cramerhunts Report post Posted January 1, 2013 I'm going to try and keep the words short and let the pictures tell the story. My cousin John and I drew late tags for a unit we both know really well. The work and anticipation started back in August when we got our trail cams out and continued on through all of the early hunts right up to the end of the year. Camp was set and would be home off and on from October through December as we had friends and family with early season tags as well. Before we knew it our hunt was upon us as well as the crummy weather. Along with a blown tire. We still found some deer though. John and I had to go back to work for a couple of days but our dads kept looking for bucks that would be worthy of our tags. As it turns out both found shooter bucks in opposite ends of the unit so a plan was made to hunt each for a few days before Christmas. We were able to locate one of the bucks that John's dad had found and decided that John would put a stalk on him....game on! After a 2.5 hour stalk John was set up 144 yards away. I was nervously watching through the spotter as he made a super shot on the bedded buck. We headed into town for dinner and to take care of John's buck. The next day I was out solo and passed up several nice bucks when I spotted a good solid buck. With light fading fast I dropped off of my ridge top and closed the distance to 507 yards. A quick glance through the binos to locate the big buck and the spike feeding across the canyon, I then got set up for the shot and squeezed the trigger. The bullet went right over the buck's back so I readjusted and sent another accubond on it's way....buck down! I loaded my gear and looked through the binos one more time to get a land mark when I realized the mistake I had just made. There looking at my dead buck was the spike and the big buck I thought I had been shooting at. Sometime during my stalk the two had picked up a third buck of which I had just taken. Oh well, mental note made, good eating on the ground, and no regrets. Sorry for the pictures of my buck but it was dark and I was a long ways from camp still. All in all it was a great journey with friends, family, and the great outdoors! It was so awesome to spend time with John, his dad, and my dad doing what we all love so much. Worst part of the entire thing was breaking camp but I still have Mexico in a couple weeks to look forward to! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coues Sniper Report post Posted January 1, 2013 That buck of John's is awesome. Neat deer. Bummer on your buck, but like you said - it happens. Especially solo. My cousin shot the wrong buck on a triple beam deer a few years ago cause he left his 10's behind on a stalk. He'll never do that again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pine Donkey Report post Posted January 1, 2013 Great story! The hunts with friends and family are always the best. Congratulations on a couple nice bucks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chef Report post Posted January 1, 2013 Great write up man. John's buck is awesome! Congrats again to the both of you. I know how much planning and investment in time you all put into scouting for this hunt. Nice to see it paid off for one of you. Heck of a long stalk. Glad everything panned out and he was able to drop the hammer on that buck! Wish I could have been there to help you when you were hunting solo. I know how hard that can be, especially when making those long shots. Your buck still will taste good on the grill! You are right though...Mexico awaits!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesWhitetail Report post Posted January 1, 2013 Love all the pics and write-up!! Congratulations on an excellent hunt and some fine bucks! Bummer about your mix-up, but you still have your memories and some fine meat to enjoy!! Thanks for sharing the hunt with us and including preseason scouting and all! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SO I HUNT Report post Posted January 1, 2013 Way to go bud! Great story and even greater pictures... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dbengraver Report post Posted January 1, 2013 congrats guys great bucks and story to thanks for sharing Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZwest16 Report post Posted January 1, 2013 First buck is a stud with tons of character.! That's a tough way tag out on you late hunt with the second buck. Each time you think you have these deer figured out they find a way to humble you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peloncillo Report post Posted January 2, 2013 Congratulations Phil, You are the hardest hunting fool I know. Way to get it done. I bet you drop that buck of your dreams in a couple of weeks down in Mexico. Thanks for the story and photos. Keven Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
creed_az_88 Report post Posted January 2, 2013 Good job. Cool pictures and cool bucks. I hope i can draw that tag someday! See any rut activity? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coues Archer Report post Posted January 2, 2013 Congrats on some studs! Thanks for sharing Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GRONG Report post Posted January 2, 2013 Phil that is just to awesome man, thanks for sharing all of it... Always love your posts Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bonecollector Report post Posted January 2, 2013 All the preseason scouting and hard work paid off. That top buck is awesome and I would be happy with the buck you took as well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gaps Report post Posted January 2, 2013 Congrats, nice work! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZbowhntr Report post Posted January 2, 2013 Phil, great writeup and pictures. Just think, less than two weeks and we will be at it again. And not a bad mistake buck. Congrats Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
