Post by: hirshey on November 14, 2013, 08:24:43 PM
This season started off with much anticipation and excitement; it marked the first year my mother was to accompany me on the high hunt. Many people asked me if I was going to take it easy on my mom and I kindly smiled and replied, "she'll be the one taking it easy on me". Anyone who knows my mother would understand that I'm still waiting for the day when SHE isn't hiking circles around ME.
The day before the opener finally arrived, and we started our daunting trek up the steep Pasayten slopes.
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1425617_10102526502201238_1962175902_n.jpg)
Eight hours, five miles and over 4000 feet in elevation gain finally passed and we found ourselves at a small saddle roughly half a mile from our target basin for the next morning. We set up camp and set out to see what promises the basin held for us the next morning. We glassed the basin for a few hours, watching as those wily mule deer slowly revealed themselves for the evening. As the afternoon glow faded into the west, we packed up the spotting scope, headed back to camp and pretended to sleep the starry night away.
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1425611_10102526502405828_200756445_n.jpg)
Post by: hirshey on November 14, 2013, 08:32:31 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 14, 2013, 08:40:17 PM
The wind started rustling as we zipped up our little 2-man tent that evening... just a teaser for what we'd endure that night. At 10 PM, the wind hit like a freight train. The leeward side of the saddle that had seemed so quiet and peaceful just a few hours prior was positively violent; rain pummeled our tent as the wind tore at the subalpine fir and battered our tarp. In the distance, the first rumbles of the thunderstorm could be heard; I prayed for it to arrive if for no other reason than to quiet the winds on the edge of the front. From midnight to 2 AM our ridgeline got pounded with lightning before finally we received some relief! The next morning arrived and the hillsides looked tired and worn; giant cuts in the landscape appeared overnight due to the high volume of rain, but luckily we were dry.
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1470104_10102526502301038_1678463747_n.jpg)
Post by: hirshey on November 14, 2013, 08:45:36 PM
We hiked out, and my mom kindly told me she was tired of the tent life for a bit; I was on my own for the rest of the season. :)
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1467375_10102526502899838_1741207269_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1460994_10102526502810018_1529616838_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1426328_10102526502735168_417859043_n.jpg)
We had a great time, but that chapter of my hunting season was closed, with the feeling of a little unfinished business.
Post by: hirshey on November 14, 2013, 08:48:32 PM
This time I was making sure I was going to be alone; fording a major wilderness river, navigating waterfalls and steep hillsides and getting to the type of area that you can still have the illusion you might be the first person to stand there.
Post by: hirshey on November 14, 2013, 08:53:39 PM
As I sat along the river rolling up my pantlegs, I wondered if I was taking the notion of getting some elbow room a little too far. Crossing the glacier-fed waters, I felt perhaps I had. Once my boots and pack were back on and the endless promise of solitude was in front of me, I couldn't be more confident that it had been worth it; climbing the steep hillside proved easier than I'd hoped with all the game trails!
The wildlife you can encounter never ceases to amaze me...
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1460144_10102526501712218_1770762936_n.jpg)
Post by: hirshey on November 14, 2013, 08:59:12 PM
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1463694_10102526501881878_14305415_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1453548_10102526501936768_1122691875_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/734411_10102526502156328_356354330_n.jpg)
Post by: Stickerbush on November 14, 2013, 09:01:53 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 14, 2013, 09:07:29 PM
Post by: bankwalker on November 14, 2013, 09:08:18 PM
Post by: buglebuster on November 14, 2013, 09:11:48 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 14, 2013, 09:12:51 PM
I watched the bear move out of view, grabbed a granola bar, and started the painstaking work to battle my way back to camp and then the trailhead.
I had just about a month to continue to dream of what MY buck was going to look like this season... when I tried again during the general season.
Post by: Wanttohuntmore on November 14, 2013, 09:15:25 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 14, 2013, 09:23:38 PM
The season opener came around and was full of the usual ups and downs; two hunters setting up right below me after hiking in by HEADLAMP and chatting loudly during twilight lighting... large bucks being spotted but across boundary lines... an injured buck being spotted, owner of property tracked down only to find the buck had moved during the time it took to gain access... Not any hunter's idea of ideal.
It was time for me to get out and away from most hunters again. It was time (ironically) to head up to the Methow to some of my soft spots.
The particular spot I chose is a far cry from my forte; I am, by admission, a spot-and-stalk kind of girl and this hillside was solid timber. But I knew it held animals, and I was determined to find them.
I spent the first part of the day kicking wolf pellets and getting in staredowns with small groups of does before making the big mistake... getting impatient with one of those 40 minute staredowns, busting some does, and watching high, wide tines disappear alongside them. After busting two nice bucks and needing to cover over six miles back to my rig before dark, I turned back towards the trailhead; but not before stopping to take a call and having a beautiful maroon colored bear walk less than 40 yards away just after hanging up; I was reinvigorated to try this spot again tomorrow.
