Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 09:28:10 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 09:28:52 PM
I suppose the right place to start would be the first serious hunt of the season: October muzzleloader Clockum cow permits. During special permit applications, I had asked my parents what their thoughts were on allowing my close friend Jeff to piggyback on our couple of points and apply with our group for the antlerless elk tags. After a little deliberation, they agreed he would be a fun addition even if it negatively affected our draw odds. In the end, it was the only category any of us saw the coveted “Selected” text, and we were all looking forward to the season (it would be Jeff’s first year with a muzzleloader, and first true elk hunt).
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 09:29:19 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 09:29:43 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 09:34:14 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 09:35:03 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 09:35:30 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 09:36:27 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 09:37:01 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 09:39:47 PM
As the early morning greeted the skies with pastel hues, I was busy snapping photos of a branched antler bull when the distant sound of shots resounded off the blackened snags and dry earth. I turned on my radio to wait for the news, but hours passed with no voices to answer mine. Eventually, I hiked back to the road with the gut feeling those shots were important to my hunting party. A passing hunter shared he tale of a “gal and a couple fellas, one young guy” that had elk down on the other side of the hill; I tore down the road as (safely) fast as my little Subaru could go, and found my family and friend just in time to assist with the processing and packing of my dad’s (the final of three) animal.
We shared a “Sleigh’r” beer (I thought it was appropriate) and happily celebrated a fabulous, successful hunt. We spent one last (half-hearted) day hunting for an animal for me, but I felt two elk was more than our family could ask for… we considered ourselves fortunate and were grateful for a successful hunt with some stunning encounters, and I had 3 days to pack and report for my secondary job in Seattle (transition from firefighter to biologist came early this year) anyways. Plus, I had a week and some change to prepare for the Washington general deer season!
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 09:42:21 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 09:43:14 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 09:43:46 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 09:44:21 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 09:46:02 PM
Post by: ghosthunter on November 23, 2016, 09:50:00 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 09:55:19 PM
Well, since it was still baseball season, I’d like to say tie goes to the runner, but we definitely didn’t tie the storm… the hike that normally takes us 4 hours took closer to 6, and by the time the tipi was erected there was 10 inches of snow on the ground and it was accumulating quickly. Derrick was so sweaty from the hike that he almost slipped into hypothermia (he even sat down in the snow and it became difficult to communicate with him(!)). This hunt was not starting out exactly how we’d envisioned, to say the least.
After getting Derrick into a sleeping bag and some sustenance, he became a lot more responsive and we finished duties such as constructing the stove, gathering firewood, and setting up shop. We went to bed that evening with the worst of the storm still looming in the distance. The wind howled, the snow persisted, and hunting in the morning wasn’t looking ideal.
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 09:59:25 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 10:07:07 PM
Post by: X-Force on November 23, 2016, 10:09:49 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 10:10:16 PM
Post by: predatorpro on November 23, 2016, 10:11:19 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 10:16:54 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 10:24:38 PM
As we went our separate ways, I felt an odd anticipation on the morning; I had a strong sense I was going to get into deer today.
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 10:33:25 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 10:39:25 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 10:47:25 PM
Post by: lokidog on November 23, 2016, 10:59:02 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 11:01:35 PM
The next day we went back to my honey hole to seek out that big boy once again. We made the same stalk up the hillside to no avail... the little seep and surrounding area was empty. One relief is that I didn't hear magpies or ravens. We hunted that area until late afternoon before hitting the overgrown road and heading back towards the car, and that's when we found him... a buck someone else had harvested most likely the day prior; skull plated, and butchered. I have friends that are meat cutters, and they refuse to be classified as butchers, so I use this term in the most disappointing of fashions. Whether this had been the buck I had been pursuing or an entirely different animal, it had been a beautiful mature deer that had been severely underutilized. The backstraps were hacked and only partially taken, the animal hadn't been opened in any fashion, confirming the tenderloins were still inside, the full neck meat was untouched, and only the front shoulders appeared to have been taken in earnest. I felt the animal for temp, and it was cold. Evidence of scavengers finding it was present in scats and eaten flesh. I had never felt so guilty for taking a day off of hunting... that animal deserved better! :bash:
Although that was a disappointing end to my season, I came out the other side humbled and with an even greater resolve to respect and cherish the animals I myself harvest. I also couldn't wait to get into the backcountry of Idaho where other humans wouldn't be a factor in my enjoyment of the day. One week of work, and I'd be on my way!
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 11:02:14 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 11:03:01 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 11:04:01 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 11:10:25 PM
I'll leave you with a few photos of the weekend bear photo safari Derrick and I enjoyed, and a few photos of my mom and I playing in the Pasayten wilderness for the high hunt season. Bear stalking was fruitful, deer spotting was fruitful, deer stalking was not. :chuckle:
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 11:10:47 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 11:15:27 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 23, 2016, 11:16:09 PM
Post by: hollymaster on November 23, 2016, 11:30:20 PM
Post by: RB on November 24, 2016, 12:44:35 AM
Post by: MADMAX on November 24, 2016, 06:14:49 AM
I hope he knows that
and great pics and hunts
Post by: fishngamereaper on November 24, 2016, 06:58:13 AM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on November 24, 2016, 08:31:28 AM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 24, 2016, 08:43:41 AM
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 08:49:50 AM
Kari, long-time vet of this hunt and party lead. Hunting obsessed, wildland firefighter by trade, and also known as Hirshey.
Evie, who sometimes introduces herself as “Hirshey’s mom”. A force to be reckoned with, and legs that take her up anything exponentially faster than mine, and an avid hunter for 30 years. She had assisted in meal prep and gear refurb and looked at photos for years, and I finally talked her into committing to a license for this season.
Derrick, who had not finished his hunter’s education in time to participate in this hunt and was lovingly assigned the role of camp Sherpa. A wildland firefighter by trade, and a heavy hauling, shed-seeking adventure nut, he was pretty excited to make this his first Idaho trip. Also filling the role of Kari’s fella.
