Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 02:34:17 PM

Title: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 02:34:17 PM: I can't believe it is already time for this post again... this year flew by! :hello:

I'll try to get this all written today, but no promises. :sry:
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 02:40:49 PM: So as many of you are aware, the way I make a living is by allowing the government to own my soul from March-Octoberish each season. I took a new position this summer on one of the nation's few shorthaul modules, meaning in addition to my regular fire duties I could also be attached to a 250' line and inserted if/when a fellow firefighter was in need of immediate medical assistance. The season was incredibly busy... we finally arrived back in Washington in August to assist with the fires in Naches and Cle Elum. I was able to take a few days off to seek out bears in the Methow valley with jennabug, but the drought-stressed berries didn't allow for much bear action. The season slowed in pace enough that my supervisors allowed me time off for the general season for muzzleloader elk; they knew what they bought in regards to an absentee employee once October leaves heralded in the fall with fantastic colors.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 02:49:45 PM: (a few photos of work and a little play)
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: Skillet on October 21, 2017, 02:51:59 PM: Oh great. I was going to get some boat work done during this blow, but now I'm going to crack open a barley pop and go along for the ride. :tup:
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: Timberstalker on October 21, 2017, 02:54:10 PM: Nice. Look forward to this every year. :tup:
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 02:55:01 PM: As October arrived, so did my little Subaru Forester in Chelan. A few hours of crafting quickloads and the aroma of ignited powder still fresh on my gun, I was feeling confident with my firearm's performance; clay pigeons were certainly not safe at 100 yards. I packed the remainder of my hunting items in my vehicle and struck out for the camp my parents had set up in our normal haunt.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 02:58:38 PM: We had a few new additions to our elk camp this season; a few of my parents' close friends and their two boys were hoping to spend some time in the woods with us. They arrived at twilight, just as we were enjoying the view of a herd bull, his harem, and a few satellite bulls putting on a show for us in a nearby meadow. The promises of the next morning's adventures were about as tangible as the air was frigid; it was set to be a great day.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 03:04:39 PM: The morning was silent, and the crisp air was softened by the aroma of coffee in each of our wool-adorned hands. A plan was made which took full advantage of each person's physical capabilities; me and the two men who grew up always a foot or two ahead of me would be going off-road, off-trail, and putting on the miles. We struck out with a plan in mind; Dustin would take one ridgeline and Michael and I would mirror his movements on a second one. We arrived at the point of divergence as the golden light filtered through the trees.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 03:06:57 PM: :)
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 03:14:06 PM: As Dustin took off up his ridgeline, Michael and I moved slowly and intently towards ours. We searched the hillsides and soils for fresh signs of elk, but the first tracks we cut were not quite what we wanted to find; they were boot tracks. The tread print moved directly toward the ridge we had planned on hunting, so Plan B was initiated: instead of heading west, we took another terrain feature to the north. We split up, as distant sounds of bugles and a few shots traversed across the hillsides and valleys. I worked along the edge of a steep ravine and sat above a small table created on the hillside below me. I took in the stunning morning sun and contemplated crafting some elk calls.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 03:16:11 PM: :)
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 03:26:04 PM: The sound of my chirps spilled across the hillside as I tried to stifle my shivers. I attempted to suppress my excitement as I heard the unmistakable sound of an animal coming up the hill. Tines, tines, and tines was all I was greeted with; I tried to exchange my binoculars for my camera, but something down the drainage caught the bull's attention and he disappeared back out of sight, pushing another animal yet to be visible up the creek-bottom. I followed their tracks tirelessly through the remainder of the day, and arrived back at camp to hear everyone else's tales that evening; almost everybody in our group saw elk, but my mother and Dustin had the most exciting encounters. They both had multiple herds and herd bulls cross their paths, but no spike elk to be seen. The resonating sound of those bulls bugling still had them vibrating with excitement as they recounted their tales, and I was happy to see the positive effects of hunting reflected in their expressions. Even though no elk hit the dirt, it had been a good day.