Post by: bigelk1030 on November 14, 2013, 09:28:34 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 14, 2013, 09:31:28 PM
We covered over 5 miles by mid-day and had shared smiles with each other at the melted out deer beds we'd been seeing all morning, as well as all the mushrooms that had been demolished by these crazy deer.. but where were the critters? We snuck over this razorback ridgeline and our hearts sank; bright orange vests and two folks enjoying the sunshine were all we were met with. We tiptoed back over the hill, hit a subdraw, and headed out of their hunting area. We found another little ridgeline headed back towards the vehicle and started slowly working our way back.
Post by: Widgeondeke on November 14, 2013, 09:42:34 PM
Can't wait for the rest of the story
Post by: hirshey on November 14, 2013, 09:43:11 PM
We stood up and moved only about 100 feet from our resting area when a small gap in the timber betrayed that beautiful white face; I froze. He froze. Slowly, I pulled up my binoculars... he was a buck, but no eyeguards and I could only see two points on each side due to the lighting and timber. We stood in stalemate for what seemed like ages. Finally, he turned his head and revealed his four-point rack. I looked at my mom, nodded, and pulled up my rifle as she plugged her ears.
The shot rang out; the buck kicked... the rest is history. My mother and I had completed the cycle; we boned out my deer and hiked him out to the harvest moon. I smiled, looked at her in the headlamp and said "MEN? We don't need no stinkin' MEN!" :chuckle:
What a fortunate daughter I am to be able to share such amazing adventures with my mom. :)
Post by: hirshey on November 14, 2013, 09:46:02 PM
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/561978_10102526503174288_1989724966_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1396011_10102526503204228_700037207_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/998796_10102526503398838_1857894385_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1457754_10102526503533568_1296847455_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1461044_10102526501562518_1655606444_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1463394_10102526501677288_750291652_n.jpg)
Post by: hirshey on November 14, 2013, 09:50:14 PM
I had gone last season and enjoyed the wild, cold, challenging hunting that Idaho had to offer; I really wanted to go again. I bought my tag only to find out the folks I went with last year wanted a guy's trip... well, since I have ladyparts that meant I was the odd one out! A member of this site and someone I had started to shed hunt/build a friendship with (Co) stepped up and said he'd try to fill a tag with me.
So here we had it; two sort-of friends headed to Idaho for a freezing, steep, tempestuous hunting environment. Should be interesting, right? :chuckle:
Post by: Widgeondeke on November 14, 2013, 09:51:49 PM
Keep it coming
Post by: hirshey on November 14, 2013, 10:02:06 PM
The first day, we arrived and set up camp. Due to weather and traveling conditions, a good portion of the day had been burned by the time we were set up, so we decided to hike the hill behind our living quarters and get a good orientation of the landscape. The short hike proved fruitful; we were spotting bucks and finding some good holding areas... it was going to be hard to get any sort of sleep with the promise of what tomorrow held!
We pulled anchor before sunrise and headed out together on the frosty trail. We had decided on the rule that "(s)he who spots it, gets to decide if they want to shoot it" so spent plentiful time glassing each hillside and picking apart any critters we were finding. At noon, we sat down to enjoy some "breakfast" before the daunting task of gaining some serious elevation on a sandy hillside... the kind of hillside where you take one step up and slide 3/4 of the way back down. As we started to tackle the hillside, I looked up to see a lone animal working across the hillside above us. I pulled my binoculars up and exclaimed "Buck! A good one..." Co and I steadied ourselves and watched as a beautiful mainframe 4x4 worked across the hillside.. he looked like he had a kicker but was gone too fast to be sure.
Post by: h2ofowlr on November 14, 2013, 10:11:45 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 14, 2013, 10:12:54 PM
The last terrain feature he'd worked past was a rock outcropping.. we agreed to work up to that and see if we couldn't get lucky.
What seemed like hours later, we arrived at the rock outcropping and slowly snuck under it to a small bush. We glassed fruitlessly.. slightly discouraged at the buck's disappearance.
Then, Co nudged me and whispered "Kari! Your buck!" Two does and the heavy-horned mule deer had worked out of a small stitch in the hillside back in to view roughly 200 yards away. He grabbed the rangefinder. "214".
I tried to make it to a rock feature to use as a rest, but the "sandy" hillside was slippery rock... "shhhh" Co urged. "Freeze". The rock outcropping was out of the question, so I had to make due.
My .243 is sighted in for 200... I squeezed the trigger and saw stars; I had scoped myself AND shot over his back. The mature buck and his two gals didn't know where the shot had come from; they ran closer..
This time, I connected, and after a little more to-do, my buck stopped rolling right before a rock cliff... my up-close introduction of my beautiful trophy looked like this:
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1391917_10102526493304068_373213503_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/602740_10102526493229218_1935828270_n.jpg)
Post by: hirshey on November 14, 2013, 10:14:31 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 14, 2013, 10:16:21 PM
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1455950_10102526493703268_1810427708_n.jpg)
Post by: hirshey on November 14, 2013, 10:18:00 PM
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1466127_10102526494327018_1783688771_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1472000_10102526495050568_1120648224_n.jpg)
Post by: hirshey on November 14, 2013, 10:28:29 PM
That night was cloudy, frosty, and cold; the day was looking good for deer activity. Although the air was sharp, we quickly worked up a sweat trudging up the frozen, compacted slopes. Just as we crested the most laborious portion of the hill we encountered two other hunters; excited about a close encounter with the 4 point buck we'd let lay two days prior (a buck Co hadn't quite forgiven himself for letting go ;))
Due to those hunters' plans, we altered our route and headed straight up the mountain to put some distance between us.. putting us on a steep, hazardous, timbered north slope.
