Post by: shanevg on October 31, 2018, 09:00:36 PM
I've never had the chance to hunt blacktail during peak rut like this so it's definitely going to be interesting. I've spent a lot of time hunting the high country with my fair share of success but there's going to be a bit of learning curve to figuring out where the deer are going to be this time of year. It looks like the hunt is going to start out relatively warm (8000 foot snow level) and very wet. With very little snow so far in the high country, it will be interesting to see if the deer are still hanging out up high or if they've started to push down yet.
I thought I'd start a thread to keep you all updated on how the hunt is going. I'll try to update as much as I can throughout the hunt but the best way to follow is for those of you on Instagram to follow me @lonegoatmedia I plan to keep the hunt updated with Instastories throughout the hunt.
Here's some photos from previous years success. Keep checking back here for the next couple weeks for updates on the hunt.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/Success-Photos/i-FPGkRrc/0/49456b67/L/P1120728-1-5-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/Success-Photos/i-tkZGQG7/0/54fa53bd/L/IMG_3861-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/Success-Photos/i-GrTT7Dt/0/c92c8c34/L/IMG_3959-3-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2017-Washington/i-2ZfTC5V/0/bf127e5f/L/IMG_8554-2-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2017-Washington/i-4NdrqNj/0/f47607f3/L/IMG_8604-11-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2017-Washington/i-HMSbztv/0/0ddd4722/L/IMG_8820-19-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2017-Washington/i-Fc3zh8M/0/eb9994f1/L/IMG_8947-3-L.jpg)
Post by: carpsniperg2 on October 31, 2018, 09:06:29 PM
Post by: Crunchy on October 31, 2018, 09:12:35 PM
Post by: fishnfur on October 31, 2018, 09:18:31 PM
Stay safe. It could get ugly up there.
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on October 31, 2018, 09:19:30 PM
Post by: X-Force on October 31, 2018, 09:28:26 PM
Stay safe.
Hammer a big one.
Post by: Ridgerunner on October 31, 2018, 09:28:58 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: JakeLand on October 31, 2018, 09:38:18 PM
Post by: elkrack on October 31, 2018, 09:44:02 PM
Post by: bowhunterforever on October 31, 2018, 10:24:33 PM
Post by: Turner89 on October 31, 2018, 10:25:14 PM
Post by: johnr060 on November 01, 2018, 11:38:10 AM
Post by: MeSacHappy on November 01, 2018, 11:40:07 AM
MSH
Post by: X-Force on November 01, 2018, 03:05:46 PM
Post by: skagitsteel on November 01, 2018, 05:02:08 PM
Could you popup a gear list for us?
It will be a good list. One thing I can guarantee is atleast 20 rounds with him 😂
Post by: Watimberghost on November 01, 2018, 05:15:14 PM
Post by: RB on November 01, 2018, 05:49:50 PM
Post by: Whitenuckles on November 01, 2018, 06:00:42 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 01, 2018, 06:40:35 PM
Post by: Jpmiller on November 01, 2018, 07:11:05 PM
Post by: Southpole on November 01, 2018, 07:19:10 PM
Post by: elkspert on November 01, 2018, 07:22:58 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on November 01, 2018, 07:32:44 PM
Post by: actionshooter on November 01, 2018, 07:46:55 PM
Post by: jmscon on November 01, 2018, 07:51:01 PM
Post by: shanevg on November 01, 2018, 08:59:14 PM
I got up early and had about a 14 mile ride in on an old logging road on the mini bike I borrowed from a buddy. I was absolutely soaked by the time I got to where I wanted to start hiking. Luckily I took a second pair of rain gear to wear while hunting.
Snow level was a bit lower than expected around 3900 feet but it was roughly 40 degrees and pouring down rain all day. I cut two different sets of doe tracks being dogged by a buck so the rut is definitely on, but unfortunately I wasn't able to actually find the deer making the tracks. Navigating the steep terrain was pretty brutal as the snow was so saturated. There were literally areas where I was walking through ankle deep streams flowing on top of the snow.
I covered about 8 miles today, mostly off trail. I was pretty tired and cold by around 1pm so decided to head out and dry off. I'll be at it again in the morning.
