mklong40 Report post Posted December 30, 2012 After 8 years of waiting, I drew a Dec Unit 33 rifle tag, along with my friend justin (GreeneMachine). This has been "the" tag I have been waiting for and was super excited. I spent all of August, September, and most of October scouting. Every free weekend I had, I was on the mountain. I know from personal experience and through the knowledge of others, how awesome the bucks are in this unit. During my scouting I had located 2 bucks at or over 110", another 2 or 3 between 100"-105", and numerous 95"ers. For the most part, I thought I had them figured out and Decemer 14th could not come fast enough. On the Thursday before the hunt Justin and I packed in 3.5 miles into the area we were hunting and set up a bivy camp. We awoke to 2" of snow on the ground and non-huntable conditions. We tried to wait it out but had some gear failer and headed out. Through the first week we dealt with rain, snow, sleet, wind, etc. You name it, we were in it. I am not sure if this affected the deer but not 1 buck we spent 3 months scouting was showing up. Justin tagged out on a nice deer the first Tuesday, but not on a buck we had seen before. (he may post the story and pics later). I proceeded to hunt for the next 10 days. I was seeing 35-45 deer a day and not one shooter buck that I thought was "worthy" of my Dec rifle tag. I have a super supportive wife and family and though not a word was mentioned through the holidays ( I have 3 kids ages 3, 5, and 8 ) I could tell in my families actions that 3 months of scouting weekends and 10 days of hunting was paying a toll. Additionally, I was mentally and physically exhausted. Going 10 days of hiking 3-8+ miles a day and seeing the deer I was seeing without shooters starts to mess with you. I made up my mind Saturday the 29th was my last day. I have family things to do that I need to prioritize and yesterday was it. I could not go any more. I had some help of 2 buddies and we headed out. Yesterday was the first day the entire hunt where I saw real rutting activity. Immediately we were on deer. We located a 95+ buck and I got to 240 yards. As soon as I found him in my reticle he spooked and I did not fire. I decided to chase him (not a good idea) and completely exhausted myself. I looked at my buddies and they knew I was done. 10 days of this had beaten me. A couple of minutes later my buddy Adam locates a small buck on the opposite ridge. I glass him and decide he would do for a last day shooter. I ranged him at 422 yards. I cranked the scope 7 MOA and hold on him. One shot from the 7mag and he was dead before he hit the ground. The rest is history. So this is my "giant" unit 33 december rifle buck. I have shot bigger but there has not been a time in my life when i have worked and sacrificed more for an animal. He taped out 2/8 shy of 80". I would like to think there is an inch for every mile I hiked these last 2 weeks! He's going on the wall so I know every time I look at him what it took to tag out. Several people to thank Justin, Jimmy, Adam, Chris (most or all are members here) and my family. Matt Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pine Donkey Report post Posted December 30, 2012 Great story! Many of us have been humbled by these crafty little deer. It all goes into the category of experience and memories. It is refreshing to see your perspective on the pretty buck you took. Thanks or posting the story. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Redman Report post Posted December 30, 2012 Great story, another Dec tag will come your way if you wait it out again... these deer are humbling to say the least. I was in a similar position as you this year, found a good buck on the second day and was torn with do I shoot him or not... I did am have not looked back (to be honest after reading your story I am glad I did). I am not sure if the Dec tags are all what the are made out to be (big rutting deer chasing does on every hill) other than there are fewer hunters in the field, cooler temperatures and more time to hunt. But with more time... usually interferes with life's responsibilities. The rut usually starts heating up the last 5 days of the hunt...and hunting in snow can be impossible. Another thing to consider in 33 there have been 6 hunts before Dec and probably 800 bucks killed and deer patterns have been disrupted. Thanks for the story! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jimmyc Report post Posted December 30, 2012 Nice write up, nice buck. I know this guy didn't come easy. You and Justin put in a lot of work leading up to this hunt. Congrats Matt. It was my pleasure to help out on the two days we went out into the field. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GreeneMachine Report post Posted December 30, 2012 Very happy for you bro! Now let's get back to shooting big boys on opening day of leftover tags!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tjhunt2 Report post Posted December 30, 2012 Congratulations Matt and thanks for sharing your hunt with us. You have a bunch of good friends for sure. You might not have shot the biggest deer you were after but look at all the knowledge you ganed on this hunt. You know now they're there so that must make you excited for the next tag. I very like how the deer is laid over the log for the pictures. Awesome picture! TJ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesWhitetail Report post Posted December 30, 2012 Wow, way to put in the effort!! Got any pics of your bivy camp in the snow? Any buck is rewarding after such hard work!! Congratulations! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trophyhnter Report post Posted December 30, 2012 Way to stick with it! Looking forward to your next tag, dec and any other in the unit, you already have a good idea of news areas to find deer! In affect plan A thru Z if needed! Sometimes you just need to get lucky with the weather and being on the right ridge looking in the right direction to get the buck of a lifetime! What you dont need luck for is to have a GOOD life experience that will stick with for the rest of your life....... Thanks for sharing! I feel your pain! Next year will be your year for the big one! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azslim Report post Posted December 31, 2012 I feel your pain, helped a friend in 23 and we put up with the same weather. He took a small 4x yesterday, didn't want to be there for the rain and snow tonight. Saw a bunch of deer, just no big ones. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GreeneMachine Report post Posted December 31, 2012 Amanda - here's the only pic we have of the bivy camp...didn't want to get my camera too wet. The bivy sack was no bueno! Leaked all night. Put the tarp over it because we left a lot of our gear out in the storm and came back two days later to retrieve. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Adam214 Report post Posted December 31, 2012 It was a great experience for us all Matt. You put in the effort and took a good buck. That shot was unbelievable to say the least! It was a pleasure being part of it. -Adam Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trophyhnter Report post Posted December 31, 2012 Man that looks COLD! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesWhitetail Report post Posted December 31, 2012 Love it!! thx for the pic!! Brings back some memories for me!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azcoues Report post Posted December 31, 2012 i guarantee there was not even near 800 bucks killed in that unit,nice job though he is a solid buck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azslim Report post Posted December 31, 2012 We hid out under the same tarp a couple different days Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
