rclouse79 Report post Posted October 27, 2012 I usually walk through a ranch to get to where I set up for opening morning. I have run in to people multiple times, and ask if it is ok if I walk through. They have always been nice and said no problem. This morning I was almost through the ranch when a lady comes out and asks “who are you?” Long story short she didn’t want me walking through the ranch, so I obliged and headed back the way I had come. I knew I wouldn’t make my first spot by shooting light, but was trying to book it anyway. My hurried pace caused my new boots to give me some gnarly blisters on my heels. I limped up to my rise and set up my new Kaibab 15’s 45 minutes after my desired time. Looking through my new binoculars on a tripod was a treat in itself. I ended up glassing three spikes and a nice sized forky. I was hoping to shoot something bigger than last year so I just watched them. After about 10 a.m. , everything seemed to quiet down. I was bummed because I had planned to hike to the top of another hill for my evening hunt, but I knew my heels were not up for a monster hike. There is a little hill that my buddy use to sit, and I thought I could make it up there so I set out. After a slow shuffle up, I sat down on the top of the hill for a rest. I did not have high expectations for finding deer, so I leisurely sat back against my pack and glassed through my 8x binoculars. I was shocked when I saw antlers under a tree 300 yards away within minutes of sitting down. (I love how the best things always seem to happen when you are expecting nothing). I decided to sneak back up a few feet to try and set my rifle up for a prone shot through the ocotillo. I think I made just enough noise to get the buck up and moving. I checked him through the binoculars and saw he was moving up behind the group of trees where I had spotted him. I found him in the scope and he gave me a nice broadside 300 yard shot. This is my fifth deer I have taken out of this unit. My first was a single spike, followed by a small fork, followed by a slightly bigger fork, followed by a nice fork, followed by this year’s three point. I held my new pb up to my pb from last year in one of the photos. It is funny to spend so much time and money before the season for seven hours of actual hunting. I am already getting excited for next year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pinalhunter Report post Posted October 27, 2012 Holy mass nice buck big congrats. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coach Report post Posted October 27, 2012 Nice looking buck, Huge congrats. The plan doesn't always work out. Being agile and working with whatevery comes your way is the mark of an experienced hunter. IMO, you did really well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
firstcoueswas80 Report post Posted October 27, 2012 Gotta break those new boots in before season! I've learned that the hard way also! awesome buck, looks like a great shot! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tjhunt2 Report post Posted October 27, 2012 Congratulations and thanks for sharing. Yes, opening day is not a day to break in a new pair of boots but you were successful in downing a buck so the old saying stands true, no pain no gain. You got it done. TJ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
6ANut Report post Posted October 27, 2012 Great mass on that Buck, hopefully it will help numb the pain of those blisters. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bonecollector Report post Posted October 27, 2012 Congrats that is a nice buck. Glad it all came together for you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pine Donkey Report post Posted October 27, 2012 Very nice buck. Congratulations! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snapshot Report post Posted October 27, 2012 Nice buck! I can sympathize with the blisters. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
palivs2hnt Report post Posted October 27, 2012 Great mass and buck! Good luck with the blisters! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ragu Report post Posted October 27, 2012 I love that story. Congrats Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Will K Report post Posted October 27, 2012 Congrat's and nice shot. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesWhitetail Report post Posted October 27, 2012 Awesome!! Congratulations and you should add your buck to the main page: www.coueswhitetail.com if you need help, let me know. also, don't forget to enter the coues buck contest..... http://www.coueswhitetail.com/forums/topic/34667-2012-coues-buck-contest/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Simple Hunter Report post Posted October 27, 2012 Congrats! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
double lunger14 Report post Posted October 27, 2012 Mr. Clouse congrats!!!! Atta boy! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
