My 2015

[coach]

Ah, what the heck.. might as well do it again..

A few pics from today:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1561_zps1df22d2a.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1603_zpsc71f35bd.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1612_zps7cb117e4.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1632_zps4222bad1.jpg

[Daybreak]

Your pictures get better every time. Developing quite a skill coach. If I didn't know better I'd think you have them trained to pose.

[greybark]

Great in every way photos , thanks Coach..
Cheers

[Tīɡ]

Beauty pics coach! thanks for sharing!

[Bugle M In]

nice photo's...real sharp!!
what kind of camera and lenses...if I can ask?? (wanting to get a DSLR, but need some info on what people are using...whatever system u have there, is definitely working for you!!)

[coach]

nice photo's...real sharp!!
what kind of camera and lenses...if I can ask?? (wanting to get a DSLR, but need some info on what people are using...whatever system u have there, is definitely working for you!!)

Thanks. I'm using a nikon D3200 with a 70-300mm lens. Once you get your camera, keep your eye out for online deals on lenses. I picked my telephoto up for half price, NIB.

[hotload]

Very nice pictures. My favorite is the second picture. Could you possibly post that pic as it was in color? If the color turned out nice on it and it was mine I would try to edit out that single horn on the right and possibly frame it. Thanxxxxx
ROD

[coach]

Very nice pictures. My favorite is the second picture. Could you possibly post that pic as it was in color? If the color turned out nice on it and it was mine I would try to edit out that single horn on the right and possibly frame it. Thanxxxxx
ROD

Here you go.. with the horn edited out.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1603_zps8009d7ab.jpg

The exposure was off on all my pictures yesterday. This was likely due to not adjusting my ISO in the poor light conditions. Despite that issue, I was fairly happy with how a lot of them turned out.

[coach]

It's not always possible to get above the sheep with the lake in the background. This is what I wanted to capture. Unfortunately, too much long grass in the way made things difficult. Anyway, here's a few more:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1566_zps0f727b27.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1581_zpsa18762e4.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1636_zps32116593.jpg

[hotload]

Here you go.. with the horn edited out.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1603_zps8009d7ab.jpg

The exposure was off on all my pictures yesterday. This was likely due to not adjusting my ISO in the poor light conditions. Despite that issue, I was fairly happy with how a lot of them turned out.

Yupp, that's definitely a wall hanger. A little photoshop will help with the color a tad and then straight to the man cave with it. Cool stuff.........................

[Wrayzer]

The mix of Sheep, snow and water makes some great photos. nice. Once I get set up with the my Canon we will have to make some photo trips.

[Seeker]

The memory consumption from photos on your computer must be through the roof. Great pics Coach, I wish I had the time and the patience you do to keep doing this. What would you do with all your time if you didn't have pictures to take and HBC to post them on, haha, please keep em coming.

[abbyfireguy]

Thanks coach, excellent shots. Very cooperative subjects!!

[coach]

The memory consumption from photos on your computer must be through the roof. Great pics Coach, I wish I had the time and the patience you do to keep doing this. What would you do with all your time if you didn't have pictures to take and HBC to post them on, haha, please keep em coming.

Dumped coffee on my laptop yesterday and might have lost most of them, Seeker. Good thing I have so many on Photobucket and HBC! Nice to have lots of willing subjects to photograph within an hour or two of my house. Kind of a fun hobby. It's nice that so many forum members enjoy the pics. Hopefully we will see a lot of other guys posting their year long adventures!

[Liveforthehunt]

Good to see a healthy population on the west side or starting to get healthy at least

[kennyj]

Awesome photos Coach! Thanks for sharing your outdoor time.
kenny

[HarryToolips]

Wicked pics as always Coach...

[pg83]

Great to see you back at it Coach. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us.

[dana]

Some great pics of some great rams! I really like that cropped version of the 3 rams together. I also like the last ones with the grass. I find things like grass or branches add dimension to the photo and give the feel that the rest of us are actually peeking through the grass seeing what you saw.

[coach]

Some great pics of some great rams! I really like that cropped version of the 3 rams together. I also like the last ones with the grass. I find things like grass or branches add dimension to the photo and give the feel that the rest of us are actually peeking through the grass seeing what you saw.

Thanks, Dana.. I was referring more to grass in the immediate foreground that can blur pics. Anyway, I looked a my images again last night an realized I hadn't posted this one.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1618_zps608f363e.jpg

[300H&H]

Some of those rams are getting to be really big.

[olympia]

these pics would awesome on a calendar or even a post card

[coach]

Oceola fish and game club will be co-hosting an ice fishing event on Swan Lake on February 7th. Ewan the fish slayer accompanied me on a scouting mission today..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/10954021_10153029497998518_1293605150_n_zps6d1f805 3.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/10949832_10153029717473518_1723367348_n_zpsb344388 3.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/10952762_10153029717438518_2081266160_n_zps6690577 8.jpg

Great times were had by both of us. Nice to be out in the sunshine.

[coach]

I haven't had enough to do lately, so I decided to add taking pictures into my day along with doing an interview with Global TV about Saturday's rally. The interview was on the Westside and a herd of 25 Cali's decided they wanted into the story. After Kelly Hayes left, I snapped a few pics of my own.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1687_zps305133e6.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1677_zps60fcff6e.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1694_zpsd74089cb.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1671_zps163766bc.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1665_zpsf0130e14.jpg

[180grainer]

Really nice looking animals.

[Getbent]

Thanks, Dana.. I was referring more to grass in the immediate foreground that can blur pics. Anyway, I looked a my images again last night an realized I hadn't posted this one.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1618_zps608f363e.jpg

This is a great shot...thanks for taking the time to post up coach...

[BCROB]

Sean , dad had that band of 27 in his back yard the other day, frequent visitors passing through to the lake........

[North Arm Knives]

Nice shots coach. I like the bokeh in the shot of this ram!


I haven't had enough to do lately, so I decided to add taking pictures into my day along with doing an interview with Global TV about Saturday's rally. The interview was on the Westside and a herd of 25 Cali's decided they wanted into the story. After Kelly Hayes left, I snapped a few pics of my own.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1671_zps163766bc.jpg

[coach]

Life isn't ONLY about allocations.. Sometimes a guy has to stop and enjoy himself for a bit. Here's a few pics from the last week:

Friday was an amazing day to be out on the lake. Unfortunately no fish stayed attached to any lines long enough to get us excited. Three hits - no hook ups.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1671_zps674ee131.jpg

A few deer I spotted while on a hike with the dogs:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1653_zps28820f66.jpg

Speaking of the labtards..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1658_zps80f6fdc0.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1660_zpse428f531.jpg

I think GG summed it up best when he said my dogs are part yellow lab, part chocolate lab and part methlab..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1659_zps2413914a.jpg

[coach]

A few pics from today. Nice when the eagles and the lighting cooperate.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1710_zps8ddcb71e.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1696_zpsfc4ed975.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1698_zpsfc95e755.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1700_zpse73b70d4.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1702_zpsbc25a6bc.jpg

[Boner]

Amazing photography Coach. Thanks for sharing.

[Wrayzer]

I think GG summed it up best when he said my dogs are part yellow lab, part chocolate lab and part methlab..



lmao that about sums them up.

[Sitkaspruce]

Nice coach!!!

You using Islanders to catch those little trout??:wink:

Cheers

SS

[coach]

Nice coach!!!

You using Islanders to catch those little trout??:wink:

Cheers

SS

Ha ha. Thanks. If 8-12 pounds is considered little, I'm gonna have to start fishing with you!