Post by: haugenna on November 14, 2013, 10:30:28 PM
I see you are not married to a brand :chuckle:
Kuiu Pack, Sitka Jacket, First Lite base layer. All good gear.
Post by: RB on November 14, 2013, 10:33:51 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 14, 2013, 10:36:38 PM
..what wasn't going to happen quickly was our arrival back at camp... we got the animal caped and boned out before dark and started our second trip out with over 100 pound packs by headlamp.
Thanks for taking a chance on me, Co! It was certainly an adventure I'll treasure; looking forward to next year. :)
Post by: hirshey on November 14, 2013, 10:38:54 PM
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1463194_10102526494801068_1171061477_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/564429_10102526494910848_1523680681_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1472979_10102526494975718_461978115_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1453441_10102526495015638_1697264704_n.jpg)
Post by: hirshey on November 14, 2013, 10:41:25 PM
Nice bucks and great story.
I see you are not married to a brand :chuckle:
Kuiu Pack, Sitka Jacket, First Lite base layer. All good gear.
Nope, not married to anything or anyONE :chuckle:
I haven't found a brand that doesn't break my wallet and also provide all the sizes I need just yet. :hello:
Post by: hirshey on November 14, 2013, 10:43:10 PM
"happy campers"
Post by: mountainman on November 14, 2013, 10:45:56 PM
Love the pic with the Kifaru! Ask Cohen about playing cards and some Southern Comfort at 7000', 3 guys in a small 2 man tent in a rainstorm! Lol!
Post by: elk247 on November 14, 2013, 10:50:42 PM
Post by: lokidog on November 14, 2013, 10:51:22 PM
Post by: kentrek on November 14, 2013, 11:18:31 PM
Post by: X-Force on November 14, 2013, 11:36:47 PM
Post by: buck man on November 14, 2013, 11:44:46 PM
Post by: Ridgerunner on November 15, 2013, 12:04:38 AM
Post by: krzy4elk on November 15, 2013, 01:51:01 AM
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on November 15, 2013, 03:20:58 AM
Post by: longrange7mm on November 15, 2013, 05:20:25 AM
Post by: 3nails on November 15, 2013, 05:29:42 AM
Post by: Shed Stud on November 15, 2013, 06:03:07 AM
Post by: mulehunter on November 15, 2013, 06:21:36 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on November 15, 2013, 06:37:14 AM
Well written, you are an animal, congrats on a season many guys would kill to have.:yeah: good to see you back on the forum! You kick aZz, many guys out there are dreaming right now they had a hunting partner like you! Great job to both of you guys.
Post by: pianoman9701 on November 15, 2013, 06:54:11 AM
Post by: nw_bowhunter on November 15, 2013, 06:58:14 AM
Post by: coachcw on November 15, 2013, 07:02:44 AM
Post by: brianmtsinc on November 15, 2013, 07:14:29 AM
Great write up!
Congrats!!!! :tup:
Post by: Broken Arrow on November 15, 2013, 07:47:17 AM
Post by: wamuledeer on November 15, 2013, 07:49:54 AM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
Post by: 2MANY on November 15, 2013, 07:59:56 AM
Obviously a great write up, pics, and hunts.
The one thing this man would have done differently on your first buck is cut the lower jaw off the head instead of packing out the extra meat, hide, and weight.
Nice job Killer.
Post by: Whitpirate on November 15, 2013, 08:00:17 AM
Post by: bracer40 on November 15, 2013, 08:07:06 AM
Post by: Wacenturion on November 15, 2013, 08:13:05 AM
Post by: Elkrunner on November 15, 2013, 08:20:44 AM
Post by: Watimberghost on November 15, 2013, 08:22:23 AM
Post by: Bigshooter on November 15, 2013, 08:23:02 AM
Post by: CoryTDF on November 15, 2013, 08:54:47 AM
Post by: hirshey on November 15, 2013, 09:18:17 AM
That's awesome ... you may want to write a book on your adventures :dunno: Good read for a guy up at 3:30 waiting to go hunting :tup:
Thanks! May your trip be equally as thrilling! Can't wait to see your big buck down! :tup:
Post by: hirshey on November 15, 2013, 09:19:33 AM
:tup: Great write up, Congratulations on two great bucks. Your Idaho buck is a bruiser. You should submit your story to Western Hunter.
Thanks! I'll think about it.. the story would have to be edited/refined a little more, but I do think the photos could be magazine worthy. :dunno:
Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 15, 2013, 09:20:07 AM
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on November 15, 2013, 09:22:52 AM
Post by: hirshey on November 15, 2013, 09:23:42 AM
Obviously a great write up, pics, and hunts.
