Post by: 7mmfan on June 23, 2021, 08:37:08 AM
My plan at this time is to arrive on the 9th or 10th and hunt until the end. We will have our wall tent setup somewhere in the area and way to much firewood cut so we can enjoy those long November nights the right way. I'll update with our camp location as the time approaches and anyone in the area is not only welcome, but encouraged to stop by and have a campfire chat. We will not be in camp during daylight hours, that is for sure. Anyway, just wanted to share my good fortune, it was nice to draw a tag after striking out in ID, MT and WY this year.
Rory
Post by: MADMAX on June 23, 2021, 08:43:17 AM
My buddies kid got drawn for same tag
We will be there as well
👍
Post by: mp.hunter on June 23, 2021, 08:54:41 AM
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Post by: Mtnwalker on June 23, 2021, 09:09:34 AM
Post by: 7mmfan on June 23, 2021, 09:13:42 AM
Should be an awesome time no matter what. Just the opportunity to be up there in November with hardly anybody else in the woods will be well worth the draw, and knowing that there's a shot at killing a great buck even if they aren't behind every tree like the "glory days" is enough to keep the fire burning. Looking forward to following along with this one, November mule deer in a wall tent is about as good as it gets. Congrats on pulling the tag!
This. This is what I'm really excited about. Spending a week with my Dad hunting Mule Deer, hopefully with snow on the ground and big camp fires every night. Doesn't get much better.
Post by: cbond3318 on June 23, 2021, 09:22:53 AM
That is going to be an awesome time and I'm sure you'll turn up what you're after in there. :tup:
Post by: 7mmfan on June 23, 2021, 09:37:10 AM
Well that's a dang good consolation to the Idaho situation!!!
That is going to be an awesome time and I'm sure you'll turn up what you're after in there. :tup:
My standards are fairly high for this hunt. I'll have time, and I have flexibility as to how to use it. I know what kind of deer roam those hills, but I am a realist and understand that it will take a lot of effort and luck to find them. I fully intend on hunting the whole season looking for the buck I want, and then maybe killing a meat buck on the way out if it presents itself. I would be ok if I didn't kill anything looking for the right one.
Post by: Timberstalker on June 23, 2021, 09:40:30 AM
Post by: huntnphool on June 23, 2021, 10:04:57 AM
Post by: Brushbuster on June 23, 2021, 11:40:27 AM
Post by: tgray on June 24, 2021, 08:19:38 AM
Post by: blindluck on June 24, 2021, 09:23:53 AM
Had that tag a few years back, awesome fun hunt. Good luck :tup:How did your hunt go, Any pictures?
Post by: tgray on June 24, 2021, 10:03:59 AM
seen lots of smaller bucks, I shot a decent buck with a couple days left in the season, probably should have waitedHad that tag a few years back, awesome fun hunt. Good luck :tup:How did your hunt, Any pictures?
Post by: blindluck on June 24, 2021, 02:04:33 PM
Post by: OutHouse on June 24, 2021, 02:24:58 PM
Post by: tgray on June 24, 2021, 02:29:11 PM
That's a great buck Tgray. I spend a fair amount of time in that unit. That would be a shooter all day in my opinion, I know I couldn't hold out. I knew an old timer up there who ran a little store in Winthrop. He had tons of pictures of massive bucks taken in that unit and neighboring units. I've seen some big ones come out of the Rendezvous area.Oh I’m happy with him, I did see a tank though a few days before that I couldn’t get on and this was the first day it snowed and had a few days left, never know I guess but I think looking back it was only going to get better….maybe.
Post by: 7mmfan on June 24, 2021, 03:03:02 PM
seen lots of smaller bucks, I shot a decent buck with a couple days left in the season, probably should have waitedHad that tag a few years back, awesome fun hunt. Good luck :tup:How did your hunt, Any pictures?
Great buck. That's a great representative of the species. Thanks for sharing Tgray
Post by: JakeLand on June 24, 2021, 05:09:32 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on June 24, 2021, 06:50:15 PM
Good luck !and keep me updated , guess I won’t see you and your pops up blacktail hunting this year :dunno:
You may still see us in there. Just I have the tag so he may want to hunt BT. I won't be packing unless I have a bear tag still though!
Post by: Odell on July 14, 2021, 02:34:16 PM
Post by: wilywin on July 27, 2021, 12:12:23 PM
Post by: ghosthunter on July 27, 2021, 12:35:37 PM
Post by: mp.hunter on July 27, 2021, 12:37:22 PM
I would not let fires dampen my excitement if i had that tag. I shot my biggest buck one year standing in fire retardant in a burned area. The deer you are looking for is moving through not living there. Your deer doesn't know the area is burning and wont care once he gets there in November.Good advice, my brother has this tag, may open up some country for the late hunt👍🏻
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Post by: MtnMuley on July 27, 2021, 03:18:10 PM
I would not let fires dampen my excitement if i had that tag. I shot my biggest buck one year standing in fire retardant in a burned area. The deer you are looking for is moving through not living there. Your deer doesn't know the area is burning and wont care once he gets there in November.Good advice, my brother has this tag, may open up some country for the late hunt👍🏻
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How could the Cub Creek fire "open up some country" for the late hunt? I don't see the chance of accessing most parts of 218 very likely at all.
Post by: mp.hunter on July 27, 2021, 03:24:44 PM
Open as far as visibility, if it’s still closed then yes bummer.I would not let fires dampen my excitement if i had that tag. I shot my biggest buck one year standing in fire retardant in a burned area. The deer you are looking for is moving through not living there. Your deer doesn't know the area is burning and wont care once he gets there in November.Good advice, my brother has this tag, may open up some country for the late hunt👍🏻
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How could the Cub Creek fire "open up some country" for the late hunt? I don't see the chance of accessing most parts of 218 very likely at all.
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Post by: bigmacc on July 27, 2021, 03:26:21 PM
I 100 percent agree….. :yeah:I would not let fires dampen my excitement if i had that tag. I shot my biggest buck one year standing in fire retardant in a burned area. The deer you are looking for is moving through not living there. Your deer doesn't know the area is burning and wont care once he gets there in November.Good advice, my brother has this tag, may open up some country for the late hunt👍🏻
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
How could the Cub Creek fire "open up some country" for the late hunt? I don't see the chance of accessing most parts of 218 very likely at all.
