Post by: BULLBLASTER on May 30, 2023, 04:34:31 PM
In 2022 i drew a controlled hunt in idaho with a November season. This was the type of tag that i could realistically shoot my biggest mule deer, though that isn't necessarily a very high bar. Lots of anticipation and info gathering commenced immediately after.
Talked with some prior tag holders and some folks i know that have elk hunted the area. Turned my Colorado tag back in for a refund, and managed to skip my September weekend of elk hunting for a weekend of scouting in September.
Saw some cool country and got the lay of the land on that sept trip and added to my excitement. Ran into a couple of guys on horseback that were adamant that i specifically was the reason that more and more gates are locked and areas are closed because of me riding my atv and dirt bike where i shouldn't, though this conversation happened as i was putting my backpack on at my truck where i most definitely did not have a motorbike or atv. I was just the evil nonresident hunter ruining their day i guess. didn't see much for animal activity in September but it was a good trip.
Post by: BULLBLASTER on May 30, 2023, 04:35:43 PM
Post by: High Climber on May 30, 2023, 04:40:05 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on May 30, 2023, 05:06:47 PM
A couple more scouting pictures. Note, if you can tell where this is based on my pictures please dont blast it to the forum.
It's in Idaho
Post by: BULLBLASTER on May 30, 2023, 05:11:01 PM
The drive down took much longer than i had hoped because of the weather and accidents but we made it, and got camp set up in an absolute downpour of rain. The rain at camp excited me because i knew it was dumping snow in the high country.
The morning of the first day was spent gathering firewood and seeing where we could get with the snow. That afternoon we tried to get to a high area to hunt and glass down the mtn, but could not get exactly where we wanted to go. Glassed in a different area that evening, not seeing much but some does and elk. Right at dark we glassed a bench far below us with a herd of deer, one of them absolutely dwarfing the others. Couldnt get a picture but i wanted to be there in the morning.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on May 30, 2023, 05:23:34 PM
Post by: RB on May 30, 2023, 05:32:33 PM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on May 30, 2023, 06:11:05 PM
This country was very steep and definitely had limited areas that were holding deer. Unfortunately those areas were a bench/shelf of elevation that was either a 1500 foot climb up from a road or a 3000 foot drop from another road.
We elected going up from the bottom and a couple canyons over to get around and above where we saw the deer. The hike was long and steep, and we didn't start early enough. We managed to spot a couple of small bucks in another ridge, but there wasn't anything in the vicinity of where the herd was the evening prior.
Also i am terrible about taking many pictures of my hunts.
Post by: BULLBLASTER on May 30, 2023, 06:15:04 PM
Post by: jjhunter on May 30, 2023, 07:37:22 PM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on May 30, 2023, 08:59:26 PM
Once we made it down i dropped all my gear and layers and took off on the 1.5 mile jog to pick the truck up and come back for big G (my buddy that was helping me). For the amount of snow and cold up high it was hot as balls down at the bottom.
I was pretty gassed after that so we were going to head back to camp for a rest and then do some driving and glassing that afternoon. Half way back to camp i spotted antlers 100 yards or so above the road. After a couple turn arounds to get in view we watched him bedded for a bit. He was a nice buck but with his missing fork, just wasn't what i was after yet. It was nice to start seeing bucks tho!
Glassing that afternoon we saw a few other bucks as well.
Post by: BULLBLASTER on May 30, 2023, 09:01:26 PM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on May 30, 2023, 09:03:50 PM
Bullblaster is typing with his trigger fingers….unreal. It’s almost my bedtime…these fingers are very fast on the trigger, but struggle immensely with typing. :chuckle:
Post by: jjhunter on May 30, 2023, 09:06:51 PM
Will we a pic of the buck or will I get CO deer results, first? :chuckle:
Post by: BULLBLASTER on May 30, 2023, 09:19:22 PM
Third hunting day we wanted to hunt one of the long ridges in the picture in my first post, but someone beat us there. Off to plan B, another ridge line opposite a large valley. Another long like and no deer to be seen, lots of tracks though. The snow was pretty deep there.