The one thing this man would have done differently on your first buck is cut the lower jaw off the head instead of packing out the extra meat, hide, and weight.
Nice job Killer.
Yeah, it was only 4ish miles and by the time we'd boned him out it was already going to be a late night.. and I wanted a few more photos with him in the morning since we were kind of pressured to get him out (and back into cell reception so as not to worry my father). Wasn't going to be the straw that broke the camel's back that trip. :chuckle:
Post by: hirshey on November 15, 2013, 09:25:49 AM
Fantastic write-up and pics! So glad you shared. Got me wondering about your mom. Did she tag out too? Or should I look for a story from her?
She's a muzzleloader to the end... she and my father have one more season to get their deer tags notched this next week. Otherwise she'll have to wait and hope to tag out on a Roosevelt elk towards the end of November with me. :)
Post by: hirshey on November 15, 2013, 09:26:38 AM
Very cool. Great read, and awesome deer. Sounds like a perfect deer season. Hard work, ups and downs, and it ends with the harvest of mature bucks. Well done. I too am blessed to hunt with my mother. She can hike circles around most of my huntin buddies. Hunting has nothing to do with size or sex. Ill take determination and desire over physical ability all day. Thanks for the great write up
I couldn't agree more. :hello:
Post by: LittleJohn on November 15, 2013, 09:28:58 AM
Post by: LndShrk on November 15, 2013, 09:30:24 AM
:tup: Great write up, Congratulations on two great bucks. Your Idaho buck is a bruiser. You should submit your story to Western Hunter.
Thanks! I'll think about it.. the story would have to be edited/refined a little more, but I do think the photos could be magazine worthy. :dunno:
Forget about the magazine.. Find yourself a publisher. :tup: I am sure there is sooo much more in these adventures. write a book please.. :)
Great story great experience and awesome animals.
Post by: Yelper Guy on November 15, 2013, 09:32:28 AM
You have a knack for good storytelling and writing that needs to be pursued.
Post by: hirshey on November 15, 2013, 09:33:27 AM
By the way, LOTS of wolf activity, but no tags filled. The hunters we ran into had seen two the previous day but didn't have tags. :bash:
Every direction from camp had sign/sightings. The last day we were there, they were howling less than .5 miles from our tent an hour before daylight for almost 45 minutes. If we hadn't been so bushed (we SHOULD HAVE anyways :bash:) we might have had one more adventure to talk about. Low, melodic rumblings; the closest one was crystal clear; no terrain features blocking him... the others (2-4 it sounded like) were slightly muffled. I would have liked to muffle them permanently. :chuckle: It wasn't in the cards this trip... someday I'll help with the predator count.. especially if they continue to thrive like they have in that area.
Post by: Slimdog350 on November 15, 2013, 09:42:12 AM
Post by: longrange7mm on November 15, 2013, 09:44:45 AM
:tup: Great write up, Congratulations on two great bucks. Your Idaho buck is a bruiser. You should submit your story to Western Hunter.
Thanks! I'll think about it.. the story would have to be edited/refined a little more, but I do think the photos could be magazine worthy. :dunno:
Im sure they dont mind doing a little editing, They have some of the best stories IMO and yes your pics and story is magazine worthy :twocents:
Post by: PlateauNDN on November 15, 2013, 09:51:55 AM
Thanks, all... I certainly appreciate the support/encouragement! I'd continue to have the adventures, I may just not have shared them anymore if the folks on this site weren't so neat.
By the way, LOTS of wolf activity, but no tags filled. The hunters we ran into had seen two the previous day but didn't have tags. :bash:
Every direction from camp had sign/sightings. The last day we were there, they were howling less than .5 miles from our tent an hour before daylight for almost 45 minutes. If we hadn't been so bushed (we SHOULD HAVE anyways :bash:) we might have had one more adventure to talk about. Low, melodic rumblings; the closest one was crystal clear; no terrain features blocking him... the others (2-4 it sounded like) were slightly muffled. I would have liked to muffle them permanently. :chuckle: It wasn't in the cards this trip... someday I'll help with the predator count.. especially if they continue to thrive like they have in that area.
:yeah: X's 2 I've been debating an ID trip to get me a headdress but then I'm also waiting in anticipation here as well.....someday soon....... :chuckle: Great write-up and nice bucks congrats. :tup:
Post by: hirshey on November 15, 2013, 10:03:18 AM
Post by: Buckmark on November 15, 2013, 10:15:57 AM
As i read them and i am sure others will agree, i can envision what you are going through at that time, the let downs, the exhaustion, the acomplishment and also the humor.
Great job....
