighbor was glassing this group of deer and he had a child with him carring a gun. So, I held off hoping that the kid might get a shot and that I would find a bigger buck. The group spooked before the neighbors could get on them and so I moved on. I was hearing a deep growling whistle from a bull elk all morning and it seemed to be getting closer. Then, I saw a few cows coming up threw the timber below me, and another loud whistle. Then he appeared, a very good size bull. Wow, he looked huge, and those whistles were loud at only 60 or so yards! I got a few pictures and they continued on. I also saw a 1x2 bull in the herd. When the elk were gone, I realized I was deer hunting and turned to look over the CRP again and saw a deer at around 250+ yards, and you could see antlers with out any bino's. He was running hard across the field and came to a stop at a fence. I had my chance, quickly taking aim, fired and missed. Rats! A buck of a lifetime gone. I hunted hard the rest of the day only turning up another small muley. So I began day two, not seeing much, only one doe bedded down under some pines. I continued toward the spot I missed the buck the morning before, when 8 whitetail doe ran over the hill at full speed for the cover of the timber. Then a big body deer, with a great rack appeared and was also running for the timber. I made a move to get into better shooting position and the buck stopped and had me pegged. I had my shot, took a deep breath and POW! A mighty swarm of dust flew up over his back and he was gone. I was sick. I pride my self in being an above average shot, loading my own ammo and knowing my rifle. But I now have missed two wall hangers. PUKE! I collected my self and noticed a group of muleys, with a small buck moving threw the CRP threw a shallow bottom in the field. Once they were out of sight, I moved along the edge of the timber to get into position for a shot. I got on a fence line separating two pastures. As I began to see ear tips, I readied for a shot. First the doe jumped the fence, then a 2x2 jumped over. Once over, I made a good 80yard shot and my tag was filled. I was glad to have some Bratwurst meat,and I thank God for a great hunt.

[wsucowboy]

Congrats, sounds like a great hunt

[C-Money]

I was thinking the bull might go 330?? He sure has long main beams, and good point lenght. Any guesses? My deer may score 30''??

[ELKBURGER]

Sounds like a good trip. Forkies make good eatin'

[coachcw]

the bull might go 300 more like 290

[focht22]

Sounds like a good hunt, Big Elk

[C-Money]

Thanks guys, it was a fun hunt.

[carpsniperg2]

congrats! glad you got your deer. thats a good elk hes got longer back tines but shorter up front. i would say 310 on him.