Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 07:32:53 PM
I hadn’t decided if I was going to share this hunt anymore due to hard feelings towards a person that went back on both his word as well as the unspoken hunter’s code, but after a little soul searching, I decided I’d still like to share my adventures with you all.
So here goes a LOT of photos and posts... sorry in advance!
Post by: Jolten on December 27, 2015, 07:34:22 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 07:34:50 PM
As many of you know, my hunting adventures in 2014 started out with the unforgettable adventure of harvesting my once in a lifetime Shiras moose in the East Okanogan-Kettle range (story: http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,161954.225/topicseen.html ). That hunt set the stage for what remains one of my most treasured hunting seasons to date. After Washington moose, deer, and elk hunting adventures were created the time to head east to Idaho had arrived. My friend Jeff and I packed his Toyota Tacoma full of provisions and headed out to meet up with two more of my pals.
After checking and rechecking gear, it was confirmed we were all set to head out in the morning: everyone had heeded my “Don’t Die in Idaho” checklist, and we were ready to hit the hills for 10 days of unforgettable adventuring… the next morning couldn’t arrive quickly enough!
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on December 27, 2015, 07:36:05 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 07:36:40 PM
I woke the next morning to a lively fire outside the spike camp tents and the aroma of Jet-Boil brewed coffee. The crew was four strong; two ex-Marines that I had met through my time as a helicopter rappeller, Jeff, and myself. We decided to break up into two groups that first day; the Marines, and Jeff and myself. Smiling and exchanging “good lucks”, Jeff and I started out of camp, but we weren’t meant to make it far on this day. Less than one hundred feet from camp, I spotted a group of deer in the midst of their morning routine. Included in the group was a respectable buck for the area. I looked at Jeff and motioned “buck” with my hands mimicking antlers on the side of my head. He looked incredulous. “Really??” “YES!”
After a brief discussion, I explained to Jeff that this was a respectable deer for this area, and if he didn’t want it, I’d offer it to either Travis or Brandon. If none of them wanted it, I’d try for it. Jeff said if I felt it was a good deer, he wasn’t going to ignore my judgment; he’d put a stalk on it. We informed our friends that Jeff was going to put a stalk on a deer they could see from camp, and the response was humorous yet not surprising. “No SH**?” “No feces, that’s correct.”
Our two companions watched the stalk as Jeff and I worked into position. It was a fairly open hillside with deceptively deep terrain features that easily conceal our prey. Slowly, painstakingly, we advanced up and across the hillside. Equally as gradually, one by one the does were revealed less than 100 yards from our position, but the buck was nowhere to be seen. Jeff looked back at me, and whispered “I don’t think it’s here”. I responded by pointing downslope and saying I could see one more animal below us. Simultaneously, the buck appeared out of a micro-fold in the landscape less than 80 yards from our position, looking directly at Jeff. His aim was true as he took the opportunity for a broadside shot, and was rewarded by watching this beautiful animal run less than 60 feet and drop, lifeless. We high-fived as Jeff sat there for a moment in disbelief… his first mule deer, and a beauty! We approached the animal as Jeff looked in silent reverence and excitement. We took some photos, and pulled the animal to a small bench below us to start the work. At that juncture, the other two fellas showed up, and we took a few photos together before insisting they go continue their own hunt; Jeff and I had this taken care of.
Post by: Rainier10 on December 27, 2015, 07:37:24 PM
Post by: meathunter on December 27, 2015, 07:37:54 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 07:38:12 PM
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/v/t1.0-9/1891274_10103579433144188_4104983117016297096_n.jpg?oh=27df53f2adb1d60639208e7b06b8080d&oe=571A93BE)
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 07:40:19 PM
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/1383176_10103579436242978_3316826138706304567_n.jpg?oh=45e85e5b425170e788073f0c1a211ccf&oe=57095250)
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/8943_10103579436422618_3378132321572955686_n.jpg?oh=2abf88afb8608c31f4df4f990781a464&oe=56D3FBE4)
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/1483300_10103579435414638_6704516458719352755_n.jpg?oh=bc9f1ee2adb7142b15917676d4b04a09&oe=5717AC3B)
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 07:41:11 PM
Post by: meathunter on December 27, 2015, 07:41:55 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 07:43:37 PM
We made it back to base camp with time left in the day, so after a few exchanges with other hunters offering Jeff advice as to where to find an elk, we decided to make the trip back to spike camp that evening. Using the last hours of daylight to attempt to find an elk, we were disappointed to see the other hunting group camped less than .2 miles from our location, precisely where we had asked them to avoid. I couldn’t help it; with the fleeting light that evening, I gave them a piece of my mind, explaining that it takes a lot to find spots like this, and the last thing you want when you go to such extremes to get away from people is to have to share the spot with familiar faces from a state away. The curt response was that I didn’t own Idaho, and so with sadness and frustration that not all hunters share the same kind of ethic in hunting spots, I said we’d avoid that ridgeline the following day but I’d hope they’d consider moving on at that juncture. Jeff and I headed back to camp with a damper put on our excitement of the day as I couldn’t help but feel betrayed.
