Post by: 6x6in6 on June 19, 2013, 02:17:33 PM
Post by: 6x6in6 on June 19, 2013, 02:18:31 PM
JUST KIDDING!!
Post by: mp.hunter on June 19, 2013, 02:18:53 PM
Post by: jackelope on June 19, 2013, 02:27:16 PM
You better take lots of pics and post a story.
Post by: vandeman17 on June 19, 2013, 02:27:22 PM
Post by: 6x6in6 on June 19, 2013, 02:29:13 PM
Congrats man. You deserve it. Karma...
You better take lots of pics and post a story.
Oh, you can bet on that. :tup:
Post by: 6x6in6 on June 19, 2013, 02:40:50 PM
Honestly, in 38 years of big game hunting, I really have not dedicated the time to hunt muley's. Elk had always come first for me.
Over the last few years, even though I have collected points for deer over these many years, I decided to enter the draws instead of points. Why? Because that really nice muley is void from the wall and the time had come to fill that void. Sure, I have taken some really nice bucks over the years but nothing that warranted the brought back to life memories.
Heckuva an early 50th birthday present. :tup:
Damn, this is going to be fun.
Is it too early to pray for the late October/early November snows? :chuckle:
I just put in for a 3 week vacation request. Since I approve the vacation requests around here, I'm good to go. :chuckle:
Post by: JLS on June 19, 2013, 03:25:27 PM
Since I approve the vacation requests around here, I'm good to go. :chuckle:
:o
Good luck on your hunt!
Post by: huntnphool on June 19, 2013, 03:26:03 PM
Post by: C-Money on June 19, 2013, 03:28:27 PM
Since I approve the vacation requests around here, I'm good to go. :chuckle:
:o
Good luck on your hunt!
Nice! Congrats! I am still trying to figure out what my fate is!
Post by: et1702 on June 19, 2013, 03:40:59 PM
BTW, I drew late season archery doe tag this year, so I will be back in the Entiat!
ET
Post by: 6x6in6 on June 19, 2013, 04:11:03 PM
I was one of those who called and got the results via a phone call.
The lady I spoke with said it was the Entiat tag that I had been selected for.
The "Official" draw results page which are now available says Chiwawa.
Fine with me! It was my first choice anyways. :)
Post by: huntnphool on June 19, 2013, 04:12:35 PM
Post by: WAcoueshunter on June 19, 2013, 04:16:15 PM
Post by: 6x6in6 on June 19, 2013, 04:17:53 PM
Even better :tup:
Yes it is! :IBCOOL:
Post by: ICEMAN on June 19, 2013, 04:34:48 PM
Post by: deerdog on June 19, 2013, 04:39:50 PM
Post by: jrebel on June 19, 2013, 05:04:19 PM
Post by: 6x6in6 on June 19, 2013, 06:56:38 PM
This or similar...Yep!
I have those for all four corners in 35-12.50-18.
Post by: 6x6in6 on June 19, 2013, 06:58:09 PM
Depending on weather.....you could very well put a bruiser on your wall. Congrats on a great tag. :tup:Not that I have high anticipation or anything, but something like your avatar would be just fine. :chuckle:
Post by: bucklucky on June 19, 2013, 06:58:15 PM
Post by: Button Nubbs on June 19, 2013, 07:00:41 PM
Post by: jrebel on June 19, 2013, 07:23:56 PM
Depending on weather.....you could very well put a bruiser on your wall. Congrats on a great tag. :tup:Not that I have high anticipation or anything, but something like your avatar would be just fine. :chuckle:
If the weather is right my avatar will be no problem. As a reference my avatar if 27 7/8 wide outside. It scored 158 ish unofficially. (If I remember correctly). Pm in coming tonight.
Post by: wamuledeer on June 19, 2013, 07:54:21 PM
Post by: 6x6in6 on June 19, 2013, 08:48:53 PM
PM on it's way shortly. :)
Post by: Bigbuckoholic on June 20, 2013, 04:50:40 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on June 20, 2013, 05:38:51 AM
Post by: CamoDup on June 20, 2013, 06:33:19 AM
Post by: 6x6in6 on June 20, 2013, 08:53:55 AM
Again, Thank You!!!!!!!!!