Jeff, a 3 year veteran of this trip and by all accounts my hunting partner for life. Known as the gadget guy, he always has some of the neatest and newest technology to test on some of these trips… some are flops, and some are fantastic. A marine mammal biologist by trade, it is good to get him back on the terrestrial critters once in a while so he doesn’t grow gills.
Storm, a second year returner of this trip and a master craftsman. He builds log homes that at one point were ranked third in the world. Venturing from Texas to Colorado and back to his home in Oregon, Storm is no stranger to life on the road, but this trip is for pleasure, not business. He constructed his own bullets from scratch for this trip, and carefully tested the ballistics to ensure when he pulled the trigger it’d be lights out.
These are all people I consider to be some of my closest allies and part of my chosen family, and I could not have been more thrilled to have all of them along for this trip into one of my favorite places on the globe.
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 08:52:17 AM
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 08:55:06 AM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 24, 2016, 08:56:44 AM
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 08:59:03 AM
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 08:59:48 AM
Post by: swanny on November 24, 2016, 08:59:52 AM
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 09:00:53 AM
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 09:07:03 AM
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 09:12:20 AM
Post by: Jason on November 24, 2016, 09:18:17 AM
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 09:21:47 AM
Kari: unfilled deer tag, 2 wolf tags Evie: unfilled deer tag, 1 wolf tag Derrick: no tags Jeff: unfilled deer tag, 1 wolf tag, 1 elk tag Storm: unfilled deer tag, 1 wolf tag
We were ready to get to work, with the exception of Storm who has a history of migranes, and unfortunately acquired a debilitating one on opening morning. With this unexpected occurrence, plans were shifted slightly; my mother was going to go with me to my favorite basin while Jeff and Derrick went big to chase elk on a ridgeline one major drainage to the west. We had InReach devices for communication, and set out our separate ways.
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 09:22:29 AM
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 09:23:11 AM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 24, 2016, 09:25:35 AM
Post by: Mark Brenckle on November 24, 2016, 09:27:35 AM
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 09:28:18 AM
Ughhhhhhhh you and RB dragging out your adventures. :nono:
A girl has to eat! I lost 10 pounds in Idaho this year! I'm starving as my metabolism revs away!
Post by: Okanagan on November 24, 2016, 09:32:28 AM
Thank you for taking the time to post your story, especially to do it in digestible bits. Love your stories and enjoy them the most of any post all year.
Post by: Wanttohuntmore on November 24, 2016, 09:34:51 AM
Post by: actionshooter on November 24, 2016, 10:21:51 AM
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 02:56:58 PM
“Tell Jeff I found his bull.”
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 03:06:30 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 03:06:56 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 03:07:40 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 03:34:42 PM
Again the InReach satellites were busy: the messages crossed. “Shoot! I did NOT feel good about that shot!” “You hit him! That looked good!”
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 03:40:05 PM
A little on the content of Jeff’s character: instead of going to admire his bull, he hiked back down the hillside to grab my mother’s pack so we could all be present for the first look. We all arrived at the scene, and started admiring this king of the basin.
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 03:41:01 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 03:41:39 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 03:42:11 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 03:46:03 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 03:46:47 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 03:47:36 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 03:48:22 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 03:49:01 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 03:49:40 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 03:50:07 PM
Post by: NRA4LIFE on November 24, 2016, 03:50:32 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 03:50:50 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 03:51:37 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 03:52:44 PM
A little steep?
Finding flat is impossible in this country. :chuckle:
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 03:58:31 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 03:59:22 PM
Post by: fishngamereaper on November 24, 2016, 03:59:41 PM
A little steep?
Finding flat is impossible in this country. :chuckle:
There's flat spots, at the top and bottom of every ridge. :chuckle:
Keep em coming, good read so far.
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 04:00:05 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 24, 2016, 04:01:37 PM
Post by: sumpnz on November 24, 2016, 04:41:34 PM
Post by: RB on November 24, 2016, 04:49:53 PM
Ughhhhhhhh you and RB dragging out your adventures. :nono:
A girl has to eat! I lost 10 pounds in Idaho this year! I'm starving as my metabolism revs away!
Boss I am flattered :chuckle: and Hirshey I know what ya mean I lost seven pounds on my scouting trip and it was only about 36 hours :)
Post by: Huntboy on November 24, 2016, 06:23:46 PM
Post by: haugenna on November 24, 2016, 07:18:40 PM
Post by: Kit Carson on November 25, 2016, 02:40:56 AM
Tagging along
Post by: Gringo31 on November 25, 2016, 07:30:51 AM
Post by: TommyH on November 25, 2016, 07:46:54 AM
Post by: hirshey on November 25, 2016, 08:23:57 AM
Post by: GoPlayOutside on November 25, 2016, 08:30:41 AM
Post by: hirshey on November 25, 2016, 06:31:07 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 25, 2016, 06:36:40 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 25, 2016, 06:51:31 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 25, 2016, 07:03:48 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 25, 2016, 07:04:24 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 25, 2016, 07:04:58 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 25, 2016, 07:05:33 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 25, 2016, 07:06:17 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 25, 2016, 07:11:24 PM
Day 3 of 12 complete isn't so terrible. :chuckle:
Post by: sumpnz on November 25, 2016, 07:21:39 PM
And I am sorry to keep doing this, but it is my 1 year anniversary with the fella, so it is date night. :hello:
Lucky *censored*. :tup:
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 25, 2016, 08:03:14 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 25, 2016, 08:04:18 PM
And I am sorry to keep doing this, but it is my 1 year anniversary with the fella, so it is date night. :hello:
Day 3 of 12 complete isn't so terrible. :chuckle:
Well where did he take you, Costco food court? :chuckle:
You could gain weight there fast. ;)
Post by: Jason on November 25, 2016, 08:19:33 PM
Boss, you keep insulting her and we'll never make it to day 12 :chuckle:And I am sorry to keep doing this, but it is my 1 year anniversary with the fella, so it is date night. :hello:
Day 3 of 12 complete isn't so terrible. :chuckle:
Well where did he take you, Costco food court? :chuckle:
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 25, 2016, 08:22:50 PM
Boss, you keep insulting her and we'll never make it to day 12 :chuckle:And I am sorry to keep doing this, but it is my 1 year anniversary with the fella, so it is date night. :hello:
Day 3 of 12 complete isn't so terrible. :chuckle:
Well where did he take you, Costco food court? :chuckle:
She's won't be offended by me as she is one tough cookie, she's boughten me dinner before. ;)
Post by: lokidog on November 25, 2016, 09:23:05 PM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on November 26, 2016, 06:53:55 AM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 26, 2016, 09:54:55 AM
Smart girl - picked a fella that hadn't passed hunters training yet so no bad habits to break him of. Hehe :chuckle:
That's funny right there.
