Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Tim on September 03, 2015, 09:05:00 AM
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Good morning folks from Bailey Colorado, the home of Mark and Donna and the beginning of a 10 day adventure for Cathy and I. We will do our best to keep you folks "in the loop" as the young folks like to say.
The southwest pilot got us here safely but the 2 hour sit on the tarmac due to a weather related change in flight patterns has left us stiff and tired for the start of the trip. Today we just kick back here at Mark's and ease into the day!
After 5 hours of sleep this is what I woke up to.......
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/IMG_1690_zpswnkhfg2s.jpg) (http://s49.photobucket.com/user/Wyoming1/media/IMG_1690_zpswnkhfg2s.jpg.html)
Who can sleep with a 9 month old lab pup in the house!
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/IMG_1691_zpsofcrze8m.jpg) (http://s49.photobucket.com/user/Wyoming1/media/IMG_1691_zpsofcrze8m.jpg.html)
AKA......Straight-arrrow our host!
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/IMG_1692_zpsvjvcikx4.jpg) (http://s49.photobucket.com/user/Wyoming1/media/IMG_1692_zpsvjvcikx4.jpg.html)
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I like that yard view. But I've got news for you, the kids don't say "In the loop", that's reserved for the old folks. Good luck and have fun. Great start on the pics.
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I hear you Izzy.... :big laugh:
Let me give you folks an overview of our week and I'll get back to you later today with a few pics of the players in the game.
Tomorrow we head west with our first stop being Crested Butte for breakfast and a walk around town. Than it's back in the truck over Monarch Pass, through Gunnison and Montrose with our final destination being Norwood, CO. A good friend of Mark's has a ranch there where we will be hanging our hats for the next 7 days.
Since the area is fairly flat and arid most of our hunting will be from tree stands trying to catch the mule bucks in route from their bedding grounds to the green fields or water sources. It's a lot of cat and mouse stand setups but if we push them too hard they will bump off the property.
We've seen some sweet bucks the past few years, so hopefully one or two will venture just a little too close to either Mark or myself. :roll eyes:
Here's a picture of of the area we will be hunting that i took last year.
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/e26b4927641a26cf0bf207bd1d7b9566_zps51d6c241.jpg) (http://s49.photobucket.com/user/Wyoming1/media/e26b4927641a26cf0bf207bd1d7b9566_zps51d6c241.jpg.html)
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Mid week we will take a break from the hunting and head to southwest Colorado to visit and do some hiking at Mesa Verde. I hope to bring you folks so incredible pictures of the area.
We will than be headed back to the ranch for a couple final days of hunting. A busy work week for all..... :thumbsup:
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ALRIIIIGHT!! Have a great time!
Bailey is gorgeous. Elk hunted there a few years. Unit 46 I believe.
Your final destination should be a good one too. We scouted gunnison last year. Some phenomenal bucks in gunnison. Norwood should be just as good. GREAT LUCK! And keep us "in the loop"
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Looks pristine Tim, I will be tuned in and waiting for the pics I hope you arrow one of those fine mule deer bucks!!
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:campfire:
Looking forward to your adventure :archer:
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The pictures look awesome Tim and I'm a little envious! Can't wait for the pictures and updates!
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Just make sure you wear your TRS shirt for the "hero" shots! :cool:
I hope you all have a great time, and both you and Mark kill bug 'uns! :archer:
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Looks like a fun trip, good luck!!
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LOL, mine wont start for another 10 days, then back to SE Oregon to try and top my avatar pic from last season.
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Good luck and can't wait for the pics Tim!
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Sounds like a great trip that can include your spouse. I'm always looking for ideas to do that as well. Tagged for future reading.
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Good luck!
Bisch
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Good luck fellers!!
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:campfire:
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Have fun........great time of the year to be out west. Best of luck...... :thumbsup:
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Welcome back to Western Colorado. There are some great bucks out there.
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best of luck
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Thanks Dean, it's good to be back. I settled into a juniper on the edge of a lovely alfalfa field watching a few does chase each other around.
I got a few pics to load up for you folks. Some general vacation pics and some hunting ones. Should have them up soon.
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Great, good to start reading of some adventures!
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Your route to Norwood sounds a little screwy but have fun.
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We pretty much took our time getting here today heading west out of Bailey on 285 than over to 50.
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/IMG_1703_zpsm7cijety.jpg) (http://s49.photobucket.com/user/Wyoming1/media/IMG_1703_zpsm7cijety.jpg.html)
We took a detour at Gunnison and headed up to Crested Butte for breakfast.
Here's a few fun photos of trip.
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/IMG_1716_zpsoq8hs76t.jpg) (http://s49.photobucket.com/user/Wyoming1/media/IMG_1716_zpsoq8hs76t.jpg.html) (http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/IMG_1713_zps35dlujfz.jpg) (http://s49.photobucket.com/user/Wyoming1/media/IMG_1713_zps35dlujfz.jpg.html) (http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/IMG_1711_zpsh6yipn3l.jpg) (http://s49.photobucket.com/user/Wyoming1/media/IMG_1711_zpsh6yipn3l.jpg.html)
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We found this great little shop in Crested Butte! I do believe one of our Trad Gang members own it??? :big laugh:
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/IMG_1712_zpsshy9qhty.jpg) (http://s49.photobucket.com/user/Wyoming1/media/IMG_1712_zpsshy9qhty.jpg.html)
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Driving through Montrose I had to stop for a couple quick pictures of their street art. Just a beautiful small town.
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/IMG_1718_zpsfd5o1cm7.jpg)[/URL[URL=http://s49.photobucket.com/user/Wyoming1/media/IMG_1725_zpsis5vzu8n.jpg.html] (http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/IMG_1725_zpsis5vzu8n.jpg) (http://s49.photobucket.com/user/Wyoming1/media/IMG_1718_zpsfd5o1cm7.jpg.html)
We got to the property in Norwood around 2 and ran out to hang a couple of stands. The weather was very questionable with rumbling skies all around us. Cathy and I managed to get one stand hung just before the rain.
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/IMG_1049_zpscpbf3s2d.jpg) (http://s49.photobucket.com/user/Wyoming1/media/IMG_1049_zpscpbf3s2d.jpg.html)
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/IMG_1045_zpswvqsvcwi.jpg)[/URL[URL=http://s49.photobucket.com/user/Wyoming1/media/IMG_1048_zpsalnnrzpf.jpg.html] (http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/IMG_1048_zpsalnnrzpf.jpg) (http://s49.photobucket.com/user/Wyoming1/media/IMG_1045_zpswvqsvcwi.jpg.html)
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I like your style Tim, I love those cedar treestand set ups. I've got a good feeling this is the year you and Mark put your tags on a couple good bucks... :thumbsup: :campfire:
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Hey Jon......we will see how it plays out. We had the farmer next door stop by yesterday. He showed us a picture of a buck that he named "grand dad" and told us he's off limits. I saw the deer last year and he's a solid 30" plus inches wide. There are several nice bucks on the property so hopefully one will stroll by and provide us with an opportunity. :thumbsup:
As far as those junipers go........ :deadhorse: They are one tough tree to setup in. Not sure they should even be considered a tree!!! :D One day here and my hands are already cut up. You can't get high in them but the cover is fantastic.
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:campfire:
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Last night I hung a second stand and sat it the same night. A tough proposition just because it can get pretty noisy setting a stand in a juniper, nothing you do is quiet.
Mark and I decided to hunt a small island about 300 yards long and 75 yards wide. It boarders a alfalfa field that the deer use on and off all day due to the security of the location.
Once I got settled here is what I was looking at....
(http://i.imgur.com/4tCcH33.jpg) (http://imgur.com/4tCcH33)
I had a fantastic funnel to my left and right created by some large dead falls. Anything coming into or heading out of the field my way would give me a 20 yard shot!
About an hour into my sit I had this young buck come strolling past. He was just out of my range but cut into the island and headed right to Mark.
(http://i.imgur.com/pOmuqsO.jpg) (http://imgur.com/pOmuqsO)
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Good luck Tim. Looking forward to some hero pics. Are you carrying the Tip?
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Sounds like a blast! Good luck, and thanks for sharing this trip with us!
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Originally posted by Tim:
We found this great little shop in Crested Butte! I do believe one of our Trad Gang members own it??? :big laugh:
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/IMG_1712_zpsshy9qhty.jpg) (http://s49.photobucket.com/user/Wyoming1/media/IMG_1712_zpsshy9qhty.jpg.html)
Hey,,, is this some kinda cop joke? :biglaugh:
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Sure makes me homesick. Montrose didn't have all the street art when I lived there. I hope you have a wonderful time and have huge success.
Chris
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Good friends, beautiful country, and deer hunting. How could it get any better? Enjoy!!!
Bob
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Good stuff so far Tim. Good luck.
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Hey, Izzy,
Tim got too much class for that...
But it sure sounds that way, Do-nut? :rolleyes: :knothead:
Tim,
Good to see you guys taking time to enjoy the area...that wife of yours is as mischievous as you are! Good match! :thumbsup: :jumper:
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Izzy my friend, I turned the corner in town and there it was! Gotta luv it. You are the first thing that came to mind!
No cop jokes! Be careful out there buddy and all of you other police officers that make this world a safer place! :notworthy: :clapper:
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So let's get the day started. Again, last night the neighbor rancher comes over to talk with us. The property we are primarily hunting on is NOT his, but his property adjoins it. He tells Mark and I where the deer are located....5 to be exact 160" bucks in particular hang out in this green field 24/7. You can walk right up on them. That's where you need to be he says.
He continues with "grandpa", the buck we can't shoot. Tells us where grandpa lives and that we are wasting our time hunting that particular spot. The same spot Mark has killed a buck the past two years and where we've seen some dandy's.
Understand that we both have stands hung there. BUT .... we are wasting our time hunting there. Over and over he repeats. :nono:
Last night before bed Mark says he's going to pull his stand in Grandpa country. I told him the guy is full of it and playing us!
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Sounds like the old gent wants Grandpa for his own self... He's likely seen the stands... prolly not whizzing around em if he wants to shoot ole gramps, but if he truly wants to watch him just die of old age, then he might mess with the area...
Sounds like your BS detector is working, Tim
Good luck and have fun...looks like you know how to do that!
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6:00 am this morning found me on the edge of the green field I sat last night. "Thee place to be, per the neighbor". Mark went back to Grandpa country to waste his time. :roll eyes:
It was pretty quiet for the first few hours than the field "around" the green started to fill up with does.....BUT no deer went into the green field to eat. I sat up in the tree glassing the green field. I'm no farmer but that was not alfalfa. For the next hour I watched as 25-30 does fed all around the 5 acre green field.
(http://i.imgur.com/D6EAmUu.jpg) (http://imgur.com/D6EAmUu)
It was quite a showing of deer but most of them where a few hundred yards off with only two small bucks in the group.
Than all of a sudden my phone lit up with a text message!
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Dave.....he does not want to shoot him, but rather use him for breeding stock. LOL.....you're seeing this my way buddy! Continue to check in...
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So I glance down at my phone to see Mark's text message.
"I'm covered up with deer and several nice bucks. They are headed towards your stand over here. If you hurry you can probably beat them there."
No need to ask twice! Down I come to hustle across the 1/4 mile field. Just as I was slipping through the high grass and juniper bush I see Mark making his way towards me.
Mark said, "They are still in the field but look like they want to come this way". He tucked himself into some juniper and I made my way another 100 yards and into my stand. I glanced into the field and 200 yards out saw this!!!
(http://i.imgur.com/9YOCSyD.jpg) (http://imgur.com/9YOCSyD)
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Originally posted by Tim:
Izzy my friend, I turned the corner in town and there it was! Gotta luv it. You are the first thing that came to mind!
No cop jokes! Be careful out there buddy and all of you other police officers that make this world a safer place! :notworthy: :clapper:
Thank you brother! Beautiful women at your sides, blue skies overhead, deer in front of you!!! What more can a man ask for? Im tuned in and hope you get to hunt til the last minute and then fill your tag with Grandpas cousin!
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The deer knew something was up, one doe in particular, that convinced every doe in the group to look our way. The big stare down lasted for about 20 minutes before they faded back into the field.
I sat for another 30 minutes pleading for the Gods of the Hunt to smile upon me and send them back. The one buck was a good one, a very good one.
There was still one buck in the field off by himself that was still worth a try. I got down and started his way. Low and behold, not 10 steps in his direction and the other group of deer came out of a depression and were headed over to join him. Back in the game!!!
I dropped deeper into the woods and beat feet it down the field edge. I got to about as far as I could go and still hunted back to the edge. I didn't have very good visibility but could see a couple of does. Again I stood my ground, fingers crossed. A solid hour into it I caved and started home. They had won the front nine. Back to the house to recharge.
Here are few other guys that came into range of my Canon.
(http://i.imgur.com/khKow6q.jpg) (http://imgur.com/khKow6q)
(http://i.imgur.com/XlDfQQ6.jpg) (http://imgur.com/XlDfQQ6)
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Breeding stock... hmmm...well, that lasts so long unless your milking sperm, otherwise, it dies with them...
Sounds like Grandpa passed on plenty of genes into the deep end of the pool and could serve a higher purpose were the opportunity presented...alas, neighbor relations are important...
Seeing such great critters while afield is reward enough sometimes....sometimes! :rolleyes: :saywhat:
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looking good tim!!!I am enjoying every minute of it I have a feeling that theres gonna be a MULEY on the ground soon for one of you guys...keep the pics coming that's GODS COUNTRY!!
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What a grand trip! Good luck and thanks for taking us along.
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Not a whole lot to report in this evenings hunt. ALMOST about sums it up.
Cathy and I hung a stand in a funnel that connects two green fields. I hunted this area last year and its a great travel corridor. Last year I saw mostly does but did have several occasions when a few bucks would come through.
We had some heavy rain this afternoon which blew out around 3:00. I headed out the door around 4:00 figuring I'd catch the early crowd headed to the fields. I hadn't even settled in when a doe and a fawn came through at 5 yards. I had deer around me most of the night, maybe 15 in total.
The stand provides great cover but they come from in back of me, so I had to really be paying attention. The first thing I saw was his front leg. He just appeared without a sound and he was close.....maybe 8 yards. I was ready and only had to slide my lead foot to the right and tighten up on the string.
There was no need for an antler check, I knew he was a good one right away. He was still in velvet and although he wasn't too wide he was high and his horns where heavy. Just a solid gorgeous 4x4, most likely in the 170 inch range.
I remember smiling to myself as I tightened on the string.... I gotcha I said to myself. :thumbsup:
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That one poor deer a few posts up needs to be helped. Dang fool somehow got a tree growin outta his forehead...
Hep the poor thing. :)
Enjoy the heck out that trip!!
Nick
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Close counts in horseshoes, quoits, hand grenades, napalm and archery...
As ole Charlie Lamb used to say, "Being there was good enough..."
kudos on the restraint :thumbsup:
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A beautiful morning here in Norwood. We woke up to about 52 degrees and clear. Mark and I hunted the same field edge this morning hoping to catch one of the bucks shown in the early picture. We were probably 300 yards apart.
Not a thing moved for the first 1 1/2 on stand. About 7:45 several groups of does began to appear out of the high grass. One moment nothing, the next the field is filling up. Early not there was one decent buck and maybe 20 plus does. About 8:30 a group of 4 large bucks showed up and began to filter down towards us. I was set back aways and pretty much out of the game, unless they crossed the fence. Mark on the other hand was right in the middle of it.
Mark had all four of the bucks walk right to the fence in front of him. They wanted to cross but something in back of him had their attention but not enough for them to jump over. So there they were, 4 very nice bucks standing face to face with Mark at 15 yards. All 4 lined up with nothing exposed but their chest. Mark waited and waited......
All at once they swapped ends and walked away. He tightened up on the string, but it was too late. Tightened up again and again, too late. End of story was they just walked away.
An hour later two of them returned to Mark's stand, both walked in head on and spun and walked directly away. As Mark said, "I'm too old for this kind of stress"!
Again.....no tags filled so back at we go!
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Darn :deadhorse: :deadhorse: you had me on the edge of my seat Tim now GET IT DONE!!
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Jarrod,
AFter years of sitting in woods watching it fill up with fallen leaves and see nothing but squirrels to flutter my heart, being in those guys situation with good deer and that many deer, THAT close, seems pretty much what it's all about...
Used to be I felt archery was a "game of inches"...then it seemed it's a game of counties
Indeed, that proximity would definitely get your juices flowing!
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Love this vacation/hunt Tim! Really want to see you and/or Mark put something on the ground, but man, what a hunt already!
Thanks for taking the time to share.
David
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Keep at it Tim. Really enjoying the pics and stories.
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Whoa....what a hopping night I had this evening!
I set a new stand in the corner of a high grass field that is maybe 2 acres in size. The bucks like to use this corner to access the alfalfa field. I got settled in early and was all fired up. It was a great location and the stand settled into the tree wonderfully, just enough cant in the tree gave it a lounge chair feel...oh yea!
I settled in around 4:30, only to find that the tree was crawling with black ants! :dunno: Everywhere I looked was an ant! I just decided to stick it out and stand all night. Every few minutes I find one climbing up my leg. Nothing big, just an annoyance.
Here's my incredible view.
(http://i.imgur.com/g6lP0I2.jpg) (http://imgur.com/g6lP0I2)
Things happened early as a string of does and young bucks filtered into the field 80 yards from me. One of the bucks had some kind of red netting woven throughout his rack. If you zoom in on one of the pictures you should be able to see it.
A doe and fawn cut through not far from my stand so I snapped a nice picture.
(http://i.imgur.com/ESTRu71.jpg) (http://imgur.com/ESTRu71)
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Not long after I snapped the picture of the doe and yearling another group of bucks showed up. I don't even remember what the "other" bucks looked like, only because the one had my full attention. What a beauty!
(http://i.imgur.com/7FfWM5O.jpg) (http://imgur.com/7FfWM5O)
(http://i.imgur.com/5Fbi6H6.jpg) (http://imgur.com/5Fbi6H6)
(http://i.imgur.com/As39vWy.jpg) (http://imgur.com/As39vWy)
I watched him for a good half an hour before he and the other 25+ deer moved around the corner and out of sight.
I was back praying to the Gods of the Hunt, but knew they had no reason to come back my way. Another mis-calculation.
So I sat and waited and waited. With about half an hour of daylight left I got down and quietly snuck through the woods. I got about halfway down the tree line and took a chance and crept towards the edge. With only 10 yards to go to the field I noticed a nice 4x4 30 yards into the field. He had no idea I was there. :thumbsup:
I kid you not.....laying 5 foot from the buck was the big one, all I could see was his rack!
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Just as I got settled in trying to figure out my next move a neighbor came down the adjacent stone lane. Several of the does that were closer to the lane bumped in my direction. The big buck stood up and turned my way. I go that "holy sh..." feeling!
Unfortunately he and his buddy cut into the woods 20 yards below me and I never got the chance. What another incredible night on stand!
(http://i.imgur.com/9kCcCu6.jpg) (http://imgur.com/9kCcCu6)
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Dang! At least you are getting into 'em!
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Aww man where is the rest of this story! Cant wait to hear what happened
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Morning Folks.....didn't sleep too well last night. The gentleman next door has several elk and the darn bulls where bugling all night long. Each day they seem to be getting more and more vocal. I know.....a tough thing to listen to all night :goldtooth: The coyotes where also going nuts last night yipping non-stop.
Mid-day usual brings some down time around the house. Here's a few pictures of us shooting our bows. Mark and I both are shooting one of Dan's Toelke's Lynx 3 piece take downs. I was going to bring my Silvertip but I thought it would be nice to shoot the Lynx.
Mark's wife Donna also enjoys a few arrows.
(http://i.imgur.com/9o4m6VL.jpg) (http://imgur.com/9o4m6VL)
(http://i.imgur.com/gFKhmBa.jpg) (http://imgur.com/gFKhmBa)
(http://i.imgur.com/UHNhHJk.jpg) (http://imgur.com/UHNhHJk)
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:thumbsup: keep them coming.
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Great thread! I look for this thread every morning and evening! Keep them coming!
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Great stuff bud!!!
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Sounds like a great game of cat and mouse being played here .... keep it coming Tim :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Good luck to the cats
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An incredibly quiet morning. We saw 2 does and one big guy. The buck was a good 1/2 mile away on a neighboring property enjoying some peace and quiet.
This is what it looks like after three hours of nothing on stand. Not happy....and scheming for the evening hunt.
(http://i.imgur.com/CJKBb5h.jpg) (http://imgur.com/CJKBb5h)
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So our host and ranch owner has a good friend a few miles up the road. He offered to take us up to this gentleman's home to "check it out". All I can say is WOW! :scared:
The home is on 300 acres bordering National Forest. The home is on the very highest point over looking what seemed like the entires state of Colorado. Sometimes pictures just don't do a place justice, this is one of the scenarios.
This is his back viewing an sitting area. If the drop off the edge doesn't kill you the views will. Just incredible!
(http://i.imgur.com/AyNu1co.jpg) (http://imgur.com/AyNu1co)
The inside of the home was decorated with a lifetime of antique furniture, family photos and hunting memories. Here are just a few photos.
(http://i.imgur.com/tQzF33I.jpg) (http://imgur.com/tQzF33I)
(http://i.imgur.com/EKyokAk.jpg) (http://imgur.com/EKyokAk)
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So here's something that will really get your pulse going. In the center of the room was a glass table filled with the most amazing collection of arrow heads I have ever seen. All of these where found by this gentleman. Again, a lifetime of memories having lived in both rural Colorado and Alaska all his life. These are only the best of the best he has found. Simply Amazing!!!
