cramerhunts Report post Posted January 2, 2009 Ok well to start off alot of you knew that I drew one of the very hard to come by December Tags in SouthEastern Arizona. Well before I found out that I had drew that tag I had agreed to buy a Mexico tag that happended to be starting the same weekend as the Arizona hunt. So off to Mexico I went. My dad and hunting partner So I hunt went down and set up camp before the season and then hunted while I was in Mexico with some nice bucks spotted but no shots were fired. As soon as I got back from MX I spent a couple days at home with the family and then headed down to camp. My dad was able to join me for a couple of days and even though I spotted some nice bucks I again headed home for Christmas with my tag still safely in my pocket. Here is a nice big three by three. And I really wanted this buck that I called the "little big buck". He is a four by three plus eye guards and only about 7 inches wide! So I hunt headed down on Christmas day and then Rut and I met him the day after. My dad got to pop in to camp as well. We were greated with very strong winds and some socked in country to glass. That night was extremely cold and the weather cleared to give us a great day the next morning. Here is the cold camp! And here is the start of a beautiful day! The next couple of days were absolutely great with some very nice bucks being spotted and some great weather to be had. We had not seen hardly any signs of the rut all though I did see one very nice buck chasing a doe, the majority of the bucks were by themselves or had smaller bucks traveling with them. Here is a neat video of a 90ish type of buck licking a small two point that Rut was able to take. Licking I knew time was running out and started to get a little anxious. We knew that there were at least two bucks in the area that would break the 110" mark and it was just a matter of time until we had a chance at one of them. One evening after spending all day on the same little point I happen to spot a nice buck walking up a ridge about 700 yards away. I couldn't hold out any longer and the stalk was on. I crossed a couple of small draws and closed the distance to 320 yards. I got a good solid rest and let him have it. I was very relieved to see the buck drop after I had missed down in Mexico at a lot closer distance. I got a hold of Rut and So I hunt on the radio and asked them if they could pick me up on the nearest road that I could think of. I still had to get up the ridge to the deer and darkness was coming fast. I managed to get the deer taken care of and packed out to the road about the same time as they rolled up in the truck. I chose not to take the time for the field pictures as it was a late enough night as it was so these are all I could do. My buck is a 4x4 plus eyeguards and scores an even 101". The next day we happened to spot one of the big ones and So I hunt and I took off on a long winded stalk just to never see the buck or his smaller buddy again and that's pretty much how the hunt ended for us. I know that So I hunt will be back down this month with his bow and I can only hope to draw again next year. I can't thank my dad or hunting partners enough! It's always a pleasure to spend time with them in the woods. Phil Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elkaddict Report post Posted January 2, 2009 Nice buck and story, can't beat the Dec. hunt too bad it's become an almost once in a lifetime draw. I miss the old days! Enjoyed the video also. You going back to Mexico? Wasn't clear if you shot one or not. Congrats!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cramerhunts Report post Posted January 2, 2009 Nice buck and story, can't beat the Dec. hunt too bad it's become an almost once in a lifetime draw. I miss the old days! Enjoyed the video also. You going back to Mexico? Wasn't clear if you shot one or not. Congrats!! Yep headed back down on the 15th of this month, even though I had my chance I didn't connect the first trip to Mexico. Thanks. Phil Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scoutm Report post Posted January 2, 2009 Phil - Great looking buck!! Congrats on a hard earned trophy! Jim - Great Video. I can't wait for Mexico Part II. I thought I was excited for the first trip...this time the anticipation is off the charts!! What a way to end the year with a 100incher and then two weeks later starting the year off with another (I Hope)! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bchoitz Report post Posted January 2, 2009 Nice Buck and nice story. Thanks for Sharing. Good luck in Mex. To those who think the Dec. tag is a"Once in a Lifetime" tag, keep that train of thought, You are right and you shouldn't waste time putting in for those tags... Bret Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tines Report post Posted January 2, 2009 Way to go! What an amazing few days of hunting out there, huh? Congratulations! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SO I HUNT Report post Posted January 3, 2009 Well the pictures of my buck is to come this YEAR At least I hope so! The story of my hunt is just about the same as cramerhunts just no buck ( seems that I have PASS THEM UP FLU) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chef Report post Posted January 3, 2009 Great looking buck Phil! I was wondering how your AZ hunt was doing. Now you have to redeem yourself and take another long shot at a buck in old Mex! Congrats again. Hopefully someone here can make light of Jimmy's video and tell us why they lick each other like that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
willhunt4coues Report post Posted January 3, 2009 Sweet buck congrats Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesWhitetail Report post Posted January 3, 2009 Congratulations Phil!! That's a neat looking buck! And nice photos with your CW shirt and sticker!! Amanda Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coues Archer Report post Posted January 3, 2009 Wow nice buck great job. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
matthewp45 Report post Posted January 3, 2009 Very nice buck and welldeserved. Congrats. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cramerhunts Report post Posted January 4, 2009 Thanks for the comments guys. Amanda since I didn't get any field pics I thought I could at least show off the shirt and sticker! Phil Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shortpants Report post Posted January 4, 2009 Great buck Phil and good luck in mexico! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azpackhorse Report post Posted January 5, 2009 Outstanding buck Phil! Congrats to you my friend! Now get down to Old Mexico and whack a monster, good luck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
