LAST EDITED ON Oct-24-19 AT 09:39AM (MST)[p]ABOVE 11,000 FEET
So this was a tough hunt. I should say upfront. I would not put in for this tag again. We rode a lot of miles up and down the Cimmaron Creeks. Middle, West, East, and the surrounding areas. I looked at a few other spots but didn't think they looked as good. Mt Sneffles did look decent but the area was extremely rocky and didn't look to me like each canyon had enough area to hold a good buck.
The tag said "ONLY ABOVE 11,000 FEET"....so anywhere from 11k to 15k. Whew....thats high. The oxygen levels drop off like a rock at 12k. Horses' veins literally start showing more profusely at 12k. You can't really catch your breath at 13....even on flat ground. But, it was amazingly beautiful
We found a remote canyon during our scouting and did find a bachelor herd of bucks, 7 total, two scoring over 180, and one exceeding the 30-inch mark....pushing what we figured was 33ish...he was a big guy.
They fed and stayed in unit 66, just over the border of my unit, 65, each and every day. They would feed in 66 by about 30 yards...then go up the hill towards my unit missing it by about 20 yards...then bed 300 yards down the hill in unit 66.
Opening morning I was hoping they would be on the face of the peak that was in my unit. I parked and hiked through unit 66. Just as I was nearing the top....I saw some bucks...I was still in 66...they were just 50 feet into 66....I had a 65 tag. I sat down, put the bucks in my scope. 220 yards...I am good to 600 yards. So, pull the trigger or not? Decided not. I am not in 65....the buck is not in 65. Can't do it. I know it is only 50 feet but I don't want that on my mind for the rest of my life every time I look at that buck. Found the 30-inch buck...put him in my scope one more time. He stood broadside for a minute or more. I rested the gun. Safety was off....all I had to do was touch the trigger. But I let him go. And the other 6 bucks as well.
I bailed...went down the mountain. I am an LDS guy...went to church in Gunnison...while sitting in the chapel...messaged a guy...MR Doe on Monstermuleys...he said he may be able to help. He mentioned an area that was about 10 miles long to look on a ridge or area. So, I decided I would...I had looked at that exact area on GEarth and OnX and thought it looked good but wasnt sure. Well, his words of encouragement changed everything.
The next day we woke early and rode into the area. Right away we found a great buck.....with 7 or 8 bucks all in the same area. There was a strong 3 point genetic going on. Over the next two days I would look over about 20 bucks with half of them being 3 points. But, we were finally seeing bucks close to shooting caliber.
The country was the most beautiful amazing fantastic place I have hunted in the US. I cant imagine it gets any better anywhere in the world. I have never seen country more condusive or ideal for big bucks. But, they just weren't there. The winters are tough and the state harvests a lot of them.
I passed on a tall buck on the first night. I saw a 24" 4 point, heavy, tall, good forks....but passed on him too. I thought 12 years....should be seeing something bigger!
The next morning I woke....to hail. It was cold and coming down. Walked toward a new basin to the left of the basin I had looked in last night. But, as we approached...hailed even harder. Looked up the ridge at my hunting partner...he motioned he was headed back to camp. I eagerly agreed and headed back towards camp. Almost back. Hail stops. We talk....still only 8am lets get back to that basin...we head over there again...25 minutes or so later I drop to my knees and start getting out the spotter. Does, doe, doe, doe, doe, doe....buck tall heavy 3 point
then...a nicer bucks steps out.... tallish...wider...heavier.... 3point! Man!? I decide to push around the hill 20 feet further...it pressures the does...they go running up a slope. And...a big tall buck steps out...runs into the ravine in front of me. One look and I can tell he is the largest buck I have seen in 12 days...and after 12 years I am not going home empty handed...time to shoot.
Gun, bipod out....no time to range...300 ish...steady...find the shoulder...squeeze....
smack...studder step..........load another round...dont want a lose buck on this slope......squeeze...slam...
done.
After waiting 12 years it is over. Now just to walk across the ravine and see what I shot. I knew he was tall and pretty wide...I knew he had something different and I thought I saw a cheater....all of it was correct.
A 3 point... 3 x 5. Sorta...crazy looking buck. But, I am happy with him. He was the biggest buck we had seen in 12 days. I was beginning to miss the kiddo at home and my wife was being so sweet and patient about supporting whatever I wanted. Time to get back to my business and family.
The hunt was fun, we covered over 50 miles...maybe over 100. It was a lot. Mr. Doe, and his willingness to reach out...changed our hunt for the better. I really appreciate that. I very much appreciate it. Thank you
Also, thanks to all of you who have helped here and there over the years. I have grown up with this website. I visit this site more than any other. I have been checking here for stories like this for over 10 years. Maybe over 15....Brian runs a great site and is one of us. That makes it better. He loves bucks more than me...maybe
Not lastly, thaks to the guy that that was with me. Great friend. He is my uncle but in many ways feels more like a brother. We have now hunted the high country together off and on for over 25 years. Thats a good run...and we arent done yet.
And my wife. Who covered the biz while I was gone....and made sure things at home went perfect. Thanks babe.
And to Colorado.....get with it. When you have hard winters you need to cut tags. The outfitter up there...Action Adventures...he couldnt find a good buck for his clients. It was tough. He has gone down to just one hunter for deer in his camp and we watched 4 hunters for elk...go home empty handed from his camp. This country should hold AMAZING bucks...and did...just look at his past pics. They were there...and can be again. But! The state needs to manage the deer herd...and have a 3 point only hunt for a year or two. Sheeesh
Anyway...I wont be back for this unit. Good luck with it.
If anyone ever needs some advice on an area I hunt....I will give you what I can. If I still hunt there I wont give out everything. But, in unit 65...if you need some advice. Ask Mr Doe first...then I may be of some help. And be ready to hike.
The country will change you. Dont expect the biggest buck...but do expect one of the biggest most rugged adventures you can have on this planet....above 11,000 feet
