Post by: Westside88 on November 17, 2013, 01:13:02 PM
I was extremely excited to find out I was drawn for a quality any buck late modern tag. I immediately began preparing. That's how I found this forum. I've met some really great people on here and appreciate all the input. Hopefully I can help others in the future. I never asked or received specific locations to go. I think putting in the time and learning the area is a big part of a successful hunt and experience. What I did receive were tips on expectations, judging, technique etc. and that is very much appreciated.
We hunted general season and spent our time exploring the are followed by more map studying, google earth etc. By the time the late season came, I felt I had a decent grasp on the area. As it turned out the 1st through10th was my best time to hunt. The more I learned the more it concerned me, but I figured I still had the last weekend if needed. We decided to head over the 31st and start hunting the first. We discussed my goals and expectations. I told Dad, my goal was to have a good hunt together and take a nice solid 4X4. One common piece of advice was "don't shoot the first one"
When we arrived the weather was nice, but snow and wind forecast. We decided to keep moving the first couple days and not stay too long in any one place. Dad joked about holding my bullets for me.
Day one we decided to start where we'd seen deer the evening before. One was a big wide 2, possibly small 3rds. Not a shooter, but he had does so we decided to start there. All day long we stuck to our plan to keep moving. We took several nice walks and found some areas we really liked. With a couple hours left on day one, we found ourselves in some timber in an area I really liked. We agreed we'd be back, but for now we wanted to get to another area I'd seen deer the previous day.
When we arrived at the next spot it didn't take long for me to spot some does. Pretty soon Dad spotted a Buck. As we looked him over Dad said he wasn't real wide, but he was tall and heavy. He asked what I thought. I couldn't help remember "don't shoot the first one" I wanted a better look and moved forward a little bit for a better vantage point. I also had an old snag there I could use for a rest if needed. About that time the buck turned his head and I saw nice tines . Dad says at that point "when they say don't shoot the first one I don't think they're talking about this one" I thought of my goals for the trip and decided I wanted him. Meanwhile the Buck had spotted me looking and wheeled and ran straight away. No shot, dang I blew it. But wait, after about 75 yards he turned 90 degrees and slowed a bit. I'd stayed on him in the scope hoping for him to look back. Thankfully I had a rest. 250 yards broadside moving some......Boom. Dad says from behind me "you hit him hard, I heard the bullet smack". I headed down to some brush where I last saw him to hang a ribbon for reference. Two steps there he was, less than 10 feet away. Not even another step, more of an instant down and slide. He was just what we thought for width, with a couple extra small points. 5X6 + eye guards if you count all the little ones. I'm very happy with the outcome. I didn't expect to take the first one, but I have no regrets. He grossed 182 and change and netted 174 and an eighth after deductions. Not bad for a first mule deer! Thanks to everyone who provided tips and encouragement. Especially a big thanks to my Dad for all his suppport. I can't seem to attach a pic so I'll try later
Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 17, 2013, 01:20:36 PM
Post by: Westside88 on November 17, 2013, 01:22:31 PM
Post by: E-man32 on November 17, 2013, 01:24:49 PM
Post by: Bullkllr on November 17, 2013, 01:26:54 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on November 17, 2013, 01:27:50 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 17, 2013, 01:28:06 PM
Post by: wamuledeer on November 17, 2013, 01:28:56 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
Post by: Button Nubbs on November 17, 2013, 01:30:14 PM
Post by: Natures Way on November 17, 2013, 01:30:47 PM
Post by: Jason on November 17, 2013, 01:47:10 PM
Post by: Wanttohuntmore on November 17, 2013, 02:02:57 PM
Post by: highside74 on November 17, 2013, 02:04:48 PM
Yep, when they say don't shoot the first one, they didn't mean that one! Good work and a beautiful buck! :tup:
:yeah:
Post by: Skyvalhunter on November 17, 2013, 02:06:02 PM
Post by: Westside88 on November 17, 2013, 02:09:05 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on November 17, 2013, 02:11:22 PM
Post by: muleyslayer on November 17, 2013, 02:35:15 PM
Post by: huntnphool on November 17, 2013, 03:10:52 PM
Post by: GUHunter on November 17, 2013, 03:57:18 PM
Post by: bowhunterforever on November 17, 2013, 04:38:05 PM
Good character on that one! :tup::yeah: Congrats
Post by: Birdguy on November 17, 2013, 05:02:47 PM
Post by: Easy-E on November 18, 2013, 06:04:39 AM
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on November 18, 2013, 06:17:09 AM
Post by: MADMAX on November 18, 2013, 06:22:19 AM
congrats
Post by: pd on November 18, 2013, 06:36:00 AM
Beautiful mule deer. Truly a fine animal.
Post by: TMortensen on November 18, 2013, 06:46:21 AM
Post by: MLBowhunting on November 18, 2013, 07:12:05 AM
Post by: Runamuck on November 18, 2013, 07:22:04 AM
Post by: gunnarnewt on November 18, 2013, 07:41:28 AM
Post by: bearhunter99 on November 18, 2013, 08:17:20 AM
Post by: huntnphool on November 18, 2013, 09:14:07 AM
There is a lesson here for all of us: There is no better way to scout a new area than to actually hunt it (hiking in the summer just isn't the same thing). I like it that you spent the general season in the same areaAnd why you should be out scouting the areas you plan on applying for right now. :twocents:
Post by: mulehunter on November 18, 2013, 09:21:13 AM
Post by: rudedawg1085 on November 18, 2013, 09:21:28 AM
Post by: Westside88 on November 18, 2013, 09:52:56 PM
Thanks I really like that too. This will be the first Buck I've chosen to have mounted.
Post by: BullCrazy24 on November 19, 2013, 09:26:24 AM
Post by: Westside88 on November 19, 2013, 09:53:38 AM
That is a great 1st animal to hang on your wall. Only problem is you might have a tall order to get another one similar to join him up there! If you have him scored let us know, I would be curious.
He netted 174 and an eighth after deductions. If I remember right it was 182+ gross.
I'll be getting a copy of the score sheet pretty soon. If I understand correctly you wait 60 days for it to be official
Post by: dennis7cr on November 19, 2013, 01:05:13 PM
Post by: huntnphool on November 19, 2013, 04:24:28 PM
Actually you have to wait 60 days before it can be measured officially. ;)That is a great 1st animal to hang on your wall. Only problem is you might have a tall order to get another one similar to join him up there! If you have him scored let us know, I would be curious.If I understand correctly you wait 60 days for it to be official
Post by: elkoholic1 on November 20, 2013, 02:01:12 PM
Post by: Westside88 on November 22, 2013, 01:10:17 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on November 22, 2013, 01:53:18 PM
Post by: Westside88 on November 22, 2013, 02:06:48 PM
Well congrats on a fine buck but that is a popular permit and wouldn't plan on another permit hunt there in the near future. But doesn't hurt to apply. The state loves it.
I know it could be awhile for me, but I'm only 41 so maybe someday. The other guys have a decent amount of points though so I'm hoping for them to get drawn in the hopefully not too distant future.