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on November 15, 2013, 10:18:23 AM
That did not happen :chuckle: I was taking my friends kid out hunting ..Well it rained so hard we gave up ..plus the fog killed our hunt real quick like ...hopefully before the weekend is up he can pop one ...That's awesome ... you may want to write a book on your adventures :dunno: Good read for a guy up at 3:30 waiting to go hunting :tup:
Thanks! May your trip be equally as thrilling! Can't wait to see your big buck down! :tup:
Post by: hirshey on November 15, 2013, 10:20:10 AM
That did not happen :chuckle: I was taking my friends kid out hunting ..Well it rained so hard we gave up ..plus the fog killed our hunt real quick like ...hopefully before the weekend is up he can pop one ...That's awesome ... you may want to write a book on your adventures :dunno: Good read for a guy up at 3:30 waiting to go hunting :tup:
Thanks! May your trip be equally as thrilling! Can't wait to see your big buck down! :tup:
Well shucks! I hope you guys get a chance at one.. this weather moved in quickly. :(
Post by: swanny on November 15, 2013, 10:26:50 AM
Post by: KillerBeee on November 15, 2013, 11:40:34 AM
Post by: CJ1962 on November 15, 2013, 12:10:13 PM
You should think about entering the next contest
http://www.extremehuntress.com/ (http://www.extremehuntress.com/)
Post by: hirshey on November 15, 2013, 12:24:15 PM
Great write up. Congrats on the nice deer.
You should think about entering the next contest
http://www.extremehuntress.com/ (http://www.extremehuntress.com/)
I've applied since the first year.. No luck!
Post by: singleshot12 on November 15, 2013, 01:15:50 PM
Post by: Gringo31 on November 15, 2013, 01:30:06 PM
It's top class for sure.
I may get in trouble for saying this but what I find remarkable is your mom! Did she have you when she was 7? :chuckle: I thought she was a friend of yours. Glad you don't just exist and that you indeed know how to live!
Congrats!
Post by: hirshey on November 15, 2013, 01:55:35 PM
I may get in trouble for saying this but what I find remarkable is your mom! Did she have you when she was 7? :chuckle: I thought she was a friend of yours. Glad you don't just exist and that you indeed know how to live!
Congrats!
Thanks! I do have a pretty amazing mother.. We have a great relationship and I'm incredibly fortunate to call her a friend AND a mom. Add in that she can hike with the best of them and we're pretty bomb-proof together. :)
Post by: 2MANY on November 15, 2013, 01:56:34 PM
Boys take note.................................They always say if you want to know what she'll look like in 20 years look at the mom.....
Post by: fair-chase on November 15, 2013, 02:05:09 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 15, 2013, 05:27:27 PM
Boys take note.................................They always say if you want to know what she'll look like in 20 years look at the mom.....
I can only hope. :)
Post by: jasnt on November 15, 2013, 06:42:23 PM
Post by: Mxracer532 on November 15, 2013, 07:42:31 PM
I gotta ask tho how the H E double hockey stick are you not married? Your an outdoors mans dream.
My sisters both love the outdoors and hunting also and I tell the one who isnt married yet that guys are scared of her and her shooting ability. LOL
Post by: Muleyslyr on November 15, 2013, 07:46:16 PM
Post by: Wea300mag on November 16, 2013, 06:48:34 AM
Post by: elkpack on November 16, 2013, 08:00:00 AM
Post by: saylean on November 16, 2013, 02:43:07 PM
Very very nice bucks!
Post by: teanawayslayer on November 16, 2013, 02:50:10 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 16, 2013, 03:42:03 PM
I can honestly say this is the only full thread I have ever read on this forum. I am not much of a reader, but wow did you have me hooked. I also gotta say I thought (before I seen you said mom) that your mom was your sister. Great story, great bucks and a very enjoyable story.
I gotta ask tho how the H E double hockey stick are you not married? Your an outdoors mans dream.
My sisters both love the outdoors and hunting also and I tell the one who isnt married yet that guys are scared of her and her shooting ability. LOL
Well thank you all for your kind comments.. my mom got a kick out of it, even though she said "Oh I feel sorry for you!" for being confused as my sister. :) She really is a fantastic, outdoorsy, bad-a** mom.
As for the marriage... I seem to keep losing the prospects in the woods. :dunno: Who knows, maybe one day I'll find one that sticks. For now, I'll just concentrate on my hunting.
Post by: hirshey on November 16, 2013, 03:42:54 PM
Congratulations on a great season. Outstanding write up, great pictures, beautiful country, beautiful bucks. Love your determination and hard work. Also looks like a great time outdoors with your mom. Nothing better than spending time in the mountains with family. Thanks for sharing.
:party1: agreed!
Post by: rainshadow1 on November 16, 2013, 04:29:34 PM
Do us guys all a favor and you & your Mom get some more women in the hills with you! We could use a 'trend' following in your footsteps around here!
Post by: CSOUTFITTERS on November 16, 2013, 07:21:41 PM
Post by: bowhunterforever on November 16, 2013, 09:34:10 PM
Post by: Maverick on November 17, 2013, 08:08:29 AM
Post by: hirshey on November 17, 2013, 12:10:38 PM
Thanks for sharing you season (thus far, it sounds like!)
Do us guys all a favor and you & your Mom get some more women in the hills with you! We could use a 'trend' following in your footsteps around here!
There are plenty out there.. You just have to know where to look. I will actually be taking a few friends of mine out next year (women my age) that want to learn.