Post by: MADMAX on July 27, 2021, 04:58:48 PM
To heck with deer hunting
Deer are where you find em
Post by: Twispriver on July 27, 2021, 05:15:29 PM
I'm thinking the same thing and my place is across the Twisp River but directly in line with Thompson Ridge
Post by: MADMAX on July 27, 2021, 05:44:39 PM
We can’t even make a run over to get the heads rugs and euros out of the cabin
Locked out
Understandable
No entry
Post by: Wingin it on July 27, 2021, 06:43:40 PM
For you folks that have houses and cabins in the area my fingers are crossed for you. My buddy has a place off the Twisp river road and starting to sweat a bit now.
Post by: bigmacc on July 27, 2021, 06:54:10 PM
I’d be there ready to roll if I had that tag! Like others said, the deer you are hoping to hunt are migrants and they will be coming through whether it’s burned or not.
For you folks that have houses and cabins in the area my fingers are crossed for you. My buddy has a place off the Twisp river road and starting to sweat a bit now.
I agree, the problem is going to be access, a lot of routes will be taking detours depending on how long and how hot this thing burns, thats a fact, knowing those detours and having access will be the key. If they shut down roads and access points it could get complicated.
Also, thoughts and good luck to those with places in harms way, I know a few myself. :tup:
Post by: Wingin it on July 27, 2021, 07:26:18 PM
I’d be there ready to roll if I had that tag! Like others said, the deer you are hoping to hunt are migrants and they will be coming through whether it’s burned or not.
For you folks that have houses and cabins in the area my fingers are crossed for you. My buddy has a place off the Twisp river road and starting to sweat a bit now.
I agree, the problem is going to be access, a lot of routes will be taking detours depending on how long and how hot this thing burns, thats a fact, knowing those detours and having access will be the key. If they shut down roads and access points it could get complicated.
Also, thoughts and good luck to those with places in harms way, I know a few myself. :tup:
I agree with access being a challenge. This fire isn’t going to be out anytime soon and who knows to what extent it will burn. I realize a good jag of it has already gone up in flames too. I’m just saying if access is available I wouldn’t lose hope on the hunt with that tag. Also some areas may burn really hot and some may not be burned up too bad. Hoping for the latter in some of the area. It will be a real bummer if a big chunk burns so hot it sterilizes the ground. Like you I’ve been hunting this area for many years (3 decades). I’m hoping for best case in a bad situation! Maybe it will help in the long run… the herd is in sorry shape.
Post by: 7mmfan on October 08, 2021, 10:56:10 PM
I'm really just hoping some guys will share their past successes with this hunt. Not locations, I know where I want to be, but the hunt itself, what your experience was, photos if you have them. Need to scratch this itch for another month!
Post by: bear on October 09, 2021, 06:16:17 AM
Post by: time2hunt on October 09, 2021, 07:12:48 AM
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Post by: boneaddict on October 09, 2021, 08:54:30 AM
Post by: boneaddict on October 09, 2021, 08:56:28 AM
Post by: time2hunt on October 09, 2021, 09:42:15 AM
I find it sickening that there are actually people posting on this forum(not this thread) requesting help to fill their second doe tag in the area. If you can’t fill a doe tag, you should probably recognize there is a problem with the herd.We as hunter and sportsman all should realize that this herd is in trouble and do are part . If that means closures for a year and find a new area so be it. I will be donating to that regions MDF for rehab.
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Post by: Colville on October 09, 2021, 09:49:25 AM
Post by: 7mmfan on October 09, 2021, 02:25:50 PM
Post by: MADMAX on October 09, 2021, 03:55:26 PM
Post by: Skillet on October 09, 2021, 04:08:00 PM
Well this turned into a pooper.
Looks like just a few guys suggesting that over-harvesting the local does is not a good idea at the moment - I don't think anybody is intentionally raining on your parade by suggesting the few late season tags (basically OIL) targeting the migrators are the problem.
I hope to see a grip-and-grin pic with a massive buck in the snow posted up next month! :tup:
Post by: Little Stu on October 09, 2021, 04:33:25 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on October 09, 2021, 08:12:42 PM
Well this turned into a pooper.
Looks like just a few guys suggesting that over-harvesting the local does is not a good idea at the moment - I don't think anybody is intentionally raining on your parade by suggesting the few late season tags (basically OIL) targeting the migrators are the problem.
Oh I agree, I think the negativity is angled toward doe harvest, and I agree, there should be zero doe harvest in the valley other than maybe whitetail does.
Post by: huntnphool on October 09, 2021, 11:55:36 PM
I find it sickening that there are actually people posting on this forum(not this thread) requesting help to fill their second doe tag in the area. If you can’t fill a doe tag, you should probably recognize there is a problem with the herd.
Do you remember years back, when we admitted buying doe tags just to burn them, and then getting ripped for taking opportunity away from other hunters? :chuckle:
My entire family still maintains the traditional practice, as I’m sure yours does, regardless the *censored* we get thrown our way! ;)
Post by: Jingles on October 10, 2021, 04:59:16 AM
The winter kill of 95/96? was more devastating to the herd than the number of doe permits, was nothing to see 20 to 30 dead deer a day following that winter. I also believe that had a major effect on migration patterns as "lead does" didn't survive the winter, consequently more and more in town deer every year.
Post by: boneaddict on October 11, 2021, 03:08:36 PM
I find it sickening that there are actually people posting on this forum(not this thread) requesting help to fill their second doe tag in the area. If you can’t fill a doe tag, you should probably recognize there is a problem with the herd.
Do you remember years back, when we admitted buying doe tags just to burn them, and then getting ripped for taking opportunity away from other hunters? :chuckle:
My entire family still maintains the traditional practice, as I’m sure yours does, regardless the *censored* we get thrown our way! ;)
Yep and YEP!
Post by: bigmacc on October 11, 2021, 04:23:15 PM
I find it sickening that there are actually people posting on this forum(not this thread) requesting help to fill their second doe tag in the area. If you can’t fill a doe tag, you should probably recognize there is a problem with the herd.
Do you remember years back, when we admitted buying doe tags just to burn them, and then getting ripped for taking opportunity away from other hunters? :chuckle:
My entire family still maintains the traditional practice, as I’m sure yours does, regardless the *censored* we get thrown our way! ;)
Yep and YEP!
Boy howdy :tup:, we've used them for firestarters over the years ourselves.
Post by: dvolmer on October 11, 2021, 06:17:03 PM
I find it sickening that there are actually people posting on this forum(not this thread) requesting help to fill their second doe tag in the area. If you can’t fill a doe tag, you should probably recognize there is a problem with the herd.