For those of you not on Instgram, I uploaded a copy of my Instastory to YouTube:
Yay for opening morning!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-zXrvdwS/0/329e14eb/L/IMG_0153-1-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-9HRq4vJ/0/37e68f65/L/IMG_0162-2-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-2G24zBH/0/55ba235c/L/IMG_0166-3-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-7jM2XDJ/0/18347d7f/L/IMG_0169-4-L.jpg)
BIG TRACK!!!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-tNCdKZq/0/73692f29/L/IMG_0181-5-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-Bz6NRwh/0/6f58b7f9/L/IMG_0189-6-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-c8GHNNK/0/196b5496/L/IMG_0213-9-L.jpg)
Yeah... it was wet. This is an unnamed creek on the map! :yike:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-XCLhMjN/0/8b93b1ab/L/IMG_0220-10-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-9rSbLzT/0/942ca1bc/L/IMG_0222-11-L.jpg)
Post by: whacker1 on November 01, 2018, 09:10:46 PM
Post by: X-Force on November 01, 2018, 09:38:58 PM
Post by: Pete112288 on November 01, 2018, 10:22:31 PM
Post by: borntoslay on November 02, 2018, 06:01:40 PM
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
Post by: Ridge Hunter on November 02, 2018, 06:32:55 PM
Post by: jasnt on November 02, 2018, 07:09:36 PM
Post by: Falcon on November 02, 2018, 08:19:57 PM
Post by: shanevg on November 02, 2018, 09:15:21 PM
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-x7Fcrf3/0/559b38b2/L/IMG_0258-1-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-rgdVLrt/0/ee9f7eec/L/IMG_0264-2-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-fGZprC4/0/ccf62303/L/IMG_0268-3-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-HgSZKMt/0/f9584f09/L/IMG_0269-4-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-WDhbPrS/0/663c83f6/L/IMG_0277-5-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-9kF4GcR/0/3618890e/L/IMG_0296-6-L.jpg)
Post by: Birdguy on November 03, 2018, 04:57:36 PM
Post by: Buckewe on November 03, 2018, 05:16:30 PM
Post by: shanevg on November 03, 2018, 09:22:34 PM
Hope you’re all enjoying the recap. Let me know if there’s anything else you want to be seeing.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-wCc5MGV/0/34a5570d/L/IMG_0314-1-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-qskn96d/0/8923dc43/L/IMG_0319-2-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-f5p32cd/0/3a65d1ee/L/IMG_0338-3-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-wDcnNnq/0/4cd786a6/L/IMG_0343-4-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-Xz8hzPp/0/b24bb8cc/L/IMG_0349-5-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-HwTkMSX/0/136d3093/L/IMG_0351-6-L.jpg)
Post by: Ridgerunner on November 03, 2018, 09:43:35 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Idighuntin on November 03, 2018, 10:41:36 PM
Another great day in the mountains but another bust on finding deer. Was dogged in until 11am then when the fog lifted I wasn’t able to turn anything up. Trying. It to get discouraged as I still have 11 days to hunt but I’m disappointed in lack of movement so far. Spent the evening with my family this evening and sleeping in and going to church tomorrow. Then after church I’m packing in for 2 nights in the high country. Forecast is for precip to turn to snow tomorrow with potentially up to a foot of snow in the high country. That should allow me to figure out where the deer are Onhopevideo recap of the day. Hoping to get some photos edited tomorrow.
Hope you’re all enjoying the recap. Let me know if there’s anything else you want to be seeing.
Yeah, a big dead Blacktail. You asked :dunno:
Post by: X-Force on November 03, 2018, 11:01:05 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 04, 2018, 06:52:10 PM
Just think while we’re all snug as a big in a rug in our warm beds tonight Shane is in a tent at high altitude with constant rain/snow that’s dedication right there, hope he breaks the world record.👍
Post by: Hectocotylus on November 04, 2018, 08:23:17 PM
Getter done.I’d trade my bed to be up high in a tent any day of the year for sure :)
Just think while we’re all snug as a big in a rug in our warm beds tonight Shane is in a tent at high altitude with constant rain/snow that’s dedication right there, hope he breaks the world record.👍
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: PastorJoel on November 04, 2018, 09:02:13 PM
Post by: gasman on November 05, 2018, 06:28:22 AM
Post by: h2ofowlr on November 05, 2018, 07:47:15 AM
Post by: C-Money on November 05, 2018, 07:53:44 AM
Post by: boneaddict on November 05, 2018, 08:43:53 AM
Not sure why anyone would want to waste their points or time on a blacktail, but it atleast saves a muley.. :chuckle: KIDDING
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 05, 2018, 02:18:20 PM
Looking forward to it.
