Post by: h20hunter on July 02, 2010, 10:21:58 AM
Here are the first four pics from last week as the outfitter begins scouting and tracking bucks in ernest.
Post by: rb2506 on July 02, 2010, 10:30:22 AM
Post by: h20hunter on July 02, 2010, 10:39:23 AM
Post by: rb2506 on July 02, 2010, 10:54:54 AM
Post by: NRA4LIFE on July 02, 2010, 11:01:04 AM
Post by: buckhorn2 on July 02, 2010, 11:22:36 AM
Post by: bucklucky on July 02, 2010, 11:56:08 AM
Post by: h20hunter on July 02, 2010, 11:56:44 AM
Post by: CMG on July 02, 2010, 12:08:16 PM
Have a great time and cherish the moments!
Post by: GoldTip on July 02, 2010, 12:11:35 PM
Post by: Austrian Hunter on July 02, 2010, 12:37:09 PM
Post by: buckreaper on July 02, 2010, 10:54:07 PM
Post by: bowhunterforever on July 02, 2010, 11:39:21 PM
Post by: rasbo on July 03, 2010, 05:01:02 AM
Post by: 400out on July 04, 2010, 10:06:03 AM
wow your dad is lucky...I think everyone should have two dads..Im available...Thats great I did one for my dad and stepdad yrs back it was a blast..keep us postedAWSOME how much did it cost for you to go along as a none hunter?
Post by: h20hunter on July 04, 2010, 10:14:46 AM
Also, got word from the old man that has some pics of a bigger buck, 4x4, MAYBE 4x5. I'll have to get my hands on the pics and post. We should be seeing more scouting pics as the summer goes along. Last year the outfitter had about shooters with a few real pigs that were being watched. They only kill a handful a year and with the mild winter and plenty of spring rain we should have some healthy bucks with a few extra pounds.
Post by: 400out on July 04, 2010, 10:22:25 AM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on July 06, 2010, 09:51:29 AM
Although my dad would have appreciated the thought when he was alive, he wasn't one to ever spend money on such a guided hunt. His knees wouldn't have handled it anyway. We spent a lot of years on the salt -fishing for what ever was running though.
My youngest boy has asked for a guided Alberta or Saskachewan hunt for his graduation present. I might just have to pony up for that one as he'll most likely graduate with honors. We've always played the 'reward for hard work' game in our family.
Have a safe and bountiful hunt!
-Steve
Post by: Recurve-Elk on July 06, 2010, 01:14:21 PM
Post by: halflife65 on July 06, 2010, 01:59:31 PM
Post by: BLKBEARKLR on July 06, 2010, 02:12:33 PM
Good luck to you both out there.
Joe
Post by: Pathfinder101 on July 06, 2010, 02:43:43 PM
Post by: h20hunter on July 06, 2010, 03:32:35 PM
What would you all consider a first day morning shooter?
Keep in mind:
Our shooter is 61
Active big game hunter 3 years now
Never shot anything bigger than a groudhog
Dead on shot at any humane distance
4 day fair chase hunt
Post by: Ridgerunner on July 06, 2010, 03:34:55 PM
Post by: h20hunter on July 06, 2010, 03:37:13 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on July 06, 2010, 03:45:23 PM
Post by: h20hunter on July 06, 2010, 03:50:07 PM
Post by: Caseyd on July 06, 2010, 03:54:10 PM
All either private and/or privately leased land.
Your guide will have a good idea whats in the area since it is private land. Doesnt mean you will run into the deer come season, but with the scouting he is doing im assuming he will have a game plan come opening day.
Id imagine any buck will be a trophy for your dad at 61 with no deer under his belt.
Post by: Pathfinder101 on July 06, 2010, 04:11:45 PM
Don't forget a couple of things:
1. That guide is working for a tip. If your dad doesn't harvest a buck, he knows he won't get much of a tip, so he will want you guys to harvest the first deer you see that meets your criteria.
2. The guide should know exactly what is available on the land you are hunting. If he tells you not to shoot a deer, then DON'T. That means he is confident that he can put you on a bigger one.
3. The guide should ask you what you are looking for. When you tell him, dont' be bashful. If you tell him you will shoot "the first 4x4 you see", then he will take you to an area where you can drill a 16" to 18" buck, so you'll be "happy", and he can save the 24" buck he's been scouting for the guy that demands that.
4. Dont' forget that with muley's, more points doesn't necessarily mean a bigger buck. Width, height and mass mean far more than "points".
So, in short, get an idea of what your dad will be happy harvesting, tell your guide, and have fun. Like I said, I hope you guys tag a bruiser!
