Post by: Dan-o on November 17, 2024, 10:24:47 PM
Through a series of life events, I allowed myself to get TOTALLY out of shape.
No excuses. Just the truth.
I made a personal commitment to lose a bunch of weight this year in an effort to extend my quality of life and my hunting years.
I also dutifully put in for quality tags, knowing that I have limited years left to cash in.
Incredibly, I was SELECTED for a Quality deer tag this year. After waiting for the WDFW draw SNAFU to settle, I was still in possession of the quality tag I wanted.
I'd been looking forward to this hunt for a variety of reasons, but mostly to be able to hunt with some buddies I'd never hunted with.
I grew up hunting in Utah in the 70's, when shooting big Mule Deer wasn't exactly a gimme but it was pretty commonplace in our family. After moving to Washington, I shot some deer, but just not the caliber of the deer I grew up with.
So my buddies kept me PUMPED for my hunt and kept me on track with my weight loss to be able to hunt better. Come hunt time, I'd lost over 90 pounds and we had some really nice target bucks.
The night before my hunt opened, we'd put two target bucks to bed.
We actually got video of target buck number 1 passing on his genes the evening before the opener.
I didn't think there was any way I'd sleep, but somehow I slept well.
My hunt date came and as promised my buddies wouldn't let me shoot just any buck.
At one point on opening morning, we had a really nice 3X4 plus good eye guards at 21 yards for several minutes. I promised my buddies I'd keep my trigger off the finger while I put the scope on him and let him walk.
Throughout the day, we had several encounters, but hadn't seen the big target buck.
I may leave out some details from the day (sorry Dan).
As often happens when hunting, right at dusk he suddenly appeared.
The shot wasn't difficult, and down he went.
There was no ground shrinkage as far as I was concerned.
In my eyes, he's a truly great old buck, and I was really pleased to take him.
His mass is really just stunning to me.
But taking this buck is a very distant second to just getting to go on a hunt with these guys that I'd never hunted with before. The effort they put in and the shared joy of the success was simply the best. I can't begin to adequately express what the whole experience means to me. I'm a very blessed man.
Jim, Josh, Rick....................... I owe you more than I can ever repay.
And I WILL be down 100 pounds by the end of the year. You can mark it on my 3x5 card right now.
Pics to follow..... bear with me.
I wanted to get this written up and posted.
Guys please feel free to add any good pics you'd like to this thread.
Post by: Dan-o on November 17, 2024, 10:29:39 PM
Including video of him passing on his genes. Rated X.
Post by: Dan-o on November 17, 2024, 10:52:41 PM
Post by: Dan-o on November 17, 2024, 10:55:48 PM
Post by: Dan-o on November 17, 2024, 11:01:41 PM
It just doesn't work in my house.
But when I brought of getting a shoulder mount of this buck, my wife instantly proposed a great place for it to hang.
Post by: full choke on November 17, 2024, 11:03:10 PM
Post by: addicted1 on November 17, 2024, 11:04:26 PM
Post by: Romulus1297 on November 17, 2024, 11:51:40 PM
Post by: MLBowhunting on November 18, 2024, 12:00:21 AM
Post by: Katmai Guy on November 18, 2024, 12:02:59 AM
Post by: Timberstalker on November 18, 2024, 04:47:40 AM
Solid buck and a great set of memories.
Post by: nwwanderer on November 18, 2024, 04:51:51 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on November 18, 2024, 05:34:18 AM
Post by: Buckhunter24 on November 18, 2024, 05:35:12 AM
Post by: BLDtraLR on November 18, 2024, 06:02:59 AM
Post by: Mfowl on November 18, 2024, 06:04:49 AM
Post by: redi on November 18, 2024, 06:58:22 AM
Post by: jrebel on November 18, 2024, 07:12:36 AM
Post by: hunter399 on November 18, 2024, 07:13:07 AM
Congrats man.