Not sure why anyone would want to waste their points or time on a blacktail, but it atleast saves a muley.. :chuckle: KIDDING
:yike: :yike: sounds like a true mule deer hunter....doesn't like a challenge :lol4: :lol4:
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 05, 2018, 02:24:40 PM
Looking forward to it.preach it brother :chuckle:
Not sure why anyone would want to waste their points or time on a blacktail, but it atleast saves a muley.. :chuckle: KIDDING
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 05, 2018, 02:34:30 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 05, 2018, 02:46:09 PM
When you guys want to hunt a real deer shoot me a pm :chuckle:can you find me one with antlers larger than 150"? That's kind of my low end for a deer hunt :chuckle: :sry:
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 05, 2018, 04:18:23 PM
I know where there's one :tup: but the country might not be open enough for you :chuckle:When you guys want to hunt a real deer shoot me a pm :chuckle:can you find me one with antlers larger than 150"? That's kind of my low end for a deer hunt :chuckle: :sry:
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 05, 2018, 04:22:31 PM
are their ferns? I'm allergic to ferns :chuckle:I know where there's one :tup: but the country might not be open enough for you :chuckle:When you guys want to hunt a real deer shoot me a pm :chuckle:can you find me one with antlers larger than 150"? That's kind of my low end for a deer hunt :chuckle: :sry:
And rain :chuckle:
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 05, 2018, 04:27:29 PM
are their ferns? I'm allergic to ferns :chuckle:I know where there's one :tup: but the country might not be open enough for you :chuckle:When you guys want to hunt a real deer shoot me a pm :chuckle:can you find me one with antlers larger than 150"? That's kind of my low end for a deer hunt :chuckle: :sry:
And rain :chuckle:
Ferns taller than your head for sure, it might rain one or 2 days :chuckle: every had to walk through a patch of devils club? If not you'd be in for a treat :chuckle:
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 05, 2018, 04:37:15 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 05, 2018, 04:38:07 PM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on November 05, 2018, 04:45:49 PM
Hopefully Shane can connect on a good one!
I’ve always kinda had a fascination with big black tails but every time I think about t I realize they are blacktails and that fixes me for a bit.
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 05, 2018, 04:47:16 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 05, 2018, 04:50:47 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 05, 2018, 04:52:26 PM
Now all we need is plat and shane's awesome thread should be completely nuked :bdid: :sry:
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 05, 2018, 05:06:04 PM
Nope! While I can respect amateur animal for what he is within his species it's still just a mule deer with a really small antlers :chuckle: :sry: :hello: :yike:
Not to derail anymore but the mule deer is the blacktail and whitetail offspring...who's amatuer now :chuckle:
We needed to pass some time till he posts some more pics anyways :chuckle:
P.s.
(Plats probably running around somewhere with the fire sticks)
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 05, 2018, 05:11:50 PM
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 05, 2018, 05:21:58 PM
Post by: gasman on November 05, 2018, 05:24:02 PM
Shane where you at I need some backup here I'm all alone :chuckle:
No I with you, I just hate hunting BT.
But we do need today's update from Shane.
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 05, 2018, 05:32:45 PM
Maybe he's packing out another Boone and crocket blacktail
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 05, 2018, 05:34:12 PM
Ok good some back up :tup:aka last day meat buck mule deer :chuckle:
Maybe he's packing out another Boone and crocket blacktail
Post by: Griiz on November 05, 2018, 05:56:16 PM
Nope! While I can respect amateur animal for what he is within his species it's still just a mule deer with a really small antlers :chuckle: :sry: :hello: :yike:
Not to derail anymore but the mule deer is the blacktail and whitetail offspring...who's amatuer now :chuckle:
We needed to pass some time till he posts some more pics anyways :chuckle:
P.s.
(Plats probably running around somewhere with the fire sticks)
I enjoy hunting both species and have harvested mature muleys and blacktails. Blacktails, in my opinion are much more challenging to harvest a mature buck and obviously take more age to develop large antlers. So if you want a real challenge head West of I5 and see if you’ve the sand to take a nice public land blacktail.