Post by: hirshey on November 26, 2016, 12:25:21 PM
Smart girl - picked a fella that hadn't passed hunters training yet so no bad habits to break him of. Hehe :chuckle::chuckle: I'm no dummy! He's learning quickly and learning from some excellent mentors... And occasionally me as well.
Post by: fishngamereaper on November 26, 2016, 02:29:33 PM
Who doesn't like crab.... :yike: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: lokidog on November 26, 2016, 05:26:00 PM
He must have some other positives..... :o :rolleyes: :chuckle:
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 26, 2016, 05:29:38 PM
Post by: 7mag. on November 26, 2016, 05:36:47 PM
Kari you were on the forum at 4:52 today and didn't post more on the thread, shame on you. :nono:
Uh, oh. Creepy internet stalker...
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 26, 2016, 05:44:16 PM
Kari you were on the forum at 4:52 today and didn't post more on the thread, shame on you. :nono:
Uh, oh. Creepy internet stalker...
It's actually called investigative monitoring. :chuckle:
Sorry but I've had jobs were Ive been paid to stalk people, bad habit I guess. :yike:
Post by: Odell on November 26, 2016, 05:44:51 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 26, 2016, 07:05:45 PM
I didn’t have an answer to any of those questions, and my body was telling me I needed a break. With that in mind, the plan for the next day was to Storm the head of the basin: Jeff, Storm, and my mom were headed back into the area we’d left alone in search of new antlers to view, while Derrick and I were going to sleep in and take a slow meander up a localized knife ridge.
Post by: hirshey on November 26, 2016, 07:08:29 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 26, 2016, 07:09:01 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 26, 2016, 07:09:41 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 26, 2016, 07:10:13 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 26, 2016, 07:11:29 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 26, 2016, 07:13:33 PM
My biggest concern.......
Who doesn't like crab.... :yike: :chuckle: :chuckle:
It actually works out better for me... because he likes to catch them and then I get to eat more. :tup:
Post by: GUscottie on November 26, 2016, 07:58:27 PM
Post by: fishngamereaper on November 27, 2016, 07:06:28 AM
My biggest concern.......
Who doesn't like crab.... :yike: :chuckle: :chuckle:
It actually works out better for me... because he likes to catch them and then I get to eat more. :tup:
Ah, smart girl. Carry on then.
Post by: bowhunterforever on November 27, 2016, 03:32:12 PM
Post by: kellama2001 on November 27, 2016, 07:04:08 PM
Post by: Jburke on November 29, 2016, 09:33:23 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 29, 2016, 10:17:32 PM
No more story time?! Brutal :'(
Meat cutting... To ruin the story's ending :chuckle:
Post by: hirshey on November 29, 2016, 10:18:18 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 30, 2016, 11:59:42 AM
Post by: bankwalker on November 30, 2016, 03:51:53 PM
Post by: fishngamereaper on November 30, 2016, 04:13:03 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 30, 2016, 05:07:04 PM
Man...if I cut up my animals in the dinning room like that ... :yike: :bdid: :chuckle:
You cut them up were there's room. :chuckle:
Post by: hirshey on November 30, 2016, 05:37:28 PM
Man...if I cut up my animals in the dinning room like that ... :yike: :bdid: :chuckle:
Haha! :chuckle: That's the way Jeff rolls...
Post by: teanawayslayer on November 30, 2016, 06:01:45 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 30, 2016, 06:32:14 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 30, 2016, 06:34:01 PM
Post by: 206 on November 30, 2016, 06:41:11 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 30, 2016, 06:51:42 PM
Derrick and I tore down the slopes in the fading light, trying to make it down to the trail system for a faster approach back up to my mother’s location. We knew she had help in the form of Jeff and Storm, but we still wanted to be there to share the experience and see what she had put to rest. We were operating solely on moonlight when we reached the trail and really turned it on to high power, hoping to still be of service. (Derrick also found a really nice elk shed on our hike out… in the moonlight, so the excitement level was all-around high.)
We passed spike camp, and decided to download some weight and start the fire so when we returned there’d be some coals to work with in the least. We raced out of camp, thinking we were going to be of service to our comrades, only to find we made it about a quarter mile before meeting up with our group. My mother had been left to her own devices for about 30 minutes at the end of the day when a 4 point had given her ample time and opportunity for a 70 yard shot from the trail. She took full advantage of the deer’s miscalculation and made an expert, single shot to notch her tag. She was fretful that I would be disappointed that she hadn’t waited for something “bigger”, but in all honesty the most important thing was that she was having fun and was able to experience this place that has become so special to me. I hesitate to be too emotional, but this was a truly special trip for me to be able to share with such an important group of humans to me… and especially her: to spend the time with my mother in that remote, wild country was an absolute bucket list item, and I am SO proud to be her daughter and to have those genetics as part of my own… if I can hike like her at that age, I’m set for decades of adventurings!