Post by: Griiz on November 18, 2024, 07:17:10 AM
Post by: Skillet on November 18, 2024, 07:58:00 AM
:tup:
Post by: jackelope on November 18, 2024, 07:59:15 AM
Pics you say!!? Coming in hot.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20241118/367b9c09fceb722365a3af44e5c939d4.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20241118/f3ee3555e3b4e5eddfb22d365da70dbf.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20241118/7696ef58f05c151d5ae007a8b2e34ec1.jpg)
The mass on this buck was the deal maker for all of us. We had pics of him for probably a month leading up the hunt. When Dan and Rick found him the day before the permit opened, I was giddy thinking Dan might be able to put him on the ground.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20241118/1b4d72d74c26eb6b3543a38c360b4463.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20241118/fdbcce1cb9da791e576caed90715b60e.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20241118/9112d9f0b1ea366fe1348f155c80e824.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20241118/fcd7e01511252431b882627eebb2adf3.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20241118/4bf7c6b7a94119732b3c783834f41068.jpg)
We rough scored him at 156 3/8”. We’ll eventually see how accurate my half-ass measurements were.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20241118/bebd8badc2093c81c04cd7d9f9d9f653.jpg)
Post by: wadu1 on November 18, 2024, 08:08:15 AM
Post by: Transka on November 18, 2024, 08:12:16 AM
Post by: Rainier10 on November 18, 2024, 08:15:40 AM
I was worried after putting him to bed and not finding him first thing in the morning but the good thing was we got to hunt more and see some much more activity. Passing good deer that you would shoot any minute of the general season is tough. But knowing there are bigger deer out there that’s what you have to do.
Dan is a great guy. Anyone that knows him will tell you the same. The hunt was an absolute blast and he was rewarded handsomely with a great deer.
It is important to note that Dan is 6’9”, that is a big man next to a big deer.
I really applaud the weight loss. He gives us the update every Monday so he is accountable and sticks with it. He started at the beginning of the year. As of this mornings update he was down 97 pounds. He’s done it just a few pounds at a time weekly. His first week was his biggest loss of 11 pounds but since then it’s been 1-5 pounds a week. Slow and steady. He really is committed to living healthier.
Great job putting in the work and thanks for letting me tag along on an epic hunt. The experience was legendary and the deer certainly was the cherry on top.
Post by: Buckjunkie on November 18, 2024, 08:17:54 AM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 18, 2024, 08:23:23 AM
Post by: Rainier10 on November 18, 2024, 08:25:09 AM
Dans log time hunting partner couldn’t be there until the afternoon of opening day but he got there just in time for the recovery of this deer which was great.
Post by: jackelope on November 18, 2024, 08:30:54 AM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20241118/e6e7929a9baf582cf65707de5d60472a.jpg)
Post by: 7mmfan on November 18, 2024, 08:43:09 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on November 18, 2024, 08:55:15 AM
Post by: pd on November 18, 2024, 08:56:19 AM
I can't even imagine losing 100#. What fortitude that would require. You are quite the man, for sure.
Congratulations to you and to your team; you really found a nice buck. The scouting really worked this time.
Post by: teanawayslayer on November 18, 2024, 09:02:00 AM
Post by: muleyslayer on November 18, 2024, 09:07:44 AM
Post by: Wingin it on November 18, 2024, 09:22:31 AM
Post by: millerwheeler on November 18, 2024, 09:25:26 AM
Post by: wafisherman on November 18, 2024, 09:27:23 AM
Post by: Twispriver on November 18, 2024, 09:43:39 AM
Post by: highside74 on November 18, 2024, 09:48:48 AM
Post by: Ghost Hunter on November 18, 2024, 09:57:52 AM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 18, 2024, 10:30:59 AM
Post by: OutHouse on November 18, 2024, 10:37:35 AM
Post by: wapiti22 on November 18, 2024, 10:46:01 AM
And congrats on losing all that weight. You won't regret it!!!
Post by: finnman on November 18, 2024, 10:49:52 AM
Post by: dvolmer on November 18, 2024, 11:04:29 AM
Post by: Pacific Ghost on November 18, 2024, 11:14:30 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on November 18, 2024, 11:21:17 AM
Post by: SkookumHntr on November 18, 2024, 11:46:51 AM
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on November 18, 2024, 11:59:36 AM
Post by: Tbar on November 18, 2024, 01:01:50 PM
Post by: MADMAX on November 18, 2024, 01:05:30 PM
Congrats on a fine buck
Post by: Rob on November 18, 2024, 01:16:57 PM
Filling a quality deer tag with a buck worthy of the tag after having lost 90 pounds is out of this world!
Congrats
Post by: jjhunter on November 18, 2024, 01:18:23 PM
Post by: KNOPHISH on November 18, 2024, 01:18:35 PM
Post by: Rob on November 18, 2024, 01:18:44 PM
We had to hide all of Dan’s ammo so he didn’t smoke this buck at 21 yards the first morning.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20241118/e6e7929a9baf582cf65707de5d60472a.jpg)
This truck must have the same genetics as that deer.
Would be a cool oddball mount though!
Post by: Ironhead on November 18, 2024, 01:34:11 PM
Post by: teanawayslayer on November 18, 2024, 04:22:36 PM
😂We had to hide all of Dan’s ammo so he didn’t smoke this buck at 21 yards the first morning.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20241118/e6e7929a9baf582cf65707de5d60472a.jpg)
This truck must have the same genetics as that deer.