Do you remember years back, when we admitted buying doe tags just to burn them, and then getting ripped for taking opportunity away from other hunters? :chuckle:
My entire family still maintains the traditional practice, as I’m sure yours does, regardless the *censored* we get thrown our way! ;)
Yep and YEP!
Boy howdy :tup:, we've used them for firestarters over the years ourselves.
I think This is a grand idea and will start doing this myself.
Post by: 2MANY on October 11, 2021, 08:05:15 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on October 12, 2021, 01:32:11 PM
Kill a masher 7mm!!!
:tup: :tup: :tup: :hunter: :mgun2: :bfg: :hunt2: :beatdeadhorse: :llam:
Post by: Mtnwalker on October 12, 2021, 01:44:20 PM
Kill a masher 7mm!!!
:yeah: Been looking forward to this one, hope you guys smash a toad!
Post by: KP-Skagit on October 12, 2021, 02:00:28 PM
I tagged out early and spent a couple days just peeping around for rutting mulies. Found myself in the ditch at one point but saw a couple bruisers in 218. Good luck!
Post by: 7mmfan on October 12, 2021, 02:08:57 PM
If its anything like last year road closures might not make much of a difference. There was so much snow for my 231 whitetail tag you could hardly make it out of town.
I tagged out early and spent a couple days just peeping around for rutting mulies. Found myself in the ditch at one point but saw a couple bruisers in 218. Good luck!
I would love a good snow. It's been ages since I got to hunt mule deer in the snow. It would sure move them down and concentrate them a bit too. I have a fairly good understanding of their migration routes in 218 so it would certainly streamline our hunting with lots of snow.
I also just went and adjusted my vacation time for the hunt. I had originally requested the week of 8-12 off, to try and catch the peak rut timing, but I just bumped it out a week to take advantage of the later part of the hunt and hope for more weather/deer movement. I'll be over there each of the weekends prior though, keeping an eye on things and trying to locate big doe groups.
Post by: 2MANY on October 12, 2021, 03:30:49 PM
I hope your not in trouble.
LOL
Post by: KP-Skagit on October 12, 2021, 04:00:12 PM
Here is some motivation. Horrible pic but you get the idea. The hunter who got in touch with me didn't get him.
Post by: 7mmfan on October 12, 2021, 06:20:00 PM
Oh man.
I hope your not in trouble.
LOL
Nothing a little something shiny can't fix. :chuckle: My wife is definitely not a hunter but I think I might be able to convince her to come along if there's a cabin rental and road hunting involved. The boy will like seeing animals.
Post by: 7mmfan on October 12, 2021, 06:28:18 PM
https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,254974.msg3453013.html#msg3453013
Here is some motivation. Horrible pic but you get the idea. The hunter who got in touch with me didn't get him.
I remember that thread. That looks like a great deer. Hopefully he finds his way back to the area this year.
Post by: MtnMuley on October 12, 2021, 07:10:57 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 12, 2021, 07:24:30 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on October 13, 2021, 08:51:45 AM
Just hope he's not on private where he was most all of last season.
If he is, he is. Will be good to look at anyway. It's always nice seeing caliber of bucks like that spreading their seed around. Sanctuary areas like that really are beneficial even if they're frustrating .
Post by: bigmacc on October 14, 2021, 11:26:02 AM
Post by: 7mmfan on October 14, 2021, 03:01:17 PM
Post by: OutHouse on October 21, 2021, 11:10:34 AM
Post by: 7mmfan on October 21, 2021, 12:16:29 PM
So a few years ago I was about one mile west of Boulder Creek campground (you can see on maps/good earth that there is a large more open area/slope. Right in that large open area saw several large bucks feeding. This was during late October I believe. MIght be a good place to glass up on your hunt. Best of luck!
Thanks Outhouse. That is a bonafide area. I spent some time this last weekend looking at that ground and approaches to get in there. There is a lot of good ground between Boulder Camp and Rendevous, most of it you just have to work a little to get into and get eyes on all of it. We camped in 1st Creek this last weekend I ran around in a fair amount of it.
Post by: 7mmfan on October 21, 2021, 12:17:33 PM
Post by: OutHouse on October 21, 2021, 12:59:44 PM
On the note of the closure area, I drove around the perimeters of it a fair amount this last weekend and I saw only a couple of rigs parked at gates into the closed area. What I didn't see at all though was any enforcement. Did anyone else notice anyone enforcing the closure areas?
I think some of the closures lifted. At least on the other side of the valley. The 100 road up Sandy Butte is closed about a mile into it, but they took the sign down that said the area was under closure so we hiked in and hunted it. My bro took a decent mule buck right in the burn area. In fact, there were tons of deer in the burns. Saw several does chewing on burnt sticks. I think they like it.
Post by: 7mmfan on October 21, 2021, 02:16:55 PM
On the note of the closure area, I drove around the perimeters of it a fair amount this last weekend and I saw only a couple of rigs parked at gates into the closed area. What I didn't see at all though was any enforcement. Did anyone else notice anyone enforcing the closure areas?
I think some of the closures lifted. At least on the other side of the valley. The 100 road up Sandy Butte is closed about a mile into it, but they took the sign down that said the area was under closure so we hiked in and hunted it. My bro took a decent mule buck right in the burn area. In fact, there were tons of deer in the burns. Saw several does chewing on burnt sticks. I think they like it.
The ones I saw were definitely still closed per the current FOrest Service closure and map thats updated on Inciweb. Also in the Chewuch area. I guess I'm just curious how strict they are really trying to be because there are a couple gates I'd really like to walk in at.
Post by: KP-Skagit on October 21, 2021, 02:33:44 PM
Post by: deerlick on October 21, 2021, 03:52:53 PM
On the note of the closure area, I drove around the perimeters of it a fair amount this last weekend and I saw only a couple of rigs parked at gates into the closed area. What I didn't see at all though was any enforcement. Did anyone else notice anyone enforcing the closure areas?
I think some of the closures lifted. At least on the other side of the valley. The 100 road up Sandy Butte is closed about a mile into it, but they took the sign down that said the area was under closure so we hiked in and hunted it. My bro took a decent mule buck right in the burn area. In fact, there were tons of deer in the burns. Saw several does chewing on burnt sticks. I think they like it.
The ones I saw were definitely still closed per the current FOrest Service closure and map thats updated on Inciweb. Also in the Chewuch area. I guess I'm just curious how strict they are really trying to be because there are a couple gates I'd really like to walk in at.
laws dont seem to mean much these days, whats the worst that could happen
Post by: 7mmfan on October 21, 2021, 04:22:59 PM
On the note of the closure area, I drove around the perimeters of it a fair amount this last weekend and I saw only a couple of rigs parked at gates into the closed area. What I didn't see at all though was any enforcement. Did anyone else notice anyone enforcing the closure areas?