Post by: muleracks2 on June 20, 2013, 06:08:33 PM
Good Hunting; great permit.
Post by: Skyvalhunter on June 21, 2013, 05:33:16 AM
Post by: 6x6in6 on June 21, 2013, 08:49:39 AM
The way I read that first, I thought you said/meant mountains instead of unit.
Post by: Skyvalhunter on June 21, 2013, 09:07:34 AM
Well you will find that a majority of the permit holders hunt that portion that butts up to the Entiat. I am not going to say this is good or bad or even a permit holder should not hunt there. But it is a large unit. Enough said. ;)
Post by: TheHunt on June 21, 2013, 09:19:18 AM
Where is the Entiat GMU anyways?
JUST KIDDING!!
I think it is around St. Helens... :chuckle: :chuckle:
Great tag, looking forward to reading your successful hunt. Tag a big one.
Post by: Camo on June 21, 2013, 09:38:00 PM
Post by: 6x6in6 on June 22, 2013, 10:37:58 AM
Post by: Camo on June 22, 2013, 07:01:56 PM
Post by: huntnphool on June 22, 2013, 08:35:30 PM
wish I didn't have to fit a Montana trip into November.Its open all of Sept and most of Oct too. ;)
Post by: Camo on June 22, 2013, 09:45:31 PM
Post by: huntnphool on June 22, 2013, 09:48:54 PM
and I have the multi to test it, just can"t imagine the odds won't be much more favorable in November?Go to Montana Sept/Oct and save November for your permit hunt. ;)
Post by: Camo on June 22, 2013, 09:56:09 PM
Post by: 6x6in6 on July 03, 2013, 11:19:36 AM
Horse trailer packed - Check!
4 trail cameras packed - Check!
Bail out from work early today - CHECK! :chuckle:
Gonna be some warm riding but got stuff to do.
Let the cam's soak for a 3-4 weeks and roll back and check.
Post by: jstone on July 03, 2013, 11:52:27 AM
Post by: C-Money on July 03, 2013, 02:28:25 PM
Post by: teanawayslayer on July 03, 2013, 02:36:13 PM
Post by: 6x6in6 on August 14, 2013, 09:46:27 AM
By me, he'll live for the 2014 tag holders, if he makes it thru this year. He ain't very smart right now. He's lounging with a couple other bucks in one of the more popular locale's. :chuckle:
Post by: 6x6in6 on October 07, 2013, 12:18:28 PM
Post by: jrebel on October 07, 2013, 08:03:32 PM
Post by: Scottystyle on October 07, 2013, 09:07:43 PM
I was up there today....lots of grouseI was up there sunday, missed 2 blues... i was bummed, saw a couple legal bucks nothing special though.
Post by: 6x6in6 on October 21, 2013, 07:20:20 PM
I did pass on a 160+- 4x4 with eye guards on Tuesday - looked to be in the 28" wide neighborhood. Hope I don't regret that let him walk moment. My hunting buddy was pissed since he was no where near me to let the air out of him. Never could get on him again so I had to hear him pouting the whole way home. It didn't help when I'd toss out the "but my deer hunting has only just begun" comments. :chuckle:
The 1st can't come soon enough, nor can the snow. I need to take my rifle out for another hike.
Post by: Bigtine96 on October 21, 2013, 07:21:27 PM
For the record, my late tag is alive and well. I did not notch in the gen season.
I did pass on a 160+- 4x4 with eye guards on Tuesday - looked to be in the 28" wide neighborhood. Hope I don't regret that let him walk moment. My hunting buddy was pissed since he was no where near me to let the air out of him. Never could get on him again so I had to hear him pouting the whole way home. It didn't help when I'd toss out the "but my deer hunting has only just begun" comments. :chuckle:
The 1st can't come soon enough, nor can the snow. I need to take my rifle out for another hike.