[BearSupreme]

Unreal pictures! Thanks for sharing!

[tuner]

Here you go.. with the horn edited out.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1603_zps8009d7ab.jpg

The exposure was off on all my pictures yesterday. This was likely due to not adjusting my ISO in the poor light conditions. Despite that issue, I was fairly happy with how a lot of them turned out.
I love this photo, I can actually see $150K dollars!!! Signed Scott Ellis. ( joking) it's an awesome photo.

[coach]

Almost three weeks since I updated this thread. Guess my time has been somewhat occupied lately..

A good friend invited another HBC member and my step son and I for a day on the big water searching for rainbows. Despite the constant rain, the day turned out awesome. The Big "E" caught his biggest trout to date - 21 1/2". Great stuff!

The boat captain:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1723_zps7db9b1lu.jpg

Lines are in the water:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1724_zpsgvgdpknm.jpg

Fish number one:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1725_zpsnrd32afm.jpg

Fish number two:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1737_zps630ofvbu.jpg

Two for the smoker and memories for a lifetime:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1733_zpsksc7qq2f.jpg

[Trigger Happy]

Awesome pics. Thanks for sharing

[Daybreak]

Nice fish! You get those up top?

It's funny cause I was up on a ridge looking for sheds and starting my own tick farm when I looked down on the lake and saw a little white boat trolling the middle of the lake heading north. Thought to my self " I wonder if coach is out there"? That was about 11:30, just before the rain arrived.

[Rattler]

Nice work! Healthy looking rainbows...

[358mag]

:lol:Great to see you "hooked up" with the man from Down under .

[coach]

Nice fish! You get those up top?

It's funny cause I was up on a ridge looking for sheds and starting my own tick farm when I looked down on the lake and saw a little white boat trolling the middle of the lake heading north. Thought to my self " I wonder if coach is out there"? That was about 11:30, just before the rain arrived.

We hooked three fish today - all were in the top of the water column. We were on the water at that time so it may have been us you saw.


Nice work! Healthy looking rainbows...

Definitely a healthy lake system. Amazing what abundant feed can do!

[coach]

:lol:Great to see you "hooked up" with the man from Down under .

Ha ha.. Good thing we had the "good luck charm" with us. 0-9 over the last three trips for that boat had us concerned. :shock:

[358mag]

Ha ha.. Good thing we had the "good luck charm" with us. 0-9 over the last three trips for that boat had us concerned. :shock:
Glad too see the Allocation ## worked out this time ...lol...:wink:

[Ourea]

Thanks for popping down and bringing The Fishin Magician Ewan.
Definitely need to get out again soon.
Hopefully the strike to hookup ratio improves.
Can't believe the number of fish missed despite the fine wire Gamagatsu hooks?

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd428/browndog100/Fish_zpsciu24xwk.jpg

[coach]

Went camping just north of Summerland this weekend and found time to break away from the family on Sunday morning to check on the local goat population. This guy didn't disappoint, despite the rain that bucketed down in biblical proportions..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1792_zpslmalxqcw.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1794_zps9svxwmep.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1795_zpsr4xw5v09.jpg

[Tīɡ]

Solid looking billy! Thanks for posting, you always have great pics!

[NorBC]

Time for the stalk coach!

[Daybreak]

Appreciate you always posting pictures that get us out in the field or stream Coach.

[604ksmith]

Great pictures, thanks for sharing!

[ursusbait]

Best posts on HBC by far!! Thank you.

[coach]

A couple critters from tonight's failed attempt to find a bear..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1780_zps7suauzgn.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1799_zpschyjbivd.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1794_zpsk2vcpvzm.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1805_zpsck2vksba.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_1803_zps0heonztt.jpg

[North Arm Knives]

Awesome photos Coach! The first shot of the porcupine had me chuckling he looks like he just got out of bed

[Daybreak]

Great pictures. Nice and bright.

[coach]

I went fishing this morning with a close friend, from BCFishn.com. We targeted Kokanee for while but were unable to find any of the big ones that are inhabiting the lake so we decided to turn our attention to lakers. This beauty hit after a half hour of trolling.. Not bad for our first attempt!

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0007_zpskalfjkpo.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0010_zpsr3jvqxur.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0019_zpsifaqqc9y.jpg

My partner brought the fish in slowly. Lots of bubbles told us the fish was able to clear its air bladder. I snapped a couple of quick pics and we got it back into the water and revived it. When the fish was ready, it took off like a shot - straight back down into the depths. A pretty awesome experience!

[ruger#1]

Nice fish. 20lbs?

[coach]

We weighed it very quickly and scale bounced between 24-26. Didn't want it out of the water long so all we know is it was over the 20 mark for sure.

[Wrj]

what a beautiful day on the lake! how warm was it there today?

[coach]

what a beautiful day on the lake! how warm was it there today?

My truck said 34 while I was on my way home. Pretty hot for the first week of June!

[358mag]

My truck said 34 while I was on my way home. Pretty hot for the first week of June!
Sure hope your beer was cold ...

[REMINGTON JIM]

hey Coach - Kal Lake ? :smile: RJ

[coach]

Sure hope your beer was cold ...

Lakers might be new to me, but when it comes to beer, I ain't no rookie! :smile:

hey Coach - Kal Lake ? :smile: RJ

Yes, RJ.

[REMINGTON JIM]

Lakers might be new to me, but when it comes to beer, I ain't no rookie! :smile:


Yes, RJ.

I fshed Kal Lake when i lived in Vernon - some good Bows in it too ;-) RJ

[coach]

I fshed Kal Lake when i lived in Vernon - some good Bows in it too ;-) RJ

I've heard that. Funny thing is, I lived at Predator ridge for four years and never fished Kal.

[markt308]

this thread is awesome coach!

[coach]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/laker_zpstn9fsf8z.jpg

A close up of the brute, just before release..

[Seeker]

Nice work! Beauty fish.

[Wrayzer]

Fantastic fish.

[ACE]

Whoops ..... wrong thread. Sorry.

[coach]

The fish gods have been pretty good to my family members and friends lately, but today, on skaha lake, they were particularly good to me..


http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/image.jpg1_zps88wroymk.jpg

[300H&H]

Nice fish !

[ruger#1]

The fish gods have been pretty good to my family members and friends lately, but today, on skaha lake, they were particularly good to me..


http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/image.jpg1_zps88wroymk.jpg MMM Kokanee. Going to be a nice meal.

[ruger#1]

Sockeye returns are coming back as forecasted – to the Columbia River.

Report on Columbia River Migration to above Wells Dam: In the early migration period sockeye were migrating up the Columbia River as expected and through to Wells Dam. Last week in the lower Columbia below McNary Dam temperatures reached above 22 degrees Celsius which is causing a delay in their migration so we are monitoring that.

For migration into Osoyoos Lake, we have sockeye that are tagged so we have an idea of how many sockeye are making it to Osoyoos. This is what we are using to gauge on a fishery to occur. So no decision has been made on the recreation or economic fishery in Osoyoos Lake until we get the tag information back.


Have you seen any in Skaha last year. I was told they are getting in below OK falls,

[Redneck Rocket]

Sockeye returns are coming back as forecasted – to the Columbia River.

Report on Columbia River Migration to above Wells Dam: In the early migration period sockeye were migrating up the Columbia River as expected and through to Wells Dam. Last week in the lower Columbia below McNary Dam temperatures reached above 22 degrees Celsius which is causing a delay in their migration so we are monitoring that.

For migration into Osoyoos Lake, we have sockeye that are tagged so we have an idea of how many sockeye are making it to Osoyoos. This is what we are using to gauge on a fishery to occur. So no decision has been made on the recreation or economic fishery in Osoyoos Lake until we get the tag information back.


