Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: Craig on September 04, 2017, 07:44:19 PM

Title: My high buck hunt
Post by: Craig on September 04, 2017, 07:44:19 PM: I drew a Early high buck hunt in Colorado this year. I knew I had to be in shape and get ready for this hunt but living at about 50 Feet above sea level is no match for the Colorado High Country. I will admit that I got my butt kicked big time. This was a solo hunt that I hiked into. Camped at 11,500 feet and had to go up to 12,000 -12,700 to hunt. Hiking up the mountain one or two times a day was tough. It was about 65-70 degree and then every day at 4pm the lightning and thunderstorms rolled in and shook the whole mountain. It was pretty cool. But made you realize how small you are and scares the crap out of you when you are above timberline. My body hurt and I had to eat ibprohin like candy because my head hurt from the altitude. Other then that the hunt was great and being up there is awesome. Seen some great country and even though I was looking for a bigger buck that fill the magazines but never found him. I am very happy with the one I got and dropped him off at a Taxidermist in Utah that is going to do a great Velvet mount for me.

The hike in
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv411%2Ftruck1%2FIMG_5189_zpsybmstln8.jpg&hash=0fdb373951f4d5024f6a0495e46d3fa866b262af) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/truck1/media/IMG_5189_zpsybmstln8.jpg.html)

camp
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv411%2Ftruck1%2FIMG_5264_zpsqiwylalg.jpg&hash=bbec860be278d9cba6d73160c16edb0f94a05d2d) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/truck1/media/IMG_5264_zpsqiwylalg.jpg.html)

view from camp
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv411%2Ftruck1%2FIMG_5372_zps0rkorgvd.jpg&hash=c9ad4e9e590f83ec14f27899476b435b3d5b4b97) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/truck1/media/IMG_5372_zps0rkorgvd.jpg.html)

some bucks
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv411%2Ftruck1%2FIMG_5194_zpsh8yhaphd.jpg&hash=ff99371359b60f219631562c4211b2f5d6fe70c3) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/truck1/media/IMG_5194_zpsh8yhaphd.jpg.html)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv411%2Ftruck1%2FIMG_5282_zpsilio0jqe.jpg&hash=51f100fb3b02a01f490e5246efb19b3fdd9cea1b) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/truck1/media/IMG_5282_zpsilio0jqe.jpg.html)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv411%2Ftruck1%2FIMG_5221_zpsjz3uim2k.jpg&hash=b7d0c238b651f2d5b028130a5d64422410bedbec) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/truck1/media/IMG_5221_zpsjz3uim2k.jpg.html)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv411%2Ftruck1%2FIMG_5225_zps6foqzzmq.jpg&hash=494fd17a940a25bdbe06fe934f11d79888f72411) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/truck1/media/IMG_5225_zps6foqzzmq.jpg.html)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv411%2Ftruck1%2FIMG_5217_zps5owd4zio.jpg&hash=b85d92484d0c470aa64d5a3387a71987f7bb30d1) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/truck1/media/IMG_5217_zps5owd4zio.jpg.html)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv411%2Ftruck1%2FIMG_5225_zps6foqzzmq.jpg&hash=494fd17a940a25bdbe06fe934f11d79888f72411) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/truck1/media/IMG_5225_zps6foqzzmq.jpg.html)

My #1 buck I messed a stock up on and he was a smart guy that knew every escape route there was. he's the king of the basin.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv411%2Ftruck1%2FIMG_5202_zps1gwvbtlm.jpg&hash=ea9073dee1a484c47cdc1f326a6cdbeeb9d6da90) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/truck1/media/IMG_5202_zps1gwvbtlm.jpg.html)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv411%2Ftruck1%2FIMG_5375_zps7s4adnze.png&hash=3018875c9ba93891df69e09e57f925afc030c55a) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/truck1/media/IMG_5375_zps7s4adnze.png.html)

My buck
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv411%2Ftruck1%2FIMG_5297_zpsf8jqo0ia.jpg&hash=a771160778623fc72265b4f1c8c1a05e81c61332) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/truck1/media/IMG_5297_zpsf8jqo0ia.jpg.html)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv411%2Ftruck1%2FIMG_5338_zpsp7iol7hv.jpg&hash=655e8dbad713297a90f56b8c75b65cb684b629c9) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/truck1/media/IMG_5338_zpsp7iol7hv.jpg.html)

I fought back and forth about small light gun or my big heavy gun That I know I can shoot lights out with and I went with my Rbros 7mm SAUM. It was tough lugging this thing around the mountain but Never would have been able to make the shot with my other option. This gun made the kill shot possible.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv411%2Ftruck1%2FIMG_5371_zpsfbpnrzl9.jpg&hash=3b563467be54535782e3994bf99aebfc416efa27) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/truck1/media/IMG_5371_zpsfbpnrzl9.jpg.html)

some random critters. A lost sheep and a marmot thing
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv411%2Ftruck1%2FIMG_5261_zpsnhkbpgt1.jpg&hash=a353eddcb657efb1a8276e34dfb3d93618c3fad3) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/truck1/media/IMG_5261_zpsnhkbpgt1.jpg.html)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv411%2Ftruck1%2FIMG_5228_zpsuz3nfy3w.jpg&hash=369d84783d052f935af8a8f8ab90822a5141e64e) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/truck1/media/IMG_5228_zpsuz3nfy3w.jpg.html)
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: beave on September 04, 2017, 07:53:36 PM: :tup: :tup:
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: jjhunter on September 04, 2017, 07:54:04 PM: Awesome, Craig!