That disappointment was quickly forgotten as we got back to spike camp to the tales of what our friends had seen for the day; which unfortunately, wasn’t anything that got their hearts racing. We made a game plan for the next day, altering our hunting plans to accommodate the additional hunters we wished didn’t exist. The day brought on some more crisp air, but still a bluebird sky. We covered over 10 miles from dawn to dusk; some impressive bucks were unearthed, but the nice four point at 100 yards just before dark just didn’t get my ticker racing like I was hoping it would, so today all the bucks were simply shot with Jeff’s camera.
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 07:44:37 PM
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/522082_10103579434406658_6149558743037510174_n.jpg?oh=68f92e8fb1323b777a4674f5e1a819ed&oe=56D38F9A)
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 07:45:47 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 07:47:16 PM
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpl1/v/t1.0-9/1509795_10103579435544378_498082325215343345_n.jpg?oh=5004f3bc31c9065cf87401814a7dc589&oe=5700F28A)
Post by: actionshooter on December 27, 2015, 07:47:43 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 07:48:36 PM
Some expletives were voiced in my excitement, as well as my frustration for not being able to show Jeff this great buck. “If you saw it, and it was good, Kari… let’s go after it!” was my friend’s reply at just about the same time we heard rock fallout; the undeniable sound of a buck chasing a doe across the rock scree that adorned the very nose of a small sub-ridge in the bottom of the basin. This was enough to provide the encouragement I needed; we were committing to a huge elevation loss to go after this mystery buck.
After roughly an hour of negotiating technical terrain, we had arrived on the timbered sub-ridge identified as the source of the noise. Dropping our packs and everything aside from the necessities, we crested the terrain feature to reveal a multitude of does feeding across the hillside as well as two small bucks sparring. We sunk into the hillside to continue surveying, looking for my buck. The shadows were growing longer, and the only addition to animals we had found was actually a tragic one; the two small bucks stopped sparring briefly to examine a very nice buck… he was dead and bloated.
I looked over at Jeff and shrugged. “Are you ready to call it? We have about a 6 mile hike back to camp at this point, and it’s getting late.” As we started to stand, my vision settled in on one deer I hadn’t seen before. He was 30 yards above all the others, thrashing a bush. I found him in my binoculars, for the second time that day. As my heart raced, I looked at Jeff wide-eyed and stated, “BUCK! I WANT HIM!”
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10423335_10103579435604258_1374305099455023387_n.jpg?oh=03e14a28d199909e9b42625cf518cfac&oe=571CA8CB)
Post by: JJB11B on December 27, 2015, 07:48:38 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 07:51:18 PM
Jeff and I clamored across the hillside after collecting our packs, and started the process of getting this beauty back to camp. Once we had him boned out, we hiked him back across the landscape to a full moon and frosty slopes. We decided to make the push all the way back to base camp, and finally had the meat hung by 2 AM. We were beat!