Have you seen any in Skaha last year. I was told they are getting in below OK falls,

I live in OK Falls, next to the river and I haven't seen any Sockeye yet. That's not to say there aren't a few in, I just haven't seen any evidence. I can almost guarantee there won't be a fishery this year as the warm temperatures have pretty much parked the fish South of the border: http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/outdoors/2015/jul/17/sockeye-salmon-suffer-infections-warm-columbia-river-system/

The ONA even cancelled their fishery. Escapement goal is 100,000 fish. Considering the forecast was 100,000 to 350,000 fish, and the prediction is 1/2 to 1/3 are going to die below the Wells dam, I'd say we won't get an opening this year.
http://www.osoyoostimes.com/ona-cancels-recreational-and-commercial-salmon-fishery-on-osoyoos-lake-this-summer/

[ruger#1]

I live in OK Falls, next to the river and I haven't seen any Sockeye yet. That's not to say there aren't a few in, I just haven't seen any evidence. I can almost guarantee there won't be a fishery this year as the warm temperatures have pretty much parked the fish South of the border: http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/outdoors/2015/jul/17/sockeye-salmon-suffer-infections-warm-columbia-river-system/

The ONA even cancelled their fishery. Escapement goal is 100,000 fish. Considering the forecast was 100,000 to 350,000 fish, and the prediction is 1/2 to 1/3 are going to die below the Wells dam, I'd say we won't get an opening this year.
http://www.osoyoostimes.com/ona-cancels-recreational-and-commercial-salmon-fishery-on-osoyoos-lake-this-summer/

Lots of fish in the system last year. You could almost walk across them in the river.

[Redneck Rocket]

Lots of fish in the system last year. You could almost walk across them in the river.

There sure were. And from what I heard, 15,000-20,000 made it into Skaha Lake due to the modifications at the drop structure. I have also heard rumours of Coho making it into the river and possibly the lake as well. The later forecasts for Sockeye this year had upped the prediction from the 300-350K range closer to half a million but these water temps are lethal. And unfortunately if they are too high they just park. Even last year, there were lots in Osoyoos lake, and up near OK Falls there were barely any fish, until much later in the season, well into September when the temps finally dropped and the fish moved out of the lake.

[coach]

Just got back from a weekend at Nicola Lake with my brother and his family. It's been a LONG time since we've fished together and we put in a fair amount of time, despite the heavy winds and a bit of rain on day one.

My brother wanted a few fish for his birthday dinner - fortunately luck was on our side.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0117_zpsyxexbkn0.jpg

Ewan the fish slayer has a way of making sure we put a few in the boat..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0124_zpsq48er0fk.jpg

The wind yesterday was nasty - but we stuck with it..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0199_zpsyessv7cu.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0205_zpstgjnl5jw.jpg

In the end, we had enough to make a meal.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0210_zpsomsewg9r.jpg

[coach]

Trout and kokanee fried in olive oil with a little pancake batter..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0215_zpslshxz3fw.jpg

Trout fillets fried in a little olive oil and teriyaki..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0224_zpssyop4vfd.jpg

All in all, a pretty good weekend of fishing.

[coach]

The first trout we caught had this inside it..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0121_zpsywmypifs.jpg

Kinda gave me confidence in the assortment of apexes I brought on the trip.

[coach]

We went for a hike yesterday afternoon and this guy sat around long enough for me to snap a few pics..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0187_zpsabibnmiw.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0188_zps1z0eepk8.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0189_zpsbsg4elfm.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0190_zpswc4ikpqs.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0191_zpsboc4blxi.jpg

[Liveforthehunt]

Looks like a great weekend what was the water temp ?

[coach]

Looks like a great weekend what was the water temp ?

Surface temp was just under 65 - about 10 degrees colder than Okanagan lake.

On another note - air temps on the drive home were as low as 7 degrees at the top of the Coquihalla. Kamloops was 11 and Kelowna about 19. Lots of heavy rain storms along the way. Hopefully we can get a bit more of these cooler temps and our salmon runs might just be OK.

[jamesvtr]

great thread love the pics

[coach]

Wow! Over a month since I've updated this thread. Looks like my summer's been a dog's breakfast of working, camping, fishing and hanging out with the family with very little in the way of scouting for hunting season..

Even my dogs were getting a bit stir crazy last week..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0591_zpsimg8ozpr.jpg

A couple days ago, I finally made it out for a quick scout in anticipation of the youth season opener.

Saw a couple of these girls - with no sign of any calves.. Not sure what to make of that..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0651_zpsjafoqvjb.jpg

A couple of these were spotted in what I'd consider tradition mule deer country..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0653_zpsuutsv3ar.jpg

Only one buck spotted on our scouting mission, but we did see plenty of does and most had twins with them. This little guy would make for some good eats and a lifetime of memories for a youth hunter..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0654_zpsj59joqre.jpg

These are extremely abundant this year - looks the the dry spring was great for upland birds!

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0681_zpslteczxul.jpg

[coach]

This morning, I woke the kids at 4:30am. To my pleasant surprise, both popped out of bed right away. Soon after, we were on our way. The day started slowly, with only a few does and a bunch of these spotted. Of course, we decided to hit region 3 instead of 8, so the grouse are off limits for a few more days..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0659_zpshdtjhynn.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0682_zps3xolaqjs.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0664_zpsxnpfjiaj.jpg

With dozens of blues spotted, I am definitely looking forward to heading back into this area on the 10th, with the dogs!

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0662_zpsax97ubpx.jpg

[300H&H]

Ummmm...nothing ELSE to post for today ? ;-)

[coach]

Around 8am, the kids managed to connect on their first deer of the season. A bow hunter we ran into gave us the heads up that there was a two point nearby feeding close to the road. Of course, he had moved by the time we got there, but Kiana spotted him bouncing down the hill about 300 yards away. I got the binos up and noticed 6 other deer in the area, including another deuce. The deer slowed to feed, the wind was in our favor, and we were able to pick out a route that kept us fairly concealed. The stalk was on!

A short while later, we poked our heads up from behind an ridge and two bucks and a doe were facing us at about 130 yards. Kiana heads back home tomorrow, so I wanted her to get the first chance at cutting her tag. Long story, but it has been three seasons since we have been able to enjoy the chance to hunt together. We got her set up on the shooting sticks and she waited patiently for the deer to turn broadside and give her a shot. 4 or 5 minutes later, she got her chance...

BOOM! The gun went of and the deer disappeared. Carefully, I scanned the area and there was no sign of the buck getting away. I was sure it went down, so I turned my attention to getting Colin set up on the second buck. Like his step-sister, he too waited patiently for an angle, when suddenly, I spotted movement from the buck Kiana had just shot.

Not just a little movement, he was up and walking toward the other deer. Worried that he might be injured, I told Colin to turn his attention the this buck. When he was broadside, I told Col to shoot. BOOM! This time the deer clearly went down.

When we walked up to the buck, there was only one bullet hole. Kiana had clearly missed. Colin did not! I was ecstatic to see the two kids high fiving about the team buck. Later, Kiana admitted to nerves. Although she showed great patience waiting for her shot, she rushed the trigger pull and cleanly missed. She took it all in stride though and was pumped to be part of Cols buck. I headed back to get the truck, and she took over the duties of dragging the deer to a lower road..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0667_zpswmuuokov.jpg

This is what it is all about!