I think some of the closures lifted. At least on the other side of the valley. The 100 road up Sandy Butte is closed about a mile into it, but they took the sign down that said the area was under closure so we hiked in and hunted it. My bro took a decent mule buck right in the burn area. In fact, there were tons of deer in the burns. Saw several does chewing on burnt sticks. I think they like it.
The ones I saw were definitely still closed per the current FOrest Service closure and map thats updated on Inciweb. Also in the Chewuch area. I guess I'm just curious how strict they are really trying to be because there are a couple gates I'd really like to walk in at.
laws dont seem to mean much these days, whats the worst that could happen
I don't disagree, I guess I still try to follow the rules when I can.
Post by: OutHouse on October 21, 2021, 05:23:39 PM
On the note of the closure area, I drove around the perimeters of it a fair amount this last weekend and I saw only a couple of rigs parked at gates into the closed area. What I didn't see at all though was any enforcement. Did anyone else notice anyone enforcing the closure areas?
I think some of the closures lifted. At least on the other side of the valley. The 100 road up Sandy Butte is closed about a mile into it, but they took the sign down that said the area was under closure so we hiked in and hunted it. My bro took a decent mule buck right in the burn area. In fact, there were tons of deer in the burns. Saw several does chewing on burnt sticks. I think they like it.
The ones I saw were definitely still closed per the current FOrest Service closure and map thats updated on Inciweb. Also in the Chewuch area. I guess I'm just curious how strict they are really trying to be because there are a couple gates I'd really like to walk in at.
Ahh gotcha. I didn't even check online to be honest. When the 100 road was closed the barrier was right at the beginning with a sign attached that said no entry whatsoever. But then they removed that but had a new gate about a mile in.
I always advise people to follow the law but enforcement could be tricky here. If its NF land then it might need to be a federal officer to patrol and give tickets unless there is cross jurisdictional agreement of some type. The other issue is if it is truly a federal issue then getting caught would mean some type of trespass charge under federal law. That would be taken up in federal district court which is a whole other can of worms compared to state court. At this point, the should just allow access its ridiculous.
Post by: 7mmfan on November 08, 2021, 10:00:04 AM
Sunday overslept (thanks daylight savings time and auto updating cell phones!) Hit the road for where we wanted to go after daylight. Blessing in disguise I suppose, we saw 4 bucks while driving through state land, two 2-pts, a big framed 3 pt and nice 4x3 with eye guards. Did a long loop on a closed road, saw two bucks, a 2 pt and a very nice 4 point with eye guards. He was ear width, equally tall, and had good mass. Short forks though. He was in the process of destroying an innocent tree when we walked up on him. He trotted off with most of it still hanging in his antlers.
What we didn't see any of was does. We covered a lot of ground, and put eyes on lots of likely areas. So 6 bucks was the tally for the day.
Back on Thursday afternoon and getting after it for real on Friday.
Post by: 2MANY on November 08, 2021, 11:09:03 AM
Post by: cbond3318 on November 08, 2021, 11:12:44 AM
Post by: Turner89 on November 08, 2021, 10:58:18 PM
Post by: riverrun on November 09, 2021, 12:35:54 AM
Post by: huntnphool on November 09, 2021, 09:40:12 AM
Very nice buck congrats!
Wait, did he tag something?
Post by: 7mmfan on November 09, 2021, 09:57:35 AM
Very nice buck congrats!
Wait, did he tag something?
Nope, no tag notched. There is a photo of a nice buck early on in the thread, I'm assuming that's what he's referring to.
Post by: JakeLand on November 18, 2021, 04:21:53 AM
Post by: 2MANY on November 18, 2021, 06:06:24 AM
Post by: OutHouse on November 18, 2021, 08:21:31 AM
Post by: 7mmfan on November 18, 2021, 10:08:00 AM
Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy.
Slight wind in my face makes me happy, especially when the buck is in his bed 370 yards away, and that pesky 3 pt is approaching his doe... again...
Post by: Mtnwalker on November 18, 2021, 10:18:19 AM
Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy.
Slight wind in my face makes me happy, especially when the buck is in his bed 370 yards away, and that pesky 3 pt is approaching his doe... again...
Uh oh…
Post by: 2MANY on November 18, 2021, 10:32:43 AM
Post by: OutHouse on November 18, 2021, 10:55:23 AM
Are you still wearing your Doe suit at this point?
Ha haaa not a bad idea. De-scent really well, add some urine, start waiving your butt around down wind. Although a big buck might get really pissed when he realizes what's going on!
Post by: 2MANY on November 18, 2021, 11:12:39 AM
Post by: 7mmfan on November 18, 2021, 11:20:25 AM
Are you still wearing your Doe suit at this point?
They lose their luster when you have to wear orange over them. Bucks don't want to be around does with blaze orange hair. Can't trust them.
Post by: OutHouse on November 18, 2021, 11:52:00 AM
Back in the day........................Oh forget it.
:chuckle:
Post by: Skillet on November 18, 2021, 12:58:02 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on November 18, 2021, 12:58:19 PM
Post by: X-Force on November 18, 2021, 01:02:20 PM
Post by: Ridgerunner on November 18, 2021, 01:08:58 PM
Post by: elkrack on November 18, 2021, 02:22:25 PM
Post by: mkcj on November 18, 2021, 03:27:12 PM
Post by: bigmacc on November 18, 2021, 03:38:53 PM
I bet the rut is really starting to heat up in 218. Get after it!I’ll add to the teaser and respond to the above….. Yes they are AND OH YES HE DID!
Post by: jstone on November 18, 2021, 03:50:06 PM
Post by: elkoholic1 on November 18, 2021, 04:12:38 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on November 18, 2021, 04:13:50 PM
Because of the fires, many of the auxiliary roads off the mains were closed. Much of the area was scorched, but within those zones was lots of unburned ground. It was clear from the general season that enforcement was lax, and an unofficial word from a officer was that they just didn’t want people driving in. So we planned on walking. And walk we did, a lot of it.