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/10689427_10103579436697068_4282114090771886866_n.jpg?oh=e4fcf20c8a83750ab6a3bf587e8084ef&oe=5711C743)
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10624581_10103579436776908_5688769289162036712_n.jpg?oh=42ac3459fcd2509c46fa79a8bf29c5c0&oe=570E72CE)
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/10394042_10103579436826808_2862788750699104494_n.jpg?oh=94dbd2d16b62a3b9800ae344360f6ea6&oe=5716DFC8)
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 07:52:40 PM
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/v/t1.0-9/1932211_10103579434721028_5648153968469929236_n.jpg?oh=7a2c25140d117465756ebb485b47fc0d&oe=570DD975)
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10152999_10103579433204068_79987788940267001_n.jpg?oh=acfca970e33ab5e61f56ef360802fa11&oe=57104F1D)
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 07:54:38 PM
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10384619_10103579435848768_3495847806586055328_n.jpg?oh=b9f775e126cf95dfccf016d39dca14cc&oe=56FF6215)
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 07:55:58 PM
Jeff and I waited a few moments to ensure the job was finished, and could hardly contain our excitement and curiosity… what had they found? As we slowly circumnavigated the mountain, we spotted a buck tumbling down the steep slope before coming to rest against a log. Travis gave out an uncharacteristic holler of excitement as we all converged on the animal (after Travis confirmed the deed was done, of course). What a beauty! We dragged it down the hillside, and I gave a brief tutorial on the gutless method and caping an animal. The meat bags were filled quickly and although it was dark when we started our hike out, our spirits were quite light. We made it back to spike camp and enjoyed a meal worthy of calling it artistry; peppered deer heart complimented by lemon-butter chanterelles. The whiskey and company both were on point that night.
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on December 27, 2015, 07:56:32 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 07:56:53 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 07:57:33 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 07:58:26 PM
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/10635757_10103579434915638_8500236372299399313_n.jpg?oh=4c772c15fe75691fffc55b6e7322495e&oe=570D0572)
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 07:59:46 PM
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/10404142_10103579435025418_5340570549972046268_n.jpg?oh=89cc9bcdbd9336eefd2a38cd25225c8e&oe=56D7426E)
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/1979631_10103579437250958_7236222683547332078_n.jpg?oh=c3e807348926fcd7959d88ef72ec1ab4&oe=57112C76)
Post by: meathunter on December 27, 2015, 08:00:29 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 08:02:18 PM
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/v/t1.0-9/10620760_10103579436113238_8305435165256334139_n.jpg?oh=7565acc37da0a5ed9c9b01822ccd57f1&oe=5700989E)
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/v/t1.0-9/10665097_10103579435070328_8410472071744810176_n.jpg?oh=8f9a804578a3a607a7bddf0ac26b0b73&oe=57096A3F)
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 08:05:18 PM
I am so grateful for the friends I have made, and that trip was the perfect way to end a noteworthy season. Thanks, fellas, for going to the wild places with me!
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/v/t1.0-9/10419963_10103579442904628_2685094607126624421_n.jpg?oh=5fe88204a501d9a1516f7801bc5ea35b&oe=5711E292)
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/10358709_10103579443124188_6260899427751125900_n.jpg?oh=e834085d91fb395bf8269f5542c5fc4e&oe=5706826E)
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/1012937_10103579443303828_9051473312980503407_n.jpg?oh=e37e35af239338629e4643317050dbe0&oe=570E26FC)
(yes I know there are does in the background of that one... :))
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 08:06:51 PM
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/1234417_10103579443653128_3355707975509052419_n.jpg?oh=97a35de5752fd54fb66367250c47b478&oe=57128168)
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10420093_10103579443717998_4697688189737368508_n.jpg?oh=34397d647c39424be86e3a9c0d06826f&oe=571D2FC3)
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/1463535_10103579443837758_7848536923940515901_n.jpg?oh=3f8db9d00882b0db58f1bca1cfadb686&oe=57123715)
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 08:09:31 PM
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlp1/v/t1.0-9/10665706_10103579444875678_3530345233694307735_n.jpg?oh=8214720da29d4d799cd1b0ca79a05a20&oe=571B7324)
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/1505552_10103579442600238_627017146129491054_n.jpg?oh=2e5a9c486bf0e989a261913e3f85ac46&oe=5707435F)
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/v/t1.0-9/10403417_10103579435664138_5021233549756160835_n.jpg?oh=d5429eb5aa1106f6550e5d9c1adeb760&oe=5703D2F0)
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1234417_10103579436407648_2358384329116737372_n.jpg?oh=5f8bf77dd6c1617cb0192cdff1c1f075&oe=57113E3F)
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/v/t1.0-9/10610771_10103579442645148_2435631805570258052_n.jpg?oh=a146cc9e4ea84e7865d83b1b9132844d&oe=57221258)
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 08:11:02 PM
Post by: Bob33 on December 27, 2015, 08:11:08 PM
Your ability to weave interest into the details of the hunt is remarkable. We're truly blessed to be able to share in your experiences vicariously.