Post by: actionshooter on November 17, 2013, 02:10:44 PM
Post by: rainshadow1 on November 17, 2013, 02:32:17 PM
Thanks for sharing you season (thus far, it sounds like!)
Do us guys all a favor and you & your Mom get some more women in the hills with you! We could use a 'trend' following in your footsteps around here!
There are plenty out there.. You just have to know where to look. I will actually be taking a few friends of mine out next year (women my age) that want to learn.
There are some, not plenty!
Post by: scree on November 17, 2013, 06:50:31 PM
Great write up. Congrats on the nice deer.
You should think about entering the next contest
http://www.extremehuntress.com/ (http://www.extremehuntress.com/)
I can't believe that you are not a finalist. You are as hard core as they come.
BTW everyone is right this is a great write up. I'm going to start reading it to my 8 year old daughter at bed time tonight. thanks for sharing.
Post by: jackmaster on November 18, 2013, 07:14:51 AM
Post by: Co on November 18, 2013, 11:18:06 AM
Excellent, could have not wrote it up any better!!!!
,Co
Post by: hirshey on November 18, 2013, 04:16:39 PM
:tup:
Excellent, could have not wrote it up any better!!!!
,Co
Thanks again Co.. Wouldn't have been the adventure without your presence!
Post by: MLBowhunting on November 18, 2013, 04:33:05 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 18, 2013, 05:31:37 PM
An amazing write up as always, it feels like we are with you in your detail. you i have to say got to be one of the most hardcore hunters i have ever seen, i know there isnt anyway i could keep up with you in the hills, maybe a few years ago :chuckle:.. it is awesome to see and read your hunts, and you had your mama with you, how does it get better than that? does your dad ever join you or does he not like see his baby girl fording those trecherous mountains? :chuckle: this was my daughters first year huntn, she got her first deer to boot, a small blacktail, 2pt. it was awesome and she loved it. she is going to love your write up, her best friend wants to hunt as well, who knows maybe after reading your story, maybe in a few years they will try something along the lines of one of the HERSHEY STYLE HUNTS, here is a question for you, how does a dad become comfortable letting his baby girl run off into the hills on her own? i got a feeling i would be not to far off just incase :chuckle: again awesome hunt hershey, you have got to be the most hardcore huntress EVER!!!
SPOT, InReach, and radios are my parents' best allies. Having a safety line is not a bad idea, and not terribly expensive for my father's peace of mind. :) he hunts with me during elk season.
Post by: rosscrazyelk on November 18, 2013, 05:34:30 PM
Post by: C-Money on November 19, 2013, 06:13:55 PM
Post by: Machias on November 19, 2013, 06:47:13 PM
Great write up. Congrats on the nice deer.
You should think about entering the next contest
http://www.extremehuntress.com/ (http://www.extremehuntress.com/)
I've applied since the first year.. No luck!
We at HuntWa should start a e-mail and letter writing campaign, this young lady would smash the competition!!
Awesome write up, great stories. Your Mom Rocks! Thanks for sharing with us all.
Post by: Biggerhammer on November 20, 2013, 12:06:01 PM
Post by: Limits on November 21, 2013, 02:32:35 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 21, 2013, 06:23:57 PM
Good job and great stories as per usual KH. Hopefully I get to witness you and your moms (and dad) enthusiasm for hunting this fall at elk camp. Swing by, hang an elk in my maple again, and play some pinochle....guys vs. gals. Good times!
Thanks sir! We plan on it! Only if you're ready to lose, that is. ;)
Post by: hirshey on December 04, 2013, 09:01:46 PM
Great write up. Congrats on the nice deer.
You should think about entering the next contest
http://www.extremehuntress.com/ (http://www.extremehuntress.com/)
I've applied since the first year.. No luck!
We at HuntWa should start a e-mail and letter writing campaign, this young lady would smash the competition!!
Awesome write up, great stories. Your Mom Rocks! Thanks for sharing with us all.
Ha! Well you're very kind.. Perhaps I need to get a little more hardcore before I can win one of those contests... I'll keep tryin'. :)
And yes, my mother does rock. She ran into a site member on her muzzleloader deer hunt this fall... Found it very fun to talk to someone who "knows" me. :chuckle:
Post by: Skillet on December 04, 2013, 09:27:23 PM
Post by: rieses on December 04, 2013, 09:37:27 PM
looks like fun adventures
You definately earned those trophy's
nice to see a pretty woman enjoying the hunt and the backcountry.
keep at it.............
Post by: littlemac on December 04, 2013, 09:53:09 PM
Glad Skillet saw it otherwise I would have missed it too.
Post by: Annette on December 04, 2013, 10:39:44 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 05, 2013, 12:03:54 AM
Not sure how I missed this earlier. Great write up and pics as usual, Hirshey. Awesome character on your ID muley.