Moving on, I pulled into camp at about 7:30 and it was raining/snowing. A few times it really rained throughout the night. However, up where we were hunting, it was snowing. When we left the truck Friday morning, there was about 2” of fresh snow on the ground and it was cold. It was also foggy here and there, which would be a theme for the day. The first spot we stopped we spotted deer up in the head of a gully about 600 yards from us. Then the fog rolled in. I figured there were more deer than we could see so we made a loop on the road that would put us on a landing a couple hundred yards from where they were. When we got there, there were no deer to be found. We dropped into the timber and bumped a couple out, but the bulk had moved on. We found their tracks and followed them into an old burned canyon full of 10’ tall pine trees. Knowing we would never see them in there, we pulled out and carried on checking the rest of the area.
Around 2:00 we were passing the point we had initially seen the deer from that morning, and I pulled up my binos to take a look. My eyes immediately landed on a pine sapling being jerked this way and that in a violent manner. There was no wind, so it was obvious what was going on. I set up the spotter and a few minutes later a NICE 4 point stepped into the open. He was definitely worth getting a closer look at. At this point, the fog rolled in, so we used it as cover to move up the canyon on an old spur and got setup where we thought we would be 200 yards away or so. When the fog cleared I found all the does, but couldn’t find the buck. After about 10 minutes or so, the closest doe, approximately 100 yards away, must have got a faint whiff of us, as she threw her nose up, snorted and starting walking off up the draw. Well big boy was laying the trees just out of sight from us, and he stood up to follow her. I got a great look at him. Not quite ear width, equally tall, big fronts, weak backs, good mass. Man he was beautiful with a super dark chocolate coat and dark antlers. My Dad was quietly wringing his hands behind me when I told him I wasn’t going to shoot him. It was day one, and I had a lot more deer to see.
Over the next few days, we had ups and downs. The weather went from cold, to super snowy, to super warm and windy, and back to cold. We were seeing an average of 5-8 bucks a day with 1 or 2 of them being nice bucks. I was having a lot of fun looking at deer and Dad was finally coming around to the idea of looking at lots of bucks while trying to find “the one”. We got to experience watching big bucks chase does, and the pecking order of little bucks hanging close. It was really a unique experience that I wish we all got to do with a gun in our hands more often here.
Tuesday morning woke cold and relatively still. We had had nasty weather the day and night before, so I thought the deer would be out in force that morning so we started early and walked about 4 miles into a canyon we had been seeing the most deer in. We eased around the corner right at first light and immediately spotted a doe. Then another, and another, then suddenly the hillside was alive with deer. There were 15+ does and 4 bucks on the hillside. The smaller bucks were doing a fair amount of running, but the obvious big buck on the hill was tending a couple does and not leaving their sides. With the naked eye, he was significantly bigger bodied than any of the other deer on the hillside. He stood out like a sore thumb. My Dad got him in the binos first and said, “Rory, I think you should take a close look at this one. He is a DANG nice buck.” We set up the spotter and I located him. He was walking away up a steep hillside and his width and mass were obvious. The 4” kicker off his right side was also obvious. I was getting excited. He then turned and I saw his enormous fronts. His backs were weak comparatively but knew immediately that I would be a fool to not shoot this deer.
The problem was, he was 500 yards away across the canyon, and between him and I was 500 yards of 8” deep s
uper crusty frozen snow. This was legitimately as close as I was getting. I had practiced at this distance, but said I would never shoot at an animal at that distance. But here I was with the largest buck I’d ever had the opportunity to shoot at. The conditions were good, no wind, and I had a great spot to set up. So I dialed the scope up, dry fired several times, and got comfortable with it and then told Dad to get on the spotter, I was sending one. He was standing tall and proud on the rock outcropping, exactly 500 yards away, broadside. When the trigger broke, my site picture was of crosshairs exactly where they were supposed to be. BOOM! Dad says, “Nothing. He’s just standing there.” The deer was clearly not hit, and Dad hadn’t been able to see where the bullet went. Without that bit of information, I opted to not continue shooting. I just wasn’t going to keep throwing bullets across the canyon without any input on where they were going.
Luckily the deer were unphased. A few jumped and scurried around, but within a few seconds everyone was back to feeding like nothing had happened. I decided at that point to do a long stalk and hope to catch them at the ridge top. ¾ mile later, I eased out on the ridgeline just in time to see them go over into the reprod a couple hundred yards below me. I tried to gain a vantage but it was useless. I opted to just backout and wait/hope for them to come back out that afternoon. At 1:45, we rounded the corner back into the basin and there they were, high on the ridge, just feeding away. Big boy was still tending his does, and the other bucks were losing their minds. I immediately started a long stalk. The wind wasn’t right for me to gain the ridge this time, so I was going to have to shoot from the bottom. I found the closest I could get and still see him was 370 yards. I made myself a little shooters nest, and got my gun on my pack and got comfortable, then proceeded to wait. For nearly 40 minutes. He was laying in his bed near the does and all I could see was his head and horns. I could see the big three point laying about 10 yards away as well. I really enjoyed just laying there looking at him. I wished I’d had a big lensed camera to take some photos as he was majestic up there on top of the ridge sky lined.
Finally, I noticed the big 3 pt that was bedded nearby stand up and stretch. I figured things might escalate so I got on the gun and got ready. Sure enough, the 3 pt came up and sniffed at big boys doe, and he did NOT like that. His ears laid back and I could see his hackles raise. He jumped out of his bed and hooked at the buck. The doe scampered down the ridge just a few yards and he came down just enough for me to feel good about shooting. I lined up, took a deep breath and squeeeeeezzzzeeedddd that trigger. BOOM! All I saw was legs in the air and a little movement behind a screen of brush. Buck down! I marked my shooting location, grabbed my stuff and headed that direction. Not 2 minutes after the shot, I was on the spur road immediately below him and the big 3 pt came down with a new 4 point in tow, chasing the doe that had previously belonged to big boy. They wasted no time. They also gave zero you know what’s that I was there, and just stood there looking at me. What an experience.
I climbed up the ridge and as I neared, I heard a weird knocking sound. As I cleared the last pile of rocks, there was my buck piled up against a rock outcropping and a burned log, very much alive. He was floundering around trying to get his feet but could not. I quickly dispatched him with a shot to the neck, now with my elation deflated knowing he’d been laying up there with a broken back for 10 minutes. I felt terrible. However, it get’s weird. Upon closer inspection, the only visible wound was a crease across his back about 2” long. There was no blood, heck the bullet hadn’t even hit meat. When quartering him there was some bruising however, so the only thing I can think of is that the shock of the bullet grazing him was enough to bruise his spinal cord and incapacitate him for a while. His back was not broken. I honestly think that given a little time, he’d have gotten his feet under him again and been back to chasing does.