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 08:13:42 PM
These past few seasons, I have introduced friends from very different geographic areas and backgrounds, so decided it would be amusing to provide little biographies of each person along with my “Don’t Die in Idaho” list I email each person… so here was the crew and part of the email that went with the 2015 hunt:
Hello Team Awesome!
The crew has been tentatively finalized for the season, Jeff and Tom as late but welcome additions. Jeff may or may not make it depending on his work schedule, but will be included in planning until further discussion.
A little about each of you, since only a couple of you are familiar with the others:
Storm is a mountain man from Oregon that builds world class log homes for a living, but spends his spare time enjoying the outdoors. An ace fisherman, fixed-wing pilot, an intermediate survivalist (he has eaten more plants than I'm sure most of you would dare), and a father of two awesome boys, he's the self-professed "old man" of the group. He plans on using this to make all you young bucks haul out his trophy, but trust me... he's more than capable! Don't let him fool you. :)
Jared also hails from Oregon. He spends his summers chasing fires across the landscape in charge of multiple fire resources, but usually operates as a crew boss/assistant on a hand crew. He comes from a ranching background and, is a little bit of a cowboy. You couldn't ask for a kinder and more knowledgeable hunting partner, and he's a mule with a heavy pack on. He makes his own knives... someday he said I'd be cool enough to receive one! He told me he'd arm wrestle me for Storm, but I'm going to have to come up with something I feel I have a better chance of winning. :)
Tom is a helicopter pilot in Montana. He grew up in Washington, has lived in Alaska and Idaho, and now calls Montana home full time. An adventurer at heart, he just got dive certified (Storm or Jeff; you looking for a dive/spear fishing pal?) and recently spent a good bit of time fishing and floating some beautiful water in Montana. He's harvested more beautiful trophies than me which makes me wildly jealous, and I might have to tag him out the first day like Jeff did last season. :)
Jeff is the only other veteran of this hunt... he harvested a really beautiful 4x5 with eyeguards on the first day and ended up being a professional pack mule by the end of the trip. He chases sea lions and seals across remote beaches ranging from Alaska to California and beyond for a living... perhaps sometime you'll have to ask him how the Galapagos Islands are! A semi-professional fisherman (he used to get paid to fish all day), avid hunter, and gear junkie, he's friendly enough to shake hands with a bear and knowledgeable enough to successfully stalk one and spank it on the behind. :)
AND... you all know me.
Attached is still our "Don't Die in Idaho" list with haves/needs. Let's start up the conversation on what people can bring, or would like to bring....
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 08:15:17 PM
The days started out with a skiff of snow down low and a few inches up high. Jared and I were hunting the same basin I had found my trophy in the year prior, but with less luck; we saw two small bucks at the head of the basin, a scattering of does on our hillside and across the valley, and very little rut activity just yet. Tom and Jeff had made a big day of heading up the ridgeline across the valley with the same result, and Storm started the trip off with a debilitating migraine. The next day, Storm was still trying to recover, Jared was still trying to get his mountain legs under him, and Tom was excited to have a slightly more relaxed day. With this knowledge, Jeff and I teamed up for a big day; we gained about 4,000 feet in elevation trekking just over 12 miles. We saw a few bucks of interest we never could catch up to, and the sun lost its interest on the day and set over the hill, leaving us back at camp well past dark. Luckily, we came back to camp with some good news; Jared had found a beautiful 4 point to bring back to camp. He very generously supplied us with some camp meat; fresh venison was on the fire that evening.
Post by: h2ofowlr on December 27, 2015, 08:15:32 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 08:17:01 PM
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/12249843_10104642823980428_699151937453062677_n.jpg?oh=4ac6ab9e66a98c907e5b4381312393b8&oe=571DCC6F)
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/t31.0-8/905682_10104642823296798_6599371214170983907_o.jpg)
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/12234974_10104642823246898_7676292028276178844_n.jpg?oh=e763d0666f171c1cd02d9ec939f8f995&oe=5718C4E4)
Post by: JJB11B on December 27, 2015, 08:18:46 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 08:19:19 PM
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/t31.0-8/12244255_10104642823521348_2460043206371287399_o.jpg)
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/11202099_10104642823581228_2526113013488289159_n.jpg?oh=b76497162a003d2b58f0f706aa11395b&oe=570FD31D)
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpl1/t31.0-8/11231258_10104642823646098_3595921304908002342_o.jpg)
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 08:20:15 PM
I CAN'T SEE PITCHERS! (spelled wrong on purpose)
They are hosted on Facebook... I don't know why they aren't showing up for you. :dunno: I'm sorry...