Probably should have shot that one
Post by: huntnphool on October 21, 2013, 07:24:40 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on October 21, 2013, 07:35:45 PM
Post by: ICEMAN on October 21, 2013, 07:40:20 PM
Post by: jrebel on October 21, 2013, 07:54:42 PM
:tup:
Post by: 6x6in6 on October 21, 2013, 07:59:45 PM
Do I regret letting him walk? No, not for one second. In fact, I never even shouldered my rifle on him. I glassed him for over a half hour. I even ranged him at 163 since I was curious. I spent more time looking around him to see if he had a big brother. He did not, he was flying solo.
I knew right away that he was not going home with me.
I realize that what I am after is not going to be easy to find. I don't care. I'll eat the tag before I settle for something less than what I want.
It's about 3 weeks of leaving everything I got in the mountains. If they win, fine. If I win, bonus.
Thanks phool, Sky and Ice. You'll get updates from time to time. A guy's got to come out and take a shower once in awhile. :chuckle:
Post by: huntnphool on October 21, 2013, 08:03:40 PM
Thanks phool, Sky and Ice. You'll get updates from time to time. A guy's got to come out and take a shower once in awhile. :chuckle:I know how that goes. :yike:
Post by: remington300mag on October 21, 2013, 08:14:34 PM
Post by: jackelope on October 21, 2013, 08:23:30 PM
Thanks phool, Sky and Ice. You'll get updates from time to time. A guy's got to come out and take a shower once in awhile. :chuckle:
Put me on that list too, bud!!
Post by: actionshooter on October 21, 2013, 08:33:05 PM
I should retract what I said.
Do I regret letting him walk? No, not for one second. In fact, I never even shouldered my rifle on him. I glassed him for over a half hour. I even ranged him at 163 since I was curious. I spent more time looking around him to see if he had a big brother. He did not, he was flying solo.
I knew right away that he was not going home with me.
I realize that what I am after is not going to be easy to find. I don't care. I'll eat the tag before I settle for something less than what I want.
It's about 3 weeks of leaving everything I got in the mountains. If they win, fine. If I win, bonus.
Thanks phool, Sky and Ice. You'll get updates from time to time. A guy's got to come out and take a shower once in awhile. :chuckle:
Great attitude! I would have let him walk too!
Post by: 6x6in6 on October 21, 2013, 08:40:14 PM
I can make the shower at the laundrymat in Entiat seem like the shower at home, EASILY. :chuckle:Thanks phool, Sky and Ice. You'll get updates from time to time. A guy's got to come out and take a shower once in awhile. :chuckle:I know how that goes. :yike:
Post by: 6x6in6 on October 21, 2013, 08:42:16 PM
If luck falls my way, you will get the sneak preview text message. :)Thanks phool, Sky and Ice. You'll get updates from time to time. A guy's got to come out and take a shower once in awhile. :chuckle:
Put me on that list too, bud!!
Post by: jackelope on October 21, 2013, 08:43:04 PM
Post by: huntnphool on October 21, 2013, 08:46:37 PM
The truck stop facilities are generally pretty nice, especially after a week. :oI can make the shower at the laundrymat in Entiat seem like the shower at home, EASILY. :chuckle:Thanks phool, Sky and Ice. You'll get updates from time to time. A guy's got to come out and take a shower once in awhile. :chuckle:I know how that goes. :yike:
Post by: jrebel on October 21, 2013, 10:17:56 PM
Let me know.
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 22, 2013, 08:16:03 AM
Post by: blindluck on October 22, 2013, 09:46:36 AM
Post by: jstone on October 22, 2013, 10:05:20 AM
Post by: CamoDup on October 22, 2013, 10:07:53 AM
Post by: coachcw on October 22, 2013, 10:08:48 AM
I've been known to utilize a window wash bucket at a gas station What ever it takers ! good luckThe truck stop facilities are generally pretty nice, especially after a week. :oI can make the shower at the laundrymat in Entiat seem like the shower at home, EASILY. :chuckle:Thanks phool, Sky and Ice. You'll get updates from time to time. A guy's got to come out and take a shower once in awhile. :chuckle:I know how that goes. :yike:
Post by: 6x6in6 on October 22, 2013, 10:37:17 AM
:chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:I've been known to utilize a window wash bucket at a gas station What ever it takers ! good luckThe truck stop facilities are generally pretty nice, especially after a week. :oI can make the shower at the laundrymat in Entiat seem like the shower at home, EASILY. :chuckle:Thanks phool, Sky and Ice. You'll get updates from time to time. A guy's got to come out and take a shower once in awhile. :chuckle:I know how that goes. :yike:
Post by: 6x6in6 on October 22, 2013, 10:38:48 AM
man you guys are getting me all excited for the late hunt! 7 more days of work and Im GONE!!!