We all went to bed late that evening as the snow and wind swept through the trees.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 03:30:33 PM: The next morning's darkness was cut with the white understory of a few inches of snow. Trying to ensure everyone had opportunities for encounters, I suggested Michael head up the ridge Dustin had used the day prior, and Dustin and I worked the ridgeline we had initially intended to hunt the day prior. We were definitely right in the midst of them, but either the wind was unfavorable or I am not as sneaky as I like to imagine, because all the day produced for me was freshly-emptied beds. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 03:31:07 PM: :o
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: jennabug on October 21, 2017, 03:31:56 PM: Yay! I've been wondering how it went!
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 03:32:32 PM: The day marched on with intermittent snow flurries, and one more encounter with a branch antlered bull, but no elusive spikes.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 03:38:13 PM: Again at camp, the stories of close encounters with herd and satellite bulls and their cows continued to flow as freely as the Busch Light. No spikes were found, but Dustin and I took a dusk wander in an attempt to catch up to a fairly large mule deer buck I had sighted earlier in the day; I did not possess a muzzleloader deer tag, but he did. The deer did not cooperate that evening, but the company was always enjoyable.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 03:41:58 PM: A few more days of close encounters including my mother drawing up on a velvet-laden spike produced no shots. We saw plenty of sign from predators as well as our intended prey, but mid-week my mind switched to general season mule deer hunting and I headed home to repack for a wilderness adventure with my fella and two of my friends. This year would be the first time Derrick was carrying a tag in his pocket, and I wanted to make sure it was a positive and exciting season; we were going to go BIG!
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 03:45:33 PM: :)
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 04:00:55 PM: Team Awesome finally assembled under one roof on Thursday as we confirmed our gear list and raised our cups to yet another fun adventure. Friday morning came rolling in, as our wheels found us rolling out. We spent the entire day conquering over a vertical mile and roughly 7 terrain miles; the slide alder, ceanothus, and off-trail vegetation nearly ruined us... but the only casualty was a single waterbottle lost. We traversed about their elevation of successful growth and found the hiking to be much more rewarding, but we were running out of daylight. We found a flat location with a water source nearby and decided to call that home, at least for the evening. The plan for opening day was agreed upon; we would glass our current basin at first light, and if nothing was found of interest we would pack up camp and continue to our intended location roughly 5 miles further and another 2,000 feet higher.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 04:08:02 PM: The JetBoil fired up alongside the rekindled fire in the Seek Outside 8 man tipi stove. The plan the previous evening was evolving; Jeff decided he would like to stay back and get the camp broken down while we glassed for animals. It took leaning on him pretty heavily to change his mind, but we were all rifle-ready and headed up the slopes, albeit a little later than I would have wanted. :chuckle: Jeff took the high road as Paul, Derrick and I contoured. We had agreed to 30 minutes of glassing, and if nothing of interest revealed itself we would meet back at camp to head for even more remote ground. In our 30 minutes of glassing, we found 3 does and potentially one small buck. Paul wanted to glass for a few moments longer, so Derrick and I headed back to filter water and get ready to hike.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 04:21:58 PM: Camp erupted with the sound of heavy footsteps and Jeff slid into camp.

"Where's Derrick?? I found him a buck!"

We halted progress on camp deconstruction as we crafted a game plan; Derrick and I would summit another 1200 feet in elevation up a rocky slope to try to intercept the buck, while Jeff and Paul would slowly work up the basin in the event that the mature 4x4 remained local. Paul only had ONE day to hunt with us before he needed to hike out, so he was pretty anxious to make it happen. With two years of acting as camp Hulk and sherpa, I am not even ashamed to say my fingers were crossed that Derrick was the one who ended up with an opportunity at this animal... Derrick made the rocky terrain look like a walk in a flat park, while my lungs rebelled against me and tried to set themselves afire halfway through the summit. I did NOT want Derrick to miss an opportunity at an impressive animal on the account of my lesser physical capabilities, so I continued to push myself through ceiling after ceiling. We finally paused in a terrain feature that allowed us to see into the basin. Even through foggy lenses, I quickly picked up two bucks moving through the timber about 700 yards. Derrick and I agreed; he needed to get to a saddle about 600 yards further up our mountain in order to have a good opportunity at one of these animals.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 04:32:22 PM: We made it to another small saddle, and Derrick peered over to try to get another look at the progress of the deer. He turned around; his facial expression said precisely what followed with his words. "Oh &%*$! He's right below us coming up at us! He's 70 yards away or less!"

He doffed his pack, and perplexingly his binocular harness as well. He moved to the edge as I cautioned, "please make sure it has 3 points!".

He worked back to the edge as I slowly stood to where I could see the tips of antlers: the deer was at less than 30 yards and staring right at him.

"Shoot him in the neck" I offered... it was the only shot presented.

The two made eye contact, and he bounded across the snowy hillside, not providing another opportunity at a shot even through my grunts and whistles. He was DEFINITELY bigger than a 3 point, as the dark antlers worked through the equally dark timber.

Derrick confessed he was on 12 power and was not at all ready to take the shot. I encouraged him, saying that if he was not comfortable that I commended him for not pulling the trigger. It was also a good learning lesson in regards to what power to keep a scope at; there's a reason a fixed-6 scope has been a favorite among hunters for a long time.

We regrouped and decided to follow the bucks' tracks. At the saddle we had intended to get to earlier, the tracks split; one went up, and one contoured the hillside. Derrick took the contour as I tackled the slope. Jeff and Paul summited shortly after, and Jeff continued on the tracks as Paul decided to linger in our original basin.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 04:38:16 PM: My tracks poured over the top of the mountain into terrain that would make a mountain goat hesitate. I could hear rocks falling and hooves grappling for purchase, but there was NO way I could talk myself into pursuit. I walked the edge of the cliffs, exploring all the different angles of visibility over the edge it could offer, but could not turn up any deer. I worked back towards the original basin when a shot rang through the air. A shot from the direction Derrick and Jeff had headed!
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 04:51:23 PM: As tired as the slog the day prior and that morning had made me, my feet could not move across that terrain fast enough. Fast being relative, as that terrain was hazardous! But my mind was reeling over the excitement I had for Derrick's potential first buck. I was conflicted as I worked across the steep rocky slopes; I really wanted Derrick to have tagged his first deer, but I also wouldn't mind if it had been Jeff... that would mean I could still be present for Derrick's first harvest. As the day would reveal, it was Derrick's buck I traversed the hillside to view. Derrick had been tracking the deer when Jeff converged on his location; they worked the tracks together until the terrain revealed the hooves creating those tracks. Derrick had spotted them and initiated a stalk to roughly 200 yards before putting TWO shots behind the shoulder: what a tough animal.