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 08:21:18 PM
Jeff and I hit the hillsides by headlamp the next day, and got back into the sweet holding ground high in elevation just in time for the big storm to hit. We ended up seeing a few notable deer, but as the storm strengthened overhead, visibility waned to a pitiful 30 yards. We had been having trouble with the handheld radios all morning, and while we both had agreed to meet at the saddle just below the highest peak before we split, both of us were unsure of timing and if we truly were going to catch each other anywhere other than back around the campfire later that evening. I pulled out my cow call and gave a few chirps, and surprisingly quickly, Jeff and I reunited. A few tumbles in the accumulating snow on steep hillsides had discouraged Jeff, and after a quick talk, we decided to lose some elevation and most likely head back to camp. The snow relinquished, but the freezing fog was rolling in waves across the hillside when we decided to sit down and scan the visible terrain for signs of life. Turns out there were plenty; within those first 15 minutes we were able to spot 5 legal bucks, all pushing different does across small gullies and fire-scarred hillsides. It was 3:30 PM, and we were just about to pick up and continue losing elevation when I found him; the king of the mountain! I pointed him out to Jeff… wide, heavy, and we didn’t even bother counting points… we knew we were interested, and if we were to have a chance, we had to leave right then. He was pushing a small group of does up the mountain, and we watched a few of the does bed down below a rock band on a knife ridge. To access this particular animal, we’d have to regain the saddle we had just come from, summit the peak, and navigate down a knife ridgeline to have an opportunity; the steep draw in between the buck and us was cliffed out… this was our only option.
Both feeling pretty worn, we made impressive time back up the slippery slope and to the top of the peak. Once we gained all the elevation required of us for this endeavor, we both used a bore snake to assure our barrels and actions were clear; more than a few slips might have occurred. We paused for this and a little water before feeling the pressure to press on; daylight was our greatest opponent on the day. We each took a side of the ridgeline and slowly progressed down the slope. Unfortunately for Jeff, his side had a few rogue does roughly 50 yards before we would have had the opportunity to see the group of animals (six beds were precisely where we had seen them last) and they blew out and took the group with them. Our hearts sank, but we decided to split up and work the country with the fleeting light… as I stalked through the snow looking down the slope, movement much closer to me than I expected occurred, and a mountain of snow arose to reveal a bull elk; as he stood, the snow fell off his antlers, and secondarily he shook, standing broadside at less than 20 yards leaving me simultaneously in awe and feeling foolish I had not seen him. He turned, and silently made his exit.
Jeff and I hiked yet again by headlamp back to camp, hoping Tom or Storm had tagged out. Storm did not disappoint; he had taken a buck in the waning and waxing fog, and while he was happy with his shot placement, chuckled and confessed the deer’s antlers had shrunk as he walked closer to his prize. It was still a beautiful deer, and we yet again enjoyed deer heart as we sat around a soggy campfire sharing stories of the day.
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on December 27, 2015, 08:22:19 PM
I CAN'T SEE PITCHERS! (spelled wrong on purpose)
They are hosted on Facebook... I don't know why they aren't showing up for you. :dunno: I'm sorry...
Don't worry about him, he can't even find the Google button on his computing device. :chuckle:
Post by: JJB11B on December 27, 2015, 08:22:37 PM
THat would be why, I am on a Govt. Computer with a fire wall....I CAN'T SEE PITCHERS! (spelled wrong on purpose)
They are hosted on Facebook... I don't know why they aren't showing up for you. :dunno: I'm sorry...