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0678_zpskulhjjw5.jpg

[coach]

Although Kiana was not able to tag out today, we did spot about 40-50 deer, including 5 bucks. The kids managed a half dozen grouse on the region 8 side of the boundary while we were on our way home. Unfortunately, none of them were blues..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0679_zpsxyw6gjfy.jpg

Hard to believe hunting season is here already! Sure looking forward to my next chance to get out!

[300H&H]

Woohoo...congratulations on a great buck Colin and a couple of fine grouse too. Better luck next hunt Kiana, you'll tag one this season.

[kennyj]

Way to go guys and girls. Great photos as always coach.
kenny

[wideopenthrottle]

very nice story...good work by the kids

[Rattler]

Way to go and awesome pictures Coach.

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Great stuff as usual!! Congrats to both kids!!!

Crazy amount of grouse this year!! Need to work on getting a youth grouse season in region 3!!

[HarryToolips]

Way to go on gettin the kids a buck congrats! Nice pics...from my observations, seeing lots of deer and grouse this year...and seeing some moose calves plus gettin a decent amount on T cam...and a decent number of bull moose on cam too...

[epicZERO74]

Nice story! Good work!

[Ohwildwon]

Way to punch those Grouse Tags!!

[Sitkaspruce]

Awesome Coach!!!!

Looking forward to the rest of the season!!

Cheers

SS

[Rackmastr]

Great stuff and love the pics!!!

[Salty]

Awesome coach life long memories in the making :)

[Pangaea]

This is what it's all about! Looks like you've raised a couple of fine kids. Nice buck, congrats to all of you!

[Wrj]

Congrats! I sure love reading Coach stories, along with some of the best pics on the forum...thanks!

[Getbent]

Nice tag team buck...

[coach]

Haven't been able to get out much this year - but decided to take a few days off and give things a go this week. Thursday afternoon, I headed out for a solo overnight back pack hunt. Plenty of action, with 10 bucks spotted - but none likely older than 2 1/2.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1598_zpsqt17os0x.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1595_zpsq9gsykjl.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1603_zpsfn4b54fm.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1604_zps8dajztld.jpg

Pretty hard to tell from the pic - but his buck has the makings of something pretty cool. His left side (right side in the pic) had a 5" flyer sticking straight sideways off the back forks. At this point in time, he's got crab claws in the front and only 3 on the right side. Not knowing how youthful he was as I watched through the willows, I unfortunately put the camera down and grabbed the rife. I'd have had lots of time to shoot pics and vids had I reversed that decision.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1607_zpsstbfncwc.jpg

All in all, it was a fun couple days - although the pain in my legs tells me I should have done a little bit of training this summer..

[coach]

Tonight I took the family out for a drive to look for grouse. Things were going great.. Colin harvested a nice blue and Chilko did a great job on the retrieve. Several more were spotted, but took off a little too quickly for him to get a shot off. Along the way, we spotted a young 3x3 bull moose as well as a cow and a few mule deer does. Just as Tracy began to suggest we turn around and head for home, I spotted two mule deer 50 yards off the road.

"Colin, they're both bucks - Do you want to try for one?"

"Yes!" he scrambled out of the truck and I got out with him and handed him the 7-08 and his clip.

"You sure you want that one?" His mom asked. I knew she was thinking about the fact his mule deer season would be over in regions 8 and 3 and we hadn't had a chance to do our own back pack trip yet.

"Yes, I want that one.."

He steadied himself, took aim and "boom!".. the rest is history.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0684_zpszjlhi7zo.jpg

It was a pretty cool family experience we got to share with his mom and younger brother. The drag to the truck was easy, the processing went well, and we had it hanging at the butchers an hour or so later. Good times!!

[Whonnock Boy]

I don't know about you Coach, but hunting has gone to a whole new level now that my boy can be fully involved. Great to see the young guns getting it done.

[coach]

I don't know about you Coach, but hunting has gone to a whole new level now that my boy can be fully involved. Great to see the young guns getting it done.

Absolutely, WB! My 8 year old stepson was pretty excited to watch things unfold and he's definitely counting the days until his 10th birthday so he can hunt alongside his older brother. Very cool stuff for sure.

[adriaticum]

I don't know about you Coach, but hunting has gone to a whole new level now that my boy can be fully involved. Great to see the young guns getting it done.


Lol, yeah now that the kids are taking care of the meat you are going to get lazy.

Nice work coach.
Great pics as usual!

[Whonnock Boy]

It's funny you say that. It has been probably 20 years since I have not been out for the first weekend of rifle season. Other circumstances added to my decision, but my boy getting a good start on filling the freezer surely influenced it. Believe me though, it is gnawing at me!!! ;)


Lol, yeah now that the kids are taking care of the meat you are going to get lazy.

[coach]

Lol, yeah now that the kids are taking care of the meat you are going to get lazy.


Ha ha. I think the opposite is true. With the kids really getting into hunting, it means I've got even more reason to get out. Having the freezer partially filled early also means I can get more selective this season.

[300H&H]

Congratulations Colin on your buck. Don't worry about getting another buck...there is room on Coach's tag ! :wink:

[kennyj]

Another great day out there with the kids! Good job Coach.
kenny

[nazarow]

Always great photos and stories. Thanks for taking us along again.

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Excellent!!!! Love to see the kids filling the freezer like that! Congrats Colin!!

Early deer season with my daughter is now my favorite hunt of the year.

SSS

[1980skywalker]

Question for you Coach... If you take a kid out who has completed his/her core in youth season and they harvest a buck, does it go on your tag or on theirs?

[coach]

Question for you Coach... If you take a kid out who has completed his/her core in youth season and they harvest a buck, does it go on your tag or on theirs?

If they completed their core and have their own license it goes on their tag. If they hunt on a junior license (no core) it goes on yours.

[1980skywalker]

Thanks Coach thats what I thought, a buddy of mine tried to tell me that it goes on your license and I didn't see that making sense:)

[coach]

Thanks Coach thats what I thought, a buddy of mine tried to tell me that it goes on your license and I didn't see that making sense:)
He must have been confused with junior license. That said it never makes sense for a fully licensed hunter to shoot anything and put it on another hunter's tag..

[coach]

Every once in a while I like to do something tremendously stupid.. Yesterday seemed like as good a time as any. After hiking an hour and a half uphill, my hunting partners and I sat down to glass a distant billy goat. (One of our group managed to draw one of BC's best opportunities for a cranker goat. :smile:) Anyway, I decided to switch back and forth between my camera and my spotter. Unfortunately, I only have one base that fits the tripod so I had to change that as well. Although I brought a multi tool for the task, I decided in my wisdom, to use the knife instead of the flat head screwdriver. The first part of the plan went smooth and safe. It was my second brainiac decision that didn't go as well. For anyone reading along at home that owns a knife where the lock is on the blade side of the tool, they arent meant to be operated with one hand and half your attention when closing..

long story short, I left a good blood trail..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/received_10153660735443518_zpsjm2lrqyd.jpeg

Good thing I packed some electrical tape and my partner had a clean, unused cloth for wiping binos.. Rather than disrupt the day's hunt we just patched things up and carried on. Twelve hours later, I went to emergency for proper repairs..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/20151003_214157_zpsyerau4ue.jpg

Ourea wont have to worry about me using my trigger finger in haste any time soon. :roll:

[fuzzybiscuit]

Ouch! That looks nasty. Hope it heals up soon Coach.