(http://i.imgur.com/7rEpL4G.jpg) (http://imgur.com/7rEpL4G)
(http://i.imgur.com/EKOH1ja.jpg) (http://imgur.com/EKOH1ja)
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Wow. That is a lot of arrowheads. I envy that guy. What a spot. I have yet to find an arrowhead, but I will someday!
Nice photos. I'm headed to wyoming next week.
Tedd
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As if the hunting alone wasn't good enough, you get to see a native American/hunting museum at a private nature resort. Too cool.
Tim, Ive been doing landscaping around the new pool with a wheel barrow all week long in 90 degree heat after 8 to 10 hours of regular work and thinking about you on that trip is keeping my mind off the toil. Uggggggggg, gotta get back to work, the wife just tightened her grip on the bull whip. Ill check back in tonight. Good luck brother. :knothead:
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What an amazing trip. and it is still in the early stages! ENJOY the experience. I am, thanks for sharing!
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Beautiful images. I recognize the mountain in the background. Seeing this brings back many memories of my youth growing up in that area. I grew up in Naturita, just to the west, and attended a small congregation in Norwood. Thanks for sharing.
Chris
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Ummmm those bucks on the wall are amazing.
Loving your story man. Keep it coming.
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Another great evening on stand! Not as far as big bucks go but the overall experience. I got on stand rather early, since we had seen a few deer coming into the alfalfa out in front of the house.
It amazes me how many things we see as hunters that we so often take for granted. What I had happen tonight was just incredible. I'm in a cedar tree that doesn't have much cover. There is a second cedar in back of me that I can almost reach out and touch....maybe 4 feet away. I was standing up looking east half a sleep from the sun on my back. I heard the bird land and immediately start screeching. I peaked around my tree to find a beautiful Sharp Shin Hawk not 4 feet away. I fully expected him to fly....not let me pull out my camera, film him for a minute and take several pictures. The sun was bright and the video came out just ok. I did however get several pictures, here's one of my favorites.
(http://i.imgur.com/2tunWLe.jpg) (http://imgur.com/2tunWLe)
Not long after I had a doe walk up the trail towards me. I could hear her coming as she bleated ever other step. All of a sudden I hear the undeniable "mule deer hop"! Pretty cool to hear and see a mom call in her young one. The yearling just about knocked mom over trying to feed.
(http://i.imgur.com/ER0AdxU.jpg) (http://imgur.com/ER0AdxU)
And the third event of the night was the opportunity to see a beautiful non-typical 2x2! This guy came in on a mission, grunting every now and than and looking for the ladies.....if he could find one that liked his hat! I'm not sure what he got himself into but it looks like it's going to stay with him awhile.
(http://i.imgur.com/8kZCcpC.jpg) (http://imgur.com/8kZCcpC)
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Here's a couple other pictures from the evening.
(http://i.imgur.com/4uPOwbs.jpg) (http://imgur.com/4uPOwbs)
(http://i.imgur.com/FijbxzT.jpg) (http://imgur.com/FijbxzT)
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Yeah Matt.....the guy had a few sheep, a moose, several elk, a bear and a few other critters. The mule deer with the dark, tight and high rack is what held my attention. Such a unique animal.
The arrow head collection was just incredible Tedd. The gentleman was an excavator by profession so I'm sure he was in the right place at the right time to find several of them. Good luck in Wyoming my friend! Hope to see a nice post from you.
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^^^ Dark rack. Aye.
Sweet adventure you have going, lots of cake.
Just need a little icing to top it off. :)
G'luck and thanks for taking us along.
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Great pics, Tim! Keep at em!
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Thanks for the updates Tim! I'm with you on the dark, tight and high racked buck. Very cool. Good luck this morning! :campfire:
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Loved the Hawk picture, hard to believe he let you get the camera out... thank you for sharing with us...
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Good stuff Tim. Keep it up bud!
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Very nice Tim,enjoy your time with Cathy and friends.
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Anybody find it curious that Tim hasn't posted much today :saywhat: Is there a subplot brewing :pray:
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Sorry folks for the delay. Today is Tuesday and we are back on "vacation" mode and giving the mule deer a break.
We headed out early this morning on our way to Mesa Verde. We took one of the most beautiful and scenic roads I've had an opportunity to drive. The road goes from Ouray to Durango and I believe is often referred to as the million dollar highway. We took a few pictures along the way that will provide you with the shear beauty that the area provides. For us, more incredible life long memories. I hope you enjoy them.
Oh yeah....back to hunting maybe tomorrow night definitely Thursday morning! :knothead:
(http://i.imgur.com/2ot2xrw.jpg) (http://imgur.com/2ot2xrw)
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One more of Silverton!
(http://i.imgur.com/QOrPZBF.jpg) (http://imgur.com/QOrPZBF)
The next 5 miles of road heading south to Durango was just incredible.
(http://i.imgur.com/0JLcOEJ.jpg) (http://imgur.com/0JLcOEJ)
(http://i.imgur.com/TozwXIL.jpg) (http://imgur.com/TozwXIL)
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Nice pictures, have a great day at Mesa Verde..!
Makes me a little homesick for Colorado..... :)
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Originally posted by Tater:
Nice pictures, have a great day at Mesa Verde..!
Makes me a little homesick for Colorado..... :)
And we do miss you!
Anyone notice the "things" parked on main street silverton!?
Keep it coming and good luck tomorrow
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That is one of the most beautiful roads I have ever driven. Also the scariest, since I did it alone and pulling a trailer. No shoulder, and no guard rails! :scared:
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beautiful country. thanks for sharing
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We got to Mesa Verde late yesterday just in time to sit through a 30 minute museum video. It's nice having someone explain to you what you are about to see and it was well worth the time. We scheduled a guide tour for tomorrow, so I hope to have some more photos for you.