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 08:22:53 PM
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-9/11988768_10104642824110168_6920186738325037945_n.jpg?oh=f0edf2cfb18575657dcb3f37de33e398&oe=571963C7)
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/12274459_10104642824175038_7881789411775046953_n.jpg?oh=0f91f935d46c3f8029210085dc50ec60&oe=56D40CCC)
Post by: 3nails on December 27, 2015, 08:24:13 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 08:24:53 PM
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t31.0-8/12248179_10104642824219948_8765589000871055873_o.jpg)
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/t31.0-8/12244596_10104642824404578_8158844199650588609_o.jpg)
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/12274691_10104642824389608_8307947523365147061_n.jpg?oh=5719b87216919c995612a259d4481f90&oe=57147BB2)
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 08:29:58 PM
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t31.0-8/920616_10104732358432668_9013378542334373436_o.jpg)
Post by: scoyoc5 on December 27, 2015, 08:32:42 PM
Post by: X-Force on December 27, 2015, 08:33:25 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 08:37:42 PM
As Jared and I progressed up the ridgeline, we quickly recognized we weren’t alone; two does and a fawn fed across the slope above us, unaware of or presence. Once they were out of sight, we continued up to a spot where we could glass the basin adjacent to where we had seen the deer that had generated all of this excitement. Within the first 30 seconds of glassing, I motioned to Jared that I had found a deer… one I was VERY interested in.
There were two mature bucks posturing for each other, circling at the head of the basin. This was some of the better rut activity we had witnessed yet, as they briefly sparred and separated. Both came to rest at different locations on the hillside, and I knew it was time to make my move. It was decided that Jared would sit back and enjoy the stalk from that location; I gathered my bullets, range finder, and firearm and stalked across the open lower basin to a small sub-ridge. I had decided if I were to stay on the other side of it for almost the entirety of the stalk, I could crest the terrain feature just below a small rock outcropping and have less than a 200 yard shot on either animal. The stalk was effective, but long; it took me nearly two hours to reach my intended destination, demonstrating just how deceptively large that country truly is. For the entirety of those two hours and amidst the wind and snow flurries, I kept telling myself; each of these steps is one step closer to MY deer. Two hours of that mantra certainly had me excited by the time I finally got to stalk around the base of those rocks!
I snuck into my intended position, but could not see either of the bucks. Quickly, I ranged the rocks on the other side of the chute; 204 yards. The bucks were half that distance when I saw them last. Just as that thought was going through my mind, one of the bucks rose from his bed and started feeding away from me. He was less than 100 yards away! I propped my gun up on an old snag’s branch and settled in… was this the one I wanted? It was decision time!
Just as I was about to settle in for the shot, I briefly got a view of the other buck, and it made me pause. Both stepped behind a small triangular patch of timber, and the waiting and comparing game commenced. Through a brief period of sunshine, and a brief white-out blizzard, I sat in wait. After 30 minutes of piecing together what I was looking at, I finally got a good picture of what I was looking at. There was one solid 4 point with eyeguards, and an obviously younger deer with similar frame and a kicker off of his right G2. After a little inner debate, I decided to go for the older deer and leave the kicker genetics to flourish for one more season. I settled in for a shot on the older deer; he was feeding broadside less than 120 yards away oblivious to my existence. I squeezed the trigger, and watched as my deer recoiled with my shot. He kicked and stepped upslope behind the timber. The 4x5 stepped out above where I had seen my deer last, looking back into the timber stringer, perplexed. It was then that my attention shifted, and my jaw dropped… TWO identically large 4 points stepped back out of the timber. Which one was mine??
I had already put another bullet in the chamber, so immediately put on my safety to sit and observe. I wasn’t to be perplexed long, however, when my deer took two steps forward, and stumbled, rolling down the slope. It got back up stood broadside, giving a long stare down the slope. I could see the blood in the snow from his tumble, and adjusted my position to put another shot in him. Aiming behind the shoulder, I slowly squeezed the trigger yet again. This time, he laid down, quartering away from me, but head still alert. I have always pledged to create as little suffering for my animals as I can allow, so I jacked one final shell in the chamber and put one slightly high behind the shoulder to take advantage of the downhill angle I had on him. This time, he stretched his legs and slid downhill to rest near a stump. All of this had happened in the matter of moments, so it took a while to really process what had occurred. I sat in disbelief… watching the 4x5 approach my buck in the snow. He got to roughly 10 yards and looked at him as if to say, “TED! Didn’t you hear those loud noises?? Quit fooling around and let’s blow this joint!”
It was at this point that I finally stood, revealing myself to the other buck. The large 4 point that had been both their companions was gone, and finally the younger deer decided to make himself scarce as well. It was at this point I heard a deep, muffled rumble. Jeff!