That afternoon we went back to the area we saw the bucks in the evening before. It was so dang windy that i could barely work the spotting scope, but spotted a buck with potential a long ways off but with the shaking just couldn't see what he was.
We hiked around and above him and were able to confirm that he wasn't quite there either. It was a good exercise though. Spotted another few small bucks that evening as well.
When we got back to camp we had been noticing a drastic increase in deer at the campground each night the first night there were 2-3, the second night 7-10, the third night 15-20, and the night of the 3rd hunting day there had to be 30+ deer in the campground. It was crazy, and we took it as a good sign that deer were moving down.
Post by: BULLBLASTER on May 30, 2023, 09:20:36 PM
Post by: Dan-o on May 30, 2023, 10:30:24 PM
Awesome country and some nice bucks so far!
Post by: 2MANY on May 30, 2023, 10:58:43 PM
The horse vs atv thing came close but........
Post by: huntnnw on May 30, 2023, 11:03:54 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on May 31, 2023, 08:50:07 AM
Figured I’d save you guys some of the agony of having to wait for the ending with a teaser pic of his buck:chuckle: just glad he finally got his best muley with that one.
Post by: BULLBLASTER on May 31, 2023, 08:59:56 AM
Figured I’d save you guys some of the agony of having to wait for the ending with a teaser pic of his buckThis is my story! Dont be giving the ending away!
Post by: 2MANY on May 31, 2023, 09:52:07 AM
Too bad it broke the one point.
Post by: grundy53 on May 31, 2023, 10:19:19 AM
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Post by: Pathfinder101 on May 31, 2023, 10:38:45 AM
Post by: luvmystang67 on May 31, 2023, 11:25:24 AM
Post by: Buckhunter24 on May 31, 2023, 11:50:18 AM
Post by: bearpaw on May 31, 2023, 01:54:34 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on May 31, 2023, 02:26:37 PM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on May 31, 2023, 03:12:41 PM
Post by: sjhgraysage on May 31, 2023, 03:20:33 PM
Post by: mburrows on May 31, 2023, 04:12:12 PM
Post by: Sneaky Squirrel on May 31, 2023, 04:19:21 PM
I just wished you would of waited until after June 5th to post though.... Thinking my draw odds in Idaho will tank after the stories out.
Post by: BULLBLASTER on May 31, 2023, 04:44:16 PM
We woke up early and while big G was drinking his metimucil and coffee, he said “i had a weird dream last night and that means you will kill today!” I laughed and made fun of him being old and got excited, we hung around camp and waited for close to light as we didn't have far to go to where we wanted to start glassing.
We made it to the first area we wanted to glass and i got out my tripod and binos. I was seeing some deer and G was busy getting in a fight with his spotting scope (he is an archery hunter through and through and doesnt spotting scope well at all). After he beat the scope into submission and threw it back in the truck he started using his binos and said “hey look, theres a buck”
He was looking way too far with his binos to see that, but i moved the spotter over there and sure enough, he was right. Within a couple seconds of looking at that deer made the decision that we were going after him. My methods are simple really, g2s that are near or as long as the chest to back, and front and back forks that the deers head can fit in.
Dropped a pin on my on x where he was, and verified that it was public land, and we were off.
Post by: BULLBLASTER on May 31, 2023, 05:02:23 PM
Got geared up with my rifle strapped to my pack and took off up the steep hill. We needed to gain 200-300 feet of elevation and quickly.
About a third of the way up G got my attention and pointed me to a buck just above us and moving out. Luckily it was the 3x4 from a few days ago. I kept marching up to where there was a small gap and a bushy tree to cover my peaking into the wide open shelf.
As i neared the crest i slowed down to catch my breath, and slowly picked my way over a foot at a time and glassing each new spot i could see. There were so many deer in that area that it was tough to look at them all and not get busted.
My heart sank when i realized i could see most all of the area and while there were many deer, the buck we were after was nowhere to be seen. There was a spike and 3 point chasing and running does all over. We took a few minutes to watch, listen, and think about what to do next. I knew i wasn't going to leave this area, but i couldn't believe that buck would leave that many does.
