John O Report post Posted November 9, 2010 After a pretty sorry fall season of archery, I decided to pick up a leftover tag down south. My brother in law and nephew, as well as a couple of friends all decided to join up and see if we could land some success. Our goal Friday and Saturday was to try to help my nephew fill his tag. We were on bucks Friday and Saturday, but couldn't close the deal for him and he had to head back home. One of my friends was able to shoot a little 3X3 on Saturday morning, even with the zoo of hunters scattered on every hill and ridge. As it turns out, the only one with time to hunt after the weekend was me, so off I went. 3:30 am came early, but I was determined to make the most of my day. I arrived at the glassing spot just as a hint of light started to show. To my delight, it seemed like I had the whole unit to myself. After about an hour of glassing, I located a little forkie running with some does, about a half mile away. I worked my way down the hill and into a good position for a shot. The does all of a sudden scattered and ran off the hill, but I didn't see the buck with them. I set up my tripod and binos, and after a while located him bedded in some ocotillo. I ranged him at 461 yards 5 times, just to be sure of the distance. I set up prone, and took plenty of time to make sure my rest was rock solid. I had about a 15 mph cross wind, so I compensated 12 inches, and let it fly. I was able to see the impact, and the buck jumped up, ran 20 yards, then all I saw was legs in the air. Turns out the shot entered just behind the shoulder, and took out both lungs with the 110 grain Barnes TTSX. The blood trail was something else. Following a little self staged photo session, I got him taken care of and back to the vehicle. I felt blessed to be able to harvest such a nice deer, and grateful to live in a country and state where so many of us can enjoy our passion for coues deer hunting. Good luck to all who still have tags left to fill. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Apatkelley Report post Posted November 9, 2010 Congratulations!! Way to get it done. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coach Report post Posted November 9, 2010 Great job, and a cool story. So looking back, when it was nobody but you - just hunting solo, and doing it for your own reasons, that feeling that it was all working out...and that realization that this moment was something personal, and important...did you feel like something changed...inside? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bonecollector Report post Posted November 9, 2010 Nice job John, Congrats! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tines Report post Posted November 9, 2010 Way to go, John! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesWhitetail Report post Posted November 9, 2010 Congratulations!! Looks like some gorgeous country you hunted! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roninflag Report post Posted November 9, 2010 nice. 25-06?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John O Report post Posted November 9, 2010 Great job, and a cool story. So looking back, when it was nobody but you - just hunting solo, and doing it for your own reasons, that feeling that it was all working out...and that realization that this moment was something personal, and important...did you feel like something changed...inside? Actually, not really. I'm sure if it was my first coues it would have been a defining moment. I hunt archery mostly alone, so it was more of what I was used to. Here are a couple of things I got out of this season, however: 1- If spelling well was a prerequisite to becoming a CWT.com member, it would have about 8 members 2- Everyone should have a range snap 3- A decent spotting scope is an absolute must. I used mine about 20 times in 3 days 4- Knowing your rifle, and its capability, as well as adjusting to current conditions is invaluable 5- Every coues is a trophy 6- There is nothing more important in life than your family I decided to add a photo to show the little forks on the antlers. Thanks for the kind comments. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CRAZYBUCK Report post Posted November 9, 2010 sweet congrats Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John O Report post Posted November 9, 2010 nice. 25-06?? .270 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elkhunter Report post Posted November 10, 2010 I was ontop of that mountain on saturday, saw some nice stuff there! becareful of those cliffs! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deerhunter Report post Posted November 11, 2010 Way to go hammy. Good job Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
200"mulie Report post Posted November 11, 2010 great looking country and congrats can't wait till next year Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
boomsaki Report post Posted November 11, 2010 Sweet congrats! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
COOSEFAN Report post Posted November 12, 2010 Great Job Hammy! I like your "6 lessons" and would agree with all of them! Congrats on a great hunt. JIM> Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