[coach]

We did manage to put eyes on 30 or more goats - including this group of 22.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1667_zps7xvnrfte.jpg


http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1664_zpswfqqopze.jpg

Long horned nanny:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1644_zpsnrhl6tfj.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1641_zpsjtcsu6vr.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1668_zps0inmczy0.jpg

[coach]

A couple young billies:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1656_zpsxfbsihav.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1659_zpstsr1ayng.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1670_zpsi9gqhpks.jpg

All in all a very fun day. No shots fired, lots of intel and experience gained and a valuable lesson in knife safety from the coach. :oops:

We did spot a couple of goats with serious potential well out of range late in the day, but are well aware that capes are only going to get better in a couple weeks. For now my hunting partners are content to let sleeping goats lay..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1660_zpsunx88ncn.jpg

[coach]

Ouch! That looks nasty. Hope it heals up soon Coach.

Thanks. Not too painful but it sucks to be unable to hunt or fish for a few days.

[Sylus]

Awesome pics coach! It's not that common to have such high quality live pics of those guys. What do these interior goats usually weigh in at on the hoof?

[coach]

Awesome pics coach! It's not that common to have such high quality live pics of those guys. What do these interior goats usually weigh in at on the hoof?

Thanks, I'm actually kicking myself for not bringing my dslr. Wasn't really happy with how these pics turned out.
No idea on the weight. Never heard of anyone getting a goat out whole! :lol:

[Sylus]

Thanks, I'm actually kicking myself for not bringing my dslr. Wasn't really happy with how these pics turned out.
No idea on the weight. Never heard of anyone getting a goat out whole! :lol:

Haha fair point, just curious how they stack up to coastal goats size wise

[ruger#1]

A couple young billies:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1656_zpsxfbsihav.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1659_zpstsr1ayng.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1670_zpsi9gqhpks.jpg

All in all a very fun day. No shots fired, lots of intel and experience gained and a valuable lesson in knife safety from the coach. :oops:

We did spot a couple of goats with serious potential well out of range late in the day, but are well aware that capes are only going to get better in a couple weeks. For now my hunting partners are content to let sleeping goats lay..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1660_zpsunx88ncn.jpgIam sure glad I read this. I was thinking. You said you didn't shoot any goats.I hope you didn't run into the goat in the last picture with your truck.

[jackthebear]

Thing of beauty! What a magnificent animal!

[knockturnal]

I'll post up some pics and video in the next few days. Having my sons first birthday today so I'm busy!!

[300H&H]

I'll post up some pics and video in the next few days. Having my sons first birthday today so I'm busy!!

Happy birthday to little Knock

[coach]

In case anybody is wondering..


https://youtu.be/MLsEbh3L7IE

[ruger#1]

In case anybody is wondering..


https://youtu.be/MLsEbh3L7IE


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MLsEbh3L7IE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> So those were tire marks. Coach, You are a bad man.

[300H&H]

There are getting to be some nice goats up there.
Heal up soon so we can go out, or at least have a couple of beer.

[coach]

So those were tire marks. Coach, You are a bad man.

Ha ha ha......

[HarryToolips]

Wicked goat pics there Coach...are there any estimated numbers for goats in OK Mtn park???

[coach]

Wicked goat pics there Coach...are there any estimated numbers for goats in OK Mtn park???

There's at least 22..

[zippermouth]

Wicked goat pics there Coach...are there any estimated numbers for goats in OK Mtn park???
wheres Okanagan mountain park?? I think I should go there!

nice goat pics coach!!

[The Dawg]

Are there lots of ridges to walk there? I'd love an LEH for that area

[Seeker]

As usual, Great pictures Coach. Just like Westside sheep, those goats are as good as your pets. I hope you don't have names for the Billies:razz: It would be heartbreaking to see one go.


wheres Okanagan mountain park?? I think I should go there!

nice goat pics coach!!

You can join the thousand other hunters in there. You think I'm kidding. Can be some good hunting, but due to its proximity to two large urban centres, be ready to compete. You will not be alone. I have hunted it for 7 years and am finally sickening of the hunter pressure on me and the animals.


Are there lots of ridges to walk there? I'd love an LEH for that area

There are plenty of ridges, some very good. In my opinion a result of vehicular restrictions. The pines are now growing up a fair bit, reducing visibilty dramatically. In a few years, I think I will venture back in there, but for now, I will let the demands of the geography and natural events thin out the hunter competion. Not to mention our ever so loveable..Ridgewalker!

[Sitkaspruce]

Great picts again Coach!!

Looking forward to when that finger gets better and the fish/animals start to fill the freezer again!!

Thanks for posting!!

Cheers

SS

[luckofthedraw]

Great pics. Keep it up.

[coach]

Another pic from last week:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1688_zpsfzdvenrm.jpg

And a few pics from today:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0704_zpsljymhbfp.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0707_zpsxajzzr0k.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0720_zpsyjylpvgc.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0793_zpsgxr1bmey.jpg

[coach]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0701_zpscszuoy3p.jpg

Looks like the bigger boys have been having a few disagreements lately:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0685_zpsuvojl9kd.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0696_zps22o2kqjk.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0731_zpsbmftj19p.jpg

[coach]

My trigger finger has finally healed to the point where I can pull the trigger. Stitches come out very soon. Chilko seems pretty happy about that..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0764_zpss4jbdnpv.jpg

Time to start getting serious about finding a mule deer.. as soon as I help Mattylou fill his goat tag on the weekend. So much to do and so little time.. :smile:

[greybark]

Good morning Coach , Just love the detail and composition of your photos . Too many great photos to pick out a favourite . LOL .
Heal up and best wishes to All of you on the up coming season .
Cheers

[coach]

Thanks, GB! I sure like photographing that herd. Best of luck to you this season as well.

[guest]

Fantastic pics Coach, thanks for sharing ........

the he pic of four Rams together ........ That almost looks like a plug on the third Ram from the left ...... His right horn.

[Walking Buffalo]

Beautiful pictures Coach. Those rams show a great variance in curl and growth rates.




Fantastic pics Coach, thanks for sharing ........

the he pic of four Rams together ........ That almost looks like a plug on the third Ram from the left ...... His right horn.

Looks like a shadow to me. From the tip of his left ear....

[coach]

Interesting, CT. I think it's most likely a shadow but I'll look next time I run into them.

[finaddict]

Great photos and stories Coach. Thank you

[adriaticum]

Great pics, looks like the rams are getting horny

[HarryToolips]

Wicked pics there coach, love the one with the ram lip curling...is that the Westside herd??

[coach]

Wicked pics there coach, love the one with the ram lip curling...is that the Westside herd??

Thanks. Yes, it is. Second ram in post 143 is the same one I have as my avatar. Those nice clean tips are now broken off. He's a bit heavier and his annuli have only moved a tiny bit since last fall - meaning horn growth is slowing as he reaches 8.

[Sylus]

Nice pics coach! The length on that Nanny is something else.

[BimmerBob]

I just re-discovered this thread and had to express my appreciation for the work you have put into it Coach, simply awesome photos I will be revisiting regularly now! Thanks for ALL you are doing on behalf of resident hunters, very much appreciated by all I am sure.

[coach]

Awesome day with Mattylou and Knockturnal today. ML connected on a great LEH billy and it was a real thrill to be part of the team. Here's a few pics from our adventure:

More extremely long horned nannies. The back right one actually had some mass to her as well:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0680_zpsh57admke.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0684_zpsiwwtmdwk.jpg

Our vantage point had us concealed pretty good but it made for a difficult time taking pics:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0682_zpshozx1tep.jpg

Unfortunately the wind switched on us and the herd caught our scent and bolted 1000 yards down one hillside and up another. What took them 10 minutes to cross took us closer to an hour.