I honestly feel a little sheepish that my shooting was not better. I haven’t had time to verify my guns zero but I suspect that somehow the scope is high because that shot at 370 was a no brainer. It’s a shot I’m very comfortable making. I’ll have to get out and shoot soon to verify so I can make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Either way, I spent the next few minutes with the buck, just quietly honoring him and his life. He was a magnificent animal and I wish his death had been a little cleaner. The view from where he died was absolutely stunning, and one that I’ll remember. At that point I drug him down to the road just as Dad came up the hill to us. He’d been lucky enough to watch it all unfold in the spotter from several hundred yards away. He told me that in the last couple hundred yards coming up to me, he had nearly been run over twice by bucks chasing does! He was loving it! We had a game cart in the truck, which was 4 miles away, but Dad offered to all night it and walk out to get the cart, and then hoof it back in so we didn’t have to pack that huge SOB out on our backs. I built a fire and got him field dressed. I knew it was cold but didn’t realize how cold until I went to dump my water into his cavity for a rinse, and it was all frozen! I then got to enjoy about 45 minutes next to my fire, while the buck aired out and drank some coffee from my thermos and ate a snack while the moon rose up from the east.
Finally I saw Dad’s head lamp come bobbing around the corner a mile or so away. I met him half way and drug the cart the rest of the way to give him a breather. It was a late night getting back to camp and getting that buck hung. We enjoyed some chili and celebratory pull of scotch next to a roaring campfire. Man, what a hunt. It was one we’ll not soon forget.
Post by: 7mmfan on November 18, 2021, 04:16:32 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on November 18, 2021, 04:17:07 PM
Post by: Mfowl on November 18, 2021, 04:19:51 PM
Post by: Ridgerunner on November 18, 2021, 04:20:26 PM
Post by: Ironhead on November 18, 2021, 04:23:58 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on November 18, 2021, 04:25:51 PM
Post by: gee_unit360 on November 18, 2021, 04:27:34 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 18, 2021, 04:35:59 PM
My father did that to a buck once as well skimmed his spine. Dropped like a hammer. We watched him for a minute and he didn't move at all. We got over there after crossing the canyon just as he stood up. He got a neck shot as well and was back down for the count.
My grandfather skimmed the antler of a buck and killed him dead. No idea how that killed him but he was stone dead. Pretty crazy stuff.
Post by: Skillet on November 18, 2021, 04:56:03 PM
Also - if a buck touches both jams of a 30" wide door, it sure ain't a 20 incher. I get that the B&C scoring is inside spread only - but it also doesn't allow you to account for all of that spread if the both of the main beams are less than that measurement... so it is an arbitrary scoring metric, not a real-world measurement. Total external width counts around my campfire. :tup:
Post by: jstone on November 18, 2021, 05:11:43 PM
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on November 18, 2021, 05:24:58 PM
Post by: hunter399 on November 18, 2021, 05:26:39 PM
Stud buck...
Great job👏
Post by: h2ofowlr on November 18, 2021, 05:32:44 PM
Post by: hunt6226 on November 18, 2021, 05:34:30 PM
Yep its a 30” buck…
Post by: cbond3318 on November 18, 2021, 05:39:35 PM
Post by: mp.hunter on November 18, 2021, 05:42:32 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: steeleywhopper on November 18, 2021, 05:44:42 PM
Post by: Griiz on November 18, 2021, 05:57:46 PM
Post by: zwickeyman on November 18, 2021, 06:01:19 PM
Post by: elkrack on November 18, 2021, 06:17:56 PM
Post by: Watimberghost on November 18, 2021, 06:20:03 PM
Post by: jowings22 on November 18, 2021, 06:22:45 PM
Post by: bigmacc on November 18, 2021, 06:25:44 PM
From the tip of the kicker, to the other side, is just over 30". Can I say that I killed a 30" washington buck now?Yes you can, just don't mention the weight :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Ive said it before 7mm, its a beautiful buck, a dandy buck, a buck of a lifetime. I will add that I just met this young man this year, he is a hunter, a guy that is welcome in our camp anytime. We didn't get to meet his dad because of the time frame and constrictions (on my side), but I'm looking forward to a friendship that will move forward. I hold information tight to the vest, I reached out to him because reading his stories and experiences reminded me of myself 50 years ago, my brother thought the same. This fella knows his stuff, he knew what he wanted, he knows that hunting these deer is not only killing a buck but respecting the animal and for that, you earned our respect Rory. If you ever draw that tag again you know where I'm at, if you NEVER draw that tag again, you know where I'm at. Once again, congratulations young man, my brother and I tip our hats to you and your buck :tup:
Post by: Mtnwalker on November 18, 2021, 06:44:51 PM
From the tip of the kicker, to the other side, is just over 30". Can I say that I killed a 30" washington buck now?Yes you can, just don't mention the weight :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Ive said it before 7mm, its a beautiful buck, a dandy buck, a buck of a lifetime. I will add that I just met this young man this year, he is a hunter, a guy that is welcome in our camp anytime. We didn't get to meet his dad because of the time frame and constrictions (on my side), but I'm looking forward to a friendship that will move forward. I hold information tight to the vest, I reached out to him because reading his stories and experiences reminded me of myself 50 years ago, my brother thought the same. This fella knows his stuff, he knew what he wanted, he knows that hunting these deer is not only killing a buck but respecting the animal and for that, you earned our respect Rory. If you ever draw that tag again you know where I'm at, if you NEVER draw that tag again, you know where I'm at. Once again, congratulations young man, my brother and I tip our hats to you and your buck :tup:
Now that’s funny right there :chuckle: awesome buck, so cool when a trip like that meets all your high hopes and expectations! Congrats to you guys
Post by: KP-Skagit on November 18, 2021, 06:47:47 PM
Post by: Timberstalker on November 18, 2021, 07:00:52 PM
Post by: boneaddict on November 18, 2021, 07:07:50 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on November 18, 2021, 07:39:10 PM
From the tip of the kicker, to the other side, is just over 30". Can I say that I killed a 30" washington buck now?Yes you can, just don't mention the weight :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
I'm going to be weighing out the meat tomorrow. That cooler was heavy :chuckle: Thanks Rick. You and your brother went above and beyond sharing your hard earned info and knowledge when you didn't have to, and it certainly helped out. It really helped focus my efforts in the areas I was most likely to find success. The beer was good too. :chuckle: Maybe some day I'll be able to return the favor.