Scanning to the left it became apparent that there was still a little terrain that we still couldnt see, but there was no cover to get to where we could see. I looped back and moved left and started peaking back over the top, but it rolled just enough to block view. Finally i decided that i just need to crawl up. There was some kind of weed, brush stuff on that thing that was the loudest vegetation on the face of the earth! Every time i moved i would scrape against one weed and it would move and make the next 10 move and scrape.
Finally i got to where i spotted a bedded buck through the vegetation! Confirmed it was him with my binos. Cleared enough pf a shooting position that i could make the shot and got on my rifle. He was bedded facing straight away but looking left so i had a good view of his neck. There were 6-8 does milling around him, but they were getting nervous of us, so i knew i needed to do something soon. I whispered to G that i was going to shoot him in the neck and settled back in.
As i was about to shoot, the buck jumped up and turned broadside and i could see does running, so i moved and slammed the trigger when my crosshairs hit his shoulder. There was a loud impact and he dropped. I racked another shell thinking i may have been a bit high. 30-40 seconds later he tried to get his legs under him and one more shot to the chest did him in.
Post by: BULLBLASTER on May 31, 2023, 05:06:03 PM
Post by: Ironhead on May 31, 2023, 05:09:50 PM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on May 31, 2023, 05:10:35 PM
We made it to him, ate some snacks and then broke him down and carried him out.
Post by: Buckhunter24 on May 31, 2023, 05:14:11 PM
Post by: High Climber on May 31, 2023, 05:20:34 PM
Post by: Falcon on May 31, 2023, 05:25:48 PM
BB
Thanks for a awesome story and huge congrats on a true trophy :drool:
Post by: ShaneTyTrey on May 31, 2023, 06:29:29 PM
Post by: mburrows on May 31, 2023, 06:30:19 PM
Post by: Mtnwalker on May 31, 2023, 06:33:53 PM
Post by: go4steelhd on May 31, 2023, 06:38:02 PM
Post by: Mfowl on May 31, 2023, 06:40:31 PM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on May 31, 2023, 06:44:59 PM
Im not a writer, that story was just what flew out from memory with no edits or draft's. Hahahah
Post by: blackymaster20 on May 31, 2023, 06:52:05 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on May 31, 2023, 08:06:24 PM
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on May 31, 2023, 08:26:21 PM
Post by: millerwheeler on May 31, 2023, 08:41:40 PM
Post by: redi on May 31, 2023, 09:17:10 PM
Post by: Deadeyety on May 31, 2023, 09:33:40 PM
Post by: bearpaw on May 31, 2023, 09:41:55 PM
Post by: ganghis on May 31, 2023, 09:49:58 PM
Post by: grundy53 on May 31, 2023, 10:19:26 PM
Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk
Post by: shootem on May 31, 2023, 10:28:01 PM
Post by: Bigshooter on May 31, 2023, 11:21:00 PM
Post by: huntnphool on May 31, 2023, 11:30:10 PM
Post by: Dan-o on May 31, 2023, 11:55:04 PM
Such cool country to enjoy your hunt.
Thanks for sharing.
Post by: Timberstalker on June 01, 2023, 05:58:36 AM
Thanks for sharing.
Post by: Pathfinder101 on June 01, 2023, 08:41:20 AM
Post by: 2MANY on June 01, 2023, 09:16:42 AM
The pic of you with the deer is epic.
You can literally smell the smells and feel the chill in the air.
Glad things went well for you and thanks for the share.
Post by: BULLBLASTER on June 01, 2023, 05:19:03 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on June 01, 2023, 05:33:33 PM
I should also mention that G was vital to the success of this story. He offered to join me without having a tag of his own, was up for any hiking or hell hole we went to, and put up with my being a 12 year old all week. :chuckle: plus he didnt even kill me when i stabbed him in the hand with my havalon. :sry:is there anyone you haven't stabbed with your havalon at this point? Asking for a friend...
