Post by: shanevg on October 12, 2014, 04:35:07 PM
I saw this buck my first day bear hunting this year standing right off the trail right at daylight. I got video and photos of him and knew he was the buck I wanted to get this season.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lonegoatmedia.com%2FHunting%2F2014-Washington-Fall-Hunting%2Fi-3L2hb4j%2F0%2FM%2FIMG_9546-3-M.jpg&hash=b909b253e1a327faa7fa50157d5e4cb0cbc94879)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jN6Mkn7h48&list=UUiFvJdOdra3tmcbYA7VPV5w (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jN6Mkn7h48&list=UUiFvJdOdra3tmcbYA7VPV5w)
I thought I knew where the buck would hang out based off prior years hunting the unit and put a trail cam out a week later hoping to catch him. With over 400 pictures, I only caught 2 spikes, a bunch of does, and a rabbit.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lonegoatmedia.com%2FTrailCam%2FBlacktail-Deer%2Fi-sr3DHpc%2F0%2FM%2FPICT0155-M.jpg&hash=d0eca4f519cb2f033a5f9cf4666eaefccc30a20e)
I hunted the area 5 more times including the archery opener and never saw my deer. ON the last day of muzzle loader season I played a hunch and decided to check out a spot about a mile away from where I originally saw the buck and ended up spooking a deer that I never even saw. I decided I would try to approach that spot for the rifle opener from the sidehill and hopefully have the wind more in my favor.
The fall colors have really started to pop since last weekend.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lonegoatmedia.com%2FHunting%2F2014-Washington-Fall-Hunting%2Fi-pZ9mxdd%2F0%2FM%2FP1120703-1-M.jpg&hash=4b6716ab7e79f6f9e376d974b66b764dda30606d)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lonegoatmedia.com%2FHunting%2F2014-Washington-Fall-Hunting%2Fi-Vg4ZhGm%2F0%2FM%2FP1120709-2-M.jpg&hash=f7a852f69604253a96e1fa7e41ba75d6f85e70f3)
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I side hilled VERY slowly through the timber - usually taking three steps and glassing the entire way. I found a few relatively fresh sets of "buck looking" tracks. As I approached a small pocket meadow, I was getting excited as it was just starting to rain and the wind was blowing right at me. Not only was the wind perfect but I had rain to cover any noise I made.
Pocket meadow:
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lonegoatmedia.com%2FHunting%2F2014-Washington-Fall-Hunting%2Fi-D9Sh2vK%2F0%2FM%2FP1120714-4-M.jpg&hash=62ebc8fe7c1eb9f4525e86c141da08feecfa10b4)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lonegoatmedia.com%2FHunting%2F2014-Washington-Fall-Hunting%2Fi-BzBcQkF%2F0%2FM%2FP1120715-5-M.jpg&hash=8df36a651a8587e38801fdf4272e32652659a79e)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lonegoatmedia.com%2FHunting%2F2014-Washington-Fall-Hunting%2Fi-hbLkhQh%2F0%2FM%2FP1120717-6-M.jpg&hash=270b718b08f5dfb3171120be66e1d14262517432)
I VERY slowly side hilled through the pocket meadow. After about 45 minutes of sidehilling (125 yards or so) I caught the ears of a doe feeding 37 yards away from me. I was able to stand and watch her (and eventually her fawn) feed right out below me. I kept watching hoping the rut was on and there was a buck with them but no luck. After about 40 minutes of watching them they caught me moving and decided it was time to head down into the timber.
I knew there was a big avalanche shut about 200 yards to the east and the rain with the rain really coming down hard now I decided I could move a bit quicker so could glass down into that chute and see if the doe and the fawn pushed any deer out of the timber.
Right as I come around a clump of trees and can see into the avalanche chute for the first time I could see a deer standing about 180 yards below me through a gap in the trees. I assumed it was the doe from earlier but when I glassed it with my binoculars I could see good sized antlers sticking up. The buck turned his head like he was going to walk out of site of me so I quickly pulled up my rifle and put them on my shooting sticks (which luckily I already had out) settled in and took a shot. All I saw through my scope after I shot was his legs flip up into the air as he rolled down the chute!!! :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL:
I knew he was a nice buck but had no idea how big he was. After he died I couldn't see him as the brush was too tall. It took me 20+ minutes to get down to him as the ground/brush was soaked and it was about a 45-50 degree slope working my way down there. Luckily I took my packable crampons as I don't know if I would have been able to make it back up that hill without them!
When I walked up on the buck, I couldn't believe that it was the exact same buck I had videoed during bear season and he was much bigger than I expected!
