Sayleans DIY adventure

[saylean]

I am going to post this in a few different sections, to post pics correctlly.

So, 'spike camps' are a bit new to me, but I tried it last year and really enjoyed the do it yourself aspect. This year, I wanted to camp in the same general area and give it another go, so heres the story.

I get up to the parking area Friday afternoon, white snowy peaks about 700 feet above me, and lightly snowing with some sticking on the ground....I loaded up my pack and headed into the burn out.
Get to my spot that afternoon, setup camp, build a fire and start to glass. Right near dusk, I watch a buck working the ridges above camp and decided I would try to work my way up to him in the morning.
Heres a pic on the way in and of camp~

[saylean]

Opening morning finds cold temps, but clear gorgeous skys. I work my way up the ridge, to where I think the buck (and does) bedded. I bump a few does on the way up and see lots of sign.

I find a spot to sit on the ridgeline between two large gulleys/small bowls. The pic that is looking down the hill, is actually of my tent WAY at the bottom.
As I sit in that spot, I notice a 5x5 (at least, he may of had an eye guard too, wasnt sure). He walked by me at about 60 yards or so and disappeared down into the gully. I actually believe he was staring at me for about 10 min or so, then decided to move away. I say this as I swear I thought he was a stump and that the stump became the deer as he walked away...

Most of the rest of the opener was calm, I saw more deer bed down on the ridges and bumped a few more doe.
Here is a pic of the drinking fountain I used while at camp. NOTE: I did use a steripen for the water, even though it was probably safe.

[saylean]

Opening day was odd, I was hiking down the canyon, but the sun was in my face and the wind was wrong. So the next day I decided to have the sun to my back and wind in my face...which paid off.

I walked a short distance from camp (several trails blaze right by camp and head down into the canyon as a funnel). I thought I would watch some of these trails. I glass for a bit and decide to move just outside of the woods, to a border of nice wide openings that I can see a bit of distance.

I wasnt there 10 minutes when a doe materialized before me and walked right by me at about 40 yards. I thought this wasnt that bad of a spot and held position. I always hear of bucks following does, but rarely ever see it..after 10 minutes or so I was losing hope a buck would follow.

But, out of nowhere, a buck shows up about 200 yards away. His antlers in the sun, were a dark black color. Nose down, he follows the does scent and eats a bit here and there. Moving at a steady walk, I lose him behind some bushes. I glass him with the binos when he reappears and he is legal for sure. I try to get into position, but he continues to side hill.....

Finally he starts to walk the tree line down toward me. I keep telling myself to let him come, let him come and try to calm my heart, breathing...(I dont see many big bucks).

At about 80 yards, he turns broadside and I let the .300 WSM (aka the mule) ring out, shattering the gorgeous blue sky morning.

[sebek556]

  great read and nice buck!

[saylean]

He crumples like a ton of bricks and doesnt move again. A nice 4pt (3X with eye guards). I was very happy with him, but had miles to go to get him out. His outside spread is 27 1/2 inches. I was surprised how wide he was. I then worked from about 9 30 am till 12 boning him out and cooling the meat. I hung it in trees and then prepared some well deserved lunch.

I then loaded up the rack and my day gear, hiked out towards the rig. I had met my brother on the way out on the road, who was coming up to check on me. He killed two rattlers up top, both had about 7 sets of rattlers on them. I had two more trips to make before I could get the deer/gear all the way out. I pulled into our camp in twisp and showed off the goods, everyone was happy and excited naturally.
 My younger brother volunteered to help out, so we could pack it all in one trip. I was thankful to have the help. We set early the next day to get camp and all the meat.

That night was very cool and the meat was more than fine. Overall, an excellent adventure. Dad saw two wolves on the ridges not too far from where I was camped.

On a side note, last year, I spotted 40 goats daily on the cliffs above me, this year, I didnt see one. Perhaps they moved over a ridge or two. Hope you enjoyed the read, best of luck to the rest.

[jmx369]

Great buck. Sounds like a good adventure. Congrats!

[LittleJohn]

Thanks for posting!!! Great read, and a beautiful Trophy. Sounds like you earned it. Congratulations

[SeaRun1]

Very cool Saylean.  That is what I always imagined hunting should be like when I was younger.  Definitely motivational.

SR1

[PolarBear]

Saweeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!  Good job man, congrats!  That area looks familiar.   

[dirty24d]

WHAT A HOG !!  Good Job Dude! You earned that one. Congrats and great story.

[archery288]

That is awesome man!    Congrats!

[Elkrunner]

That looks like you a memorable experience, congrats!

[DeKuma]

Nicely done!  Great experience and a good read!

[blackveltbowhunter]

Awesome Trip! And that buck is a beauty!

[nw_bowhunter]

Great story and congrats on your fine buck