Post by: hirshey on November 30, 2016, 06:53:36 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 30, 2016, 06:54:15 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 30, 2016, 06:54:52 PM
Post by: jackmaster on November 30, 2016, 07:01:51 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 30, 2016, 07:08:50 PM
We started the next morning all abuzz: the excitement to see Storm’s buck up close was almost palpable. Jeff and I couldn’t resist; we made the ascent up the hillside with Storm to help spot and watch the action as it unfolded. The setup couldn’t have been more calculated, but the events following were unexpected… as we arrived at the perfect glassing perch, the does feeding across the hillside couldn’t have been easier to locate, but the buck tending them was a different story. As we continued to glass farther up the basin, my heart sank: golden eagles, ravens, magpies. It was highly likely someone shot the buck formerly known as “Storm’s buck”. An hour of glassing revealed only smaller bucks, and Jeff needed to head back to camp to assist in the packing of his elk, so only Storm and I remained. “Did you hear that?” Storm asked. “Sounded like talking…” I gave a deep sigh as I looked at Storm, snapped a few photos, and pointed out to him where two guys were hiking out of the basin, with that well-photographed buck on their pack.
It was disappointing, but certainly an understood risk of passing up a buck. We often talk about “last day bucks” or “5th day bucks”, but this was a good reinforcement of the notion that if an animal excites you the first time you see it, you may want to take it. Hunters, although the pressure is low, are not completely absent from this area, and a buck you see one day may push out of the basin to tend hotter does. Unfortunately for Storm, that option was out, and he was starting to run out of steam after such long, strenuous days. We headed back to spike camp, split up my mother’s deer and hit the trail back to base camp to reconfigure and shake things up.
Post by: hirshey on November 30, 2016, 07:12:03 PM
Post by: teanawayslayer on November 30, 2016, 07:15:44 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 30, 2016, 07:18:07 PM
Awesome write up Hershey, how do you like that tipi?? Is it spacious enough for 3 and gear? How much does it weigh, sorry for all the questions but it looks like a sweet set up for packing in??
Hey! So the Seek Outside tipi is considered an 8 man, but you want to half that (at least) for gear and stove additions. The basic setup (stove and tipi) is 10 pounds, but if you add the liner (which I would recommend) it ends up weighing in more around 13 pounds. It is a GREAT late season setup especially because you can dry gear out, cook, and be warm. I think after comparing my Kifaru 12 man and Jeff's Seek Outside 8 man, I'm still sold more on the Kifaru tipis... I like my stove better, the reinforced stake attachment points are nice, the hole for the stove is more manageable, and the attachment of the liners is much simpler. Overall, they're both lightweight and offer some great luxuries to spiking out in freezing temps for long periods of time. I'm sold... we will take it for all spike camp endeavors for trips with 3-5 people. If you get in the 4-6 range for people, you'll want a small gear tent (which is what the green one functioned as for us) or at least a way to keep your gear outdoors and out of the weather.
Post by: hirshey on November 30, 2016, 07:19:52 PM
Is that your mom with the backpack deer?
Heath, yeah she's one and the same... the gal that made the backpack deer down in SE Washington. :chuckle:
But that's not her in the photo above, if that's what you were asking. That was the buck that was previously known as "Storm's buck".
Post by: hirshey on November 30, 2016, 07:31:33 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 30, 2016, 07:33:23 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 30, 2016, 07:34:00 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 30, 2016, 07:34:37 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 30, 2016, 07:42:14 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 30, 2016, 07:56:42 PM
As the new day arrived, I was already well on my way to my intended location; a beautiful, open, high-elevation basin I’d considered exploring for years. I was side-hilling and slowly gaining the ridgeline when the noise faded into existence; the unmistakable howl of a wolf. It was joined by others, as excitement buzzed through every cell in my body. They were close, but how close? As the light filtered into the expansive draw, was I going to be able to see them? I sat below a small rock outcropping, silent and shaking from both the cold and the adrenaline rush I was slowly coming down from. As it would turn out, the animals faded into the terrain without detection, and I stretched my legs, now asleep, and continued on my path. Within a quarter mile, I found three beds that had once been companion to these wolves, and fresh, LARGE tracks. Continuing up the hill, magpies revealed a deer carcass the wolves had also chosen to visit, but still no wolves in the flesh.
Post by: 7mag. on November 30, 2016, 07:58:02 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 30, 2016, 07:58:42 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 30, 2016, 08:01:45 PM
The head of my basin was in full view, although I had a long trek across the terrain to put anything in it in my crosshairs, but I glassed it anyway. Immediately, I picked up multiple groups of deer feeding their way back to habitual bedding areas. Many of those groups had bucks pushing them along… it was too far away to establish points on these animals, but I knew I had to take a closer look.
Post by: hirshey on November 30, 2016, 08:02:13 PM
I really like your stories, Kari. You have a very entertaining way of conveying how much fun you had. Your hunts are what most of us backpack hunters are looking for.
Why thank you... that truly means a lot.
Post by: elkoholic1 on November 30, 2016, 08:43:02 PM
Post by: Skillet on November 30, 2016, 08:45:46 PM
TAG!!:yeah:
My favorite thread every year. Keep it coming!
Post by: hirshey on November 30, 2016, 09:53:23 PM
I worked my way up to a small ridgeline and wedged myself into a small rock outcropping with excellent view of the entire basin; I could plainly see two small saddles etched into the skyline, and a hillside decaying into a myriad of small depressions laced with large boulders, blackened timber and brush. While sneaking into position, I made sure to keep track of the general location of my bucks of interest. I ranged a couple of points high above, directly across, and below me in the basin: 400+, 380, 270, 400+. It was a start, but I’d want to get closer if any of these fellas ended up being what I was seeking. As my eyes settled into spotting mode, the deer seemed to materialize from the very nooks they inhabited; I counted tens of does, and to my greatest interest, seventeen legal bucks! Most were small 3’s, but I counted four sturdy 4 points and one big old career 3. The career 3 and the largest 4 point were similar to two tipsy fellas at the local watering hole; they were wandering across the hillside together snooting does… when one bumped a doe, obviously shot down, the other would give a go for the same result. I sat there pondering this odd “buddy” behavior, wondering what would happen if one of those does were actually in the mood to consent. How could this season be so far behind on rut activity? I took some photos of the bucks with the highest potential, mainly the career 3 and 4 point, and as the sun kissed the ridgeline to the west I made my descent back to camp to share my photos and stories, crossing my fingers that my friend hadn’t drowned trying to get his elk back to camp!