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 05, 2018, 06:06:22 PM
Ok good some back up :tup:aka last day meat buck mule deer :chuckle:
Maybe he's packing out another Boone and crocket blacktail
:chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: Jpmiller on November 05, 2018, 06:25:13 PM
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 05, 2018, 07:04:19 PM
Post by: Thehowler on November 05, 2018, 07:20:30 PM
My last 2 mature buck were 155lbs dressed :IBCOOL:
Damn, love to see pics?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 05, 2018, 07:33:53 PM
Post by: shanevg on November 05, 2018, 07:53:32 PM
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-rfScPWv/0/ea3242ad/L/IMG_0374-2-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-T5RpDbv/0/d90038a1/L/IMG_0377-3-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-sn4G7VK/0/bc3ab6d4/L/IMG_0378-4-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-M2MBJKP/0/91b65333/L/IMG_0385-5-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-5cjSmCM/0/7500f25a/L/IMG_0387-6-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-T4pd4hj/0/20f421f3/L/IMG_0390-7-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-78Wbh8w/0/32ce4714/L/IMG_0392-8-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-F9rJ2w4/0/adeccac4/L/IMG_0401-10-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-PWW666x/0/bcb753ba/L/IMG_0407-11-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-ZFPbBWZ/0/6964d78f/L/IMG_0409-12-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-X6wQPLW/0/3018d065/L/IMG_0422-13-L.jpg)
Post by: Jpmiller on November 05, 2018, 08:01:52 PM
I've had all 3 as well and they all get beat by the sitka! That's the king of deer.....meat :chuckle:
If 150" is your low water mark you've never gotten a sitka blacktail :chuckle:
Post by: Jpmiller on November 05, 2018, 08:02:42 PM
Well the trip was a bust. Covered a ton of gnarly ground today and didn’t cut a single track in the snow. Looks like the deer have migrated out of this area. I’ll be hitting a lowland spot tomorrow then taking Wednesday off to spend time with family. Trying not to get discouraged, still plenty of time left!
Don't be discouraged, you're hunting and I'm not
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 05, 2018, 08:07:18 PM
well 150 sitka isn't even a thing so there would be no point in trying for one. I've shot several sitkas :tup:I've had all 3 as well and they all get beat by the sitka! That's the king of deer.....meat :chuckle:
If 150" is your low water mark you've never gotten a sitka blacktail :chuckle:
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 05, 2018, 08:07:54 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 05, 2018, 08:09:02 PM
You'll get em Shane! Keep at it!
:yeah:
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 05, 2018, 08:45:38 PM
Post by: actionshooter on November 05, 2018, 09:16:30 PM
Post by: elkoholic1 on November 05, 2018, 10:50:34 PM
Post by: gasman on November 06, 2018, 12:57:48 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 06, 2018, 01:13:55 PM
G1-3"
G2-10"
G4-4.5"
Main beam-17"
Mass-15"
So 49.5x2=99 plus a 14" spread would put him at 113ish
Post by: gasman on November 06, 2018, 01:20:44 PM
Rough numbers I'd say
G1-3"
G2-10"
G4-4.5"
Main beam-17"
Mass-15"
So 49.5x2=99 plus a 14" spread would put him at 113ish
Not my BT, was taken by a former forum member, Yoterhunter (may he rest in piece) but I believe the spread was around 18" if my memory serves me correctly.
Either way it's a true BT trophy :tup:
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 06, 2018, 01:33:49 PM
unfortunately you dont use outside spread you use greatest inside spread of the main beams but that measurement cannot exceed the longest main beam. Definitely a great deer.....for a blacktail :chuckle:Rough numbers I'd say
G1-3"
G2-10"
G4-4.5"
Main beam-17"
Mass-15"
So 49.5x2=99 plus a 14" spread would put him at 113ish
Not my BT, was taken by a former forum member, Yoterhunter (may he rest in piece) but I believe the spread was around 18" if my memory serves me correctly.
Either way it's a true BT trophy :tup:
Post by: gasman on November 06, 2018, 01:48:08 PM
unfortunately you dont use outside spread you use greatest inside spread of the main beams but that measurement cannot exceed the longest main beam. Definitely a great deer.....for a blacktail :chuckle:Rough numbers I'd say
G1-3"
G2-10"
G4-4.5"
Main beam-17"
Mass-15"
So 49.5x2=99 plus a 14" spread would put him at 113ish
Not my BT, was taken by a former forum member, Yoterhunter (may he rest in piece) but I believe the spread was around 18" if my memory serves me correctly.