Post by: h20hunter on July 06, 2010, 04:13:53 PM
Post by: Ridgerunner on July 07, 2010, 06:38:02 AM
Post by: MtnMuley on July 07, 2010, 11:50:22 AM
I think the buck in the opening picture is what should be expected, might get a chance at a larger one but that buck is probably about average for what most outfitters in this state kill.
I agree.
Post by: h20hunter on July 07, 2010, 12:04:59 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on July 07, 2010, 12:40:27 PM
I kind of like the look of that back. He's got one ragged ear that is kind of cool.
That ragged ear is what you get when you're a forkhorn and decide it's time to challenge the old man... :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: boneaddict on July 07, 2010, 12:57:49 PM
Post by: h20hunter on August 16, 2010, 07:12:31 AM
Post by: h20hunter on August 16, 2010, 07:13:27 AM
Post by: Raul Duke on August 16, 2010, 08:18:33 AM
Post by: h20hunter on August 16, 2010, 08:21:06 AM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on August 16, 2010, 03:36:42 PM
-Steve
Post by: h20hunter on August 16, 2010, 04:05:52 PM
Are you talking about the 4x looking over his shoulder? I wasn't sure if I was seeing the same thing.
Post by: highside74 on August 16, 2010, 09:49:05 PM
Practice alot with your video camera and watch it back before you go so you can see the things you do that you won't like. Like zooming in and out to much. Remember a little wider frame is easier to control and looks less shaky.
Post by: h20hunter on August 17, 2010, 07:11:49 AM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on August 17, 2010, 09:11:18 AM
Steve,
Are you talking about the 4x looking over his shoulder? I wasn't sure if I was seeing the same thing.
93.jpg looks like he's got eye guards. Not big ones, but he's got a couple months to grow yet.
If you're runnin and gunnin, then pick up a mono-pod for your camera.
-Steve
Post by: woodywsu on August 17, 2010, 09:42:08 AM
93.jpg looks like he's got eye guards. Not big ones, but he's got a couple months to grow yet.
If you're runnin and gunnin, then pick up a mono-pod for your camera.
-Steve
he's done growing.
Post by: 400out on August 17, 2010, 10:13:37 AM
Post by: jackelope on August 17, 2010, 10:30:20 AM
Post by: Carnivore on August 17, 2010, 11:21:09 AM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on August 17, 2010, 11:25:31 AM
That 4th buck is a dandy. I agree that at this point they are all done growing.
I do lose track of time, don't I. Hell, they'll be rubbin that velvet off in a few weeks! :rolleyes:
-Steve
Post by: woodywsu on August 17, 2010, 12:50:48 PM
Post by: EDT on August 17, 2010, 06:29:43 PM
Post by: alinrut on August 28, 2010, 06:48:24 AM
Only advice I can share came from my experience with a guide a couple years ago in Wyoming.
He will take you to what you want and he will tell you what you want to hear. Make sure he doesn't talk you into what you don't want. Pathfinder101 is dead on with his advice!!!!
Post by: h20hunter on September 03, 2010, 07:11:19 AM
Post by: h20hunter on September 03, 2010, 07:11:48 AM
Post by: turkey slayer on September 03, 2010, 08:07:06 AM
Post by: BIGMIKE on September 03, 2010, 09:09:29 AM
Post by: 400out on September 03, 2010, 11:39:00 AM
That's a great thing you're doing for him. My dad started me hunting and was my hunting partner for 20+ years. I wish I could have done something like that for him but he died before I got a chance. Our last hunt together I got a cow and barely legal mulie with my bow in the same day. He must have known he wasn't going to be hunting any more because he paid to have the buck mounted for me as a gift and I display it proudly on the wall always remembering him when I look at it. Not a trophy to a lot of people, but it means the world to me.Amen to that! it could be doe and mean more that a 180 class with memories like that! nice bag too
Post by: Viszla on September 04, 2010, 07:23:53 PM
Post by: KNOXY on September 04, 2010, 10:18:07 PM
That's a great thing you're doing for him. My dad started me hunting and was my hunting partner for 20+ years. I wish I could have done something like that for him but he died before I got a chance. Our last hunt together I got a cow and barely legal mulie with my bow in the same day. He must have known he wasn't going to be hunting any more because he paid to have the buck mounted for me as a gift and I display it proudly on the wall always remembering him when I look at it. Not a trophy to a lot of people, but it means the world to me.