Post by: hirshey on November 30, 2016, 09:54:50 PM
Post by: MuleySniper on November 30, 2016, 09:58:37 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 30, 2016, 10:03:53 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 30, 2016, 10:12:39 PM
Post by: 7mag. on November 30, 2016, 10:15:51 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 30, 2016, 10:16:49 PM
Post by: hirshey on November 30, 2016, 10:18:55 PM
You're killing me.
It's a 12 day hunt! You can't rush the writing! ...if I weren't called out, I'd have a little more of it written prior to posting! Day 1 started with an elk, and we have 1 of 4 deer tags notched in the story already... I thought I was doing pretty well. :chuckle:
Post by: 7mag. on November 30, 2016, 10:35:19 PM
You're killing me.
It's a 12 day hunt! You can't rush the writing! ...if I weren't called out, I'd have a little more of it written prior to posting! Day 1 started with an elk, and we have 1 of 4 deer tags notched in the story already... I thought I was doing pretty well. :chuckle:
That particular hunt is something I've been trying to put together for several years now, but I keep having partners back out when it comes time to start paying for non resident tags. I can't wait to see how your hunt ends up.
Post by: hirshey on November 30, 2016, 11:44:00 PM
Thanks sir! I promise to finish it up here soon.. :)You're killing me.
It's a 12 day hunt! You can't rush the writing! ...if I weren't called out, I'd have a little more of it written prior to posting! Day 1 started with an elk, and we have 1 of 4 deer tags notched in the story already... I thought I was doing pretty well. :chuckle:
That particular hunt is something I've been trying to put together for several years now, but I keep having partners back out when it comes time to start paying for non resident tags. I can't wait to see how your hunt ends up.
Finding good, dedicated hunting partners can be challenging! I think I lucked out these past handful of years and finally found my people. It's a good feeling!
Post by: LittleJohn on December 01, 2016, 08:09:02 AM
Post by: jennabug on December 01, 2016, 02:59:23 PM
Post by: Colorado Kid on December 01, 2016, 04:11:57 PM
...my mother and Storm had it pretty much butchered by the time Jeff arrived for photos. :chuckle:...I don't know if I like the word "butchered" used when it comes to boning and cutting :-( I thought we had done a great job! :chuckle:
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 04:42:54 PM
In the dead of the night, I heard it… what was it? It sounded like digging. A light nicker or whinny. Scraping. Hooves. What was going on? I sat up, dreading the freezing temperatures I was about to face as I pulled on my down booties and fumbled for my headlamp. “What IS that?” My mother inquired. “I don’t know, but I’m about to find out.” I unzipped the tipi door as my light illuminated the scene: I had walked into a mob squad! Those darned horses and mule were pawing the HECK out of Jeff’s elk hide… the rope that had fastened it together had been undone, dirt and needles were smashed into the hair as these giant creatures literally beat a dead horse… or VERY distant relative in the least. I shooed them off and inspected the damage. Aside from being heavily trodden and covered in dirt, it actually didn’t look too bad. I carefully rolled it back up and put it in the gear tent before retiring to my sleeping bag and explaining the situation to everyone in the tent. I was just starting to get warm again when I heard the cooler lid open. “Son of a gun!” I exclaimed. “Do you need help getting rid of them?” Storm inquired. “NO!” shouted Jeff. (Thanks, pal, I chuckled) I went back outside to find one of the horses with our bag of cheese in its mouth. It dropped it, I pushed them away from our tent area, and put the cooler in the gear tent as well. “Brr! Those darn horses were trying to eat our cheese!” I shivered as I enshrouded myself in my sleeping bag. “Cheese? The horses can’t have the cheese… antelope LOVE cheese!” Jeff explained, in a much higher voice than usual. My mother and I laughed, and he followed suit. It didn’t take me long to determine he was sleep talking, so I pressed on. “Why do antelope like cheese, Jeff?” “Antelope need cheese to survive the winter!” “What other animals like cheese?” I said, tears rolling down my face as my mother and I snickered and Storm quietly snored. “Elk LOVE cheese! And the buffalo! The buffalo go MEW! MEEEEW! MEW!” We were dying. Jeff continued on about how much of a beast Derrick was while they were hauling that elk, and the talk degraded into nonsense… but you can bet I asked Jeff if antelope like cheese in the morning. (He was thoroughly perplexed!)
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 04:45:08 PM
...my mother and Storm had it pretty much butchered by the time Jeff arrived for photos. :chuckle:...I don't know if I like the word "butchered" used when it comes to boning and cutting :-( I thought we had done a great job! :chuckle:
Ha! Its true; you cut him expertly. But you'd started to disrobe him before his photos! :yike:
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 04:56:50 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 05:06:46 PM
The backside of that mountain ended up being more technical to ascend than we had imagined, with one instance in which Jeff had to relinquish his pack and Derrick yarded him up onto our platform secondarily. As hard-headed go-getters normally do, we persisted, and eventually crested a rocky ridgeline to glass the adjoining basin to the one Storm occupied. Fresh tracks, beds, and scats were abundant, but only a handful of does revealed themselves on the hillside. We continued up, and conquered the main peak to reveal miles of unglassed, untracked land. Immediately upon pulling up my binoculars, I spotted a mature buck a mile or more away across yet another basin. We were debating what to do about a stalk when a muffled shot rang across the terrain. Storm had tagged out on one of the 4 points I’d watched the day prior! With that knowledge, we were planning on scrapping the stalk on that other animal and going to assist. “Kari, go GET him! You and Derrick can go, and I’ll help Storm. I owe that man a debt, and I mean to pay it!” Jeff said. After a little debate, we agreed. Jeff and Storm were well within their means of handling that deer, so Derrick and I would make the long stalk to see if this animal was what I was searching for.