There was another good learning lesson in this hunt, as neither Jeff or Derrick saw HIS buck while they were glassing the large mature 3x4. They snuck into position, and seeing antlers and assuming it was the original buck, he shot it. It was not quite the deer he had struck after, but fortunately it was a legal deer and we all could not be MORE thrilled. As we boned out his animal, word came back to us that Paul tagged out with a 4x4. Because of the hazardous terrain we would have to sidehill to get back to spike camp, we decided Jeff and Derrick would take his animal down a ridgeline that was a "straight shot" back to our base camp. The only hitch? They'd have to lose 6,000 feet of elevation to get there... at 4:00 PM... with one headlamp... was that a problem? Not for them! :chuckle:
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 04:55:12 PM: :). And for all the internet police out there, hunter's orange was worn until packs were dropped and photos were taken. Then the hunter's orange and rifles went on packs to process animals, haul meat and horns.

My friend Jeff titled that last photo "Love at First Deer" :chuckle:
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 05:00:43 PM: As the day lost the light, I finally located Paul.

His first words were, "I think I may have made a mess of this". :chuckle: He had quartered out the first half of his animal, so I assisted in the second and we were on our way back to camp at about 8 PM. We arrived back at spike camp, and Paul boned out his quarters with the assistance of a little Wild Turkey, and I stayed up fretting about my fella and friend who were amidst the worst packout of their lives; I received an InReach message at 1 AM that confirmed they had finally finished their trek. Neither were sure they could make the trip back up that next day. Paul was leaving, and insisted that he could handle his animal on his own, so that left a large question in my mind... what was a girl to do in the wilderness all by herself? :dunno:

The answer? Hunt, of course.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 05:09:23 PM: Two days of huge elevation and heavy packs had taken their toll on me. The next morning I saw Paul off and cleaned/rearranged the tipi before convincing myself to have a nice slow day of hunting. I took off to clear skies and crisp air.

The sound of ravens and magpies revealed quickly the location of Paul's buck from the day prior. I watched from the shadow-laden hillside as ravens vied for the scraps, and 5 does cautiously eyed the scene as they fed above the carcass in obvious unease. They worked out of sight, and I moved from the aspect still holding snow to the sun-kissed slopes. I conquered the elevation little by little, zig-zagging up the terrain and taking each opportunity to glass the newly-exposed hillsides revealed with each step. At one point, exhaustion won out and I took a small catnap, basking in the warmth of the fall sunlight.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 05:15:51 PM: As if I were solar-powered, I put my pack on feeling refreshed after my 15 minute nap; I continued up the slope with my normal swagger. 57 steps: glass. 57 steps: glass. Up to that small saddle: glass. The small sub-ridge I had chosen started to flatten out, exposing me to too much terrain at one time. I chose to sidehill down into a small depression and gain the next ridgeline to concentrate on glassing the basin to my right, and that decision had immedate payoff: I spotted a great buck!
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 05:16:38 PM: :tup:
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: Timberstalker on October 21, 2017, 05:19:19 PM: Nice!
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 05:19:59 PM: I grabbed my camera as well as my InReach; I was conflicted... my fella and friend had struggled all night to get Derrick's deer back to base camp... should I really take advantage of my position of still being at elevation to put a stalk on this animal? He sure was nice, but should I even be considering taking it? Jeff has always gone above and beyond to make everyone's hunting experience positive... should I take photos and wait for him to arrive tomorrow before we put a stalk on this guy???

"I found a really nice buck. #)(*$!" is what I wrote on the InReach.

No reply... guess this decision was up to me!
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 05:24:53 PM: I decided it couldn't hurt to try to put a stalk on him. My rangefinder read just under 500 yards;I prefer shots under 150, so I definitely had some work ahead of me. This buck was in a very defensible position: I could try to gain the remainder of the mountain and attempt a stalk from above, or I could attempt to move slowly through the burned timber basin in hopes of a small window for a shot. I went with my gut, and tried my luck at the timber route.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 05:27:44 PM: For the first 80 yards of my stalk, I was able to put a small green tree between me and the buck. After this juncture, there was nothing but burn scar between us, and I started losing elevation. I noted a triple-top tree was next to his bed, and tried to keep my eye on it as I was engulfed by a sea of standing dead trees.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 05:30:15 PM: Slowly, painstakingly, I worked closer and closer. I estimated I was about 130 yards, although this buck was very difficult to see. Two trees marked my intended destination: "X" marked the spot... a location where I should be able to see the base of that triple-top tree, and a perfect natural gun rest, but I wasn't to arrive there. A few more steps forward and I heard the exhalation most hunters dread: that darned doe huff!
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 05:31:41 PM: My buck blossomed from the ground, offering a perfect broadside look as he tried to figure out why the doe was so distressed. I moved left and right, trying to slowly find a tree I could rest against that still offered a shot at the vitals.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 05:37:13 PM: I finally selected one; a tree that leaned away from me that I could rest my rifle against, and cradle with my hand underneath. I put the buck in my crosshairs and took the safety off, looking one more time at the headgear before moving my finger to the trigger. My finger did not make the trip, though, because the safety went back on: there were TWO sets of antlers on my deer! :yike:

A smaller 4 point cleared my deer, and I kept my intended target in my scope. I flicked off the safety and squeezed the trigger as I exhaled. My heart was pounding, and apparently my body was starved of oxygen; as I settled into the shot partially through my breath I gasped... right as the gun recoiled. I had shot above my beautiful buck! :yike: :bdid:
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 05:41:20 PM: I shook it off, and thanked my lucky stars that these particular bucks are not those that exist in the pumpkin patch: he had obviously never heard a gunshot before because he did not move an inch. I cycled another shell into the chamber, regathered my target and shot again. This time, the recoil of the gun coincided with the reaction of the animal. He dropped; no delay in death, no movement left in his body. I stayed put with the animal in my scope, wondering at him for a few moments before I decided he was not to move again. Just as I was satisfied with my view, an even bigger buck stepped through my sight picture and followed the smaller 4x4 out of sight. Wow! How cool to know Mr. Big is still up there to seek out! I walked back to my pack and took this quick photo before feverishly hiking back to my buck.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 05:41:49 PM: :yike:
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 05:42:46 PM: :)
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 05:47:07 PM: I pulled him back up onto his bed to take some photos and marvel at his beauty. How grateful I felt to be able to see him up close, and to be nourished the remainder of the year by the free-range, organic protein. I pulled out my InReach as my evening plan formed in my head. I was going to pull him down 1,800 feet in elevation to a reasonable path back to spike camp. I knew I risked ruining the cape, and I do LOVE nothing more than to use and cherish every part of the animal, but it seemed like the right decision for a buck I had harvested late in the day, and solo. I typed a message to Derrick and Jeff, letting them know of my success.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 05:48:50 PM: :o
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 05:52:16 PM: :)
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: Ridgerunner on October 21, 2017, 05:53:25 PM: You sure know how to get it done!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: savagehunter on October 21, 2017, 05:56:52 PM: Love it great tale
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 05:57:40 PM: I packed back up after a few photos and started losing elevation with my deer; playing the game of keeping momentum but not losing my prize down the hillside without supervision... that sounded like a good way to damage his cape and/or antlers, which was the last thing I wanted. I successfully navigated us down in elevation and dropped my pack again to start boning him out. I checked the InReach: "heck yeah! we are coming back up! Need anything from spike camp?" "We are almost to spike camp, you better keep that thing whole for photos!" "we are leaving spike camp! on our way!"

Oops, he was half skinned out when I got that message, but I couldn't be more excited to share this experience with my wonderful man and my best pal. I could hear their voices echo through the basin as they made their approach.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 05:59:28 PM: :)

And look who slogged 6,000 feet back up to share in my excitement at last light!

(they were coming back anyways, but still) :chuckle:
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 06:01:18 PM: We got my deer back to camp, and Jeff and Derrick told me of their difficult journey the day prior. They were incredibly sore, so we decided we would just make a slow, easy approach on the hillsides the next day in search of a deer for Jeff.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: andr3wxmma on October 21, 2017, 06:02:31 PM: Congrats, hard work paid off with beautiful buck :tup:
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 06:02:54 PM: (Paul's deer... a VERY nice one as well. He didn't stick around for a TON of photos and I forgot to insert this where it was appropriate in the story)
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 06:11:39 PM: The next morning started with double mochas... via the JetBoil, hot cocoa, and Via coffee packets. We started up a similar path as the one I chose the day prior, but diverted from my trek where my small ridgeline flattened out. Instead of contouring right, we headed left. The terrain started flattening out into a broad bench littered with deer beds and fresh sign. A large set of buck tracks chose a path downhill. We worked over to an open saddle where we took off packs and grabbed a bite to eat. I advised that the big buck that had been with mine would most likely be up the hillside still, but that the small drainage we were partially overlooking also looked good. We agreed that Derrick and I would stay put while Jeff surveyed the drainage. Upon satisfaction that there wasn't anything in there he wanted, he'd pick us back up to continue upslope.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 06:19:47 PM: Derrick and I were staying close and keeping out of the wind and enjoying some snacks when he mentioned he wouldn't mind if Jeff harvested one downhill rather than uphill. The return comment wasn't from me, however... it was from the barrel of Jeff's rifle. "YES!" Derrick exclaimed. We started grabbing packs and getting ready to move as soon as we received word.

"I'm having a great time!" was the InReach message that arrived... one of Jeff's quick messages.
We started hiking towards it as other messages popped up: "BBD!" "Yeah!"