Post by: JakeLand on November 18, 2021, 08:13:50 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on November 18, 2021, 08:19:52 PM
Good job !! Out here hunting in Montana and you shoot a buck of a lifetime!!
Right place right time man! Have fun back there. You'll find a good one.
Post by: Heiny on November 18, 2021, 08:21:02 PM
Post by: westside Elkhunter on November 18, 2021, 08:41:23 PM
Post by: Scruffy on November 18, 2021, 08:48:26 PM
Post by: 2MANY on November 18, 2021, 08:48:37 PM
Cheers!
Post by: jackelope on November 18, 2021, 09:08:04 PM
Post by: riverrun on November 18, 2021, 09:28:58 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 19, 2021, 07:04:27 AM
Post by: OutHouse on November 19, 2021, 08:01:02 AM
Post by: C-Money on November 19, 2021, 08:16:42 AM
Post by: 7mmfan on November 19, 2021, 09:27:43 AM
Great buck glad to see this. Did you see anything in that bonafide area I/we mentioned earlier in thread? I'm sure there was a lot of hussling around on that hunt!
I never even stepped foot in that area. In the first couple days I was able to ID a couple of main areas that had concentrations of animals and I basically just lived in those areas. I'm sure there were animals in the stuff you mentioned, there was just no reason for me to venture over there.
Post by: knighttime25 on November 19, 2021, 09:33:36 AM
Post by: The Fin on November 19, 2021, 11:09:07 AM
Post by: bigmacc on November 19, 2021, 11:16:01 AM
From the tip of the kicker, to the other side, is just over 30". Can I say that I killed a 30" washington buck now?Yes you can, just don't mention the weight :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
I'm going to be weighing out the meat tomorrow. That cooler was heavy :chuckle: Thanks Rick. You and your brother went above and beyond sharing your hard earned info and knowledge when you didn't have to, and it certainly helped out. It really helped focus my efforts in the areas I was most likely to find success. The beer was good too. :chuckle: Maybe some day I'll be able to return the favor.
Your welcome Rory :tup:, now hurry up and change your avatar :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: Wunderlich33 on November 19, 2021, 11:59:35 AM
Always great to see the same type of energy and respect given to these animals from fellow hunters. Hard work pays off. :tup:
Post by: muleyslayer on November 19, 2021, 12:00:39 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on November 19, 2021, 12:53:44 PM
From the tip of the kicker, to the other side, is just over 30". Can I say that I killed a 30" washington buck now?Yes you can, just don't mention the weight :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
I'm going to be weighing out the meat tomorrow. That cooler was heavy :chuckle: Thanks Rick. You and your brother went above and beyond sharing your hard earned info and knowledge when you didn't have to, and it certainly helped out. It really helped focus my efforts in the areas I was most likely to find success. The beer was good too. :chuckle: Maybe some day I'll be able to return the favor.
Your welcome Rory :tup:, now hurry up and change your avatar :chuckle: :chuckle:
There you go, just for you Rick.
Post by: bigmacc on November 19, 2021, 01:09:04 PM
👍 :chuckle:………You kids and your technology :chuckle: :chuckle:From the tip of the kicker, to the other side, is just over 30". Can I say that I killed a 30" washington buck now?Yes you can, just don't mention the weight :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
I'm going to be weighing out the meat tomorrow. That cooler was heavy :chuckle: Thanks Rick. You and your brother went above and beyond sharing your hard earned info and knowledge when you didn't have to, and it certainly helped out. It really helped focus my efforts in the areas I was most likely to find success. The beer was good too. :chuckle: Maybe some day I'll be able to return the favor.
Your welcome Rory :tup:, now hurry up and change your avatar :chuckle: :chuckle:
There you go, just for you Rick.
Post by: dvolmer on November 19, 2021, 01:26:33 PM
Post by: elkoholic1 on November 19, 2021, 05:17:50 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on November 19, 2021, 06:39:09 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on November 20, 2021, 06:28:56 PM
Post by: High Climber on November 20, 2021, 06:39:09 PM
Post by: cougkilr on November 20, 2021, 06:49:14 PM
Post by: Turner89 on November 21, 2021, 10:34:58 AM
Thanks for the write up.
Post by: SuperDave on November 21, 2021, 08:41:26 PM
Post by: huntnnw on November 21, 2021, 10:31:48 PM
Post by: mkcj on November 22, 2021, 09:03:07 AM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on November 22, 2021, 10:03:39 AM
Post by: powderbounder on November 23, 2021, 09:58:23 AM
Post by: MADMAX on November 23, 2021, 05:01:28 PM
I was up there for the late hunt with a friend who drew
He passed on a bunch of bucks
We saw a couple of candidates but not the one he was after
and met a few guys who got theirs
It’s a great hunt and you definitely did it justice
Congrats
Post by: jae on December 02, 2021, 10:29:39 AM
Congratulations.
Post by: bigmacc on December 07, 2021, 12:11:03 PM
Great Buck, incredible how big those North end Bucks bodies are.
It wouldn't surprise me a bit if this fella was a B.C buck, there is about 7-10 different routes that converge in the area 7mm was concentrating in, a handful come down some routes out of the Pasayten and a couple come from direct north and will converge with the Pasayten routes. They will mill around and stage for awhile in the area until(and if, depending on weather) they form a larger group and head farther south, some will drop off here and there and winter, some will continue up to another 10-15 miles farther south. My brother and I keep looking at the pictures, 7mm,s buck looks very similar to some genetics that come out of Canada, we killed one back in the 80,s that was collared and had a transmitter on it(already told that story), summered about 20 miles into B.C and he spent his winters in a particular area in the Methow, we killed him that year while he was in route to his wintering area that was about another 8-10 miles down valley. Similar looks as bucks we kill close to the border(when we used to be able to hunt into November and actually hunt migrations), the same area an old cowboy I know took those fellas from a particular outdoor magazine to get pictures of bucks and write an article about "Border Jumpers", back in the 60,s I think :dunno:, it was about who did these deer really belong to, Washington or B.C, kind of a fun little article because these deer don't belong to anyone but Mother Nature IMHO. Once again 7mm, great buck, would be cool to know his history and his haunts, who knows where his summer stomping grounds were. Fantastic buck.
Post by: trophyhunt on December 07, 2021, 12:25:14 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on December 07, 2021, 12:38:29 PM
Post by: nwalpineguide on December 07, 2021, 12:47:44 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on December 07, 2021, 02:00:22 PM
Outstanding Rory, well done. I respect and admire your achievement, and I enjoyed reading your trip report.
Thanks Mike!
