To there and back again a "Bone" tale.

[JackOfAllTrades]

Um... Wow!

I am speechless...  (those that know me, know that's impossible) 

-Steve

[boneaddict]

Many thanks everyone!    Yes, I put these boots to work.   I duct taped my feet on the way in just in case.  I kind of got a rash a bit from the tape or the adhesive, so I didn't bother with it the rest of the trip.  My feet look pretty beat up but no nasty holes.  I think the boots are broke in.   I did burn my socks and undies and one t shirt this trip.  Anything to cut some weight down.   I got rid of some oatmeal and snickers bars too.   
Its really funny how things change year to year.  Last year was pure survival with 8 inches of wet snow and rain and fog.  This year was fighting dehydration and heat.   I actually watched one spring completely dry up overnight.  I found this great spot to coyote out and was impressed this spring was there.  I anticipated it the next morning, and it dried up over night, at least to a point I wouldn't drink out of it, and the main creek I was on probably cut at least a good 1/3 in size during the week as the snowpacks disappeared.  Through all my years of the outdoors, I think thats the hottest I have seen it in the high country.  I sure burned some sweat. 

I do need to sort something out for a camera.  My lumix worked pretty good for these sort of things but I wanted something even smaller.  It also hasn't been very dependable since I took it for that swim.  I was going to buy something, but decided to try my daughters.   I had most of the beeps turned off, but when you turn it on it still does this start up thing where the lens opens and goes in and out.  The deer just loved that motor sound, and its long enough they could zero in on it.  IT wasn't until half way through that day that I found it did have a bit of optical zoom on it, but certianly it hampers the photo quality.  The shot I missed the most was the one in the middle of the mountain on that outcropping.   I think the photo would have been AWESOME with my big camera.  Haze might have got me though.  You guys might note the air quality sucks out there, even at that altitude.  I was dreaming of some crisp pics though. 

[GoldTip]

Absolutely great story and Buck, Bone.  You put in the effort and you get the reward, congratulations buddy.

Now I feel sorry for the Moose in southwest Montana!

[boneaddict]

When are you going out with your Dad? 

[True Sportsman]

That was an amazing story. I love reading stuff like that on here. That makes me want to go hunting. 

Several companies make small waterproof digital cameras now. I bought one for about $175. It works well, but its not super nice. Ive ruined several cameras by dropping them in water. Its nice not to have to worry about water, with a waterproof digital...

[GoldTip]

Doug, I am headed out with Dad on the 27th and will be staying until the 12th of October or until he kills a Moose, whichever comes first.  When you headed over to hunt with Ernie?

[quadrafire]

That is an inspiring story. Thanks for sharing.
That country could make you dizzy.

Curious-- did you pack out all in one trip?

Now hurry up and help Ernie get that bull, so he can get to work on my bow

[bearmanric]

Man that was a great read Bone. what a great trip. Rick

[Machias]

Congrats Bone and thanks for taking us along, means alot to all of us!

P.S.  Those Zebra limbs are the cats meow!  Sapphire Hawk!!!!!!!

[C-Money]

Congrats Bone, Very nice looking buck! Quite a talent shooing a long bow with that level of precision!

[ratherhunt]

Unreal , Awesome story and deer

[boneaddict]

I did it in stages Quad.  hanging the boned out  meat in the bottoms or holes where it was cool, then going back for gear.  My gear is all in waterproof bags so takes me about 4 minutes to completely pack up so that wasn't a problem.   That new pack also helped as it has all the right straps in all the right places.   There was no way I could do it in one trip even without the cape.  Just too much and I am too out of shape.  The last time I did it, I swore I'd never do it again.   

[remington300mag]

Bone,

Got an honest question for ya.....Being as hot has it has been, 14 miles in, location of the kill, and the photos look to be at a time of day where the sun is really out (maybe not)......How in the heck do you get the meat out without it spoiling?!?!

I have never figured it out.....I see hunts all the time in the back country....or in Nevada, where the hunter is in shorts and a tee shirt...sweating like crazy....posing with a buck.....How do you, or did you get the meat out???

Would love to know cause i truly have no idea....Thanks in advance for the info......

[quadrafire]

The last time I did it, I swore I'd never do it again.   

 

But the Beauty of the high country keeps you coming back.

Thanks for sharing a hunt we can all dream of. I haven't spent that much time in the High/high country, so was shocked to see where those bucks are hanging out. I had no idea. I may have walked by many and never even thought to look

[huntnphool]

 Very nice Doug, well done.