No kidding.......it's making it difficult to focus on that work thing.
See ya on the mountain, neighbor. :)
Post by: 6x6in6 on October 22, 2013, 10:40:12 AM
It's gonna be fun times for sure. :tup:
Post by: blindluck on October 22, 2013, 10:58:23 AM
Post by: 6x6in6 on October 25, 2013, 09:02:58 AM
Keeping the focus on this work thing has become very difficult. Even the Senior VP recognized it with a "you got the look in your eyes, I should make you leave now 'cuz you are worthless" comment.
I told him fine, but the season doesn't open until next week. Do I get additional time off with pay? It got kind of quiet quickly. :chuckle:
Post by: WAcoueshunter on October 25, 2013, 09:24:25 AM
Last year, there wasn't much happening the first few days. No snow, no apparent rut activity, not many deer had moved down. Not much different than the general season, just fewer people. But we got some snow about a week in and things got good really fast.
Post by: Aburger on October 25, 2013, 09:37:32 AM
Post by: WAcoueshunter on October 25, 2013, 09:48:55 AM
What ever you do don't shoot the first one you see unless it is huge had the tag last year and shot a bruiser but almost took a smaller buck earlier in the day as it was stil big.. Take your time
Let's see it! :tup:
Post by: huntnphool on October 25, 2013, 11:03:50 AM
Remember big buck judging can be tricky, mature bucks can have ears 24-25" you can be looking at a buck with antlers barely passed his ears and he could be 26". Look at mulie pics on line you will see what I mean.If you hold a muleys ears strait out, but keep in mind, when judging them in the field, they never have their ears like that.
You will find that almost always are they posing with ears spread at about 18"-22", either angled forward or back while listening. A buck you see like this, that is just outside his ears will likely be in the 24" width area.
Another consideration, if you are interested in what it "scores", forget about the outside spread, it's over rated! You only get credit for inside the main beams, and that can only be as long as the length of the main beam.
Good luck and be safe. :tup:
Post by: 10thmountainarcher on October 25, 2013, 11:10:09 AM
Remember big buck judging can be tricky, mature bucks can have ears 24-25" you can be looking at a buck with antlers barely passed his ears and he could be 26". Look at mulie pics on line you will see what I mean.If you hold a muleys ears strait out, but keep in mind, when judging them in the field, they never have their ears like that.
You will find that almost always are they posing with ears spread at about 18"-22", either angled forward or back while listening. A buck you see like this, that is just outside his ears will likely be in the 24" width area.
Another consideration, if you are interested in what it "scores", forget about the outside spread, it's over rated! You only get credit for inside the main beams, and that can only be as long as the length of the main beam.
Good luck and be safe. :tup:
phool hit it spot on. Ive got a mulie that taped out at 153 and he only went 19 inches inside.. ill take mass and character over spread ANY day of the week..
Post by: SkookumHntr on October 25, 2013, 11:21:54 AM
Post by: 250savage on October 25, 2013, 01:31:02 PM
Post by: Bigbuckoholic on October 27, 2013, 12:42:26 PM
Post by: CamoDup on October 27, 2013, 04:40:54 PM
Post by: Rooster1981 on October 27, 2013, 04:49:17 PM
Post by: 6x6in6 on October 27, 2013, 07:50:04 PM
4 shot group each for the 7 mag and 270. The 270 was just so-so, within an 1-1/4" at 200. The 7mag was less than a 1" group at 200.
7 mag for the win.
Post by: jason stevens on October 27, 2013, 08:05:16 PM
Post by: CamoDup on October 27, 2013, 08:45:46 PM
Post by: jason stevens on October 28, 2013, 07:29:57 PM
Hey Jason I know you follow Diehard NW on Facebook. Brandon will be along with me on my hunt next week filming it. We hope to get some good footage!good luck message me will talk I leave tommorow for elk.