Thanks! I love my Idaho buck.. That 10 inch kicker is just neat! Especially since my mom asked me before I left what I was bringing back, and I told her a 5x4. :)
Post by: hirshey on December 05, 2013, 12:06:31 AM
First off .....you are AMZING! A great writer and great huntie! I've been busy for months, but I'm Glad I caught this
Thanks Annette! Glad to hear from you.. It has been a while!! Did you anchor one in a moose?? I hadn't heard if you'd been successful!
Post by: BOOM!! on December 07, 2013, 10:54:24 AM
Post by: Coasthunterjay on December 07, 2013, 12:43:09 PM
Hirshey?......Will you marry m...... oh wait, I'm already married. Hirshey?........Will you marry my son?
No joke...good job...what a great year and congrats on an awesome season of memories! You deserved it!
Post by: 300UltraMagShooter on December 07, 2013, 02:01:12 PM
Post by: danderson on December 07, 2013, 02:44:26 PM
I spoke to your Dad while he was deboning his deer on the late muzzeloader hunt and my brother spoke to your mother while she was packing her deer out at the same time, I can see were you get your inspiration. :tup:
And yes, my mother does rock. She ran into a site member on her muzzleloader deer hunt this fall... Found it very fun to talk to someone who "knows" me. :chuckle:
[/quote]
Post by: GoPlayOutside on December 07, 2013, 02:53:47 PM
Another Great write up by Hirsh!!!!!!!
Always love seeing a great story paired with great pics!
Post by: hirshey on December 07, 2013, 06:23:50 PM
Hirshey?......Will you marry m...... oh wait, I'm already married. Hirshey?........Will you marry my son?:chuckle: if I weren't married to my job and hunting perhaps I'd consider it..
Post by: hirshey on December 07, 2013, 06:26:24 PM
It was a great year.. I don't know if I deserve it, but I guess the more time you spend in the woods the more likely you are to run across something. :) thank you!Hirshey?......Will you marry m...... oh wait, I'm already married. Hirshey?........Will you marry my son?
No joke...good job...what a great year and congrats on an awesome season of memories! You deserved it!
Post by: hirshey on December 07, 2013, 06:27:56 PM
Ummm, what are you doing out of the kitchen?I had to put something in the freezer since you weren't getting it done! :chuckle:
Post by: hirshey on December 07, 2013, 06:30:37 PM
[/quote]
I spoke to your Dad while he was deboning his deer on the late muzzeloader hunt and my brother spoke to your mother while she was packing her deer out at the same time, I can see were you get your inspiration. :tup:
And yes, my mother does rock. She ran into a site member on her muzzleloader deer hunt this fall... Found it very fun to talk to someone who "knows" me. :chuckle:
My father said he enjoyed your conversation and if you ever draw a tag around Chelan you have a guide and a shower. :)
Both my parents gave me a great hunting foundation.. I am really fortunate.
Post by: hirshey on December 07, 2013, 06:31:49 PM
Once again.....
Another Great write up by Hirsh!!!!!!!
Always love seeing a great story paired with great pics!
Thanks sir!! Perhaps I'll meet ya on the trail again this next season.. It was a pleasure!
Post by: 300UltraMagShooter on December 07, 2013, 06:48:34 PM
Ummm, what are you doing out of the kitchen?I had to put something in the freezer since you weren't getting it done! :chuckle:
Ouch.
If ya'll need me, I'll be in here washin' dishes.
Post by: danderson on December 07, 2013, 08:32:58 PM
That's a Deal, Ditto on the Cle Elum area
My father said he enjoyed your conversation and if you ever draw a tag around Chelan you have a guide and a shower. :)
Both my parents gave me a great hunting foundation.. I am really fortunate.
[/quote]
Post by: hirshey on December 07, 2013, 10:12:30 PM
:chuckle:Ummm, what are you doing out of the kitchen?I had to put something in the freezer since you weren't getting it done! :chuckle:
Ouch.
If ya'll need me, I'll be in here washin' dishes.
Post by: Brute on December 07, 2013, 10:59:23 PM
:tup: Great write up, Congratulations on two great bucks. Your Idaho buck is a bruiser. You should submit your story to Western Hunter.
Thanks! I'll think about it.. the story would have to be edited/refined a little more, but I do think the photos could be magazine worthy. :dunno:
Congratulations
Great write up to me and your photos also look like they are worthy. :tup:
Post by: REHJWA on December 08, 2013, 05:39:29 AM
It is a blessing to spend time with family but to still have parents that can hunt the hills with you ROCKS! :tup:
Thanks for sharing a great hunting adventure.
Post by: Wingin it on December 08, 2013, 11:14:57 AM
Post by: hirshey on December 09, 2013, 02:32:28 PM
Co's bullet lodged in the offside! We were both amazed..
(https://fbcdn-photos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/935599_10102617605808878_440892497_n.jpg)
Taxidermist and hunter :)
(https://fbcdn-photos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/1470084_10102617607131228_551782765_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-photos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/s720x720/1466317_10102617604810878_93567304_n.jpg)
Post by: hirshey on December 09, 2013, 02:33:48 PM
CONGRATULATIONS! Just read your story while on assignment in Japan.