Thats a great story God Bless
Post by: Phantom Gobbler on September 04, 2010, 11:57:30 PM
Post by: h20hunter on September 30, 2010, 08:04:57 AM
15 days until we hit the road. I spent some time a weekend or two ago with my outfitter. I was able to get to know him, see some land, and spend some time with his family. The experience only gave me more confidence in my choice. We saw at least 4 shooter bucks and only covered about one square mile of his area. I sat above a 4 point for 45 minutes with a archery tag burning a hole in my wallet. I was out with him to take a doe via my bow but it was awesome to see the 4x4 up close. At one point we had three shooter bucks in range at the same time. Talk about tough. After a good weekend of looking around I ended up with a better appreciation for what an outfitter does, a renewed excitement for my fathers upcoming hunt, and my first archery deer. Keep us in mind and keep checking in for updates.
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on September 30, 2010, 09:31:27 AM
Quote
After a good weekend of looking around I ended up with a better appreciation for what an outfitter does
I've never gone out with a guide/outfitter. Seen them in the woods with clients. Most of them work damn hard for those clients.
-Steve
Post by: Ripper on September 30, 2010, 12:03:13 PM
Post by: h20hunter on October 11, 2010, 07:50:23 AM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 13, 2010, 03:27:50 PM
Post by: Birdguy on October 13, 2010, 09:25:27 PM
Post by: hunterbuilder on October 13, 2010, 09:32:51 PM
Post by: h20hunter on October 19, 2010, 01:51:35 PM
Post by: C-Money on October 19, 2010, 03:37:49 PM
Post by: haugenna on October 19, 2010, 07:40:47 PM
Nice Buck! Congrats! Good to see smiles!
Great job guys.....i think the buck is smiling too. :chuckle: Looks like an awesome time. Nice job.
Post by: high country on October 19, 2010, 07:54:57 PM
is that a lightseeker or a S&B I see
Post by: CAMPMEAT on October 19, 2010, 07:56:55 PM
That's really nice you did that for your Dad. I lost mine 6 years ago. I wish I could of done that for my Dad.
Post by: elkslare on October 19, 2010, 07:59:28 PM
Post by: h20hunter on October 20, 2010, 03:29:31 PM
We arrived at the Tanglewood Ranch and met up with Oren Jensen. A few other hunters that were showing up began to arrive. We spent the first evening just getting acquainted with other guides, settling in, having some food, and getting general gear ready. Here are a few pics of the ranch house and us just hanging out.
Post by: h20hunter on October 20, 2010, 03:37:57 PM
While sitting in a blind:
Me: Dad, let me know when you are going to shoot so I can plug my ears.
Todd: Don't worry, it ain't gonna be that loud.
Me: Really?
Todd: Yeah, you ever shoot out of a truck?
Me: No Todd, I have never shot out of truck....
Todd: You know of yotes........well....I was young once.
While hiking:
George: So, where we heading.
Todd: Oh, we'll just park the truck and then it's just a hop 'n a skip
That was followed by at least a hard 1/2 mile uphill.
While gearing up, setting up, cresting a ridge, taking a leak.
Todd: Shake and bake.
Or, before running into town for beer and whatever else.
Me: Todd, you need anything?
Todd: Yeah, mind picking me up some Redman?
Me: Are there different types or what?
Todd: Nope, just don't pick up any of the *censored* in a can, it's for p***ys.
Also, on the topic of chew.
Us: Todd, you know that *censored* will kill you?
Todd: Nope, they just tell you that. Besides, nobody wants to be a quitter.
Todd Jensen, hell of guy, great guide, loves the hills, hikes like a goat, and wears tennis shoes in the field so he can "feel the rocks better".
Post by: h20hunter on October 20, 2010, 03:40:43 PM
Post by: h20hunter on October 20, 2010, 03:43:20 PM
Post by: Widgeondeke on October 20, 2010, 04:06:03 PM
Post by: Wild Bill on October 20, 2010, 04:50:20 PM
Post by: h20hunter on October 20, 2010, 05:18:41 PM
So, we began the evening a drive up the hill. We parked and heard the common expression "Oh, it's just a hop n' skip up a little draw to where the blind is". We hiked up a nice little draw and came out on top where the blind was set. I just happened to have killed my archery doe last month about 150 yards from where we were set up. We were looking for the 3x3 or the 4x4 that were using the hillside as a travel route. We had been set up for about 10 minutes when Todd said the magic word. "Deer". 500 yards away on the treeline was a bedded deer. It only took about 30 seconds of glassing and Todd said "3x3", there he is. Game on.....Shake and Bake! We watched for about an hour and he would get up, nibble, lay down. Get up, look around, nibble, lay down. Soon, the shadows began to creep and the temp began to drop. On command Mr. Deer began our way. Oh baby here we go was all I could think. We watched him walk, nibble, walk nibble for about 10 minutes. I was behind the two, Todd had the binocs, I had the rangefinder. 