Post by: 6x6in6 on October 31, 2013, 11:34:28 AM
Leaving work by noon tomorrow. May get there and set-up for a quick last hour or so hunt. Not banking on that.
Going to visit with CamoDup and his crew tomorrow night. Lend a hand helping him set-up if need be. Have a couple adult beverages and hit the rack.
It's game on come Saturday morning.
I'll be bumping into a few other members I have chatted with here from time to time.
Some snow is coming. :hello:
Will be keeping a journal and posting when I have service. Generically speaking of course. :chuckle:
Post by: huntnphool on October 31, 2013, 11:58:59 AM
Post by: wastickslinger on October 31, 2013, 12:45:20 PM
Good luck and shower after you kill something.
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 31, 2013, 12:50:15 PM
Showers are overrated. I just came off of 16 days with only a few baby wipe baths. LOL Wife was tempted to hose me off before entering the house. :chuckle:
Good luck and shower after you kill something.
Roger that. Showers destroy your good luck.
Jeremiah Johnson didn't shower. He only shaved once, and then they killed his wife and kid. >:(
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on October 31, 2013, 02:45:31 PM
Post by: 6x6in6 on October 31, 2013, 04:11:32 PM
I came back from a 9-day sheep hunt and tossed my wife the polypropylene long underwear shirt I had worn all 9 days. She still brings it up and has yet to forgive me - that was September '98.:chuckle:
I said I'd take a shower.
I didn't say anything about putting on fresh poly pro's. :chuckle:
Post by: HardCorpsHuntr on October 31, 2013, 04:18:08 PM
http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2013/oct/30/forest-road-closing-near-ardenvoir/ (http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2013/oct/30/forest-road-closing-near-ardenvoir/)
Post by: jackelope on October 31, 2013, 04:24:59 PM
Post by: Ridgerunner on October 31, 2013, 04:28:11 PM
Post by: 6x6in6 on October 31, 2013, 04:36:19 PM
FYI - If you're on the Entiat side of the unit this closure will make it difficult to get access to the southern part of the unit; and vice versa. Good luck.
http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2013/oct/30/forest-road-closing-near-ardenvoir/ (http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2013/oct/30/forest-road-closing-near-ardenvoir/)
Thanks for the tip.
The 5810 and it's culvert replace is actually in the Swakane Unit. The 5800 road is the GMU line between Chiwawa and Swakane. This culvert replace is about 100' down the road from the 5810/5800 intersection.
It could have a minor affect on driving access to the NE corner of the Swakane, but not much really. A little bit more of a drive but the Swakane hunters can get to that corner via the 5801 road.
Thanks again!! :)
Post by: 6x6in6 on October 31, 2013, 04:38:04 PM
Go get em, Dave.
Ding, you have new text message..........hopefully. :chuckle:
Post by: jackelope on October 31, 2013, 09:49:50 PM
Post by: Muleyslyr on November 01, 2013, 08:06:07 PM
Post by: Bigbuckoholic on November 03, 2013, 12:47:11 PM
Post by: 6x6in6 on November 04, 2013, 09:51:49 AM
Have seen a few legal bucks. Did pass on a respectable 4x4. He had pretty good mass down low but his fronts were weak. Like 4" weak. 2 more yers and he'll be a very nice one.
A kid did take a pretty nice 4x4 with eyes late yesterday. First buck for him so that was pretty cool.
About 4" of snow at the 4500' mark. Not much more at 5500. Sun's out, warming up a bit, I think I'll take a nap now. :chuckle:
Post by: huntnphool on November 04, 2013, 10:14:35 AM
Post by: C-Money on November 04, 2013, 10:21:34 AM
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on November 04, 2013, 10:26:04 AM
Post by: jrebel on November 04, 2013, 10:32:08 AM
Good Luck
Post by: 6x6in6 on November 04, 2013, 12:34:47 PM
I'm hunting the morning only tomorrow then headed home for a couple days. Be back over here Thursday evening.
