bojangles

So, while our brains are simmering about what deer hunts to put in for...heres a story. I never could get anything to work out in the August hunt. I glassed up some shooters, but accidentally bumped them when I was driving out. I didn't realize they were bedded so close to the trail. I never saw them again. I'm not one to pass on a legal animal, but for some odd reason I couldn't bring myself to let the arrow go on several fork horns. I also missed a nice 3 point...I ranged him at 60, he took a couple steps and I shot for 60. The arrow went right under him, but by the time I shot he was probably 70 or better. I was surprised to see there were about 10 mule deer left on the quota for December. I saw a few bucks from the road. Only one was decent. I slipped and fell on some ice on a steep side hill just as I was closing the gap, and he took his does and left the county. So, after checking the quota again, I saw there were now only 3 bucks left. I knew I had to hit it hard. With the end of the season approaching, we drove around to some glassing points early one morning. We turned up a small 4 point chasing some does near the road, but they would have none of it. My plan was to glass from the road, until we got to my hunting spot, and then still hunt and glass between two points I had marked on the map. My son had killed a buck there 2 years ago. Well, when we got to the place where I would still hunt, we jumped a really heavy bodied 4x4 with his does. Miraculously, he ran towards us, as he was cliffed out, and we were blocking his escape route. His does blew by, but he was unsure whether to risk the cliff, or follow his does. While he was in the valley of decision, I ranged him at 62 yards. With his does quickly disappearing, he reluctantly followed. But now he was moving. I drew, but now was unsure of his range, and didn't want a repeat of August. So I yelled at my son to range him so I could get real time data. My son fumbled with his range finder for a couple of hours.... at least... ( he is a teenager..). FINALLY....my son got it together and ranged the buck. By now he was fading fast. If he got to the next tree, he would drop into a canyon never to be seen again. I was leading him with my pins, but now I would risk hitting the tree and losing him forever. My son yelled out "69". We both yelled "meh". The buck looked our way, and I thought he might stop. I put my 70 yard pin on him, and punched it, knowing full well if he didn't stop, I would hit him too far back. Did I do the right thing?

Thank you…that’s very kind. it wasn’t ideal, but I was thankful it worked out too.

I pulled him out of the freezer for this photo op. I

Here is how I shoot from 80 yards when I'm on. This is an old pic, but a good for instance.

Ok, I'm not here to say I did the most ethical thing of all time. I wanted that buck, and I punched the release. I had taken a practice shot early that morning, and I felt good. I told my self I'd shoot 80 yards if I needed to, I think I actually said that out loud. As it turned out, the bucks stop was false...he looked when we grunted, and slowed, but did not come to a stop. But that arrow was gone. If I had led him any further, I risked hitting the tree. I held front of shoulder and sent it. Well, I watched that arrow disappear right smack in his paunch. I checked the arrow for confirmation. Sure enough, it was coated with green slime. So, we turned around and left. We did not look for that buck until the following morning. I was on pins and needles, everything in me wanted to go look for that buck, but we gave him nearly 24 hours. The next morning, I found him lying maybe 150 yards from where I shot him, tops. Full disclosure, he was in Princess Bride mode, so I put one more in him. I thought a lot about not publishing this story, it's not super epic, and the shot was questionable. But I'm glad it worked out. He tastes awful. So, he will be nothing but chili and taco meat for palatability. He was a big, rutted up, gut shot muley. Lol.

This is my hunting rig. ( 2001) I have a 3” lift. I put on spaced rims. I unplugged the trac control from the master cylinder to over ride the vsc/trac system. it’s a heavy, but very capable rig. I actually sold my SxS and just use the sequoia.

To be continued....

Wow. I haven’t seen it, but would like to. Seems crazy.

I’ve never spent a dime on hunting that wasn’t a complete waste…. yet here I am at the archery shop…take my money.

I gotta fresh litter of shih tzus….ready to go.

I saw one in Taylor last week. It was a late 90s 4Runner. Looked ok.

What are your thoughts on the 10mm for grizzly defense? It seems a lot of people are leaning this direction, as hard hitting bear loads are now available, and the idea of 15-16 rounds seems appealing. Glock has a nice offering, and the XDM is now available in 10mm, and carries 15 plus 1.

I wonder if there is a truck on the front of that?

Anyone use the new iPhone for gps? Supposedly has sat options.

Too bad sportsmen never unite and fight.

Super cool. I’m headed there in September. Hopefully the fishing is still good. Any travel/lodging/charter tips would be appreciated.

Sold. Thx.

I’m tired of lugging this around. I got 20ish boxes of brown bear for $250 about 1000 rounds of wolf for 450 mak 90 with 5 30 round mags for 1000$, but trades preferred. would sell or like to trade for nicer items in 556, 308 or ammo in the same, or 10mm, 9mm, or something interesting… would prefer not to part things out too much.

Norinco.

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Sorry, didn’t see this. Road is as good as it’s been in a long time. But it’s getting dusty….

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