Either way it's a true BT trophy :tup:
Didn't know that, good information :tup:
Post by: 2MANY on November 06, 2018, 01:50:40 PM
You can tell by the glazed look in its eye.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 06, 2018, 02:00:19 PM
Obviously a benchleg.I disagree sir. Based on that can of peace tea they are obviously bush hippies from the wetside
You can tell by the glazed look in its eye.
Post by: trophyhunt on November 06, 2018, 02:28:56 PM
Post by: Seabass on November 06, 2018, 02:38:02 PM
Obviously a benchleg.
You can tell by the glazed look in its eye.
Isn't one of the species supposed to have a distinct smell? ;)
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 06, 2018, 02:48:48 PM
yes. I believe blacktails smell like dreadlocks and soy milk or something to that effectObviously a benchleg.
You can tell by the glazed look in its eye.
Isn't one of the species supposed to have a distinct smell? ;)
Post by: CoryTDF on November 06, 2018, 02:57:19 PM
yes. I believe blacktails smell like dreadlocks and soy milk or something to that effectObviously a benchleg.
You can tell by the glazed look in its eye.
Isn't one of the species supposed to have a distinct smell? ;)
For sure, they all drive their Subaru's down to the store to get their copy of the game regs printed on %100 recycled paper. After walking through downtown Seattle to get all their hugs they sip a PSL while they read the regs and then head back up the mountain to go into hiding snuggled up with a tie die blanket and an old Noam Chomsky novel until the season ends.
Post by: gasman on November 06, 2018, 04:31:16 PM
Obviously a benchleg.
You can tell by the glazed look in its eye.
Not benchleg, killed within 5 air miles of I5, glazed eyes are from being awaken from his mid day nap. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: cavemann on November 06, 2018, 05:21:47 PM
Come to the west side and you'll be changed forever!! :IBCOOL:
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 06, 2018, 05:29:20 PM
Carl, Cory you guys have it all wrong.. My mom used to soak my dads mulies in milk to get the game taste out and "tone it down" a little.. These blacktails sipping those soy milk latte's are the best table fair there is. And the THC in them helps with the inflammation from a long wet week of hiking. This years black tail was phenomenal..man you may be on to something there :chuckle:
Come to the west side and you'll be changed forever!! :IBCOOL:
Post by: fisheral87 on November 06, 2018, 07:01:52 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 06, 2018, 07:53:15 PM
Post by: shanevg on November 06, 2018, 08:00:50 PM
Post by: sagerat on November 06, 2018, 08:04:56 PM
Post by: Tiger1358 on November 06, 2018, 08:18:53 PM
yes. I believe blacktails smell like dreadlocks and soy milk or something to that effectObviously a benchleg.
You can tell by the glazed look in its eye.
Isn't one of the species supposed to have a distinct smell? ;)
For sure, they all drive their Subaru's down to the store to get their copy of the game regs printed on %100 recycled paper. After walking through downtown Seattle to get all their hugs they sip a PSL while they read the regs and then head back up the mountain to go into hiding snuggled up with a tie die blanket and an old Noam Chomsky novel until the season ends.
Ey man , don't hate on my Subie :chuckle:
Post by: RB on November 06, 2018, 08:20:14 PM
Good luck! You’ve got a lot of guys rooting for you...
:yeah:
Post by: shanevg on November 06, 2018, 08:21:48 PM
Day 2 Photos:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-rgdVLrt/0/ee9f7eec/L/IMG_0264-2-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-fGZprC4/0/ccf62303/L/IMG_0268-3-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-WDhbPrS/0/663c83f6/L/IMG_0277-5-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-9kF4GcR/0/3618890e/L/IMG_0296-6-L.jpg)
Day 3 Photos:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-wCc5MGV/0/34a5570d/L/IMG_0314-1-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-qskn96d/0/8923dc43/L/IMG_0319-2-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-f5p32cd/0/3a65d1ee/L/IMG_0338-3-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-wDcnNnq/0/4cd786a6/L/IMG_0343-4-L.jpg)
Day 4/5 Photos:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-rfScPWv/0/ea3242ad/L/IMG_0374-2-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-T5RpDbv/0/d90038a1/L/IMG_0377-3-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-sn4G7VK/0/bc3ab6d4/L/IMG_0378-4-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-5cjSmCM/0/7500f25a/L/IMG_0387-6-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-F9rJ2w4/0/adeccac4/L/IMG_0401-10-L.jpg)
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on November 06, 2018, 08:36:11 PM
Post by: dmv9 on November 06, 2018, 09:12:14 PM
Post by: X-Force on November 07, 2018, 09:47:45 AM
Half way mark hopefully you're closing in on a toad.