We started losing elevation quickly, as I fretted about the potential elevation we would have to gain to get back to spike camp, but as we arrived at Jeff's location, it would work out to be a perfect contour back to spike camp. We were all excited for his harvest, and grateful for an easy trek back to camp for the night. Jeff had bumped a bachelor group of 3, and intercepted them again on a small terrain feature. He, too, harvested the second largest in the group, giving us a lot of excitement to dream about our future years in this area.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 06:20:57 PM: Getting the boned up buck packed and ready for camp....
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 06:23:09 PM: We arrived that evening, with Derrick and Jeff both in agreement; we should make 2 trips to get our 2 deer and spike camp back out of the wilderness. I was of the other mindset: we should get the deer and camp out in one brutal haul to beat out the impending snowstorm. They thought there was no way, but we decided to discuss it again in the morning.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 06:38:29 PM: In the end... my idea won out. :chuckle: for better or worse.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 06:40:21 PM: Despite the high winds and rain up high, we made it down to calm weather and sunny skies. The deer are all cut and wrapped, and the skulls are at my European guy. :)

Thankful for another season of fantastic memories with the best hunting team a girl could hope for... now for Idaho!
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 06:44:30 PM: :) :)

Also, has anyone NOT tried making osso buco with their venison shanks?? Jeff changed my entire opinion of shanks last year when he introduced me... I used to put my shanks directly into the pepperoni stick/processing pile... now they are coveted!
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: fishnfur on October 21, 2017, 06:45:44 PM: Wonderful story. You are one tough lady! Congratulations on your success and thank you for your firefighting services.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: willapawapiti on October 21, 2017, 07:15:13 PM: Dang you can tell a hunting story like no other young lady!! :tup: Congrats on an amazing season for you and your team!
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 08:12:14 PM: Quote from: fishnfur on October 21, 2017, 06:45:44 PM
Wonderful story. You are one tough lady! Congratulations on your success and thank you for your firefighting services.

Thanks kindly! As for the fire services, it's my job.. and I love it; thanks for supporting my profession!
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 21, 2017, 08:13:27 PM: Quote from: willapawapiti on October 21, 2017, 07:15:13 PM
Dang you can tell a hunting story like no other young lady!! :tup: Congrats on an amazing season for you and your team!

Thanks so much! It was so fun... I'm kind of sad it is over! Now I have to patiently wait until next year..
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: JakeLand on October 21, 2017, 08:42:39 PM: Great job ALL of you !!! You sure know how to get it done. Really nice looking bucks ! Did you happen to get a group buck pic ?
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: trophyhunt on October 21, 2017, 08:46:27 PM: Your stories and effort in the field are truly amazing, you really are living the dream! Thank you for your work and for sharing your hunts!
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: tgomez on October 21, 2017, 11:52:08 PM: Congratulations on the bucks and notching a couple of deer tags! I like the pictures that were taken. 😁👍
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: teanawayslayer on October 22, 2017, 05:44:25 AM: Nice work kari and team! Great write up as usual! :tup:
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: Okanagan on October 22, 2017, 05:53:48 AM: Thanks for taking the time to write it up and post the photos. I always enjoy and always learn.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: C-Money on October 22, 2017, 07:01:03 AM: Great story, congrats on your hunt!!
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: nwwanderer on October 22, 2017, 07:25:54 AM: Get your guy to get a couple more buddies, that pack looks nasty for a long haul
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: Skillet on October 22, 2017, 07:28:09 AM: Well done Hirshey, great read. Looking forward to the Idaho chapter now. :tup:
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: Doublelunger on October 22, 2017, 08:09:56 AM: Sounds and looks like a good team you got there, Great job!!
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: The scout on October 22, 2017, 08:35:15 AM: sounds like a great hunt! you have a good team there, great hunting partners are hard to come by.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: Jpmiller on October 22, 2017, 08:57:21 AM: Great write up and photos! Especially that last pic! What a great time and thanks for sharing it with us.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: Brushbuster on October 22, 2017, 09:06:26 AM: Thank you for sharing your hunting season with us I look forward to reading your adventures every year. Keep up the good work! :tup:
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: pianoman9701 on October 22, 2017, 09:30:46 AM: Thanks for the epic adventure, Hirshey. You really know how to take us along for the ride.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: Tjv28 on October 22, 2017, 10:32:03 AM: I’m not sure who I’m more in love with, Hirshey or Derrick? Just kidding. Hirshey, the marriage proposal will come in a pm
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: Watimberghost on October 22, 2017, 10:52:22 AM: Always a joy to read about your adventures! Thanks for taking us along :tup:
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: lokidog on October 22, 2017, 10:56:19 AM: Quote from: Watimberghost on October 22, 2017, 10:52:22 AM
Always a joy to read about your adventures! Thanks for taking us along :tup:

:yeah:

:kneel:
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 22, 2017, 11:26:02 AM: Quote from: Tjv28 on October 22, 2017, 10:32:03 AM
I’m not sure who I’m more in love with, Hirshey or Derrick? Just kidding. Hirshey, the marriage proposal will come in a pm

Haha! Am I brokering a marriage for Derrick? I'm pretty fond of him... it'd have to be a heck of an offer for me to let him go... :chuckle:
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: bearpaw on October 22, 2017, 11:44:36 AM: Great photos and excellent stories hirshey! :tup:
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: Sitka_Blacktail on October 22, 2017, 12:58:22 PM: Fantastic as usual. Can't wait to read about your Idaho exploits.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: lazydrifter on October 22, 2017, 12:59:55 PM: Always look forward to reading about your hunts. You're truly special. I have a son that shares your passion. He's been a firefighter for years. Hotshot and helicopter crews. Now he works for DNR and spends a lot of time in Eastern Wa. during fire season. Spends a lot of time with helicopters. I wonder at times if your paths have crossed.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: jstone on October 22, 2017, 01:02:42 PM: Great Read as usual.. congratulations
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: Naches Sportsman on October 22, 2017, 07:00:54 PM: Looks like another hell of a season hirshey!

