Well, we have another year in the books. This year started no different then any of the past years. I watched unsuccessful emails roll in just as almost every year past. So it was just OTC elk and my final year in dedicated hunter in Utah.
The year has been an extremely busy year. Between an overloaded work schedule, remodeling the house and a few other things, I watched the archery hunt go by without being able to go out more than a few times.
I was able to hit the extended between the archery and the muzzle loader hunt. I had no luck but I had a lot of fun. The muzzleloader hunt started and I hunted the first 5 days. I had to leave town again for work and would be gone until shortly before the rifle hunt started.
I was able to get about a week of solid scouting in prior to the rifle opener (I scouted all summer too). I spent the entire week scouting with my boy, it really brought me back to earth.
During our time scouting my boy had informed me that I had to kill a deer this year, he needed to eat it and he needed a rack in his room, I promised I would do my best.
Opening day of the rifle hunt had came, I had a Target buck in mind and immediately went to that area, only to find I was the only person there, no competition, and also no deer. Saturday was a bust, Sunday showed no greater promise other then a few more deer and a really nice 4x4 that I couldn't seal the deal on. Monday was no better.
Tuesday came and I found a really unique buck that actually had some size to him, there was also a good 4x4 with him. I put him to bed and then repositioned myself for when he got up to feed that evening, Tuesday night came and went, not a single deer sighting.
This year had already been a very trying year, with everything. This hunt was proving to be no exception.
Wednesday. At first light I spotted the 4x4 that had been with the freak the day before. I decided I was going to take him. I got set for the shot and when he stepped out I pulled the trigger. He vanished, but I had not heard that unmistakable sound of a solid hit. I followed up the shot by walking up to where I had taken the shot, there was no blood no sign of a hit at all. I started to follow his tracks through the soft soil he had been traveling in. Out of the blue, I hear deer going for the ridge top. I hastily made may way to the top.
Upon cresting the ridge it became very evident I had not hit the buck, as there he was, making his escape. Along with multiple other bucks.
I glanced over the deer to assess what was what, I immediately was able to recognize many of the deer, from previous scouting trips. But one deer stood out above all, a deer I had never laid eyes on nor heard rumor about, a deer I could not believe was in my general hunt unit......
Flash back, over the years we (my family, friends and myself) have killed some large bucks, including 1 200" typical. And many other large typical and non typical bucks.
Here right in front of me was a moment I had personally always dreamed about. THE PERFECT 4x4 buck. He had everything, mass, hieght, width, tine length I have only seen in magazines. This was the largest typical I had ever laid eyes on. Big, symmetrical, not a viable flaw. I had him right where I needed him. Under 300 yards, broad side and at a slow walk.........
The year has been an extremely busy year. Between an overloaded work schedule, remodeling the house and a few other things, I watched the archery hunt go by without being able to go out more than a few times.
I was able to hit the extended between the archery and the muzzle loader hunt. I had no luck but I had a lot of fun. The muzzleloader hunt started and I hunted the first 5 days. I had to leave town again for work and would be gone until shortly before the rifle hunt started.
I was able to get about a week of solid scouting in prior to the rifle opener (I scouted all summer too). I spent the entire week scouting with my boy, it really brought me back to earth.
During our time scouting my boy had informed me that I had to kill a deer this year, he needed to eat it and he needed a rack in his room, I promised I would do my best.
Opening day of the rifle hunt had came, I had a Target buck in mind and immediately went to that area, only to find I was the only person there, no competition, and also no deer. Saturday was a bust, Sunday showed no greater promise other then a few more deer and a really nice 4x4 that I couldn't seal the deal on. Monday was no better.
Tuesday came and I found a really unique buck that actually had some size to him, there was also a good 4x4 with him. I put him to bed and then repositioned myself for when he got up to feed that evening, Tuesday night came and went, not a single deer sighting.
This year had already been a very trying year, with everything. This hunt was proving to be no exception.
Wednesday. At first light I spotted the 4x4 that had been with the freak the day before. I decided I was going to take him. I got set for the shot and when he stepped out I pulled the trigger. He vanished, but I had not heard that unmistakable sound of a solid hit. I followed up the shot by walking up to where I had taken the shot, there was no blood no sign of a hit at all. I started to follow his tracks through the soft soil he had been traveling in. Out of the blue, I hear deer going for the ridge top. I hastily made may way to the top.
Upon cresting the ridge it became very evident I had not hit the buck, as there he was, making his escape. Along with multiple other bucks.
I glanced over the deer to assess what was what, I immediately was able to recognize many of the deer, from previous scouting trips. But one deer stood out above all, a deer I had never laid eyes on nor heard rumor about, a deer I could not believe was in my general hunt unit......
Flash back, over the years we (my family, friends and myself) have killed some large bucks, including 1 200" typical. And many other large typical and non typical bucks.
Here right in front of me was a moment I had personally always dreamed about. THE PERFECT 4x4 buck. He had everything, mass, hieght, width, tine length I have only seen in magazines. This was the largest typical I had ever laid eyes on. Big, symmetrical, not a viable flaw. I had him right where I needed him. Under 300 yards, broad side and at a slow walk.........