400, 380, 360, closer and closer he came. I was calling out range and dad was on the rifle. We were waiting for a sub 200 yard broadside shot. Make it count we figured. Like it was planned the deer came in on a string, straight at us and at 200 yards turned perfectly broadside. However, he didn't stop. The whole time Todd is saying, "George, you're gonna kill this deer", "George, this is the deer your gonna kill tonight, right now, on this hill." "George, this is your deer". Like I said, little bugger didn't stop. He slipped into a little draw. Well, now, Dad has to pee so bad I figure he is going to wet his pants. We sneak out he blind, let the old man pee, and figure the deer is just ahead, 200 yards out, in the little draw. Todd leans in close and says you guys are gonna have to be ninjas....ready....okay...shake and bake! Off we go. Todd is in the lead carrying the sticks, dad behind him with his Kimber .270 and his custom loaded Nosler Partition 130 grain loads. I am in back with the binocs and rangefinder. We sneak up and I will admit we are poor ninjas. However, at 35 yards from the deer we are good enough. Problem is, dad can't see the deer in the scope, he is to low and we are not high enough. We take a few steps to the side and the deer spooks. He trots about 20 yards and jumps a fence and begins trotting away from us back up the hill at about a 45 degree angle. Now I am saying to myself and the karma gods "please stop, please stop, please stop". At about 100 yards he does the classic stop, quarter, look back move. As soon as his feet stop I am whispering "shoot shoot shoot". Don't know why since the gun goes pop and Mr. Deer seems to be struck by the hand of God himself. Instantly the deer slams to the ground chest first, bounces up, take about 15 steps into a draw and nose dives into the sage. We can't see him and Todd says load another. The bolt cycles and dad is looking for the deer. No deer. I am thinking oh hell where did he go. I should have known when Todd simply smiles, stands upright and says nice shot in a normal non sneaking through the brush playing deer ninja sorta way. I'm a bit jacked up and not really thinking to clearly. By now, Oren (The Man) is walking over from a little knob with a big ol grin. I am now realizing that they know the deer is down for good. We walk up a bit and dad is the first to reach his deer. The shot turned out to be about 100 yards from a standing position with sticks. The deer was quartering away hard. The bullet went in just between the last two ribs, blew away 1/4 of the liver, just about severed the lower 1/3 of the heart, and exited towards the front of the shoulder. Dead Right Now. I figure the deer lasted about 2 seconds from time of shot to crash and traveled about 15 steps. He was dead before he hit the ground. Todd did an awesome job on the stalk. He was like a deer himself. Here is some more hero shots of the deer.
Stay turned for a pretty good side story.
Post by: h20hunter on October 20, 2010, 05:20:26 PM
Post by: h20hunter on October 20, 2010, 05:21:30 PM
Post by: h20hunter on October 20, 2010, 05:22:15 PM
Post by: h20hunter on October 20, 2010, 05:27:58 PM
Post by: h20hunter on October 20, 2010, 05:29:12 PM
Post by: h20hunter on October 20, 2010, 05:30:07 PM
Post by: h20hunter on October 20, 2010, 06:04:13 PM
Post by: h20hunter on October 20, 2010, 06:11:02 PM
http://www.twguides.com/ (http://www.twguides.com/)
Post by: bighorns2bushytails on October 20, 2010, 07:33:38 PM
--bh2bt
Post by: hirshey on October 20, 2010, 09:03:00 PM
Post by: bowhunterforever on October 21, 2010, 09:28:57 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 22, 2010, 06:21:35 PM
Post by: outlaw on October 22, 2010, 09:28:20 PM
Post by: h20hunter on October 25, 2010, 10:41:03 PM
2010 Mule Deer Hunt (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7x5lzCrIbu4#)
Post by: h20hunter on July 29, 2011, 10:17:28 AM
Post by: Goomsba on July 29, 2011, 10:31:49 AM
Post by: rb2506 on July 29, 2011, 04:56:55 PM
Post by: agchawk on July 29, 2011, 05:35:37 PM
Post by: h20hunter on July 30, 2011, 09:53:17 AM
cheers.
Post by: Raul Duke on August 06, 2011, 06:59:33 AM
http://yakima.craigslist.org/spo/2528955227.html (http://yakima.craigslist.org/spo/2528955227.html)
Post by: h20hunter on August 07, 2011, 12:00:20 PM
Post by: h20hunter on August 15, 2011, 09:29:36 AM
Post by: pat riotic on August 15, 2011, 09:54:24 AM
Post by: h20hunter on August 16, 2011, 11:50:25 AM
Post by: h20hunter on September 23, 2011, 08:06:17 AM
Post by: dfarley33 on September 23, 2011, 08:18:32 AM
I just watched the slide show, and wanted to say "Thank You". It was awesome, and I got excited for my trip in a few weeks. How great it was for you to share that with your dad...
Dave