Post by: WAcoueshunter on November 04, 2013, 01:13:34 PM
Post by: whacker1 on November 04, 2013, 01:57:37 PM
Post by: 6x6in6 on November 05, 2013, 07:16:32 PM
Did pass on a respectable 4x4. He had pretty good mass down low but his fronts were weak. Like 4" weak. 2 more yers and he'll be a very nice one.
A pic of this one after he had winded me.
Post by: jstone on November 06, 2013, 06:24:05 AM
Post by: ICEMAN on November 06, 2013, 07:00:23 AM
Good luck!
Post by: blindluck on November 07, 2013, 06:31:08 AM
Always look wider from the back, I'd say close to 24 inches.
Post by: CamoDup on November 09, 2013, 11:22:39 PM
Post by: jason stevens on November 10, 2013, 02:43:12 PM
Tags filled....
Saw the video and pics great job and a really nice buck diehard northwest!!!!
Post by: huntergreg on November 10, 2013, 06:02:28 PM
Post by: Bigbuckoholic on November 10, 2013, 06:08:12 PM
Post by: jason stevens on November 10, 2013, 06:28:40 PM
Post by: WenHunter on November 10, 2013, 06:35:35 PM
Post by: CamoDup on November 10, 2013, 09:27:01 PM
Post by: 6x6in6 on November 10, 2013, 09:40:37 PM
It is an any buck tag and he did have a visible antler.
See...... :chuckle:
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 10, 2013, 10:11:12 PM
Post by: 6x6in6 on November 10, 2013, 10:33:15 PM
Well, sort of anyway. :chuckle:
I'll do the story and a full re-cap of the entire hunt in a day or so.
Here's one of a bunch of pics.
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 10, 2013, 10:37:36 PM
You should practice your long arming though. :chuckle:
Post by: WAcoueshunter on November 10, 2013, 10:39:56 PM
Post by: bowhunterforever on November 10, 2013, 11:29:03 PM
Post by: bowguy on November 11, 2013, 05:59:49 AM
Post by: EvergreenArchery on November 11, 2013, 06:02:38 AM
Post by: C-Money on November 11, 2013, 06:20:38 AM
Post by: coachcw on November 11, 2013, 06:24:44 AM
Post by: MLBowhunting on November 11, 2013, 07:48:18 AM
Post by: mtndew on November 11, 2013, 09:42:06 AM
Post by: WildBear on November 11, 2013, 02:48:03 PM
Post by: jstone on November 11, 2013, 05:12:41 PM
Post by: SkookumHntr on November 11, 2013, 05:28:01 PM
Post by: Reet on November 11, 2013, 05:45:45 PM
Post by: Button Nubbs on November 11, 2013, 06:17:03 PM
Post by: 6x6in6 on November 11, 2013, 07:40:56 PM
Post by: 6x6in6 on November 11, 2013, 08:23:06 PM
I want to start off with a couple of acknowledgements to our fellow HuntWa members.
First off, CamoDup. Billy you are one of the most standup and best individuals I have personally had the pleasure of meeting in quite some time. The exact same thing can be said for the rest of your crew, Mark and Brandon. I can honestly say that the foundation for a solid true friendship has been laid. Even if I am from the coast. :chuckle: You are a very fortunate man to have solid friends and family who support and participate in your outdoor passions. Thank you for letting me share a chair in your camp, share my stories and listen to you and your crews stories, be a small part in your successful day (I dropped the tail gate and had a few beers for you guys) and make this hunt just a little bit more special for me then it already was. Thank You Billy, Mark and Brandon!!
Next, I want to say a big thanks to both Iceman and remington300mag. Coincidentally, the 3 of us happen to share a passion for one little particular place in the unit. Our time frames for experiencing this little place began near the same time going back 30 years. Actually, 35 years for me setting foot on that soil. Iceman, you shared via PM and via post in this thread that you were living this hunt vicariously through me. Bud, that works both ways!!! Because of your health issues in the recent past and your inability to hunt this year, you were truly in my thoughts every time I set foot on that part of real estate. You know how much I wanted you Ice to muster up the strength to make an appearance over there just so I could shake your hand and share our stories of that place, face to face. The same goes for you remington300mag, unfortunately our paths just did not cross this time. They will, someday!! I tried with everything I had to make that place produce for me (us), but it just was not to be. So to a small degree, I’m sad to say this buck did not come from there. :(
jrebel and WAcoueshunter – Thanks for every tip, suggestion and the offers to support my effort to tag out. Even the shower offer jrebel, that was probably the best offer right there. If I had not tagged out this weekend, I’m almost certain I would have cashed in on that offer next weekend sometime. Again, thank you.