Thanks for doing your part in saving one of my cameras. The fire was within a half mile of it. The ridge may have nuked off if you didn't help supress the fires up there.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: bowhunterforever on October 23, 2017, 12:15:44 AM: Awesome story and nice bucks 👍

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 23, 2017, 05:40:32 AM: :tup: Well done to you and the crew.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: kellama2001 on October 23, 2017, 08:58:34 AM: Congratulations on another awesome year! And thank you so much for taking the time to write up the whole adventure, I feel like I was there! I look forward to your success posts every year and learn something every time.

If you have time, can you post your osso bucco recipe? I saved the shanks out this year :drool: thanks and congrats again! :tup:
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: HIGHROUTE on October 23, 2017, 09:43:46 AM: Great story and way to go on some nice high country bucks! Those packs looked heavy!!
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: Gringo31 on October 23, 2017, 10:02:36 AM: Fantastic :tup:
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: pygmy1985 on October 23, 2017, 10:05:21 AM: Sounds like a lot of fun, and work!
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 23, 2017, 10:19:56 AM: Quote from: kellama2001 on October 23, 2017, 08:58:34 AM
Congratulations on another awesome year! And thank you so much for taking the time to write up the whole adventure, I feel like I was there! I look forward to your success posts every year and learn something every time.

If you have time, can you post your osso bucco recipe? I saved the shanks out this year :drool: thanks and congrats again! :tup:

https://www.chefsteps.com/activities/the-world-s-best-osso-buco

https://www.google.com/amp/www.themeateater.com/2013/venison-osso-bucco-recipe/amp/

Those were the two recipes I referenced to make/adapt my own recipe... I rarely follow recipes to the letter, let alone write them down... but I figured Steve Ranella was a decent place to start. :) I'm looking forward to preparing that dish here soon!
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 23, 2017, 10:21:01 AM: Quote from: bearpaw on October 22, 2017, 11:44:36 AM
Great photos and excellent stories hirshey! :tup:
Thanks kindly sir! :)
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: ebusa on October 23, 2017, 10:21:58 AM: Congrats! Great Story and Pictures! The picture where you two were hugging with the buck in the back says it all IMO.

Love, friendship, memories for a lifetime! It's why I hunt...I only wish I could have hugged my dad after I got mine! But I know he sent me my buck from above...
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 23, 2017, 10:22:20 AM: Quote from: Watimberghost on October 22, 2017, 10:52:22 AM
Always a joy to read about your adventures! Thanks for taking us along :tup:

Thank you humbly. I always look forward to sharing here.. it gives me motivation to write it down before the fine details start to wain.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 23, 2017, 10:23:54 AM: Quote from: ebusa on October 23, 2017, 10:21:58 AM
Congrats! Great Story and Pictures! The picture where you two were hugging with the buck in the back says it all IMO.

Love, friendship, memories for a lifetime! It's why I hunt...I only wish I could have hugged my dad after I got mine! But I know he sent me my buck from above...

Wow! That is so touching! I'm sure he did as well.

Thank you for appreciating the finer points of hunting; the harvest itself is a minimal part of what makes being a hunter so special, in my opinion.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 23, 2017, 10:25:09 AM: Quote from: lazydrifter on October 22, 2017, 12:59:55 PM
Always look forward to reading about your hunts. You're truly special. I have a son that shares your passion. He's been a firefighter for years. Hotshot and helicopter crews. Now he works for DNR and spends a lot of time in Eastern Wa. during fire season. Spends a lot of time with helicopters. I wonder at times if your paths have crossed.

It's a fairly high likelihood; I have worked with plenty of DNR employees... pilots, engines, crews, and helitack alike.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 23, 2017, 10:26:38 AM: Quote from: jstone on October 22, 2017, 01:02:42 PM
Great Read as usual.. congratulations

Thank you kindly! I'm truly lucky to have such great hunting friends that will push the limits with me!
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 23, 2017, 10:27:31 AM: Quote from: Naches Sportsman on October 22, 2017, 07:00:54 PM
Looks like another hell of a season hirshey!

Thanks for doing your part in saving one of my cameras. The fire was within a half mile of it. The ridge may have nuked off if you didn't help supress the fires up there.

That was a good fire; I'm glad to have helped.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 23, 2017, 10:30:52 AM: Quote from: HIGHROUTE on October 23, 2017, 09:43:46 AM
Great story and way to go on some nice high country bucks! Those packs looked heavy!!