[coach]

We managed to close the gap to 300 yards and Mattylou eventually sealed the deal:

As he lay:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1731_zpslx8ze76k.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0695_zpsawguezhi.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0688_zpsudzusfkq.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1748_zpsiluxhiwh.jpg

All in all an outstanding day in an amazing area and a great billy to show for it. Thanks for inviting me along guys!

[knockturnal]

Always a pleasure being out in the bush with you Coach! As you can see, we didn't let him handle a knife this time. Gotta let that finger heal up nicely!

[mattylou]

Coach and Knockturnal, thanks again for an amazing hunt! Would have never come together as it did if it wasn't for you guys...mainly because Knock talked me into putting in the the draw in the first place. ;)

[coach]

Always a pleasure being out in the bush with you Coach! As you can see, we didn't let him handle a knife this time. Gotta let that finger heal up nicely!

Ha ha.. Time to take those stitches out and get serious about deer hunting!

[Wrayzer]

Awesome stuff guys! Great photos.

[Rackmastr]

Congrats guys! Stunning photos as usual and some really cool shots of the goats in there. What awesome country in there too!

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Excellent job, GENTLEMEN(stressing the word gentlemen)!!! With your actions of helping others, you bring the hunting community together instead of dividing it.
Well done as always!

SSS

[guest]

Great looking Billy you harvested there with the help of some terrific people ! Congrats to all of you, a treasured memory for certain. Good on YA Coach ! Your stand-up.

CT

[Seeker]

Congrats Mattylou! Coach and Knockturnal, very generous of you two to continue to devote time and effort in helping fellow hunters fulfill their dreams. Hopefully the hunting gods reward you! Go out an test that finger. As usual great pics Coach.

[coach]

A few pics from this morning:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0697_zpsg32o3m7s.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0704_zpsfzca5zkv.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0710_zpskahcnpcx.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0730_zpsfmy87lm4.jpg

[coach]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0754_zpsjdme9pmq.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0761_zpsbtxrftrb.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0778_zpsgddr43ey.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0779_zpswcxqlvos.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0786_zpspma4bjtk.jpg

[coach]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0802_zpswardml4g.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0727_zps7qwm4sba.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0724_zpscjdlvm98.jpg

So far, I think that's the biggest ram in the herd. But who knows who might just show up in the next couple weeks. Definitely a lot of pre-rut activity going on.

[Xenomorph]

Holy bruiser, awesome pics dude. Wow!

[boxhitch]

Nice bunch of goats. Only one of this springs kids ?
Congrats on the draw and success.

[coach]

Nice bunch of goats. Only one of this springs kids ?
Congrats on the draw and success.

We saw three of this year's kids in the groups we looked at. Not as many as I'd expect but sample size was small. I have seen several golden eagles in there and know the cat population is high. Predation could be an issue but I wouldn't make any judgements without more information.

[coach]

Spotted a familiar old ram today.. One I posted about two years ago: http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/showthread.php?102044-An-OLD-Cali-warrior!

He's still alive and looking more chiseled than ever. Wonder if he'll make it through the winter?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HEWgT-ssEo

[Sylus]

Talk about battle scars! Thanks for the vid.

[guest]

Spotted a familiar old ram today.. One I posted about two years ago: http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/showthread.php?102044-An-OLD-Cali-warrior!

He's still alive and looking more chiseled than ever. Wonder if he'll make it through the winter?


https://youtu.be/8HEWgT-ssEo


What a Cool Ol Warrior that fella is.

Thanks Coach ! Once again Great footage !

[coach]

Talk about battle scars! Thanks for the vid.

Crazy, eh? I've never seen another one like it. He must have been a giant in his day. Still carries incredible mass.

[Tīɡ]

What a STUD old ram! Thanks for the excellent video!

[kennyj]

Wow! Is he bashed up or could it be sinusitis?
Great video Coach.
kenny

[coach]

Here's a newly put together version of the video from two years ago..


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bGKqk6Neks

[Ourea]

Having watched this ram every year for a while I am surprised he is still hanging in there.
I thought he only had a year or two left when I first saw him several years ago.

He certainly is a very "busy" ram this time of the year burning up the miles in his quest.
Who knows Coach....maybe he will make it one more year!

[evilginger]

Awesome pics and videos! Congrats guys on getting that billy! As others have said, I love checking in on this thread. Coach, thanks for taking us along for the ride.

[coach]

A couple pics from this morning - photographing sheep and birds with my dad..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0708_zpseflimvkl.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0712_zpsheno442x.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0729_zps3yq9rwxk.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0734_zpsstr92nbr.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0735_zpseaf8hpjm.jpg

[Stone Sheep Steve]

You know blue grouse are open right now? Lol! Or did you shoot it after the pic?

[Seeker]

You know blue grouse are open right now? Lol! Or did you shoot it after the pic?

He didn't have a tag.

Beauty pics coach!

[backyardhunter3006]

He didn't have a tag.

Beauty pics coach!

Haha I was going to say that! Beat me too it. Awesome pics! I take the sheep for granted as I live down westside Rd and see them almost every day.

[Blainer]

I sure enjoyed perusing your thread.
Thank you

[coach]

You know blue grouse are open right now? Lol! Or did you shoot it after the pic?

Ha ha.. I went upland bird hunting the last day of elk season., ran into a herd of elk while carrying only my shotgun. :roll: Ran 5k back to get my rifle and 5 more k back to where I'd seen the elk bedded, only to discover they'd long since departed. Today I decided to go take pics of some sheep with my dad, then detoured to see if he could photograph some birds.. As luck would have it, the shotgun was at home when we saw the nice fat dusky.

Starting to wonder where my head is at some days. :lol:

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Ha ha.. I went upland bird hunting the last day of elk season., ran into a herd of elk while carrying only my shotgun. :roll: Ran 5k back to get my rifle and 5 more k back to where I'd seen the elk bedded, only to discover they'd long since departed. Today I decided to go take pics of some sheep with my dad, then detoured to see if he could photograph some birds.. As luck would have it, the shotgun was at home when we saw the nice fat dusky.

Starting to wonder where my head is at some days. :lol:

you are a true conservationist, Coach!! Lol!!

I think you need a caddy to pack your different irons for you!

[Whonnock Boy]

Oh, now that's good! haha!!!




I think you need a caddy to pack your different irons for you!

[Sitkaspruce]

This for the guy who can't make up his mind on what he wants to hunt......

http://www.baikalcanada.com/rifles_combo_94.htm

This way Coach won't have to run 10k to shoot an elk.......

Great picts again Coach!!!! Thanks for sharing!!

Cheers

SS

[coach]

https://youtu.be/v08qod_AoYY

I've been waiting for this to make it onto the Salt Fresh and Field website before posting about it here. On July 20, I had the privilege of assisting with the filming of this episode on Wood lake kokanee. My roll was simple enough.. keep my boat as close to Danny's as possible so that the film crew could capture footage. Sounds simple enough, but the extra 100 hp on my motor made it a bit more challenging. In the end, two plastic buckets and some effort kicking in and out of gear got the job done.

Coolest part of the day was definitely the drone. People can say what they want about them - and I believe they have not part in hunting - but they are pretty awesome for capturing footage of a day of fishing!

Check out more of the episodes - especially the whitetail one - through the Salt Fresh Field website. I like the work they do.

Here's a few pics I snapped during the adventure:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0021_zpsn67jbwai.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0043_zpsiy0okwmu.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0069_zpsd7o7dcaf.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0079_zpsctsrpffi.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0099_zpsstrtj7sb.jpg

[Getbent]

That's cool...watched the you tube link, very well done...

[Wrayzer]

That video was awesome start to finish. Very well put together and told a story well. Would enjoy seeing a few more from those guys.

[Fisher-Dude]

Coach may as well stick to fishing. He's afraid to walk 1200 meters to kill a moose.

[835]

you know Coach,,,,, seems like your HBC handle is quite appropriate! you sure help alot of people with alot of outdoor related things..!!!

[xtrail]

Awesome video! Thanks for sharing.
Here are some links to different episodes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pu7YW1XGR_M -Mallard
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmhGoItgJ2A -Chinook
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrDO9HntY5c -Whitetail Deer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xm3yRFYZ80Y -Chinook 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4hk8fPHb-E -Steelhead
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnJ56O4Bffk -Brook Trout

[luckofthedraw]

Enjoyed. Keep it up Coach.

[coach]

Spent today chasing mule deer - with no success - but did manage to take a few goat pictures..

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1787_zpsxpctfmuw.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1788_zpsof9okedx.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1789_zpskvo7futt.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1790_zps5m0iflqk.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1795_zpsatzieny0.jpg

[coach]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1794_zpsryqomqfa.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1796_zpsnarq4v3d.jpg

[180grainer]

all nanny's. But yes, thanks for the pics. You could have shown robins and I would say thanks for the pics........but a nice Billy I would say THANKS FOR THE PIC'S . No seriously, thanks for the pics..

[j270wsm]

I thought 2 of the goats were billies. The one on the right in the pic with 3 goats and the big yellow one that's in the pic with 9 goats.

[coach]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1773_zpsfpl2dhr8.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1780_zps3p63qmui.jpg

[coach]

I thought 2 of the goats were billies. The one on the right in the pic with 3 goats and the big yellow one that's in the pic with 9 goats.

I agree. One is likely a two year old and the yellow one is probably 3. Lots of youth in that group.

[coach]

A pretty awesome day in region 3 today! A friend of mine was lucky enough to draw a cow/calf tag last spring. Little did she know at the time she submitted her entry, that she'd be six months pregnant in November. :shock: and that her fiance would be working out of town during the ten day draw timing. No problem - I offered to take her out to try and fill the tag. Opening day (Sunday) we pounded roads from dawn to dusk, spotting only one moose. That one was 1200 yards away, in a cut accessed from a completely different road system. There was a canyon between us and the moose and it would have taken a couple hours to drive anywhere near it. I had no idea if the road to the cut was active or not. Essentially, there was no play on the moose and we had to move on and keep searching.

Today was our next chance to get out and look around. The weather was perfect: about -4, 6-8" of snow already on the ground with light snow falling. We set out at 5:30 - arriving in the prime area just as it got light enough to see. The first cut we looked at, a cow and calf bounced up from their beds. In the time it took to make a short stalk, they decided to vacate the area. We moved on..

Two clearings later, Jax spotted a moose feeding at the top of the cut. She got out, took a solid rest and waited for and angle and to confirm it was alone. Sure enough, 30 yards to it's right, stood a calf. "There's a calf to the right.. you're gonna have to shoot that one", I said. Realizing it was a long shot, I gave her my 300wsm and she handed me her 7-08. She took aim and fired. The calf was clearly hit. It took a few steps, stumbled and went down. Perfect heart shot - ranged later at 375 yards!

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0739_zpsth711ndv.jpg

[coach]

We spent some time waiting to make sure the moose wasn't about to get back up and she cut her tag. Knowing there was a road above the moose, we decided to drive up and figure out the processing and extraction process. We had just left the bottom of the cut when two more hunters drove up. "You guys have a draw?" we asked.

"Yes, cow / calf.."

"Well, there might just be a cow in the next cut, we just got the calf." The guys moved to where they could see the moose and I stood back watching in the binos. A few minutes later, that moose was also down.

The other guys had a quad with a winch and we were able to work together as a team to get both animals out. As an extremely generous gesture, the guys offered to share the meat from the two moose equally if we were OK with it. (I think they felt bad about us having such a small animal compared to theirs). It's awesome to meet such classy people out in the field. A few hours later, both moose were at the hanging at the butcher. Everyone will be eating well this winter!

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0746_zpscc7400p2.jpg

Winching the cow out - on a tarp. This is a great way to move a moose when there's snow on the ground - provided the tarp doesn't get hung up and rip. :roll:

[pin_head]

That is downright awesome to hear of the guys volunteering to split meat, I'd say a gesture of karma to you two for doing the right thing instead of greedily taking the cow

Great job!

Brad

[300H&H]

That is downright awesome to hear of the guys volunteering to split meat, I'd say a gesture of karma to you two for doing the right thing instead of greedily taking the cow

Great job!

Brad

Yup, that was good karma.
Congratulations to both Jax and the other hunters.
Good job Coach "navigating" your hunter to her moose.

[Fisher-Dude]

Good job! I figured after Sunday's session you'd come up empty! :D

Same area as Sunday?

[coach]

Good job! I figured after Sunday's session you'd come up empty! :D

Same area as Sunday?

Same area. A lot less people mid week combined with more snow and cooler temps seemed to make a difference.

[rifleman]

top notch pictures and thread Coach.. Thank you for sharing.... Congrats on all the animals & birds harvested...

[coach]

Busy couple of days.. My daughter flew up on Friday and we headed to region 3 for the afternoon to fill her doe draw.

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0750_zpsyla6lx07.jpg

We spotted a few and she managed to seal the deal by the end of the day. It was her first deer in a couple of seasons. She took a bit of a hiatus from hunting due to moving back the Lower Wasteland. Awesome to get her back up for a few days of dad and daughter time!

[coach]

The last couple days we hit region 8 in hopes of her tagging a late youth season buck. Try as we might, she wasn't able to fill tag number two - despite a golden opportunity on a nice three point this afternoon. Does were walking around him and she never really got set for a shot when he was in the clear.

A few critters we saw during our travels:

Roughed grouse strutting his stuff. (I know.. they are open.. bad day to leave the .22 and 12 gauge at home!)

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0762_zpsclhqky7b.jpg

Calf moose - mom was nearby but we didn't see her until I'd snapped this pic:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0760_zpsh1ijibof.jpg

Spotted six of these and sent ear tag numbers to a local rancher. They aren't his - but he informed the guy who's been looking for them. Hopefully they'll be off the deer and moose winter range soon!

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/DSC_0752_zpszu2c9thk.jpg

[HarryToolips]

great pics as always Coach and congrats on helpin her fill her moose tag, 375 yards is a great shot!! Hey I'm headin out tues to region 4 for my cow/calf moose LEH, how much meat did you get you think off the calf??? And did the momma stick around at all and give you any trouble???

[coach]

great pics as always Coach and congrats on helpin her fill her moose tag, 375 yards is a great shot!! Hey I'm headin out tues to region 4 for my cow/calf moose LEH, how much meat did you get you think off the calf??? And did the momma stick around at all and give you any trouble???

My daughter had a doe draw. The girl with the cow calf draw is a friend - not my daughter. :lol: if my daughter is six months pregnant I'm gonna have to engage her in serious conversation. :roll: Calf was 135lbs hanging - according to butcher. I think he missed a 50lb weight - can't see it being smaller than my mule deer from last year. Cow weighed 359. She would have stuck around and might have caused a problem if the other hunters didn't show up and put her out of her misery.

Good luck on your LEH!

[Walking Buffalo]

Calf was 135lbs hanging - according to butcher. I think he missed a 50lb weight -


I've butchered a few calves for friends. They all weighed MUCH less than expected. ;)

[ElliotMoose]

Tasty! Awesome to hear that you bumped into a couple stand up guys. Thats what its all about right there

[coach]

Tasty! Awesome to hear that you bumped into a couple stand up guys. Thats what its all about right there

Yup! Makes a guy feel pretty damn good about other members of the hunting community.