Post by: lemondog on December 07, 2021, 07:57:13 PM
Post by: bigmacc on December 14, 2021, 10:46:44 AM
That is something my Dad and I discussed at length, wishing that we could know that old boy's history. Crossing paths with him at a moment in time on a gigantic landscape feels like such a small part of the story. If a guy could backtrack him and follow him around we could learn so much.:yeah: The buck we killed with the collar and transmitter was very cool. It had a brass plate that read if this collar was found, please contact the Game Department, we did and got a really neat letter from the fella that trapped and collared this particular buck as a 2 1/2 year old, they singled him out because he looked like he had real good genetics bred in, it was the bios 1st tag and collar. He sent us the history of the bucks movements, where he was darted and collared and when they lost track of him when the battery pack died. Turns out(without getting into specifics) he was born in the Methow, then tagged a couple years later in the mid/late 70,s. They tracked him for 3 years or so, he summered about 20 miles into B.C then each winter would migrate down into the Methow, using the exact same route each year, vearing off a little here and there but sticking with the route to get from point A to point B, about a 58mile trip, one way. They tracked him wintering in the same area each of the 3 years the transmitter was working, he ended up within a 2 mile radius of the exact spot each year, then in the spring, back up into Canada. We killed him when he was 7 1/2, heavy horned massive buck, field dressed well over 300 lbs. Yep, the stories these bucks could tell. That buck you got there 7mm reminds me a lot of bucks that come out of B.C, we've killed a few, seen herds migrating in back in the day and seen pictures of some killed by guys in B.C, they all "have a look" to them I guess you'd say. I could certainly be wrong but id bet money on it just the same :chuckle: :tup:. There his still a few around but nothing like it was, not even close, it makes it even more of an achievement killing a buck like that nowadays, great job and Great buck.
Post by: 2MANY on December 14, 2021, 12:01:41 PM
Kinda has that kicker thing on the right side going on too.
(https://i.ibb.co/HFnK3nr/Pictures-from-camera-disc-May-2012-518.jpg) (https://ibb.co/C1hwDhn)
(https://i.ibb.co/jrFrYT9/Pictures-from-camera-disc-May-2012-517.jpg) (https://ibb.co/YLGLS34)
Post by: 7mmfan on December 14, 2021, 12:40:29 PM
Prior member from the family tree perhaps??
Kinda has that kicker thing on the right side going on too.
(https://i.ibb.co/HFnK3nr/Pictures-from-camera-disc-May-2012-518.jpg) (https://ibb.co/C1hwDhn)
(https://i.ibb.co/jrFrYT9/Pictures-from-camera-disc-May-2012-517.jpg) (https://ibb.co/YLGLS34)
Maybe, but that animal of yours is in an entirely different class. I'm glad you shared that, what a brute!
Post by: 2MANY on December 14, 2021, 12:54:49 PM
He had a 3 inch kicker on his right side as well, but it broke off during the tumble.
A fridge full of deer head and steelhead eggs.
Man I miss the steelhead fishing I took for granted all those years.
(https://i.ibb.co/hXSspvD/IMG-20141119-151642-100.jpg) (https://ibb.co/rbVknJ4)
Post by: blindluck on December 14, 2021, 01:48:30 PM
Prior member from the family tree perhaps??whoa, What a cool big buck, what’s his outside spread? Did you darken those antlers??
Kinda has that kicker thing on the right side going on too.
(https://i.ibb.co/HFnK3nr/Pictures-from-camera-disc-May-2012-518.jpg) (https://ibb.co/C1hwDhn)
(https://i.ibb.co/jrFrYT9/Pictures-from-camera-disc-May-2012-517.jpg) (https://ibb.co/YLGLS34)
Post by: 2MANY on December 14, 2021, 02:20:37 PM
He was very old, had hideous teeth, skinny, and had a backbone that poked up like a dorsal fin.
I'm sure he would have winter killed the year I shot him.
The antlers weren't colored but he must have lived and rubbed in a burn.
His horns smelled like a fire pit and actually had charcoal dust on them.
I do believe a wax was rubbed on to preserve the color.
Perhaps it gave them some shine and darkness as well???
Regardless Rory's deer has some very similar traits to these 2.
Congrats Rory!!!
Post by: 7mmfan on December 14, 2021, 02:36:09 PM
The buck was a little over 30.5" outside.
He was very old, had hideous teeth, skinny, and had a backbone that poked up like a dorsal fin.
I'm sure he would have winter killed the year I shot him.
The antlers weren't colored but he must have lived and rubbed in a burn.
His horns smelled like a fire pit and actually had charcoal dust on them.
I do believe a wax was rubbed on to preserve the color.
Perhaps it gave them some shine and darkness as well???
Regardless Rory's deer has some very similar traits.
Congrats Rory!!!
The fridge pic of your buck definitely gives a different perspective and VERY similar traits. If I recall, we killed ours fairly close to each other. It wouldn't surprise me a bit to find out that they are related.
In one way the idea of that is really cool. Big cool migratory deer with the same genes using the same paths year after year, spreading their seed around. At the same time though, it is a little nerve racking for me to think that the gene pool could be that limited in such a big area that we could kill bucks years apart sharing the same genes. I guess that's how migratory deer work though. Needless to say, your deer had several years and my deer had to have had at least a few years of creating progeny out there. I like to think there's several like him out there that come through unseen every year.
Post by: 2MANY on December 14, 2021, 02:54:22 PM
We drew as partners.
I ate tag soup that year.
My son is holding the one I shot a few years prior.
IMO all 3 have similar traits.
Post by: 7mmfan on December 14, 2021, 03:38:17 PM
The fridge pic is my wife's buck.
We drew as partners.
I ate tag soup that year.
My son is holding the one I shot a few years prior.
IMO all 3 have similar traits.
Thanks for clarifying, I was really confused there for a minute. I think knowing the deer that travel that corridor, there's a good chance they all share genetics. One thing is for certain, they are all awesome deer.
Post by: OutHouse on December 15, 2021, 04:35:02 PM
The fridge pic is my wife's buck.
We drew as partners.
I ate tag soup that year.
My son is holding the one I shot a few years prior.
IMO all 3 have similar traits.
Thanks for clarifying, I was really confused there for a minute. I think knowing the deer that travel that corridor, there's a good chance they all share genetics. One thing is for certain, they are all awesome deer.
Grandfather or even great grand father mule deer buck comes to mind. All of these are really cool for comparison.
Post by: bigmacc on December 16, 2021, 06:33:58 PM