Thanks so much! Yeah, we definitely didn't waste any meat... that meant some heavy loads! It was kind of funny; a guy commented on one of my Instagram photos saying I needed to be honest about my hunts; that I said I found the buck all by my lonesome yet my "two guides" were in the next photo. :chuckle: I guess I can just be grateful my fella and best friend both look like professional guides, otherwise we would have been forced to make multiple trips!
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 23, 2017, 10:31:48 AM: Quote from: teanawayslayer on October 22, 2017, 05:44:25 AM
Nice work kari and team! Great write up as usual! :tup:

Thanks Heath! My parents have missed you during muzzleloader season the past few years!
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: lokidog on October 23, 2017, 10:33:00 AM: Quote from: hirshey on October 23, 2017, 10:19:56 AM
Quote from: kellama2001 on October 23, 2017, 08:58:34 AM
Congratulations on another awesome year! And thank you so much for taking the time to write up the whole adventure, I feel like I was there! I look forward to your success posts every year and learn something every time.

If you have time, can you post your osso bucco recipe? I saved the shanks out this year :drool: thanks and congrats again! :tup:

https://www.chefsteps.com/activities/the-world-s-best-osso-buco

https://www.google.com/amp/www.themeateater.com/2013/venison-osso-bucco-recipe/amp/

Those were the two recipes I referenced to make/adapt my own recipe... I rarely follow recipes to the letter, let alone write them down... but I figured Steve Ranella was a decent place to start. :) I'm looking forward to preparing that dish here soon!

Awesome, I was just putting the shanks from my wife's deer in the fridge and took a break to check HW. I knew I had seen something about using them for other than burger, but couldn't remember where or what it was called... great timing!

:)
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 23, 2017, 10:33:25 AM: Quote from: JakeLand on October 21, 2017, 08:42:39 PM
Great job ALL of you !!! You sure know how to get it done. Really nice looking bucks ! Did you happen to get a group buck pic ?

Sadly we didn't... Paul left early so the group photo kind of escaped us...
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 23, 2017, 10:35:16 AM: Quote from: lokidog on October 23, 2017, 10:33:00 AM
Quote from: hirshey on October 23, 2017, 10:19:56 AM
Quote from: kellama2001 on October 23, 2017, 08:58:34 AM
Congratulations on another awesome year! And thank you so much for taking the time to write up the whole adventure, I feel like I was there! I look forward to your success posts every year and learn something every time.

If you have time, can you post your osso bucco recipe? I saved the shanks out this year :drool: thanks and congrats again! :tup:

https://www.chefsteps.com/activities/the-world-s-best-osso-buco

https://www.google.com/amp/www.themeateater.com/2013/venison-osso-bucco-recipe/amp/

Those were the two recipes I referenced to make/adapt my own recipe... I rarely follow recipes to the letter, let alone write them down... but I figured Steve Ranella was a decent place to start. :) I'm looking forward to preparing that dish here soon!

Awesome, I was just putting the shanks from my wife's deer in the fridge and took a break to check HW. I new I had seen something about using them for other than burger, but couldn't remember where or what it was called... great timing!

:)

YES! :tup: it is definitely better than putting them towards burger or process; my view on shanks has entirely changed... they are little treasures now!
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 23, 2017, 10:37:19 AM: Quote from: nwwanderer on October 22, 2017, 07:25:54 AM
Get your guy to get a couple more buddies, that pack looks nasty for a long haul
That's part of the adventure though.. nobody ever says "you remember when everything was easy and went off without incident? Best time of my life!"... the best times truly are those that allow perseverance... at least in my opinion. :)
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 23, 2017, 10:43:52 AM: And thank you all... I am truly fortunate to have crafted the friendships I have that allow such a fabulous life of hunting and adventuring.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: lokidog on October 23, 2017, 10:48:46 AM: Did you cut through the bone, or just remove the muscle group from the bone and use that? I have someone that really wants the bones for bone broth (health issue) so will probably try it w/o cutting bone. I also worry about the tallow/fat tooth and tongue coating issue, my wife did not like the feel of the ribs I did on the Traeger even though the flavor was good.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 23, 2017, 10:54:13 AM: Quote from: lokidog on October 23, 2017, 10:48:46 AM
Did you cut through the bone, or just remove the muscle group from the bone and use that? I have someone that really wants the bones for bone broth (health issue) so will probably try it w/o cutting bone. I also worry about the tallow/fat tooth and tongue coating issue, my wife did not like the feel of the ribs I did on the Traeger even though the flavor was good.

The sinew just melts away... the texture to me is just a little more firm than pulled pork, etc and didn't feel coated in anything... I do them all bone-out. I don't bring any bones out of the wilderness. :dunno: I suppose you'll have to give me a full report after you try it and we can try to tweak it accordingly.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: lokidog on October 23, 2017, 11:39:56 AM: Thanks, I figured it was bone out with the size of that pack..... :chuckle:

Did you sous vide it or just slow cook?
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 23, 2017, 12:02:41 PM: Quote from: lokidog on October 23, 2017, 11:39:56 AM
Thanks, I figured it was bone out with the size of that pack..... :chuckle:

Did you sous vide it or just slow cook?

