Post by: saylean on October 22, 2011, 10:04:45 AM
So, 'spike camps' are a bit new to me, but I tried it last year and really enjoyed the do it yourself aspect. This year, I wanted to camp in the same general area and give it another go, so heres the story.
I get up to the parking area Friday afternoon, white snowy peaks about 700 feet above me, and lightly snowing with some sticking on the ground....I loaded up my pack and headed into the burn out.
Get to my spot that afternoon, setup camp, build a fire and start to glass. Right near dusk, I watch a buck working the ridges above camp and decided I would try to work my way up to him in the morning.
Heres a pic on the way in and of camp~
Post by: saylean on October 22, 2011, 10:10:41 AM
I find a spot to sit on the ridgeline between two large gulleys/small bowls. The pic that is looking down the hill, is actually of my tent WAY at the bottom.
As I sit in that spot, I notice a 5x5 (at least, he may of had an eye guard too, wasnt sure). He walked by me at about 60 yards or so and disappeared down into the gully. I actually believe he was staring at me for about 10 min or so, then decided to move away. I say this as I swear I thought he was a stump and that the stump became the deer as he walked away...
Most of the rest of the opener was calm, I saw more deer bed down on the ridges and bumped a few more doe.
Here is a pic of the drinking fountain I used while at camp. NOTE: I did use a steripen for the water, even though it was probably safe.
Post by: saylean on October 22, 2011, 10:18:33 AM
I walked a short distance from camp (several trails blaze right by camp and head down into the canyon as a funnel). I thought I would watch some of these trails. I glass for a bit and decide to move just outside of the woods, to a border of nice wide openings that I can see a bit of distance.
I wasnt there 10 minutes when a doe materialized before me and walked right by me at about 40 yards. I thought this wasnt that bad of a spot and held position. I always hear of bucks following does, but rarely ever see it..after 10 minutes or so I was losing hope a buck would follow.
But, out of nowhere, a buck shows up about 200 yards away. His antlers in the sun, were a dark black color. Nose down, he follows the does scent and eats a bit here and there. Moving at a steady walk, I lose him behind some bushes. I glass him with the binos when he reappears and he is legal for sure. I try to get into position, but he continues to side hill.....
Finally he starts to walk the tree line down toward me. I keep telling myself to let him come, let him come and try to calm my heart, breathing...(I dont see many big bucks).
At about 80 yards, he turns broadside and I let the .300 WSM (aka the mule) ring out, shattering the gorgeous blue sky morning.
Post by: sebek556 on October 22, 2011, 10:25:38 AM
Post by: saylean on October 22, 2011, 10:27:03 AM
I then loaded up the rack and my day gear, hiked out towards the rig. I had met my brother on the way out on the road, who was coming up to check on me. He killed two rattlers up top, both had about 7 sets of rattlers on them. I had two more trips to make before I could get the deer/gear all the way out. I pulled into our camp in twisp and showed off the goods, everyone was happy and excited naturally.
My younger brother volunteered to help out, so we could pack it all in one trip. I was thankful to have the help. We set early the next day to get camp and all the meat.
That night was very cool and the meat was more than fine. Overall, an excellent adventure. Dad saw two wolves on the ridges not too far from where I was camped.
On a side note, last year, I spotted 40 goats daily on the cliffs above me, this year, I didnt see one. Perhaps they moved over a ridge or two. Hope you enjoyed the read, best of luck to the rest.
Post by: jmx369 on October 22, 2011, 10:42:39 AM
Post by: LittleJohn on October 22, 2011, 10:46:11 AM
Post by: SeaRun1 on October 22, 2011, 11:03:08 AM
SR1
Post by: PolarBear on October 22, 2011, 11:04:49 AM
Post by: dirty24d on October 22, 2011, 11:11:08 AM
Post by: archery288 on October 22, 2011, 11:21:12 AM
Post by: Elkrunner on October 22, 2011, 11:21:26 AM
Post by: DeKuma on October 22, 2011, 11:43:53 AM
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on October 22, 2011, 12:00:40 PM
Post by: nw_bowhunter on October 22, 2011, 12:14:13 PM
Post by: fish vacuum on October 22, 2011, 12:46:08 PM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on October 22, 2011, 12:51:53 PM
Post by: beagledog on October 22, 2011, 01:55:55 PM
Post by: shanevg on October 22, 2011, 02:34:53 PM
Post by: carver52 on October 22, 2011, 02:37:41 PM
Post by: Ripper on October 22, 2011, 02:48:25 PM
Post by: lewy on October 22, 2011, 05:03:20 PM
Post by: saylean on October 22, 2011, 05:41:20 PM
Hunt wa members took some real hogs on here this year....plus, just got news, Dad filled his whitey doe tag. :tup:
Post by: dkecoleman on October 22, 2011, 05:53:26 PM
Post by: rosscrazyelk on October 22, 2011, 06:19:07 PM
Post by: Idabooner on October 22, 2011, 06:48:02 PM
Post by: mulehunter on October 22, 2011, 06:51:20 PM
Mulehunter. :tup:
Post by: TheHunt on October 22, 2011, 07:00:13 PM
Post by: marmotsafari on October 22, 2011, 07:46:39 PM
Post by: Co on October 22, 2011, 10:02:45 PM
Post by: Co on October 22, 2011, 10:04:44 PM
Post by: blacktailer on October 22, 2011, 10:05:21 PM
Post by: saylean on October 23, 2011, 12:01:54 PM
Good story, Not as good as bones but a close second.. I would recommend not having a fire, I have learned that my big boys slide out of there comfort zones once they smell the fire... anything out of the ordinary.. ohh and move your tent to a concealed spot not in open as if your hiding.... I bet your buck will double in size...... :salute: :twocents:( I have been HighCountry'n for 15yrs...... picked up few tips from the pro s)
Thanks for the tips CO. I hide the fire last year, camped in the trees, but with all the dead trees/blown downs, I was a little worried bout getting crushed if a wind storm hit...I will probably try it like that next year. I noticed the buck WAY up on the hill before opener, looked like he was looking right down at me...he had me pegged. :chuckle:
Post by: DeKuma on October 23, 2011, 12:06:04 PM
Great read. I love reading the details of the hunt and somehow feeling like I am sharing in the experience. Yours was awesome and I appreciate that. Especially when I am chained to my desk in the office on a Sunday when I could be out hunting!