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lonegoatmedia.com%2FHunting%2F2014-Washington-Fall-Hunting%2Fi-QZ49KXG%2F0%2FM%2FP1120721-2-M.jpg&hash=6d9f20a28a2d216e493bfb66dc93eb25f7bcbc11)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lonegoatmedia.com%2FHunting%2F2014-Washington-Fall-Hunting%2Fi-5SDRMSm%2F0%2FM%2FP1120720-1-M.jpg&hash=7cf2ff0d7053822e1339689afe0f8a26281b6a45)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lonegoatmedia.com%2FHunting%2F2014-Washington-Fall-Hunting%2Fi-PNWfNSc%2F0%2FM%2FP1120724-4-M.jpg&hash=a62a2d8d0c36111e8aa67a2a8d07c039f748ca62)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lonegoatmedia.com%2FHunting%2F2014-Washington-Fall-Hunting%2Fi-4P9JsF8%2F0%2FM%2FP1120723-3-M.jpg&hash=b2c2ed60a910dae86ec7b79ed03ccb0f10dfcc60)
He was a non-typical 4x4 with eye guards with a very strange 4th point on his left side. He had some great mass! A lot more than I expected after seeing him in velvet. His body was HUGE, I was not looking forward to packing him out solo. Especially after he died more than 1500 feet below the trail!
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lonegoatmedia.com%2FHunting%2F2014-Washington-Fall-Hunting%2Fi-RdgJTxr%2F0%2FM%2FP1120728-1-5-M.jpg&hash=a0f3d966d591d48a288fc34fd08232ce07dc1768)
It took me two trips to get the deer the 1500 feet back to the ridge and then two trips to pack the deer from the ridge the 3+ mile back to the truck. Altogether I hiked 15+ miles and climbed 7400 feet. I am still in shock that after not laying eyes on this buck since early August, he is the one I actually harvested.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lonegoatmedia.com%2FHunting%2F2014-Washington-Fall-Hunting%2Fi-QXxCL46%2F0%2FM%2F10712878_10103480712635878_4367590813834163499_n-M.jpg&hash=f30e3c12f7ebc218fe595e4b0ddb55f6b8e294a8)
Praise God not only for the opportunity to hunt in awesome terrain like this, but also for the meat that will feed my family this winter!
UPDATE:
Finished editing my video of the hunt, thought you'd enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o9bpSxS4N4&list=UUiFvJdOdra3tmcbYA7VPV5w (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o9bpSxS4N4&list=UUiFvJdOdra3tmcbYA7VPV5w)
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on October 12, 2014, 04:39:21 PM
Post by: TheSkyBuster on October 12, 2014, 04:42:12 PM
Awesome, thanks for sharing :tup:
Post by: blacktail378 on October 12, 2014, 04:43:05 PM
Post by: actionshooter on October 12, 2014, 04:44:34 PM
Post by: Axle on October 12, 2014, 04:46:49 PM
Post by: Bigshooter on October 12, 2014, 04:53:33 PM
Post by: grundy53 on October 12, 2014, 04:55:27 PM
Post by: rasbo on October 12, 2014, 05:00:54 PM
Post by: boneaddict on October 12, 2014, 05:35:59 PM
Post by: Ironhead on October 12, 2014, 05:37:26 PM
Post by: Smokepole on October 12, 2014, 05:44:20 PM
Post by: chester on October 12, 2014, 05:59:29 PM
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Post by: Toptwo on October 12, 2014, 06:09:01 PM
Post by: elkoholic1 on October 12, 2014, 06:11:44 PM
Post by: stew pidasso on October 12, 2014, 06:13:12 PM
Post by: IBspoiled on October 12, 2014, 06:15:28 PM
Post by: big wood on October 12, 2014, 06:25:16 PM
Post by: PolarBear on October 12, 2014, 06:27:41 PM
Post by: 3nails on October 12, 2014, 06:29:55 PM
Post by: washelkhunter on October 12, 2014, 06:32:01 PM
Post by: X-Force on October 12, 2014, 06:38:38 PM
Post by: Crunchy on October 12, 2014, 06:52:59 PM
Post by: Mfowl on October 12, 2014, 06:57:34 PM
Post by: cdriver on October 12, 2014, 07:03:22 PM
Post by: steen on October 12, 2014, 07:35:47 PM
Post by: cedarriver on October 12, 2014, 07:57:39 PM
Post by: saylean on October 12, 2014, 08:05:57 PM
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on October 12, 2014, 08:39:13 PM
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on October 12, 2014, 08:41:53 PM
Post by: CoyoteCowboy on October 12, 2014, 08:46:05 PM
preparation (i.e. sticks, crampons, scouting)
skill (i.e. shot, physical conditioning, glassing)
and of course a little luck (i.e. rain, wind conditions)
Post by: npaull on October 12, 2014, 08:53:16 PM
Mind sharing - was this a 400, 300, 500 or 600 series GMU deer?