From DBLDWN (sorry we never met up at Coopers) to Camo (you better be back from MT by now) to jackelope (thank you for your inspiration to succeed) and to the better than 25 other members who PM’d and posted your words of encouragement, the offers to “don’t rule out this” and “here’s my honey hole” Thank You!!! Every piece of the relatively generic to the honey hole shall not be shared by me now nor in the future. These places are yours and to only be shared by you in the future for those who are fortunate enough to draw this tag. Again, thank you to each and every one of you.
When I drew this tag, I knew full well that I would be most likely flying solo on this hunt. All of my hunting partners are die hard spike elk hunters and burn their hunting vacation time chasing the ever elusive unicorn elk. It’s either that, or we head out of state elk hunting somewhere. So, when I say that I had drawn this tag with 15 points, the honest truth in that is yes, 15, but 11 of those points where points buys. The first 2 years and these past 2 years were the only times I seriously applied. I had been hooked on the elk hunting routine since the early/mid ‘80’s. The good Lord knows that I have been more than fortunate to consider myself a damn good elk hunter and tagged out on more than 1 trophy class bull. But there was one void that I had yet to secure and that would be a respectable mule deer. This fall was the time!! I caught a lot of flack from elk hunting crew. A LOT! “Them deer don’t fill the freezer” to “them deer don’t eat as well” to “have fun, we’ll be thinking of you”. All that was fine, I took it all in stride simply because it’s what I wanted to do. In all honesty, it only provided me a deeper motivation to succeed and do this hunt the way I wanted to do.
So yeah, a dedicated elk hunter reverting back to his roots as a mule deer hunter….I think I did pretty well for myself. LOL!
You got my best frontal shot already, so here’s the best side shot. More story and more pics to come a little later on. It’s dinner time. Got to throw some fresh tenderloin on the barbie for me and the Mrs.
Post by: rosscrazyelk on November 11, 2013, 08:29:23 PM
Post by: 6x6in6 on November 11, 2013, 08:32:48 PM
Looks good. Got anymore pics? Congrats to youA man's got to have some tenderloin, patience. :chuckle:
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on November 11, 2013, 08:35:31 PM
Post by: jackelope on November 11, 2013, 08:59:43 PM
Post by: CamoDup on November 12, 2013, 09:49:57 AM
Post by: Rainier10 on November 12, 2013, 10:05:45 AM
Wow thanks for the kind words Dave. I can honestly say that having you in our camp hanging out and BSing everynight was a blast. You are welcome in our camp anytime buddy. I know the same goes for Brandon and Mark as well. It's not often you randomly meet someone and actually truly ENJOY their company while hunting. I would hunt with you anytime, anywhere. When I saw that big red R on the side of the Rainier beer box on waitng on my tailgate as we were packing my deer out I knew I liked you even more. You are a hell of a nice guy. Good job again on a great buck! :brew:
A little vitamin R at the finish line, that is awesome. :brew:
Post by: mulehunter on November 12, 2013, 10:11:50 AM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on November 12, 2013, 05:27:55 PM
Post by: DBLDWN on November 12, 2013, 06:58:17 PM
Post by: elkoholic1 on November 12, 2013, 07:10:11 PM
Post by: ICEMAN on November 13, 2013, 04:56:07 PM
Dave, you posted the most awesome thank you to a lot of guys on here. Your attitude on this hunt has been admirable, and I am sure I speak for quite a few that I only wish I could have been there to help! Thank you for keeping us posted on this great hunt! You finished up with a fantastic deer and a great story.
Thank you for sharing with all of us!
Ice.
Post by: WAcoueshunter on November 14, 2013, 03:53:28 PM
Okay 6x6, it's been three days already! Let's hear the story! :tup: