5yearcoueshunter Report post Posted November 2, 2012 Well, I was able to get my second Coues deer this past week. Not only was it my second Coues, but it was my 2nd with a muzzleloader and it was the 2nd Coues I've taken on my birthday! That definitely must be my lucky day! lol He's not the biggest buck but I was sure happy to get him. Hunting was tough with the heat, full moon, increased hunting pressure and it seemed like a lower population in the area we hunted. I spotted a group of deer with 3 small bucks in the group around 550 yards across the canyon about 10 minutes before sundown. I was able to make a stalk on the deer and got within 162 yards. When I got over there I was only able to see a doe and one of the bucks, a small 3X4. He gave me a good broadside shot so I decided to take him. At the shot, the buck jumped and he immediately disappeared behind a small tree only about 10 yards from where he was standing. I quickly reloaded and headed up there. It turned out the shot was a little far back in the liver. The deer was definitely hurting but still had his head up. I decided to put another one in him to finish him off. All I could see was the top of his neck and head in the tall grass. I pulled for the neck and was able to finish him off. When I walked up to him, I was a little bummed because my finishing off shot was too high and I got him in the head, which completely busted off one antler. Oh well. At least is wasn't a big buck or else I would have been really mad at myself. haha I didn't get any field photos that night as I hurried to get him field dressed and back to camp in the dark, but I did take a few pics the next day. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday! Went back the next day and was able to find the missing antler. It busted off probably about 2 inches and the bottom and took off the brow-tine. Also saw about 3 covey's of Mearn's and Gambel quail. Took this picture at probably 5 yards. There is about 7 Mearn's hiding in those rocks. Amazing how they can hide! Thanks guys! Travis Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jamaro Report post Posted November 2, 2012 great job Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snapshot Report post Posted November 2, 2012 Buck on your birthday! What a great present, and awesome way to spend a birthday! Good job! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
200"mulie Report post Posted November 2, 2012 Nice write up, thanks for sharing! and congrats ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bonecollector Report post Posted November 2, 2012 Congrats, thats cool you found the other side of the antler. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesWhitetail Report post Posted November 2, 2012 Congratulations on your birthday buck!! Man, it's tough spotting those mearn's in your photo! don't forget to enter him in the contest: http://www.coueswhitetail.com/forums/topic/34667-2012-coues-buck-contest/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crazyaboutcoues Report post Posted November 4, 2012 Congrats on your buck Travis!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hunter4life Report post Posted November 5, 2012 Congratulations Travis! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jim Report post Posted November 17, 2012 Great story, those mearns have come close to scaring me to death as they like to come out right at your feet. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trophyhnter Report post Posted November 17, 2012 Great buck! Congrats on your smokepole buck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