I walked over to my deer and took a moment to feel fortunate for my successes and my friendships. I touched the dark antlers and shook my head. I truly am lucky. Once I took my moment of thanks and captured the moment on camera, I took advantage of the steep slopes and 14-18 inches of snow up high and allowed my deer to sled down the hillside without me. When it would come to rest, I would gently steer it in the direction most clear of brush and debris and let gravity again do its thing. Jared had watched my adventure from the lower elevation, and was cursing the steep slopes and wondered if I had decided to bone it out up there when he saw a branch shake, and me stand up on a log, pulling my trophy over the snow-laden structure only to let it slide down the hill almost to his location. We met up, laughing and high-fiving. He had heard the shot as well, and had also been talking with Tom on the radio… turns out HE harvested a deer right after Jeff, so we were in for a busy night!
When Jared and I were finished boning and caping, we headed down the hill to more level terrain for our trip to spike camp. It was our goal to make it downslope to familiar country before dark, and in that we succeeded. Tom was on a similar timeframe as us, so we waited less than 10 minutes at the bottom of his ridgeline and enjoyed each other’s company all the way back to camp. We gladly set to starting a fire and a big pot of apple-sausage chili (deer from Idaho the previous year… talk about full circle) and waited to see what Jeff and Storm hauled in to camp. Just at the time the chili was in prime condition, they made it back to the warm fire, with a beauty in tow! We all shared stories and marveled at the bucks we ended up harvesting this season, and laughed over a Nalgene of whiskey and some well-earned food.
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 08:39:12 PM
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/t31.0-8/12238109_10104642824519348_2891494582976814987_o.jpg)
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlf1/t31.0-8/12240825_10104642822483428_2400092934553861906_o.jpg)
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 08:40:06 PM
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/11148804_10104642822937518_628740681967668166_n.jpg?oh=9d286590149e5266601c5c322c7ec67a&oe=56D65C3F)
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 08:40:39 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 08:41:29 PM
The trip was wonderful, and the company was exquisite. I feel fortunate to be able to assemble such a skilled, fun, kind, and tough group of hunters and friends each season… I already cannot wait until next year!
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 08:43:12 PM
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfl1/t31.0-8/773747_10104732369231028_8914678882194648582_o.jpg)
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpl1/t31.0-8/12419028_10104732372105268_6173387215383455641_o.jpg)
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/t31.0-8/882750_10104732358886758_6771091494283149600_o.jpg)
Post by: jstone on December 27, 2015, 08:45:51 PM
Post by: jstone on December 27, 2015, 08:48:40 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 08:49:44 PM
Post by: Rainier10 on December 27, 2015, 08:50:45 PM
Did your uninvited guests leave the ridge in 2014 and go elsewhere and did you see you see them again this year?
Do you have to make two trips out when you break camp?
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 08:51:27 PM
Did you get to shoot any wolfs in Idaho?
This was the first year I haven't heard them howl... but I howled for them. While Jeff and I were taking photos of a monster, a wolf walked over our tracks headed up the canyon. Oops! :dunno:
Post by: bobcat on December 27, 2015, 08:51:44 PM
Always great stories. I need to start looking for better hunting partners. Mine won't go even where you go. Nice job
I'm thinking MOST won't go where Hirshey goes. I could have 20 years ago, but not anymore.
Congratulations Hirshey and thanks for the story.
Post by: HUNTaHOLIC5 on December 27, 2015, 08:54:02 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2015, 08:54:11 PM
Great story and great animals.
Did your uninvited guests leave the ridge in 2014 and go elsewhere and did you see you see them again this year?
Do you have to make two trips out when you break camp?
They shot a small deer in 2014 and moved on. Left the skull plate where they were camped as a "kind" gesture. They ended up leaving our area, and hunting where one of my friends hunt. Not the kindest, but I was happy to have some space this year.
We did two trips in one day, which made for one BIG day. We were all beat.
Post by: Pete112288 on December 27, 2015, 08:54:57 PM
Post by: Rainier10 on December 27, 2015, 08:56:14 PM
:tup:Great story and great animals.
Did your uninvited guests leave the ridge in 2014 and go elsewhere and did you see you see them again this year?
Do you have to make two trips out when you break camp?
They shot a small deer in 2014 and moved on. Left the skull plate where they were camped as a "kind" gesture. They ended up leaving our area, and hunting where one of my friends hunt. Not the kindest, but I was happy to have some space this year.
We did two trips in one day, which made for one BIG day. We were all beat.