I opt for the slow cook... I've done it successfully in a Dutch oven and crock pot both.. did not seem to have a large effect on the outcome... they all tasted lovely 😊. I think refining the spices to your taste is the biggest variable in osso buco. Jeff made one that was slightly more spicy than mine and my mother's; it was lovely!
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: jennabug on October 23, 2017, 07:51:37 PM: Yay! I finally got to read this, and read a lot of it out loud to my husband. I really enjoy reading these. Thank you for taking the time to write these stories out.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: kellama2001 on October 24, 2017, 08:06:57 AM: Quote from: hirshey on October 23, 2017, 10:19:56 AM
Quote from: kellama2001 on October 23, 2017, 08:58:34 AM
Congratulations on another awesome year! And thank you so much for taking the time to write up the whole adventure, I feel like I was there! I look forward to your success posts every year and learn something every time.

If you have time, can you post your osso bucco recipe? I saved the shanks out this year :drool: thanks and congrats again! :tup:

https://www.chefsteps.com/activities/the-world-s-best-osso-buco

https://www.google.com/amp/www.themeateater.com/2013/venison-osso-bucco-recipe/amp/

Those were the two recipes I referenced to make/adapt my own recipe... I rarely follow recipes to the letter, let alone write them down... but I figured Steve Ranella was a decent place to start. :) I'm looking forward to preparing that dish here soon!

Awesome, thank you!
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on October 24, 2017, 09:29:30 AM: I used to think I hunted hardcore in my 20s ... no longer. 6000'? - I nearly puked at the thought! Congrats on doing it so awesomely, and thank you so much for generously sharing your adventures and photos here. The shanks from my doe were ground into burger night before last, but I will be saving the shanks from my whitetail buck (hopefully) to try osso bucco.
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: elkoholic1 on October 24, 2017, 01:28:18 PM: awesome job!! :tup: :tup:
as always great write up always look forward to your awesome story's...........
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: Muleyslyr on October 24, 2017, 06:03:22 PM: You are definitely a *censored* Hirshey, always love your write ups and pics. Congrats on another great high country adventure!
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: Wingin it on October 24, 2017, 09:06:04 PM: There is no shortage of talent on this site when it comes to storytelling but yours are tops! Congrats on a very successful Washington hunt and best of luck to you all in Idaho 🍻
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: Gringo31 on October 25, 2017, 10:28:43 AM: Quote
You are definitely a *censored* Hirshey,

:chuckle:
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 27, 2017, 10:19:17 AM: Quote from: DOUBLELUNG on October 24, 2017, 09:29:30 AM
I used to think I hunted hardcore in my 20s ... no longer. 6000'? - I nearly puked at the thought! Congrats on doing it so awesomely, and thank you so much for generously sharing your adventures and photos here. The shanks from my doe were ground into burger night before last, but I will be saving the shanks from my whitetail buck (hopefully) to try osso bucco.

Thanks kindly for the words of praise; I certainly find a lot of fulfillment in sharing my adventures with this forum each year. :) you will have to tell me how that whitetail osso buco turns out! I'm looking forward to making our first batch this week!
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 27, 2017, 10:21:45 AM: Quote from: Muleyslyr on October 24, 2017, 06:03:22 PM
You are definitely a *censored* Hirshey, always love your write ups and pics. Congrats on another great high country adventure!
:chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:

Hahaha... well thanks. Turns out you have to work hard to get away from the crowd... but it paid dividends. I'd be lying if I told you that packout was easy though! Definitely took me a few days to recover; my lower back is still baring the bruises from that heavy pack!
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: hirshey on October 27, 2017, 10:23:36 AM: Quote from: Wingin it on October 24, 2017, 09:06:04 PM
There is no shortage of talent on this site when it comes to storytelling but yours are tops! Congrats on a very successful Washington hunt and best of luck to you all in Idaho 🍻

Why thank you kindly; to even be considered one of this site's good storytellers is a pretty great honor in my opinion. We do have more than a few! :)
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: JKEEN33 on October 27, 2017, 11:46:06 AM: Quote from: hirshey on October 27, 2017, 10:23:36 AM
Quote from: Wingin it on October 24, 2017, 09:06:04 PM
There is no shortage of talent on this site when it comes to storytelling but yours are tops! Congrats on a very successful Washington hunt and best of luck to you all in Idaho 🍻

Why thank you kindly; to even be considered one of this site's good storytellers is a pretty great honor in my opinion. We do have more than a few! :)

Could not agree more! Always well written, great pics and spectacular stories. I look forward to them every year. If you could throw in a few bow hunts for us archery guys, it would be greatly appreciated. :)
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: kentrek on October 27, 2017, 12:13:07 PM: Quote from: lokidog on October 23, 2017, 11:39:56 AM
Thanks, I figured it was bone out with the size of that pack..... :chuckle:

Did you sous vide it or just slow cook?

Weve done it bone in, smashed the bone before putting it in the crock pot....it was pretty dang good
Title: Re: Hirshey's Washington Hunts 2017
Post by: 7mmfan on October 27, 2017, 01:23:42 PM: I recently got a bone saw blade for my sawzall, worked like a champ. I'm not usually far enough in or with enough gear to warrant a complete bone out job to get off the hill though.