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on November 07, 2018, 10:25:13 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on November 07, 2018, 11:46:23 AM
Post by: 2MANY on November 07, 2018, 11:53:44 AM
Post by: boneaddict on November 07, 2018, 12:08:14 PM
Post by: Southpole on November 07, 2018, 12:11:19 PM
Post by: DeArBuCK4me on November 07, 2018, 12:17:02 PM
Post by: CoryTDF on November 07, 2018, 01:25:01 PM
Post by: Jpmiller on November 07, 2018, 01:52:13 PM
Obviously that hunt is taking place in the Blues.
He heard about the tag on a mesteater podcast
Post by: Idighuntin on November 07, 2018, 07:36:44 PM
just curious....was it a 407 or 418 GMU? nice buck!!
Hopefully 418 because 407 is closed.
Post by: shanevg on November 08, 2018, 06:17:12 PM
I can’t post a pic from my phone but anyone that follows me on Instagram is more than welcome to post a pic.
Gonna be a long night. Time to get butchering!
Post by: The scout on November 08, 2018, 06:27:41 PM
Post by: Watimberghost on November 08, 2018, 06:34:48 PM
Look forward to seeing him! Congrats!
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on November 08, 2018, 06:37:47 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 08, 2018, 06:49:19 PM
Post by: RB on November 08, 2018, 07:13:15 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on November 08, 2018, 07:15:17 PM
Post by: Jpmiller on November 08, 2018, 07:41:45 PM
Post by: kirkl on November 08, 2018, 07:50:38 PM
Post by: elkrack on November 09, 2018, 12:09:03 AM
Post by: X-Force on November 09, 2018, 12:19:24 AM
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on November 09, 2018, 03:07:38 PM
Post by: Brushbuster on November 09, 2018, 04:07:27 PM
Post by: shanevg on November 09, 2018, 10:04:44 PM
Well tag is filled. I'll be honest, this hunt didn't turn out like I envisioned. I have spent the last 5+ years as an avid high country blacktail hunter. With the many trail cam photos of rutting bucks in recent years in the first 2 weeks of November so I was picturing an action packed hunt with deer moving all day long and a buck with every doe. This year it seemed like the deer went nocturnal when November hit and rut activity was almost non-existent. With that said I was committed to hunting hard even if circumstances lead to me lowering my standards a bit.
Although I did spend some time in the low country, it was clear (by checking my trail cams) that despite the snow we'd received the deer had not yet moved off the mountains into their rutting ground. With that in mind and I decided to try hitting the high country again. We had gotten some more snow on the 6th but it was sunny and warmer on the 7th so I figured some of the south facing hills would be melting out providing some feed for the deer. With the lack of deer sign on November 5 I decided to hit a different high country spot that holds a lot of does in hopes that the bucks were feeding through there too.