Here's a little teaser......oh yeah!
All of the dwelling sites have been renovated in an attempt to maintain there original look but what really left me with an eerie feeling was the smoke stains on the ceiling of the caves. That's the real thing!
(http://i.imgur.com/G0F68u3.jpg) (http://imgur.com/G0F68u3)
(http://i.imgur.com/kvtIo9t.jpg) (http://imgur.com/kvtIo9t) (http://i.imgur.com/4VNMHbG.jpg) (http://imgur.com/4VNMHbG) (http://i.imgur.com/CFVv2Yr.jpg) (http://imgur.com/CFVv2Yr)
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Wow!!!! Great pictures!!!!
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Tim,
Has anyone ever told Mark he looks like the "Mr. Clean" character? :biglaugh:
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Great trip Tim! As much as I like to hunt I look at that country and think about how good the fly fishing must be!
David
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Tim
Just returned from that beautiful state..Mark and Donna are wonderful folks...tell him to smile...he's in heaven!!
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Yes, beautiful stretch of roadway it is.
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Awesome pictures and story telling! Thanks and good luck to you both... :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Originally posted by Whip:
That is one of the most beautiful roads I have ever driven. Also the scariest, since I did it alone and pulling a trailer. No shoulder, and no guard rails! :scared:
I drove that road at 2 am with tooth picks stuck in my eyelids trying to stay awake. the deer elk and wildcats in the road would make me wake up every so often.
While in Mesa Verde while I was there, wildfires were burning the area up and much of the park was Chard.
Great Photos Tim, they bring back great Memories!
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Another long and very enjoyable day for the group. We got up early and had a great breakfast at Sundance Bear Bed and Breakfast in Mancos. Afterwards we headed back to Mesa Verde for a guided tour at Balcony House. This particular cliff dwelling is "guided only".
Here are a few pictures. The life these ancient folks lived was just incredible. Most of the dwelling dated back to around 400 AD.
(http://i.imgur.com/bqIW0Kz.jpg) (http://imgur.com/bqIW0Kz)
(http://i.imgur.com/nR0y0rx.jpg) (http://imgur.com/nR0y0rx)
(http://i.imgur.com/VHGGQHA.jpg) (http://imgur.com/VHGGQHA)
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I received a private message from Knobby aka Gary that did a wonderful job summarizing the key hole pits. Rather than me try to explain I just copied and pasted Gary's message.
Understand that "all" of the cliff dwellings and mesa dwellings used this circular hole.
(http://i.imgur.com/YT5kQNK.jpg) (http://imgur.com/YT5kQNK)
Per Gary....
Dear Tim.....While enjoying your pics from Mesa Verde, I noticed the second pic has a circular enclosure, somewhat below ground level. It's known as a kiva, and since we toured Mesa Verde many years ago, I had assumed it was simply a place to get warm, with the fire and a roof over the top.
I wasn't even close to it's purpose. Our daughter has a Masters in Native American studies and when I asked her about it, she said the kivas served a religious purpose among the Anasazi. The hole in the floor(the sipapu) represents where their ancestors emerged from a previous world into the present. This is based on what the Pueblo tribe uses them for.
Thanks Gary.... :thumbsup:
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These "kivas", where not left open like shown in the picture. The 6 blocks around the edges is where they would place log supports and than cover with a roof. In the center of the roof there would be a hole with a ladder for entry in and out. The hole would also be for the rising smoke. In the floor you will see a fire deflector and in back of it a vent for air circulation.
I wish I could explain more but the whole experience is way too much to take in during one visit. Hopefully someone else out there can chime in.
Here are a few more pictures from the day.
(http://i.imgur.com/TnZ8b1m.jpg) (http://imgur.com/TnZ8b1m)
(http://i.imgur.com/htEjEMo.jpg) (http://imgur.com/htEjEMo)
(http://i.imgur.com/VAjixfZ.jpg) (http://imgur.com/VAjixfZ)
Back to the tree stand in the morning! :archer2:
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Incredible! Nice man!!
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This is your country Matty! So much to explore! What an incredible state you live in. :shaka:
Had a beer and a pizza in Telluride this afternoon. That place just blows me away! Absolutely gorgeous!
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Holy socks, Batman!
They look like toy models on a model train layout looking down like that...
I'd say you're making the most of a great excursion, Tim... what a treasure of a trip!
What a glorious trip!!!
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Tim awesome the pictures and story telling makes me feel like I'm there keep it coming !!!!
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This is such a cool thread. I love a good hunting story as much as the next guy but seeing all the non hunting stuff mixed in is what makes the this one so great. Really enjoying it!
I've driven right by Mesa Verde pretty much every year for the last 15 years on my way elk hunting and never taken the time to stop by. I'll be going by it again in about a week and your pictures are making me think it's about time I stop by and see it in person.
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FRUSTRATION SETS IN...... :banghead:
Mule deer hunting from a tree stand is very similar to playing the stock market. It never works out like you want it to and just when you think your going to pick the right one.....WRONG!
I've seen 2 nice bucks come through the funnel I'm hunting over the past week. One time real close with no shot and once just too damn far. The past 3 times I sat the funnel all I've had come through are the ladies. So I moved the stand with one last plea for a stroke of luck.
With that said, this morning was terrible. Super windy, kinda cold and very little movement. Just a few doe.
Mark on the other hand was into them thick, real thick! He saw several awesome bucks, one being the best he's ever seen. He had a real nice one at 40 yards but that's just a hair too far. He had does under him and bucks out in front, so he just waited and waited......and you get the point. FRUSTRATION!
