Well this year started out with high hopes like always as our regular group was heading to our regular spot in the palouse for the modern firearm season. Our group has been hunting this property for 25+ years and we always have success, some years its better than others but we always pull something out of there, especially since there are a couple hunters over 65 in our group so they always have a doe tag. Well this was the year that we got completely shut up. Our worst season ever. Opening weekend was very strange as the deer were just not moving around like normal, we ended up seeing most of our deer mid week and thru the last weekend. I took a shot at one buck while he was on the move and missed (very irritated about that
). There were deer seen, even legal bucks seen but just no real shot opportunities provided. Still had a great time but just didnt have the success we had hoped for.
Went out one day of late buck by myself above randle and cut 1 set of track in the snow but that was it. No deer seen. Went out sunday with my dad and godfather to vail as a last ditch effort, 12 does spotted with no bucks. We were stunned when none of these does had bucks following them or even had a spike in their small groups. Saw one very nice buck that some guys had shot about 30 minutes before we came rolling by them. After congratulating them we moved on and stayed until dark with no bucks seen. Frustrating but fun regardless. There is always next year and you can bet we will be back after it hard. Thats my season ending write up for 2011. Now waiting for late archery elk.