All smiles as sunrise hit.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-VKtqQcw/0/d4a580f4/L/IMG_0528-1-L.jpg)
As I was hiking up I hit snow on the trail around 4000 feet. By the time I hit the ridgetop, the snow was knee deep and had clearly not melted at all in the "warmup" the day before. I immediately started to wonder if it was even worth my time to be this high but I was already up here so I might as well see what I could find. From past years hunting this area in late October in the snow, I had seen a lot of tracks cut from the north side of the ridge to one specific set of south facing meadows, so I figured I'd start there. It was about a mile hike down the ridge to the spot and I was encouraged along the way to see multiple sets of tracks coming from the north side of the ridge and moving to the south.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-xkGGGBm/0/1ed1b34c/L/IMG_7059-7-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-dwVx984/0/eaa394af/L/IMG_0563-3-L.jpg)
Well the snow was deep and fluffy. It was clear there was no warm up in the last couple days. The mile hike down the ridge to where I was hoping the deer would be was difficult. I was honestly wishing I'd brought my ski gear along for the hunt! :)
Deep, fluffy snow!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-ptdvhLN/0/6f3c862a/L/IMG_0580-4-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-jRqjQD9/0/d5ada68a/L/IMG_0593-5-L.jpg)
Sunrise and the scenery was incredible!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-CqXhdvz/0/e22c6ace/L/IMG_7066-8-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-TkfvZ6Z/0/311c1ba5/L/IMG_7088-12-L.jpg)
When I finally reached the spot I wanted to bail off the ridge into the south facing meadows, I immediately found some deer sign sidehilling (not just heading down hill which I figured was promising.) The snow was very loud to walk in but I followed the trail very slowly still hunting and glassing constantly. The further I walked the more deer sign I sound so I knew I was on the right track and there were deer in the area.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-wXBXXFN/0/a93303f6/L/IMG_0606-10-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-V3xZ9NZ/0/5cb7d22b/L/IMG_7102-14-L.jpg)
I was encouraged by the amount of deer sign I was seeing, it was by far the most I'd seen in any one location on the hunt. The country I was in was beautiful but incredibly steep. The lower I got the more deer sign I saw as there was more and more country melted out and visible feed for the deer to eat. About 9:30 am I finally jumped a doe out of it's bed (the first deer I'd seen since November 2!) but unfortunately there was no buck with it. Still I was encouraged to be finding some deer.
Happy to be seeing some sign.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-NXkfgzj/0/f7bfc5f8/L/IMG_0562-2-L.jpg)
Steep country!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-KxpGNxm/0/6c294e01/L/IMG_7106-15-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-5tdBhrx/0/10ee17f9/L/IMG_7109-16-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-Z3ZQZzW/0/95c4394d/L/IMG_7110-19-L.jpg)
Eventually I found some buck tracks following a doe and sidehilling just above treeline (about 1000 feet below the ridgeline at this point.) I slowly followed the tracks and still hunted through for literally about 6 hours straight. I found one spot where it looked like the buck had mounted a doe. Eventually the tracks met up with about 4 other tracks and all started moving down further into the timber. I kept following another 400 feet down and eventually jumped another doe out of it's bed but again, no buck with her.
Converging deer trails:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-BwZtP7q/0/a1a6e10a/L/IMG_7113-21-L.jpg)
One tired hunter!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-ZKCBZj4/0/9173d37a/L/IMG_0622-18-L.jpg)
By this point it was about an hour from sunset and I was totally bushed from so long still hunting through deep snow and steep country. I had brought a tent and sleeping bag/pad with me in case I wanted to spend the night (I dropped them at the ridgeline about a mile back the ridge). At first upon seeing all the sign, I assumed I would set up camp and return in the morning but after checking the forecast I saw it was supposed to storm all night and to be honest, I was completely bushed from still hunting in the deep/steep snow for that long. I decided to make one more (slightly quicker) pass about half way up the meadow and see if I could catch any deer coming out to feed right at dusk. Unfortunately my pass turned up no new tracks and no deer. I hit the ridgeline right as the sun went down and had the mile trek back to my tent/sleeping bag and then a 3000 foot drop back to the truck.