No pictures and no tags punched, sorry folks! :jumper: :jumper: :jumper: :jumper:
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You make it sound like a swan song... I'd take that type frustration anyday over sitting in a woods watching it fill with leaves and see NUTTIN!
Alas, it does stir the blood pressure to be so close yet so far away!
You've had an awesome journey and done more then most...excellent. If it's over or near so, journey home safely!
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Tim, once again, we must of past each other on the road around Gunnison and Montrose. Elk season was a bust this year but we seen some nice mule deer.. Jeff and I walked up on three monsters bedded while trying to stalk elk. None of us had a deer tag in camp, though. We were plagued by bears, we seen 15 different bears of all color phases and another Ashe County fellow had a mountain lion walk under his tree. Once again, we hated to leave the area.
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What a great thread and read with fabulous pics!!!
THANKS FOR SHARING!!!
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Is there an award for TG thread of the year??!! :clapper:
Awesome trip Tim, thanks for sharing!!
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My pleasure guys!
I'm wearing your shirt today Allen....if nothing pans out it stays in Colorado! :mad:
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Great Thread Tim. Are you done or is there more hunting time?
If more time, keep your chin up, It could happen at any moment!
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Originally posted by Tim:
My pleasure guys!
I'm wearing your shirt today Allen....if nothing pans out it stays in Colorado! :mad:
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That will just mean more advertising for me out there Tim! :biglaugh:
Just don't feed it to the mule deer. :rolleyes:
Awesome trip, whether you kill something or not.
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It can't be said enough... this is some of the best free reading around!
Thanks for sharing!
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Good stuff Tim :thumbsup:
Hwy 550 from Ouray to Durango is one of the prettiest stretches of road in the country!. Been on some white knuckle rides on that one in the winter, some of those hairpin turns you swear you can reach out your window and touch your tail light!
The wife and I took the train from Durango to Silverton & back the first week of October a few years back, great way to spend the day.
Enjoy
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Tim I know it is frustrating not connecting on a deer but I know you are having a great time anyway and we sure are enjoying the stories and the pictures.
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Yep, thread of the year. This makes me miss CO even more.
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Yep folks we are nearing the end of the hunt. Tomorrow will be our final few hours on stand. Last year Mark killed a buck on the final morning with me sitting on stand 100 yards north of him. Tomorrow we are going to attempt another "field edge tag team"! We will see how it plays out.
Heading to bed early tonight with high hopes! It's been a fantastic trip and the ability to spend it with my best friend aka Cathy, makes it that much better. I can't encourage you enough to plan a vacation / hunt with your family. This is the second year we've done this and has been even more enjoyable than last year.
We will catch up with you with the final overview tomorrow night. It will be a long day traveling back to Mark's home.
Keep your fingers crossed for us! "It ain't over till the fat lady sings"! :thumbsup:
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Good luck Tim. You know it can happen at any moment including the last moment!!!
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Good luck tomorrow guys! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Always enjoy this thread the past couple years. Good luck this morning.
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Nothing like a good climax to finish off a story!
The morning was just the same as every other, coffee at 6:00, followed by three slices of raisin bread and a glass of cranberry juice. The only thing that we needed to set this day apart was a well placed arrow and a short drag.
I settled into my stand with temps right around 45 and a brisk wind out of the east. Not a great wind by any means for either of or locations, but it's all we had left to go on.
150 yards is all that separated Mark and I. The field in front of us was endless but for some reason, every morning the deer venture across the field and somehow end up within shooting range of Mark's stand. Something just draws them to the spot, as if they were hooked in the lip with an elk hair caddis.
The morning started off rather quiet. A doe here and there in the field but nothing earth shattering. I took a few pictures of my bow to pass the time, smiling at the beauty of the juniper limbs.
(http://i.imgur.com/3AOAMCF.jpg) (http://imgur.com/3AOAMCF)
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The first group of bucks we saw were way off in the distance.
(http://i.imgur.com/EMrSYbW.jpg) (http://imgur.com/EMrSYbW)
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Not long after 5 does came hopping over the hill. They'd stop and than scatter. They were around 250 yards away when I first saw them.....as was he. I could see his rack clearly but what I could really see was the size difference. This was one big mule deer.
The field consists of mostly high grass with a couple green fields here and there. The grass is high enough that you can't see the does and smaller bucks, but with the big boys, all you can see is antlers. This was one of those cases.
He walked into the green field proud and full of himself!
(http://i.imgur.com/PKnet3p.jpg) (http://imgur.com/PKnet3p)
(http://i.imgur.com/SsoMZWy.jpg) (http://imgur.com/SsoMZWy)
(http://i.imgur.com/UAbc9pA.jpg) (http://imgur.com/UAbc9pA)
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The spot I was in was ok....it was kind of a what if spot. What if they get spooked and cross the fence lower in the field? What if Mark spooks them or they wind him and happen to come my way? It wasn't a good spot but Mark's stand only 150 yards north of me was a totally different story.
I helped Mark hang a stand in that spot 2 years ago. I didn't have a mule deer tag but came along to half heartidly chase elk and spend some time with a good friend. We walked that area for a good hour bouncing what if's off each other and why here's. For some reason this tree just spoke to me. We hung a stand that evening and I told Mark he'd kill a deer there first thing in the morning. An hour or two into his sit a nice 4x4 hit the ground. What an awesome day that was!
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This has been a great read Tim, thanks for taking us along again this year.
Now let's have that climax we've all been praying for!
