Never written up a hunt before but will give it a go...
Earlier this spring, and again later this summer, I first met and talked with Chris Hill, [some of you may recognize him as the younger, "Very Successful" hunter in the video "Bow Hunting Reflection's" by Steve Gore]. We spoke at our last meeting, of getting together to chase Mule Deer in Eastern Wa. If you ever get the opportunity to make a hunt with Chris, by all means take it. He's a great guy and a pleasure to share a camp with.
During or initial meets, I had "Bragged Up" about the area I hunt which is area 133 in North Central Wash. and how I could guarantee free access to ranches that would allow him to see a min. of 150 deer per day. With a high percentage of legal [3 point {on at least one side} bucks.]
Boy did I fall short this year... Since the sumer had been so hot this year the farming schedule got way behind. The late harvest and subsequent planting of new Winter Wheat was way behind schedule. The new winter wheat I normally rely on to draw the deer out of the surrounding canyons and steep draws was not present.
As a result, I fell about 50 deer per day short on the number I promised he'd see. To top that off, in a day of pre-season scouting and the following opening morning of the season, we saw not one legal Buck.
As a side note, Does are not legal the first portion of the season in the area we were hunting. Also, un-like many states in the East and Central Portion on the Country, Wash. only allows the harvest on one Deer and Elk per person to the vast number of hunters. Additional tags must be drawn for, are very limited and then only for small areas of the state suffering high deer populations and severe dammage by over-grazing. Needless to say the vast, wide open areas, of farm and grazing land in Central and Eastern Wa. usually do not qualify for many of these extra tags. Enough background...
Now to the "Meat Of the Hunt". Since the morning was a "Bust" I suggested we try a different area for the evening. This area was a Public "School Section" [ one square mile ]. Very broken up by centuries old Lava beds which create numerous ridges and deep pockets which contain lush areas of brush and grass along with lots of shade from the semi thick stands of Pines which thrive in this particular area. This area was perfect for providing food and much needed shade to the deer. I may not have noted earlier, but the temps during the days was right at 93 deg. Since this was a walk and stalk hunt, quiet travel was tough.
I dropped Chris off just inside the West border of the area. I advised him to take his time and just "Mosey into the wind which happened to be from the South.
I then went to the opposite side of "the section" and did a likewise southerly approach to the area. After forgetting my Bino's and having to return to the truck for them the hunt resumed. I had only proceded another 250-300 yards when I stepped up onto a 2 1/2 foot ledge to lava to immediately be "Busted" by three bedded Mule Deer bucks laying in the shade about 40 yards to my left.
I gingerly stepped back down off of the ridge of lava and tried to get a couple small Pines between myself and the deer. As soon as I was behind the trees all three deer came to their feet on "Full Alert". The wind was good so I started trying to close the distance to one I felt more comfortable with. Finally at between 26 and 27 yards ears appeared on both sides of the pines. The Fork horn was on the right and the 3 point on the left. [ The one I actually was after, was a 3 point still fully in the velvet. As, I had never taken a buck in the velvet] Instead, the nice 3 point on the left decided it was time to move out of the area. He took two steps to the left allowing a perfect "Broadside" shot. The cool thing about a Traditional bow is the flite time of the arrow it allows you to enjoy, and this was no exception... Upon release, I was in Awe as this arrow flew smoothly and directly to the "Spot" I had been concentrating on so hard.
At the strike of the arrow I definately heard "Bone". He made and immediate jump followed by 3 more bounds and was down. I don't think he lasted 5 seconds, and only made about 30 yards. By far, the fasted animal I have ever put on the ground..... Just as we all wish it should be.
After cleaning and tagging the buck, I returned to my truck for my quad [ I have severe COPD and a real hard time breathing with exertion].
I was able to load and get deer back to truck and then waited for Chris to come out of the are near dark.
While not lucky enough to "Tag", he did have plenty excitement when he played with a doe and fawn and Was very startled by a Cow MOOSE at close range.
I have heard others speak of them, but have never encountered one myself. Maybe some day.
The following morning I was forced to load the deer and start the 5 1/2 journey home. I packed the body cavity and all surrounding meat in bags of ice and successfully got them home to our Walk in Cooler.
Chris, at that point headed farther North to join up with Lon Scott "Blackhawk" here on TG to contine his hunt. I have been busy hunting Elk since then and have regretfullu not been in contact with them to see how they did.
I have seen posts here in Pow Wow, asking how a "Single Bevel preforms in real life application?? I had some pictures included, [somewhat vivid] of the effect a Single Bevel No Mercy Zwickey in my origional post. They provide a pretty good answers to those with questions.
Hope you enjoyed this little story as It's the first I have ever written.
Gene
Topic: Talk to us Gene Carroll (Read 413 times)