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on December 27, 2015, 08:59:33 PM
Post by: actionshooter on December 27, 2015, 09:08:55 PM
Post by: RB on December 27, 2015, 09:12:03 PM
Post by: Wingin it on December 27, 2015, 09:17:50 PM
Post by: fishngamereaper on December 27, 2015, 09:24:40 PM
Thnx for sharing. I used to hunt that country ten years ago before kids. Its a distant memory that in the next couple years will become reality again. Its to bad though the elk seem to have left the area.
Again, thnx for sharing, great stories.
Post by: Brushbuster on December 27, 2015, 09:33:46 PM
Post by: Harbor_hunter on December 27, 2015, 09:41:04 PM
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on December 27, 2015, 09:48:53 PM
Post by: Birdguy on December 27, 2015, 10:03:53 PM
Post by: mikelonsford on December 27, 2015, 10:24:16 PM
Post by: The Gobble-stopper on December 27, 2015, 11:15:38 PM
Post by: MADMAX on December 28, 2015, 06:05:08 AM
Post by: coachcw on December 28, 2015, 06:13:20 AM
Post by: bearpaw on December 28, 2015, 06:51:59 AM
Post by: Yakirack on December 28, 2015, 08:29:47 AM
Post by: Bucks2Ducks on December 28, 2015, 09:11:40 AM
Post by: muleyslayer on December 28, 2015, 09:32:07 AM
Post by: JimmyHoffa on December 28, 2015, 09:47:55 AM
Post by: CJ1962 on December 28, 2015, 02:37:03 PM
Post by: Alex4200 on December 28, 2015, 05:07:16 PM
Post by: abhold87 on December 28, 2015, 08:49:14 PM
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on December 28, 2015, 09:33:53 PM
Post by: Squatch on December 28, 2015, 09:55:07 PM
Post by: Okanagan on December 29, 2015, 09:59:55 AM
My early memories are of my father carrying me on his shoulders on his small game hunts. Now my sons and grandsons greet the dawn on high country backpack hunts. Though I'm around the curve toward closing, somehow it is a good circle. I believe it was Rudyard Kipling who said to hunt sheep before you turn 40. I'm closing in on 70 and enjoy your style and your posts.
Post by: boneaddict on December 29, 2015, 10:09:13 AM
Post by: gunnarnewt on December 29, 2015, 10:39:49 AM
Post by: JBar on December 29, 2015, 11:04:08 AM
Post by: C-Money on December 29, 2015, 12:53:13 PM
Post by: ShaneTyTrey on December 29, 2015, 01:44:31 PM
Post by: Mark Brenckle on December 29, 2015, 02:39:01 PM
What great adventures, thanks so much for sharing with us! Just awesome.
:yeah: :tup:
Post by: badnewskruse on December 29, 2015, 05:44:57 PM
Hirshey - Why are you not an outdoor writer? :dunno::yeah:. these are mule deer hunts that every outdoorsman dreams of!
Post by: Karl Blanchard on December 29, 2015, 05:47:59 PM
Post by: Muleyslyr on December 29, 2015, 08:25:07 PM
Post by: 7mag. on December 29, 2015, 09:59:54 PM
Post by: Turner89 on December 29, 2015, 10:55:59 PM
Post by: LittleJohn on December 30, 2015, 01:29:22 AM
Thanks for sharing :tup: :tup:
Post by: lokidog on December 30, 2015, 10:42:41 AM
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk
Post by: hirshey on December 30, 2015, 12:53:47 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on December 30, 2015, 05:23:21 PM
Thanks all.. It is just such a special hunt to me and I'm fortunate to get to share it with such capable, fun friends. We are excited! Jeff is hooked.. Lifetime hunting friends!!
That's like our deer camp every year, good fun people all with common goals. :tup:
Post by: Prohunter270 on December 31, 2015, 04:59:49 PM
Post by: The Fin on January 02, 2016, 09:49:33 AM
Post by: JLS on January 02, 2016, 10:42:36 AM
Great bucks. Idaho really is a good mule deer state.
Post by: Elkstuffer on January 05, 2016, 10:13:49 AM
Post by: rosscrazyelk on January 10, 2016, 07:37:03 PM
Post by: kellama2001 on January 10, 2016, 09:22:33 PM
Post by: Taco280AI on April 12, 2016, 05:38:02 AM
I'm hoping I draw the tag I put in for, haven't been able to hunt deer since 2011 :'(
Back from the 'Stan in September... please don't let something come up around hunting season