Post by: MADMAX on June 01, 2023, 05:35:27 PM
Thanks for sharing
Post by: BULLBLASTER on June 01, 2023, 05:44:14 PM
That reminds me its your turn… need help on any hunts this year?I should also mention that G was vital to the success of this story. He offered to join me without having a tag of his own, was up for any hiking or hell hole we went to, and put up with my being a 12 year old all week. :chuckle: plus he didnt even kill me when i stabbed him in the hand with my havalon. :sry:is there anyone you haven't stabbed with your havalon at this point? Asking for a friend...
Post by: Limhangerslayer on June 01, 2023, 08:46:42 PM
Or more then likely not!😂. Congrats on a great buck and hunt.
Post by: luvmystang67 on June 02, 2023, 06:58:00 AM
I just bought some S35V knives this year and am hoping to move away from mine, because I also always stab myself or someone else.
Great buck, great story, thanks for sharing!
Post by: teanawayslayer on June 02, 2023, 07:56:22 AM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on June 02, 2023, 08:58:04 AM
The havalon stabbing reminds me of one of my favorite camp debates... to havalon, or not to havalon?
I just bought some S35V knives this year and am hoping to move away from mine, because I also always stab myself or someone else.
Great buck, great story, thanks for sharing!
I dont think ill be without a havalon until at least something better comes along. Most times i also have a lightweight fixed blade but it doesnt get much use.
Post by: BULLBLASTER on June 02, 2023, 08:59:32 AM
One day I’ll get that tag!
Or more then likely not!😂. Congrats on a great buck and hunt.
It cant be on purpose! You just have to put the option you know you wont draw as a place holder. 😬 then it crashes and burns all your plans for fall. Lol
Post by: Mtnwalker on June 02, 2023, 09:03:25 AM
Post by: teanawayslayer on June 02, 2023, 09:07:25 AM
I prefer the outdoor edge over the havalon. Still sharp but not scary scalpel sharp, more stout. Blades seem to last a while if you're somewhat careful. Most guys who try them after a havalon don't like em, but I can't be trusted with one of those flimsy little lazer sticks :chuckle:I usually carry both. Do all the break down and skinning with the outdoor edge and use the havalon for skinning the skull. I have cut myself one to many times with the havalon. Luckily no major arteries. :chuckle:
Post by: HikerHunter on June 02, 2023, 09:34:42 AM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on June 02, 2023, 09:52:02 AM
I've tried both and prefer the Outdoor Edge. I like the fact that it has a stout spine so the blade doesn't bend or break. Also, the blades are easier to change out. :twocents:I prefer the outdoor edge over the havalon. Still sharp but not scary scalpel sharp, more stout. Blades seem to last a while if you're somewhat careful. Most guys who try them after a havalon don't like em, but I can't be trusted with one of those flimsy little lazer sticks :chuckle:I usually carry both. Do all the break down and skinning with the outdoor edge and use the havalon for skinning the skull. I have cut myself one to many times with the havalon. Luckily no major arteries. :chuckle:
Post by: Karl Blanchard on June 02, 2023, 10:04:55 AM
Post by: huntnphool on June 02, 2023, 09:48:05 PM
Post by: andrew_in_idaho on June 05, 2023, 03:03:28 PM
Could you inject some politics please.My favorite was the guys who rode quads 1/2 mile out of their way to come chat with me and my kids on the opener last year. No trails or roads just bombing cross country, they rode up to my kids and I and the first words out of their mouth were “you boys need to tell your dad to get you some quads”
The horse vs atv thing came close but........