I was trudging along, honestly, mostly keeping my head down. The trek back was mostly through the north facing basins and I didn't expect to see anything feeding through those basins. Despite that, I kept my eyes open for any fresh tracks since that morning (I didn't cut any) and took time to glass for a minute in the 3 or 4 common glassing areas along the way. I did not see any sign that deer were moving through those north facing basins and honestly didn't expect that. About a half our after sunset, right I reached the spot with my tent hanging in a tree and right before I bailed into the timber I glanced up and saw 2 deer standing about 100 yards away just staring at me. With the naked I could tell that the one in the rear was significantly larger than the front one and had a swollen up neck. I grabbed my rifle and got set up on shooting sticks and zoomed the scope into 9. As I was getting set the lead deer (I'm assuming a doe) took off running into the timber, I put the scope on the rear deer (still standing broadside staring at me) and saw antlers about ear width and above the ears and said to myself: "Good enough." :) Right as I made the decision to shoot, he took off running, I lead him just a bit and squeezed the trigger as he ran into my scope. I thought I saw him hump up at the shot but then he took one more leap and was in the trees.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-3KN9DrH/0/71e10369/L/IMG_0630-24-L.jpg)
To be honest, I was just in shock. I knew he wasn't a monster buck but I was just praying he was one I'd be proud of. (Well honestly I was just hoping he was dead! :) ) I quickly walked up to the spot where he was standing and immediately found some scarce spots of blood. I honestly was hoping for more blood but at least I found something!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-Q98f3sD/0/ccd37659/L/IMG_0634-25-L.jpg)
I followed the tracks and from where I saw him make his last leap, he took two more jumps and then fell over dead! :) He was a nice, relatively mature 3x2. I was definitely pleased! The running shot literally took him right through the heart. (I packed the heart out, literally there is a hole right through the middle of it!)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-RWb7hw9/0/c4e96c28/L/56342040230__34DD8D9D-182B-44BD-825E-C034BAB1AE9E-31-L.jpg)
It was obviously quite dark at this point and my DSLR camera does not have a built in flash so I had to use my iPhone on a timer set up against my pack. It didn't make for the best photos but hey, it works. :)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-2FVVfDw/0/9e11f49d/L/IMG_0651-34-L.jpg)
I made a few calls to friends/family to share the news and in hopes of wrangling someone into coming to help. No one would be able to help until Saturday at the earliest and I just got it in my head that I would pack everything out on my own. I knew the pack out would suck but I just kept telling myself that it's always the miserable pack outs that you look back on with fondness. :chuckle: I took time to get all the meat off the buck including the heart, neck meat, rib meat, etc. Man, processing a deer in a foot of snow is really convenient! You can keep everything so clean!!! When I finally finished eating a snack, breaking down the deer, and getting my pack loaded, it was 9pm. I called my wife and told her I was headed out then tried getting the pack on.
I'll admit I fell over (3 times) just trying to stand up with the pack on my back. I couldn't believe how heavy it was! I started down the trail (thank God for trekking poles and crampons!!!) and literally just waddled down the trail. Due to the way I had my gun strapped to my pack (butt of the gun hanging below the bottom of the pack) it was not easy to sit down and take the weight off my back, so I literally just gutted it out and hiked for an hour and 50 minutes straight. It was literally the most physically demanding thing I can ever remember doing. I really just thought about laying down and quitting for the last half hour. :chuckle:
As miserable as the pack was, the Kifaru carried the weight as well as I could ever expect it to!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Hunting/2018-Washington/i-X8PTq2s/0/07351beb/L/IMG_0664-35-L.jpg)
When I finally saw the tail lights reflecting in my headlamp, I couldn't believe it I was so excited. I had rubbed raw two spots on my lower back (literally bloody spots on my shirts) and my shoulders and shoulder blades and hips have visible bruises. I'd been away from the truck for 18 hours, covered 14.7 miles, and climbed 5390 feet of elevation throughout the day. Roughly half of that was off trail in ankle to knee deep snow in extremely steep country! When I got home I weighed my pack (my first weigh-in wasn't right as the butt of the gun was still attached and taking some of the weight of the pack so I put the pack on again this morning (ouch) and subtracted body weight) and it weight 140.2 pounds! The drive home was also brutal as I was so tired from the hunt I had to keep sticking my head out the window just to stay awake! When I finally got home I pulled the pack out of the truck then went inside and washed my hands and climbed into bed and just zonked out.
Ultimately, I didn't get the Booner deer I was hoping for but considering what deer have been doing (lack of movement and rut activity) I'm very happy with what I turned up. I've always romanticized taking an alpine buck in the deep snow and I was finally able to do that and it was awesome! Despite being extremely tired and sore, I'm pumped to get out again and chase these alpine ghosts again next year! There is no better place than the alpine to get to view God's AMAZING creation and just spend time talking with God. Plus you can't beat the free range, organic venison I get to bring home to my family. Literally, the first words out of my son's mouth were: "Thank you daddy for bringing home deer meat for our family!" Praise God for the ability to do that!
I hope you all enjoyed following along throughout my hunt!
Post by: X-Force on November 09, 2018, 10:18:25 PM
Beautiful country.
Good looking deer.
Post by: fishnfur on November 09, 2018, 11:01:08 PM
Post by: Thehowler on November 09, 2018, 11:38:26 PM
Post by: brokentrail on November 10, 2018, 06:56:49 AM
Post by: teanawayslayer on November 10, 2018, 07:13:01 AM
Post by: PastorJoel on November 10, 2018, 07:14:44 AM
Post by: JakeLand on November 10, 2018, 08:12:25 AM