Well I am home.
Man I put a lot of thought into this deer and if it was the one I was to shoot. I was having so much fun hunting and being with my friends. As I discussed with them what we do in the morning, I decided that we get there early and try to glass him up. If found we would make a move.
I really didn’t want to shoot a deer from the road. It’s done a ton on this hunt. I just didn’t want to. Plus it takes me 9 years to get set up and ready to shoot.
We were like the 7th vehicle down the road. We worried someone would be there, but one by one the vehicles pulled off the road or turned down a different road.
That was pretty funny. A lot of folks just sat the fields trying to catch a bigger buck with them. It’s actually a decent way to kill a good buck. Just not what I wanted to do.
It took us about 30 minutes to turn him up. One other hunter came by and was glassing the same general area. We went over to them and let them know we were headed up to put a stalk on a buck. They were really cool and wished us luck.
The buck was in a ravine kind of hidden from view, but the does were there so we knew he was close. As we were headed out a doe busted out with him right on her tail. Then all the rest of the does followed. We took off following up the mountain. So no shooting from the truck ??
They continued up the mountain and settled in a small draw about 1000 yards from us. We snuck in to about 500 and that’s where we made the stand. There were about 20 does and 3 bucks spread out. We got the gun set up on the tripod, clamped it down and I tried to get solid.
I wish I could shoot prone. But not having the use of arm I kind of just fall over.
I was on a little slope uphill and I just couldn’t get steady. Gravity was pulling me down away from the gun as I was trying to lean into it. After 5 minutes I told the guys I had to move. Crosshairs were all over him, and I didn’t feel good at all.
So we moved over about 15 yards and it was flat. That allowed me to really lean into the gun. I found him raking a bush to death in the scope. He finally turned broadside. I asked if everyone was ready, and they were. One in the scope/video. And the other on the glass. I ranged him one last time. 483. Wind was 10, but straight in our face.
When I felt solid I squeezed it off. Hit him perfect. He jumped up, ran 10 yards, walked 10 and fell over sliding down the hill to som bigger rocks. I have video. It’s pretty cool. Vapor trail is seen. 6.5x.284 140 Berger VLD. Pretty good hole on the exit side.
One guy went back for the pack as I and another friend went to the buck.
My buddy pushing him up out of the brush for pics. Cuz it’s all about the pictures. ?
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We said a prayer of thanks and then took 150 pictures. Well not that much. Actually probably more ?
The day was perfect, a little windy, but not brutal cold. And he couldn’t have died in a prettier place.
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I can’t skin anymore. Kills me I can’t. But ain’t no way to run a knife and pull on the skin with one hand. Believe me I have tried! But was lucky to have friends there. I could have hacked my way through it, but grateful for the help. I did a time lapse and it only took 31 seconds to break him all down. ?
Pretty fun.
I really wanted to pack the head out, so they helped me get it in my pack. Then got my pack on and off we went.
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I did not fall down once. I tried, but caught myself
Couple more pics
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Haven’t scored him up yet other than width. We all thought 24-25. And he is just over 25”
His body was huge. But holding him now I think he is just what I thought. 175 ish.
I am way happy with him and the hunt.
My thoughts on the 128 tag.
Super fun
Tons of deer
Tons of people
Giants live there
You may or may not see one
Would love to hunt it again
Raffle tickets!!
I would have an enclosed UTV. Lots of roads you would be able to go on if you had one. Not a truck. But only with snow. Must have a heater.
Wind really kept the deer down
Take someone who has been on the hunt before. By the end you really figure out where the deer are. 20% of the country held 75% of the deer
Thanks again all those who helped out and commented. I would have loved to get a Giant, but I got out of the hunt what I really needed. The knowledge I can still get it done even though I am paralyzed. With the help of some incredible friends.
Jason “The Big Ol’ Muley”