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 05:09:40 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 05:10:11 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 05:17:57 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 05:46:29 PM
I convinced myself that it was okay, since I wasn’t hunting elk anyway, but I was still chuckling and beating myself up over not paying enough mind as I moved through that saddle when the first snowflake fell. I looked back, trying to pick Derrick out of the landscape as the scenery started to look akin to an old television set starting to go out. It was snowing hard at this point, and by the looks of the clouds I didn’t anticipate the weather giving us much of a break. The darkening skies took what seemed to be an hour of our daylight away… when we started this stalk I had planned on 2 hours, but with the time invested and the blackened skies I estimated we had closer to 30 minutes left at this point. Yikes. Derrick and I regrouped; we put some hustle to our steps and made good time across the hillside, and if my calculations were correct we had roughly 300 yards of slope to cover before we could see that buck at a lethal distance. We started down the rock-laden ridgeline with almost 2 inches of fresh snow; the first we’d seen here in Idaho. My estimation of distance between us and those animals was soon put to question when a doe spotted us, blew, and took what seemed to be the entire hillside with her… at least ten animals tore down the ridge and into the drainage to the skier’s right. Shoot! Was that really our group? If it was, we were in for a long hike out in the dark with the guilt of knowing we could have spent this time helping Storm rather than chasing a shadow… shoot!
Post by: Becky on December 01, 2016, 05:56:34 PM
...my mother and Storm had it pretty much butchered by the time Jeff arrived for photos. :chuckle:...I don't know if I like the word "butchered" used when it comes to boning and cutting :-( I thought we had done a great job! :chuckle:
Hi mom :hello: :hello:
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 06:01:53 PM
We continued down the slope, and Derrick spotted them first; three does feeding across the hillside, and the rock our buck had been next to… we were right where we wanted to be, but where was our fella? The does continued to approach, feeding up and across the hillside, and inevitably were alerted to our presence. With still no sighting of their boyfriend, they disappeared down the ridgeline, but not so quickly as to describe it as “blown”. I knew they hadn’t gone too far, so we waited a moment, still losing precious light even with the storm system calming. We finally started easing our way down the hillside, surveying the timber and openings carefully as we progressed. As we approached a small bench in the ridgeline, I glassed up some animals moving through the timber below me. By the behavior, I knew the back one to be a buck, as he pushed the doe relentlessly across the slope. The darkening day and the black timber muted the shape of his horns; he wasn’t presenting many opportunities for inspection. Another shape caught my eye, and I glanced parts and pieces of another buck fast approaching the first. The strut and intimidation period was over before it started, as both heads collided. Grunts and bones melded together in the toothpick forest; who was what? I couldn’t tell. As I tried to sort it out, the first buck was flipped onto his belly on the ground as he kicked at his opponent. He regained his feet and ran, the second buck hot in pursuit. Moments later, a buck reappeared, pushing a doe back across the hillside. I took quick action on an assessment: this buck was a mature, heavy-horned animal, but due to his obvious affinity for fighting, he was only a four-by-two; his right side had broken off a few points. I decided he wasn’t my buck, and let him walk. Derrick approached as I stood and made eye contact. “Let’s beat feet… maybe we can get all the way back to base camp and still help Storm and Jeff.”
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 06:11:49 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 06:12:58 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 06:30:12 PM
We knew today was supposed to be a terrible weather day, but the peach skies seemed to welcome us onto the slopes after we bid my mom and Storm farewell. Today, I planned to head back into the basin Storm harvested his buck to see if that larger 4 or career 3 point had any new competition. There were an impressive amount of does in there, and the rut had to start at any moment! This was also where we’d found the most wolf sign, so Derrick and Jeff were on board to head that direction as well. A few hours into our hike, the freezing fog started rolling up the drainages. “No, you don’t, weather!” I chided, but it was no use; fog and a thoroughly bone-chilling drizzle seized the hillsides. Determined, we continued to glass the basin through the small breaks in the fog, and were rewarded with a glimpse of a mature buck. We made an excellent stalk plan, and closed the last half-mile expertly; sneaking across a small rock outcropping and wedging ourselves into an opening, we would be set to see what the basin had to offer if the weather turned in our favor. Derrick slid into a nook up and to my left right as the cloud of fog disappeared. Without even raising my binoculars, I saw him. “Derrick! Get behind me! NOW!” I whispered excitedly. I took off my scope covers and lifted my rifle, and he came into focus. It was that big, mature 3 at less than 60 yards. Part of me wanted him, but a little voice told me to wait, so we simply took photos of him, waited for the fog to roll back in, and disappeared undetected. After a little more glassing, the wind picked up and there was no escaping the chill it brought with it. We toughed it out a little longer before our stubbornness became outright ridiculous, and we decided to call it a good day. We were dreading our arrival back at camp with a dwindling firewood supply and soaked clothing, so you could imagine our surprise when we saw a wisp of smoke originating from the stovepipe of the tent on our return; my mother and Storm had stayed one more day due to weather, and had kept the place warm, and stocked with wood. We shared the stories of the day, dried out, and fell into easy sleep that night.
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 06:32:21 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 06:33:06 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 06:33:57 PM
Post by: sumpnz on December 01, 2016, 06:43:28 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 06:49:35 PM
The first year Jeff hunted in Idaho with me, the first snow heralded an unforgettable moment; the low, melodic calls of a wolf that seem to resonate through your entire chest cavity. As the hillside across from us was erased to white, that wolf howled and I called in return. Another joined, and again I answered. The snow waned but our excitement didn’t, and we made a hasty move across an opening, which shut them up for good. Jeff hadn’t forgotten that moment, or the handful of big, old deer we’d seen on the rocky, hard-to-access, unforgiving ridge. From that point on, Jeff had used Google Earth, photos we had taken, and other mapping programs to design a dream hunt he was certain was going to end in success. After three years of salivating over that hillside, today would be the day Jeff would attack Wolf Mountain. I, however, had a different opinion of the rocky, steep, nasty hillside; I wanted no part in it. My mother and Storm took advantage of the good weather and started their treks back to Washington and Oregon, so that left Jeff, Derrick and I to our own devices. Derrick is never one to shy away from a challenge, but he could sense my nerves as well as my aching muscles going into the final three days of hunting, so he played the dutiful fella and conquered that same hillside, yet again looking for the fella that could usurp my big 3.