Post by: Wanttohuntmore on October 12, 2014, 08:56:17 PM
Post by: h2ofowlr on October 12, 2014, 09:11:41 PM
Post by: denali on October 12, 2014, 09:17:00 PM
Post by: The scout on October 12, 2014, 09:18:08 PM
Post by: MountainWalk on October 12, 2014, 09:20:43 PM
Great pictures. They really bring the hunt to the viwer. And a great blacktail!.
Post by: Natures Way on October 12, 2014, 09:30:58 PM
Post by: Ridgerunner on October 12, 2014, 09:35:54 PM
Post by: 260Rem on October 12, 2014, 09:39:37 PM
Post by: shanevg on October 12, 2014, 09:49:33 PM
Shot him in 418.
Post by: go4itlab on October 12, 2014, 09:51:18 PM
Post by: fish vacuum on October 13, 2014, 01:33:32 AM
Post by: huntingbaldguy on October 13, 2014, 04:03:20 AM
Post by: PA BEN on October 13, 2014, 05:36:53 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on October 13, 2014, 06:35:49 AM
Post by: Taco280AI on October 13, 2014, 06:58:59 AM
Post by: TheHunt on October 13, 2014, 08:42:04 AM
Post by: RB on October 13, 2014, 08:58:31 AM
Post by: shanevg on October 13, 2014, 09:27:03 AM
Post by: Watimberghost on October 13, 2014, 11:28:49 AM
Post by: Wyoming08 on October 13, 2014, 01:14:17 PM
Post by: Jimmybelltown on October 13, 2014, 01:31:39 PM
Post by: Rainier10 on October 13, 2014, 01:31:52 PM
Post by: bmonti76 on October 13, 2014, 02:06:38 PM
Post by: bowhunterforever on October 14, 2014, 02:29:54 AM
Post by: pope on October 14, 2014, 05:40:31 AM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 14, 2014, 06:09:11 AM
Post by: blacktailer on October 14, 2014, 08:26:55 AM
Post by: 7mag. on October 14, 2014, 08:48:58 AM
Post by: Hittm_good on October 14, 2014, 11:42:02 AM
Post by: Harbor_hunter on October 14, 2014, 08:16:15 PM
Post by: Huntboy on October 15, 2014, 10:17:48 AM
Post by: WA1232 on October 15, 2014, 01:47:26 PM
Looks like you use your gear hard; what have you found for good wet weather jacket and pants?
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on October 15, 2014, 01:54:28 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on October 15, 2014, 02:56:52 PM
Post by: shanevg on October 15, 2014, 08:54:44 PM
Awesome. Very cool.
Looks like you use your gear hard; what have you found for good wet weather jacket and pants?
I have the Kuiu Yukon jacket and Chugach pants. Both are great but I absolutely love the Yukon jacket is hands down the bear jacket I've ever owned. Awesome rain proof jacket but as comfortable and breathable as a soft shell. I highly recommend it!!!
Post by: packmule on October 16, 2014, 03:16:21 PM
Post by: Elvis on October 17, 2014, 09:12:44 AM
Post by: Wea300mag on October 20, 2014, 06:50:23 PM
Post by: The Fin on October 20, 2014, 07:52:46 PM
Post by: shanevg on October 20, 2014, 09:03:30 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o9bpSxS4N4&list=UUiFvJdOdra3tmcbYA7VPV5w (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o9bpSxS4N4&list=UUiFvJdOdra3tmcbYA7VPV5w)
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on October 20, 2014, 09:24:01 PM
Post by: HarboritE on October 20, 2014, 10:09:40 PM
Post by: GoldenOscar on October 20, 2014, 10:50:08 PM
Thank you for sharing, very beautiful and inspirational story/video
Post by: Vo2max on October 20, 2014, 10:58:10 PM
Post by: IBspoiled on October 21, 2014, 10:23:32 AM
Post by: Stickerbush on October 21, 2014, 05:19:33 PM
Post by: GameHunter1959 on October 22, 2014, 12:37:23 AM
Post by: Troutdreamer on October 25, 2014, 10:02:07 AM
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Post by: BobcatBob on October 25, 2014, 11:55:14 AM
bcb
Post by: trophyhunt on October 25, 2014, 01:07:11 PM