First Buck Luck

sb2017 · 2024-11-04T08:12:38-0700

Just got back from taking my buddy out for his first muley hunt. I'm afraid he's hooked now.

The hunting was very slow for the first few days of season, but we got lucky with some weather that got them moving. We were able to locate this buck on the afternoon of the 4th day.

We were on top of a small cliff when he shot, and didn't quite realize how rough the pack out was going to be

. The shot was about 400 yards but the hike down to him was about a mile after navigating around the cliff we were on and then switchbacking down the steep sidehill to get to him. All part of the experience! We wouldn't change a thing about it.

It continued to snow all night and the next day after getting him, which made packing up and getting out quite an adventure, but we were eventually able to make it down in once piece.

Gunnihunter · 2024-11-04T08:29:38-0700

You guys had a time you’ll never forget. Congratulations

Snoopdogg · 2024-11-04T08:29:53-0700

Looks like a great adventure. I'll say he is probably hooked.

Buckfever34 · 2024-11-04T08:59:34-0700

That's awesome!

Those rough ones are the most rewarding and memorable when you look back!

twdjr · 2024-11-04T09:01:37-0700

Congrats!

nfh · 2024-11-04T10:41:05-0700

heck ya. congrats

sb2017 · 2024-11-04T10:42:56-0700

Thanks everyone, a rewarding and memorable hunt for sure. My buddy sent me this picture after I had already posted the story... This paints a little better picture of how much snow we got while we were up there. Getting the trailer out was a journey.

Lou (Louis) · 2024-11-04T11:38:43-0700

Nice buck!

Snoopdogg · 2024-11-04T11:54:04-0700

sb2017 said:
Thanks everyone, a rewarding and memorable hunt for sure. My buddy sent me this picture after I had already posted the story... This paints a little better picture of how much snow we got while we were up there. Getting the trailer out was a journey.

View attachment 162701

That was probably more of a chore than huffing out with the buck.

sb2017 · 2024-11-04T12:18:56-0700

Snoopdogg said:
That was probably more of a chore than huffing out with the buck.

Absolutely! Or at least a different kind of chore....

I find packouts to be enjoyable in their own unique way. They might be brutal at times, but all of the blood, sweat, and effort that goes into it just adds weight to the memory/experience. I almost look at it like I'm "earning the animal" (don't get me wrong, I will never turn down an opportunity to shoot something I can drive close to

)

Getting stuck in a foot of snow and having to roll around in the ice/mud underneath a stuck truck, as you watch it get dark and the temperature steadily drop, while you wonder if the portable piston jack you pulled from under the seat is seated well enough for the truck not to slip off of it while you're trying to shove anything and everything you can think of underneath the tire... nothing fun or rewarding about that kind of chore in my opinion. Aside from finally being able to hop in the truck and head down the road, swearing you'll never take a truck heater for granted again