2022 Colorado Archery Buck

WiscoKid

Active Member
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314
I was lucky enough to pack into an area I hunted back in 2019. I tweaked my plan and camping spot a little bit and gave myself some seclusion from hikers and bikers. I was able to pick up a group of bucks Thursday afternoon when making camp as they re-bedded for the day. I then spotted them again that evening from my initial glassing point. Figuring they would be there in the morning, I felt like I had a plan for opening day. The next morning, I picked up 4 bucks high on the ridge line (3 from the day before) at about 1200 yards. I was able to cut the distance as they fed with the wind to about 800 yards, and then 256, and then 154. By now the thermals were starting to come up and there wasn't much wind, I slowly trailed the bucks as they fed into the wind now. As I slid down an avalanche chute on my butt, there was a mid 150s 4x4 and a cool old 3x2 that I had taken pics of the night before. As I scooted down the mountain I was able to get into bow range.

I ranged the larger buck at 78.6, but had told myself I was giving myself a 70 yard hard cut off, as that is what I was shooting at all summer. The older 3x2 was at 53.4, well within range and feeding broadside without a care in the world. I drew back, got a great anchor, checked my bubble level and held my 50 yard pin on his lungs. When the shot went off, he raised his head and went to bolt, he had moved about 6 inches by the time the arrow got there, and I hit him square through the 2nd to last rib/liver. The arrow passed through, although I thought i originally missed by the reaction of all 3 bucks.

The 4 pt went back to feeding with the other 2 bucks out of sight. I continued to follow the bucks to the left, I scooted down the next chute and ranged the big one at 56.4. When I did, I noticed the 3x2 I had shot at standing broadside again at 40.3 but could tell now that he was definitely hit. He was moving his head, but would not take a step, or feed, or flick his tail. I re-aimed, put a second arrow through his shoulder and dropped him right there. He tumbled down the mountain and got caught in the first patch of willows about 60 yards below him where he quickly expired. And just like that, I was done on opening morning on my second solo backcountry hunt in the Colorado high country.

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WoW! Cool looking buck! Only thing that would have made him better is that he was just a huge 2x2 (my dream buck). Big congrats.
 
Great buck and story. You have to be in incredible shape to hike that county. That 1200 yards you went burned some calories! A real trophy!
 
Way Kool! :cool: Awesome story. And don't you love it when a plan comes together!!

Gotta ask, what size pack is that? Were you able to pack it out in one trip? I'm asking because I'm looking to buy a pack. Looking towards a 5500 ci.
 
Way Kool! :cool: Awesome story. And don't you love it when a plan comes together!!

Gotta ask, what size pack is that? Were you able to pack it out in one trip? I'm asking because I'm looking to buy a pack. Looking towards a 5500 ci.
That is the exo mountain 5500 with a lid. It's the older K2 frame but LOVE this pack. Everything came out in one trip, camp, most of my food, the entire deer, etc. Figured it was about 105 lbs all said and done. Slow and steady down the mountain, but well worth making only one trip. Pack performed flawlessy, more issues with the guy carrying the pack ;)
 

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