It is a blessing to spend time with family but to still have parents that can hunt the hills with you ROCKS! :tup:
Thanks for sharing a great hunting adventure.
Thanks! And thanks for taking the time to read all the way overseas!
Post by: fillthefreezer on December 09, 2013, 08:01:53 PM
Post by: Ripper on December 10, 2013, 11:00:33 AM
Post by: DBHAWTHORNE on December 12, 2013, 09:48:31 AM
Post by: highmuley on December 12, 2013, 10:48:10 AM
Post by: hirshey on January 01, 2014, 11:55:54 AM
Congratulations and great story. You should consider pursuing this thing further and consider a career in the hunting industry. You appear to have the talent, personality and drive required. I look forward to your future stories.
Gosh, I would love that.. :) Thanks for the kind words! I just don't have the connections to make it a full time career currently, but it certainly feeds the soul to be out doing what I love like that.
Post by: hirshey on January 01, 2014, 12:29:32 PM
Will you marry me?? Just kidding ;). Awesome animals and adventure. My wife hunts as well. But, she has yet to bag a big game animal. I'm hoping my re-dedication to hunting will help me be a better guide for her. Shes had opportunity at some animals but hasn't sealed the deal ...yet. If you have any suggestions, from a huntress perspective, that would help her, please let me know. She is really good at patterning animals and is very patient. Her biggest hump to get over is, getting off the beaten path. Without me with her, she doesn't wander too far from logging roads....cats scare the life out of her. Thank you in advance
With logging roads and living in Bonney Lake, I'm assuming you're primarily hunting blackies, yes? In my elk hunting experience in SW Washington I've done pretty well finding some impressive blacktail bucks... all of which have been off the beaten path, and most around swampy water sources, edges of clearcuts, or big blackberry patches with a few alders intermixed. (Areas with decent shooting lanes). I'm certainly not a blacktail expert, but if I were to give it an honest go of hunting them, I'd probably be inclined to sit high and glass/watch some of those swamp areas early morning and late evening... but that's from a girl who loves the spot-and-stalk, which isn't terribly effective in Western Washington. :) Bucklucky's wife would be the blacktail mentor to seek out. :)
Post by: DBHAWTHORNE on January 01, 2014, 06:47:29 PM
Congratulations and great story. You should consider pursuing this thing further and consider a career in the hunting industry. You appear to have the talent, personality and drive required. I look forward to your future stories.
Gosh, I would love that.. :) Thanks for the kind words! I just don't have the connections to make it a full time career currently, but it certainly feeds the soul to be out doing what I love like that.
Building that network is much easier than you would think. Most people in the industry are very friendly and often welcome to newcomers.
Post by: gunnarnewt on January 02, 2014, 10:21:50 AM
Post by: Huntboy on January 02, 2014, 10:49:49 AM
Post by: elkoholic1 on January 02, 2014, 11:03:53 AM
Post by: REHJWA on January 02, 2014, 11:37:33 AM
Post by: spin05 on January 02, 2014, 02:44:43 PM
Post by: highmuley on January 02, 2014, 04:04:20 PM
Will you marry me?? Just kidding ;). Awesome animals and adventure. My wife hunts as well. But, she has yet to bag a big game animal. I'm hoping my re-dedication to hunting will help me be a better guide for her. Shes had opportunity at some animals but hasn't sealed the deal ...yet. If you have any suggestions, from a huntress perspective, that would help her, please let me know. She is really good at patterning animals and is very patient. Her biggest hump to get over is, getting off the beaten path. Without me with her, she doesn't wander too far from logging roads....cats scare the life out of her. Thank you in advance
With logging roads and living in Bonney Lake, I'm assuming you're primarily hunting blackies, yes? In my elk hunting experience in SW Washington I've done pretty well finding some impressive blacktail bucks... all of which have been off the beaten path, and most around swampy water sources, edges of clearcuts, or big blackberry patches with a few alders intermixed. (Areas with decent shooting lanes). I'm certainly not a blacktail expert, but if I were to give it an honest go of hunting them, I'd probably be inclined to sit high and glass/watch some of those swamp areas early morning and late evening... but that's from a girl who loves the spot-and-stalk, which isn't terribly effective in Western Washington. :) Bucklucky's wife would be the blacktail mentor to seek out. :)
Actually we hunt the NE (Okanogan). We typically scout deer/bear & grouse hunt, August and September. That's usually a good time for her to get out and explore without the pressures of pursuing deer. Shes getting better and better. Our biggest issue has been actually taking the time to get out on the hillsides often. It can also get expensive traveling back and forth between West and East. We have promised ourselves, starting this year, we will be spending as much time learning/teaching hunting to ourselves and our children. I really want to help my wife become a better huntress. She already has the passion of the outdoors. My daughter, so far, also has a tremendous interest in hunting. We are hoping it is a legitimate interest in hunting and not JUST "daddy time" (shes 7). But, with woman like my wife, you and many other woman on HW, that enjoy the outdoors and pursuing big game, i'm hoping that her interest will never fade. I really enjoy having two ladies in my house that prefer to spend their free time outdoors. Thank you again.