Post by: bankwalker on December 01, 2016, 06:55:34 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 07:00:01 PM
We steadily gained elevation and glassed over some two points and small three points, but still weren’t seeing any mature bucks tending the does. Sliding into position at our first glassing point, the blue skies allowed for sunlight to soak our clothing, giving at least some semblance of warmth for the first time in a few days. The moment was contrasted bizarrely by the hail that showered us from nonexistent clouds.
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 07:00:30 PM
Post by: 7mag. on December 01, 2016, 07:13:20 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 07:14:20 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on December 01, 2016, 07:16:51 PM
Now you're quoting lines from "The Princess Bride", are trying to make us old guys fall in love with you? :)
She already has a suitor, duh. ;)
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 07:23:56 PM
The morning hadn’t made its presence known yet when I stirred and started the fire. The Jet Boils fired up, but not without protest; one actually blazed around the sides, and the smell of singed hair wafted through the tent… I lost an inch on some of my front layers… oops! Eventually, the aroma of brewed coffee and spiced oatmeal replaced the scent, and I coaxed my companions out of bed by headlamp. We were going to take the ascent on a little earlier today to shake things up. The 4,000 foot elevation gain occurred without anything extraordinary as we crested the last rise before viewing our basin. We glassed the usual haunts, and spotted a few bucks but the distance and early morning light made it difficult to confirm size. We glassed to the adjacent ridgeline as well, and spotted a fairly nice four point pushing a few does. After discussion, Jeff decided that buck was a Day 11 buck for him; he was going to go after him. We parted ways with a few high fives and “go get ‘em’s”. Derrick and I continued to close ground on our targeted area.
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 07:36:15 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 07:39:24 PM
Now, to backtrack slightly… as we made this last approach, Jeff had been stalking on his deer. After closer examination, he decided he’d wait one more day, so was on his way to rejoin us. I had initiated the conversation with both Jeff and Derrick that if I made a single, good, ethical shot… we could wait to go see my deer for 15-30 minutes to see if another buck we had not seen was still in the area. These deer had proven to not shy from shots, just from sight. So I had told Derrick if I harvested one, we could celebrate, but it had to be a QUIET celebration.
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 07:47:27 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 07:51:28 PM
We waited and watched, as the rest of the deer went back to their daily lives. Small 3 and 4 points took up right where that 3 point had left off, and another (albeit younger) career 3 point strutted around the head of the basin. When Jeff arrived, he shared his congratulations and we made a plan. He was going to circumnavigate the peak on the back side of the basin, and pop up in one of the small saddles up top. We’d give him 20 minutes, and then go start on our buck. If we did push animals out, hopefully he’d be in position to see what they were. Finally! I got to go examine my fella!
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 07:54:59 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 07:55:47 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 07:56:31 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 07:57:30 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 07:58:41 PM
Post by: bankwalker on December 01, 2016, 07:59:17 PM
Alright Jeff it's all up to you to finish this hunt off
Post by: Colorado Kid on December 01, 2016, 08:02:19 PM
:hello:...my mother and Storm had it pretty much butchered by the time Jeff arrived for photos. :chuckle:...I don't know if I like the word "butchered" used when it comes to boning and cutting :-( I thought we had done a great job! :chuckle:
Hi mom :hello: :hello:
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 08:02:37 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 08:05:35 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 08:06:11 PM
Post by: SemperFidelis97 on December 01, 2016, 08:06:47 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 08:07:10 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 08:08:46 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 08:09:40 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 08:10:26 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 08:10:59 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 08:11:28 PM
Post by: UBA on December 01, 2016, 08:11:54 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 08:12:26 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 08:13:22 PM
Great buck! Another year, another great hunt to live through your story telling. I can't wait until next year's hunt
Alright Jeff it's all up to you to finish this hunt off
Yeah! Let's not forget about Jeff! Can he pull off a first day elk and a last day deer? :chuckle:
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 08:17:16 PM
Post by: 180-GRAIN on December 01, 2016, 08:50:54 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 01, 2016, 08:56:47 PM
Great write up Hirshey! I love the Idaho backcountry. Curious I keep seeing a pretty heavily taped thumb on your boyfriends left hand, is that havalon slippage?:chuckle: we had our share of havalon injuries... Knee, and many fingers!
Post by: actionshooter on December 01, 2016, 08:59:30 PM
Post by: 2MANY on December 02, 2016, 10:03:26 AM
1) Those big burns are a strange place to find marine mammal lovers.
2) Fish and Game not high lining their stock is ridiculous.
3) Your group would really enjoy a couple of pack mules in that country.
4) This year was more mild then normal when I was there.
5) Next year will only be better as you continue to learn your area.
Cheers
Post by: Labs07 on December 02, 2016, 10:12:04 AM
Post by: jstone on December 02, 2016, 10:13:47 AM
Post by: kellama2001 on December 02, 2016, 10:45:36 AM
Inspiring as always, thank you for taking your time to share and take us along for your journey! You have as much writing talent as hunting talent! Congrats on all your success! :tup:
Post by: swanny on December 02, 2016, 10:57:07 AM
Wish I could talk my hunting partner in to working that hard.
Post by: C-Money on December 02, 2016, 11:01:50 AM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on December 02, 2016, 12:01:35 PM
Nice! I hoped you would get the big 3! He is a very nice looking mule deer, love the long 3rds.
:yeah:
How long was his thirds?
Post by: hirshey on December 02, 2016, 03:20:14 PM
Nice! I hoped you would get the big 3! He is a very nice looking mule deer, love the long 3rds.
:yeah:
How long was his thirds?
