Application time, I get the tag, Steve does not. First problem that comes to mind is that Steve knows a little more areas than me. Time to pick his brain. Second problem that comes to mind is that I'll most likely be flying solo, that'll make the woman happy.
I hit the maps, learning the trails and getting an idea for the terrain. Early in the year I did good for getting into decent shape. I was doing lots of swimming, did some triathlons, and put almost 600 miles on my bike. Then I hit burnout in Late July. I really didn't do much after that.
After some late August archery hunting I realized I wasn't going to be ready for the steep, long terrain and started making alternate plans for a way to fill my tag. Years past I had dome some hunting below Mt. Ogden, on both the East and West side so I had some ideas on where to go.
My deer season was pretty busy, with non hunting busyness. I wasn't able to get out until the Thursday before the final hunting day (Saturday). I opted for the West side below Mt. Ogden. I did some rough math, estimating how long it would take me to make the 3mile hike in to where I wanted to go. My estimation was off and I got there later than I wanted. A couple times on the hike in I had though to just pack up and call it a bust.
Because of the steepness of the trail, and the distance, with some breaks, I was only able to average a little over 1mph. I was hoping for 1.6mph. (yeah I know both speeds are really slow, cut me some slack, I'm old and getting pudgy).
Finally making it to the rock I like to post on, I start glassing the sidehills. It's really a pretty good view. A shot at a deer could range anywhere from 200yards to 500yards. All very makable.
After a couple hours of glassing I recall a time where Tony and I were at this spot and saw some deer behind us in the oak brush. Glancing over my right shoulder I notice a deer butt walking through the oakbrush. First words I though of and said were "Holy Freak there's a deer there". Range finder says 326yards, very makable. The deers head is down so I can't see antlers, then they appear and the first words I thought of and said were "Holy Freak there's a big deer there". If I shoot this deer, Rusty will have a friend. (that'll make Kathleen happy).
I got a decent rest, the buck is now quartering away from me in the oakbrush, put the pin just in front of his front shoulder (because he's walking) and squeeze the trigger. Expecting to seem him rolling down the mountain, I re-acquire him in the scope to see him bounding off. It's very likely I missed this buck. Gotta make sure though, so I trek through the nasty oakbrush to start looking for blood. There's none to be found. Disheartened I make my way back to the rock.
More glassing, nothing to be seen. I'm thinking my shot cleared all big critters out the canyon. There is a really nice canyon to the South, but that means going up the afore inserted picture and dropping over the back side. After what I've just done I just don't have it in me. A little more glassing, nothing happening, I'm outta here.
On the way down the canyon I took a few more photo's. Man it's gorgeous up there.
Towards the end of the hike I'm phyically beat. The hike down was killing my knees and my feet were really starting to ache. time for new shoes? These are pretty old. Something to keep in mind. I'm a little bit glad I missed that buck. I'm not sure how things would have faired with another 100lbs on my back.
Now Saturday is upon me. Last day of the hunt. Friday was spent recouperating. I'm with Nathan and we're hunting the East side of Mt. Ogden. It's a much easier hike and I'm liking that. We made it to the rocky overlook with a few minutes to spare before official shooting hours. Setting down our packs we can hear deer walking through the trees below us, how fortunate. There are multiple exit strategies that deer can take from this bottom, four of which I can get a shot off. If they get agitated they typically take the quickest out, which happens to be really close to where we are sitting. At least they've done this in the past. Being the betting man that I am I grabbed a large rock and hucked it down into the trees below the deer.
It's apparent they are aggitated because they start moving faster and good for us, they are taking the exit next to us. As they near the top of a saddle they're picking up speed. I can see where they'll come out. It's a mere 30yards away. Gun is in the ready position, shell in the chamber, now just waiting to see some antlers.
First a doe comes out, then a set of antlers. BOOM! Deer is down with a 30yard head shot. I'm elated for a quick kill as well as an early moring kill. The days lately have been unusually warm. I really didn't want to be dressing out a deer in the heat of the day. The boy is elated because he has just witnessed his first big game kill. After lots of high fives and some camera shots, it's time to dress out.
And here's a pick of a boned out deer coming off the mountain. I thought it good to put plastic around the deer bags to hide the blood. Knowing the trail we were on would be loaded with hikers and bikers, I figured the less trauma they had to go through, the better for us hunters.
Needless to say, he is extremely excited to do some hunting. Now that he is 12 we can sign him up for hunters ed. I figure it's time. On the downside, it means I may have to start cleaning out twice as many animals. Deer are okay, but elk take some work. They are big critters! :)
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