the rest of the conversation was taken up by them complaining about all of the landowners who no longer allow them to hunt their land and all I could think was “maybe it’s because you’re a$$holes who don’t respect the rules”. Anyway I told them what direction the kids and I were headed to hunt so they said ok and proceeded to race right past us. These guys were Idaho residents by the way. Resident vs nonresident is a very tired and played out trope. It reminds me a lot of racism. There are a$$hats of both types and they ruin the experience for the majority who are goodSent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: andrew_in_idaho on June 05, 2023, 03:06:02 PM
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Post by: BULLBLASTER on June 05, 2023, 03:20:43 PM
Bullblaster nice buck, one of these days I may have to skip a sheep application and put in for that tag, or maybe I’ll get banned from applying for sheep someday. Also put me on team outdoor edge, although I do have a gerber that takes those same scalpel blades but it never really comes out of my packIt only takes once to apply and draw this tag! :chuckle:
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Post by: BULLBLASTER on June 05, 2023, 03:25:15 PM
I agree that the whole resident/nonresident conflict is over the top. I can also say that it is in my experience very few residents that are so adamantly against nonresidents, but i guess its the negative experiences that get remembered. I have met resident hunters in a lot pf western states that are awesome dudes and have even been helped by them on more than a few occasions.Could you inject some politics please.My favorite was the guys who rode quads 1/2 mile out of their way to come chat with me and my kids on the opener last year. No trails or roads just bombing cross country, they rode up to my kids and I and the first words out of their mouth were “you boys need to tell your dad to get you some quads”
The horse vs atv thing came close but........
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Post by: andrew_in_idaho on June 05, 2023, 06:00:36 PM
I agree, and again to compare to racism it’s unfortunate that those who engage in the hatred the most are the loudest and overshadow the voices of the majorityI agree that the whole resident/nonresident conflict is over the top. I can also say that it is in my experience very few residents that are so adamantly against nonresidents, but i guess its the negative experiences that get remembered. I have met resident hunters in a lot pf western states that are awesome dudes and have even been helped by them on more than a few occasions.Could you inject some politics please.My favorite was the guys who rode quads 1/2 mile out of their way to come chat with me and my kids on the opener last year. No trails or roads just bombing cross country, they rode up to my kids and I and the first words out of their mouth were “you boys need to tell your dad to get you some quads”
The horse vs atv thing came close but........
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: jae on June 12, 2023, 08:41:14 AM
Good luck in the draws this year!
Post by: 2MANY on June 12, 2023, 09:12:55 AM
I agree, and again to compare to racism it’s unfortunate that those who engage in the hatred the most are the loudest and overshadow the voices of the majorityI agree that the whole resident/nonresident conflict is over the top. I can also say that it is in my experience very few residents that are so adamantly against nonresidents, but i guess its the negative experiences that get remembered. I have met resident hunters in a lot pf western states that are awesome dudes and have even been helped by them on more than a few occasions.Could you inject some politics please.My favorite was the guys who rode quads 1/2 mile out of their way to come chat with me and my kids on the opener last year. No trails or roads just bombing cross country, they rode up to my kids and I and the first words out of their mouth were “you boys need to tell your dad to get you some quads”
The horse vs atv thing came close but........
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Yep.
It's Biden's fault.
Post by: Mtnwalker on June 12, 2023, 09:39:52 AM
Bullblaster nice buck, one of these days I may have to skip a sheep application and put in for that tag, or maybe I’ll get banned from applying for sheep someday. Also put me on team outdoor edge, although I do have a gerber that takes those same scalpel blades but it never really comes out of my packIt only takes once to apply and draw this tag! :chuckle:
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Where have I heard that before... for some reason a moose tag rings a bell
Post by: OutHouse on June 13, 2023, 09:47:11 AM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on June 13, 2023, 12:58:05 PM
Post by: Vandal44 on July 08, 2023, 05:03:55 PM
The nutty thing is I pulled that tag this year, so after spending that time down there last year I have a very good idea of what dates I am headed down and where to hunt :IBCOOL: :chuckle:
Now I just need to get my rifle dialed in
Post by: BULLBLASTER on July 08, 2023, 05:39:21 PM
I had a great time on that hunt, I have to say it was a little steeper I anticipated but some amazing country
The nutty thing is I pulled that tag this year, so after spending that time down there last year I have a very good idea of what dates I am headed down and where to hunt :IBCOOL: :chuckle:
Now I just need to get my rifle dialed in
That draw still doesnt add up to me. Crazy odds! Cant wait to see what you turn up.