They were both 16". He's a cool buck, and I enjoyed all the time I spent watching him. I'm definitely very happy with the harvest... Can't beat a beautiful buck and a solid, quick harvest.
Post by: geauxtigers on December 02, 2016, 10:50:26 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 03, 2016, 06:26:22 PM
Nice! I hoped you would get the big 3! He is a very nice looking mule deer, love the long 3rds.
Thanks... He was a beauty... With such a tough year, I felt very fortunate to be able to pattern him and knock him down cleanly. :)
I'll finish out our last day on Sunday... Forgot my laptop in Seattle
Post by: jackmaster on December 05, 2016, 03:45:10 PM
Post by: Old Man Yager on December 05, 2016, 05:29:28 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 05, 2016, 07:53:04 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 05, 2016, 08:30:04 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 05, 2016, 08:37:52 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 05, 2016, 08:38:46 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 05, 2016, 08:39:44 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 05, 2016, 08:40:16 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 05, 2016, 08:41:29 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 05, 2016, 08:46:02 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 05, 2016, 08:46:34 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 05, 2016, 08:55:10 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 05, 2016, 08:55:43 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 05, 2016, 08:56:40 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 05, 2016, 08:57:19 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 05, 2016, 08:58:19 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 05, 2016, 08:58:55 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 05, 2016, 09:01:32 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 05, 2016, 09:02:07 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 05, 2016, 09:03:16 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 05, 2016, 09:10:28 PM
Thanks to my fabulous friends and family... I'm so fortunate to have such an ingenuitive, ethical, physical, kind, generous, hilarious group of humans to share my life with! I am continually blown away by how they enhance my enjoyment of any situation. May you all find/have your tribe, too.
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on December 05, 2016, 09:12:54 PM
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on December 05, 2016, 09:15:01 PM
Post by: bracer40 on December 05, 2016, 09:15:09 PM
Fabulous writing and photography. I felt like I was there with you guys.
Can't wait for next year's adventure.
Post by: bankwalker on December 05, 2016, 09:22:02 PM
Post by: Brushbuster on December 05, 2016, 09:29:04 PM
Wishing you many more hunting adventures & hope you'll continue using your talent to share them & be a positive force for the passion we all share for this great sport of hunting! :tup:
Post by: Harbor_hunter on December 05, 2016, 09:48:17 PM
Post by: Bob33 on December 05, 2016, 10:08:25 PM
Your stories and photos allow us to vicariously live your adventures from our chairs and monitors.
It is obvious you put a lot of time and thought into your writing to wring out details of interest and provide narratives that come to life for the reader.
Thank you, Kari.
Post by: jmscon on December 05, 2016, 10:27:04 PM
Congrats on a great hunting season and thank you so much for sharing it!
Post by: lokidog on December 05, 2016, 10:57:56 PM
Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
Post by: opdinkslayer on December 06, 2016, 06:16:52 AM
Post by: Timberstalker on December 06, 2016, 07:12:48 AM
Post by: Yakirack on December 06, 2016, 08:24:49 AM
Post by: beave on December 06, 2016, 03:06:33 PM
Post by: CJ1962 on December 06, 2016, 06:39:21 PM
Post by: fishngamereaper on December 06, 2016, 07:05:47 PM
U packed blended whiskey into the back country...
:chuckle:
Awesome job. That country will chew you up and spit you out, looks like you guys faired well. Congrats.
Post by: 7mag. on December 06, 2016, 08:25:28 PM
Post by: ShaneTyTrey on December 06, 2016, 09:39:25 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on December 06, 2016, 09:43:53 PM
:yike:
U packed blended whiskey into the back country...
:chuckle:
Awesome job. That country will chew you up and spit you out, looks like you guys faired well. Congrats.
I don't see Hirshey getting chewed up by any country, that lady is well versed in the backcountry hunting/travel. ;)
Post by: fishngamereaper on December 07, 2016, 07:28:12 PM
:yike:
U packed blended whiskey into the back country...
:chuckle:
Awesome job. That country will chew you up and spit you out, looks like you guys faired well. Congrats.
I don't see Hirshey getting chewed up by any country, that lady is well versed in the backcountry hunting/travel. ;)
I would agree...I was speaking from personal experience having packed elk out of there.... In my slightly younger years. :chuckle:
Post by: hirshey on December 11, 2016, 12:46:15 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 11, 2016, 12:46:57 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 11, 2016, 12:48:01 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 11, 2016, 12:48:42 PM
Post by: JKEEN33 on December 11, 2016, 12:49:56 PM
Post by: Timberstalker on December 11, 2016, 01:06:49 PM
Post by: rosscrazyelk on December 21, 2016, 09:15:44 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2016, 12:28:09 PM
That appreciation photo is top notch.
Thank you.. it is one of my favorites from the trip.. at least from the ones that I can share without showing too much scenery.
Still working on getting those videos from Jeff... I have a still shot from when the elk got me though.
Post by: hirshey on December 27, 2016, 12:29:43 PM
Post by: Jason on December 27, 2016, 12:31:59 PM
Post by: elkboy on December 27, 2016, 12:36:15 PM
Post by: hirshey on December 28, 2016, 06:57:14 PM
Gutless method i see, it really starts getting dicey when they start getting that much pressure built up and then you have to go in for the tenderloins :yike:
Yeah, planned on relieving the pressure once that final hind quarter was off... guess I got started a little earlier than expected :chuckle: oops!
Post by: hirshey on December 28, 2016, 06:58:09 PM
Hirshey, thanks as always for sharing the incredible stories and photos. You have the "Aldo Leopold gift"- great hunting skills, great writing skills, and a strong sense of ethics. If Hunt-WA ever publishes a collection of hunting stories as told by members, you would figure prominently!
Thanks kindly. Those are complementary words and I hope to continue to live up to them! :)
Post by: Pathfinder101 on January 02, 2017, 09:26:29 PM
As always, wonderfully written and photographed. Thank you for taking us all along for another year! :tup:
Post by: hike2hunt on January 20, 2017, 05:46:29 AM