I'm right behind you and will be taking my diamox!
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: MarkTrail on September 04, 2017, 07:56:16 PM: Great photos! 12k will change you if you haven't been around those higher elevations. The horses even get winded easier. No shame in what you got, remember very few people will ever have the guts to even try this country, let alone solo. Thanks for sharing your adventure.
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: full choke on September 04, 2017, 08:44:32 PM: Awesome! :tup:
Cool hunt. Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: REHJWA on September 04, 2017, 08:52:57 PM: Looks like you had a hunt most of us only dream of...maybe one day. :)
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: haugenna on September 04, 2017, 08:58:55 PM: Great story. Thanks for sharing. Nice buck.
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: muleyslayer on September 04, 2017, 09:02:56 PM: Nice buck! Beautiful country
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: h2ofowlr on September 04, 2017, 09:05:32 PM: Looks like a fun one! :tup: :tup:
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: teanawayslayer on September 04, 2017, 09:12:11 PM: Thanks for sharing. Sounds like it was a great experience. Nothing wrong with that buck! :tup:
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: SirSpencer on September 04, 2017, 09:16:47 PM: Good looking deer! Gorgeous country too.
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: X-Force on September 04, 2017, 09:19:11 PM: Awesome. Beautiful country
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: Timberstalker on September 04, 2017, 09:20:12 PM: Gorgeous country and great buck! Thanks for sharing, Craig.
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: bowhunterforever on September 04, 2017, 09:27:41 PM: Awesome :tup:
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: RB on September 04, 2017, 09:28:21 PM: Wow very cool! Nice Buck! :tup:
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: Widgeondeke on September 04, 2017, 09:56:22 PM: Congrats on a well deserved and earned buck :tup:
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: JakeLand on September 04, 2017, 10:02:27 PM: Congrats!! Nice job and great pics
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: Duckhunter14 on September 04, 2017, 10:03:13 PM: Congrats! Beautiful country and nice buck! Love the full velvet. :tup:
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: iRem on September 04, 2017, 10:04:20 PM: Well done on the hunt and great looking deer!
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: Kit Carson on September 04, 2017, 11:07:37 PM: That's awesome! Crazy solo hunt. :yike:
Congrats !
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: carpsniperg2 on September 04, 2017, 11:28:08 PM: Congrats
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: fishngamereaper on September 05, 2017, 06:20:07 AM: :tup: Love that country. Congrats.

Look at it this way, after spending time at 12k you'll think the Cascades are just little foothills.
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: Jpmiller on September 05, 2017, 06:47:47 AM: Is the taxi able to save the velvet or is he reapplying the synthetic? Either way beautiful buck with a beautiful coat. Great looking hunt. Congrats.
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: Craig on September 05, 2017, 07:29:23 AM: He should be able to save the velvet. I brought it to him because he works with lots of velvet bucks and does great velvet buck mounts. Monarch Mountain Taxidermy in south Jordan Utah is doing the work.
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: Falcon on September 05, 2017, 08:22:58 AM: Great write up and congrats on your early buck, he's a beauty :drool:
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: Ridgerunner on September 05, 2017, 08:23:48 AM: You put the "high" in high buck hunt for sure. The altitude down there is very tough to deal with for sure, congrats on getting it done on a velvet buck!
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: Harbor_hunter on September 05, 2017, 09:10:37 AM: Very cool, nice job! Looks like an awesome place!
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: sternwarning on September 05, 2017, 10:48:39 AM: Gorgeous country and great buck!

Thanks for sharing! Great pics!
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on September 05, 2017, 10:56:02 AM: Getting to hunt the high Rockies is awesome - harvest is just a bonus. :tup:
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: csaaphill on September 05, 2017, 09:17:17 PM: :tup: nice and great pics some of the early success is coming in now Nice!
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: Bob33 on September 05, 2017, 10:08:29 PM: Those pictures are awesome. What a great experience. Thank you for sharing.
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: Jimmybelltown on September 06, 2017, 08:20:19 AM: Nice!! Thanks for posting your hunt. awesome stuff.
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: deerhuntr4885 on September 06, 2017, 06:47:18 PM: What a great hunt. I hope you have no regrets over that buck. Gorgeous velvet.
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: Mark251 on September 11, 2017, 09:00:36 PM: Amazing! Congratulations :tup:
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: 2MANY on September 12, 2017, 12:19:53 PM: How many points Craig??
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: SkookumHntr on September 12, 2017, 12:29:19 PM: That hunt looked awesome!!
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: boneaddict on September 12, 2017, 01:13:42 PM: That looks like a fantastic hunt to me. Very cool!
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: grundy53 on September 12, 2017, 02:40:50 PM: Wow! Awesome hunt. And great buck. Thanks for sharing.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: Muleyslyr on September 14, 2017, 06:29:56 PM: Very cool! That's a good buck on a first DIY outta state hunt like that.
Title: Re: My high buck hunt
Post by: 724wd on September 15, 2017, 10:41:04 AM: beautiful country and, I think, a wonderful buck!