Would be a cool oddball mount though!
Post by: mountainman on November 18, 2024, 05:22:14 PM
Congratulations!
Post by: Bob33 on November 18, 2024, 06:21:24 PM
Congratulations on a very nice deer.
Post by: Dan-o on November 18, 2024, 06:57:16 PM
I'll be getting a semi sneak left turn for the perfect spot in our house.
Post by: Dan-o on November 18, 2024, 07:02:14 PM
We had to hide all of Dan’s ammo so he didn’t smoke this buck at 21 yards the first morning.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20241118/e6e7929a9baf582cf65707de5d60472a.jpg)
21 yards and staring at me.
Thanks for holding my ammo, Josh!
And seriously thanks for the pics.
Post by: actionshooter on November 18, 2024, 08:20:51 PM
Hats off to all the helpers, sounds like you had a great crew! And a huge congrats to the health improvements!
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on November 18, 2024, 09:50:39 PM
Post by: bearhunter99 on November 18, 2024, 09:54:34 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Angry Perch on November 20, 2024, 07:49:22 AM
Post by: C-Money on November 20, 2024, 08:20:42 AM
Post by: kellama2001 on November 20, 2024, 09:32:07 AM
Post by: mburrows on November 20, 2024, 02:40:52 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on November 21, 2024, 12:14:42 PM
Post by: sjhgraysage on November 26, 2024, 02:22:30 PM
Post by: Alchase on November 26, 2024, 04:07:39 PM
Two awesome accomplishments, 2024 is a good year!
I can’t wait to see the mount!
Post by: boneaddict on November 26, 2024, 04:22:37 PM
Post by: Dan-o on November 26, 2024, 06:38:05 PM
What a gorgeous buck Dan-o. That’s awesome. I saw a photo Josh posted but had no idea it was yours. Just perfect
Thanks all.
I'm super happy with this.
I'm really grateful Josh got some good pics, because my pics are lousy.
Post by: fly4fish on December 04, 2024, 06:55:28 PM
Post by: NOCK NOCK on December 04, 2024, 07:38:11 PM
Post by: Dan-o on December 04, 2024, 08:28:20 PM
Not sure how I missed this. Wowzers on a cool buck. Mass and a tank of a body. Well done sir!
I still look at him every day........ :)
Post by: bobcat on December 04, 2024, 08:28:52 PM
Post by: JakeLand on December 04, 2024, 09:06:32 PM
Sorry I missed this
Post by: LDennis24 on December 04, 2024, 09:33:00 PM
Post by: elkrack on December 09, 2024, 08:28:24 PM
Post by: Dan-o on December 10, 2024, 08:39:59 AM
This buck is heavy!! Getting to hold it was pretty impressive! Good to meet ya Dan :tup:
Thanks Mike.
It was great to meet you.
Super happy you stopped by - THANKS FOR THE WOOD. Mrs. Dan-o is super happy and it bought me the time I need.
I have met some of the best people on this site. :tup: :tup:
I might have snuggled with the rack last night.
Post by: Mtnwalker on December 10, 2024, 08:49:48 AM
Post by: ctwiggs1 on December 10, 2024, 09:06:54 AM
Post by: Rainier10 on December 10, 2024, 01:44:30 PM
Clearly the buck got back up and was busy all night since we couldn’t find him the next morning.
Lucky for us he loves the ladies and had to come back at night. Pretty sure he was close the whole time and we just couldn’t see him.
That is a really great buck for the area, glad you were able to connect, thanks for letting me tag along.
Post by: Dan-o on December 10, 2024, 04:12:08 PM
Dream buck for me for sure.
I still pick up the rack more days than not.
@Rainier10 , you thanking me for letting you tag along is a little like Kobe Bryant thanking his neighbors for letting him play on the community rec team.
Post by: Machias on December 11, 2024, 08:44:41 AM
Post by: Dan-o on December 11, 2024, 03:37:20 PM
Awesome write up! What a masher buck!! You are VERY inspiring. We are both on the same journey!!
Right on, Fred!
I saw your write up as well.
Couple old farts getting it done!
Post by: Moose Master on December 11, 2024, 08:44:50 PM
Post by: Dan-o on December 11, 2024, 09:22:56 PM
Well sir great buck, now what's up for next year with not having a job to get in the way?
I'm sure I'll think of something. :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: jae on December 13, 2024, 08:46:15 AM
Post by: elkboy on December 13, 2024, 09:17:58 AM