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What an incredible VACATION and journey you have had so far!!!
Going to make hunting ole PA seem sorta BLAH, brother... :)
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Hello Joe....just waiting for someone to ask! :biglaugh:
As if on cue the handful of doe's, two small bucks and the big guy walked north, jumped the field fence and bee lined it to Mark. I can't see Mark since several junipers and pines separate each of us visibly. What I do know is exactly where he is in the field and that the deer are walking directly to him.
(http://i.imgur.com/Z7wCqr3.jpg) (http://imgur.com/Z7wCqr3)
For a good 30 minutes nothing happened. No spooked deer, not sounds that come with a shot and no movement of the fence. Just silence and wind.
At one point I couldn't take it any more so I sent Mark a text message. All I typed was this..... ? ....... ten minutes later he sent back. Small buck under me, does behind me and big guy locked up at 25 yards. No Shot!!!
I'm not sure how much time passed but I was stressing out trying to decide how Mark should mount this big guy. If the does had spooked at least I would have know something happened. I even had my camera in hand set on video to capture something for you guys. But so far nothing....
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Than it happened!
No big explosion of deer, not doe snorts or twangs of a string. All I saw was this....
(http://i.imgur.com/z94lzZC.jpg) (http://imgur.com/z94lzZC)
The entire group of deer just walking back the way the came. Followed by a text message. "Game over, I'm out"!
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Ten minutes later I heard Mark walking by my stand heading towards the house. The big guy and his buddies were now 200 yards away slowly fading back into the high grass.
I pulled my stand, gathered my stuff and headed home, just shaking my head. We both had opportunities this week, "one of us" had more than others. But no arrows where shot and no tags where punched. Just another trip filled with good times and the pursuit of critters much better at this than us.
Mark came out of the house as I came up the drive. He just shook his head. He went onto to tell me that the does and small bucks walked right up to the fence at 10 yards, jumped over and hung out. One doe wasn't too happy with anything that was going on. The big guy keyed in on her stood his ground for 30 minutes. Facing head on watching every move she made. Just as quickly as it began, it was over the doe had enough and started back the way she had came. The buck followed, as you can see in the picture above just as they came back into view.
What a week, what a hunt and what fantastic memories for all involved. Thanks to those who offered encouragement along the way. It was a grand time!
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Great time following this vacation/hunt ... what a wonderful week of adventure and excitement shared with friends and enjoying the great outdoors.
Thanks so much for taking us along ... the excitement is always in the hunt not the kill and this has been exciting :thumbsup: :jumper: :archer2:
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Great thread, thanks for taking us along. Better luck next time the memories are def. what this game is all about
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:clapper: :clapper: :clapper: thanks Tim! I enjoyed every second of this thread. But man, I really thought you guys were going to get a couple good bucks. Oh well, see you in 2 months!
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Great thread! Thanks for the pictures and taking us along! A lot of great memories!
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Just read all 9 pages and thanking you for taking the time to share with us.
Lots of memories and future hope...?
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Thanks for taking me along Tim and what a heck of a job taking pictures and keeping us tuned in on the thread I really enjoyed every minute of it almost like I was there!! :clapper:
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Yes indeed. Thanks so much for taking the time and effort to include all of us in your adventure. :thumbsup:
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Sounds to me like a great week.
Thank you for sharing your trip with us Tim.
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Class Act. Classy people...great time for all us "lurkers".
Gracias!
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Thanks for taking me along Tim and what a heck of a job taking pictures and keeping us tuned in on the thread I really enjoyed every minute of it almost like I was there! :clapper: :clapper:
X2
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Well,,,,, it sure was a great journal and Ill bet though unsuccessful in the tag punching department, it was successful in the living life to the fullest department.
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Great story and pics, Tim. Thank you and have a safe trip back home.
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Great trip Tim, thanks for taking the time to share it with us.
David
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Great Story Tim, I was pulling for you two..The thrill of the chase sometimes outweighs the kill..I know, my trip was similar, but what memories were made!!! Mark is a great Dude!!
Awesome pictorial Journey!!!!
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Great thread and a great example of a successful hunt without a kill.
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Very nice Tim, I am always pleased to see friends and family having such a good time. Thanks for sharing the trip.
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:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :clapper: :clapper:
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Thanks for taking the time to tell your story Tim. Great job :thumbsup:
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Beautiful on a multitude of levels, thanks
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Great photo journal again! Thanks. Spent a week in the Durango area a couple of Aprils ago. Nice to see the million dollar highway in green mode. I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.
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I loved every bit of the story. Just shows you how hunting with traditional equipment can be. I cant wait till next years adventure.
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Although, "getting one" is always a rush, it certainly is not paramount to the making of a great hunt!
Awesome thread, and I hope yuou and Mark both get him next time!
Bisch
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Looks like a great time, thanks for sharing!
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Thanks again guys.....your responses make it worth the time and effort each day to put it together.
I'm back home in PA getting ready for whitetails. Mark is packing up and moving to Montana! :notworthy:
We will be back together in mid-November to chase Kansas whitetails with Jon aka Snakebit40. Hopefully something will come together for us.
Enjoy the season!!! Tim
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Thought you'd enjoy one more final picture from beautiful western Colorado!
(http://i.imgur.com/6tbCClY.jpg) (http://imgur.com/6tbCClY)
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Awesome adventure, Tim! Thanks for taking us along.
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Glad to read you and your lovely bride made it back to the home 20 safe and sound!
Moving to MT, eh? I wish them well in that relo!
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Thank you! I enjoyed that story very much. Thanks for your efforts.
Gary