[HarryToolips]

My daughter had a doe draw. The girl with the cow calf draw is a friend - not my daughter. :lol: if my daughter is six months pregnant I'm gonna have to engage her in serious conversation. :roll: Calf was 135lbs hanging - according to butcher. I think he missed a 50lb weight - can't see it being smaller than my mule deer from last year. Cow weighed 359. She would have stuck around and might have caused a problem if the other hunters didn't show up and put her out of her misery.

Good luck on your LEH!
OK wicked, good to know thanks!!

[coach]

Final day of region 8 mule deer rifle season. No luck for me.. the first time since 2007 that I'll have the pleasure of chasing them with the bow. Could very well be making soup with my tag this winter. Regardless of my own incompetence, I did get to enjoy an awesome hunt with my stepson's 13 year old best buddy. What incredible hunting partners he and his dad make. This youngster is completely engaged in all aspects of the hunt and relishes getting his hands dirty once the trigger is pulled.

Congratulations, Zach on another successful mule deer season!

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1833_zpsxnwzwug9.jpg

Now it's on to whitetails!

[coach]

A few more goats spotted recently:

Nice looking billy:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1815_zpseliydioy.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1821_zpsp93zogkx.jpg

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1799_zpsq9frwfat.jpg

Nanny:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1818_zps6kmcoo0t.jpg

A different billy from the one above, with a nanny. My apologies for the blurry images - I hate digital zoom - but this one is good for seeing the difference between the two sexes:

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/IMG_1826_zpsykbup7t9.jpg

[coach]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy154/coach108/image_zpstcupg3py.jpeg

The Big Z came over on the weekend and I walked him through the butchering process on his deer. All went well, except for him bumping the shoulders hanging on the hook and getting blood all over his new hoodie.. Shades of what happened to his new shoes last year. :lol:

Awesome to see a kid who embraces the whole experience - from scouting to spotting and stalking to processing meat. Great stuff!

[Seeker]

Good work coach! Great story and the possible generosity amoung us is touching! Good work Zach.

[steepNdeep]

Awesome shots coach!

[coach]

Hopefully people enjoyed this thread. My time on hbc is now done. Best of luck to everyone in the future. Enjoy the awesome threads from spy Aggie and tozer in the future.,

[The Dawg]

Hopefully people enjoyed this thread. My time on hbc is now done. Best of luck to everyone in the future. Enjoy the awesome threads from spy Aggie and tozer in the future.,


Right beside you there. When people are attacking on other forums and making personal threats and insults- its clear to see where loyalties lie

[Ourea]

Can we trade ur exit for Dualie's?

[Bugle M In]

I must have missed something here???
where did Coach go?? and why ??
Very unfortunate if that is the case.....

[OutWest]

Can we trade ur exit for Dualie's?

That would be a step in the right direction for HBC.

[kennyj]

Thanks again for the awesome thread Coach. Good luck with your archery season.
kenny

[coach]

I'll set the record straight here.. A couple days ago, I crossed a line. I took a personal shot at a forum member on the wt thread by posting a picture of his son with two does. Legal kills - nothing at all wrong with the harvest. It was out of line and I subsequently apologized. I also removed the photo from my "bucket" so it wouldn't appear in the thread.

When I started posting on hbc, it was to encourage others. My goal has always been to post some kind of wildlife photo on a weekly basis and to share successful hunt stories.

I have always tried to take the high road in the annual debates regarding antlerless whitetail harvest, mule deer seasons, etc. This time I engaged and used a tactic I would find despicable if others used it. When online time starts causing a person to act in ways they aren't proud of, it's time to step away from the keyboard.

This is a great site with lots of outstanding people. I'm just gonna give myself a time out for a while.

Spy - time for you to back off a well.

Coach

[Blainer]

Thank you Coach.
You have done lot's for the hunting community in my mind.
This has been a great picture share.
Further respect for owning your actions and taking the higher road.
I hope to see you return.

[one-shot-wonder]

Noble post Coach....best to take some time away and Kill a diggy dog rat deer!:wink:

A good reminder for all that everything in moderation is a good rule to live by....

[boxhitch]

Awwww , don't be so hard on yourself. Everyone is entitled to a faux pas or two, they help round out a character.
Just like how a keyboard challenge shows true colours too.
Its easy to become cynical these days.

[Xenomorph]

I'll set the record straight here.. A couple days ago, I crossed a line. I took a personal shot at a forum member on the wt thread by posting a picture of his son with two does. Legal kills - nothing at all wrong with the harvest. It was out of line and I subsequently apologized. I also removed the photo from my "bucket" so it wouldn't appear in the thread.

When I started posting on hbc, it was to encourage others. My goal has always been to post some kind of wildlife photo on a weekly basis and to share successful hunt stories.

I have always tried to take the high road in the annual debates regarding antlerless whitetail harvest, mule deer seasons, etc. This time I engaged and used a tactic I would find despicable if others used it. When online time starts causing a person to act in ways they aren't proud of, it's time to step away from the keyboard.

This is a great site with lots of outstanding people. I'm just gonna give myself a time out for a while.

Spy - time for you to back off a well.

Coach

Coach, I'm not sure why this escalated so quickly and people will be people all the time. You've shown character and ethics, you've owned up to a mistake and that speaks volumes. I would like you not to leave, your insight, your pictures, your advice have always been inspiring, well addressed and useful. Ultimately it's your decision, but if it counts, bite the bullet and hang around. Even if for just a bit here and there.

Cheers

[Seeker]

It happens to even the good guys. You and I can attest to that. I believe we all grow from such experiences and how we react is what truly defines us. Thanks for sharing your thread, the photos, the ethical approach to our past time and the time you have invested with all of us, most notably the kids. I know you will remain involved, but in your own way. Keep up the good fight.

[Bugle M In]

I hope you reconsider at some point.
Nothing wrong to take time away from this site, as it can enrage all of us at times.
I do wish people could learn to disagree with a lot more respect at times.
Just because someone post an opinion or comment, doesn't give another post the green light to start
a reply to the post with " your an idiot" or "you've got your head up your ass".
Just disagree with the extra bs...
It's not the disagreeing comment that starts fights, or personal attacks, it's that extra added comment that isn't
necessary and starts people to get the feathers up, thus starting fights.
Just realize people will have different thoughts based on different experiences or based on different sides of the fence.
Respect them all the same.
Anyways Coach, you have been helpful to many people on this forum, many times in the past.
Hopefully you will come back at some point, as we know this was just a moment of being "out of character".
You also took the time to publicly apologize, which is always the right thing to do when someone has done the wrong thing.
Most of us know who your true character is, and is why many will be sorry to see you go...if that's the case.
Others who leave, aren't missed, generally because their true character seems to be "abrasive" and most see that,
and are glad to se them gone.
You can decide which one of those characters you are.
Take care..thank you BMI

[adriaticum]

why can't we all just get along?

[Ourea]

Getting embarrassing people.
High road please.

[Bugle M In]

Getting embarrassing people.
High road please.
x2..............................................

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Best of luck on your pursuit of an old whitetail, Coach!!

[frenchbar]

Hbc is losing its best forum member in my own honest opinion ..good luck with the hunts sean ..enjoyed your posts and pics and stories

[Gateholio]

I don't really know what just happened here, but personally I'm not ready to let coach go without a fight. I hope he will reconsider.

I also noticed Spy engaging in some pretty rude behaviour and for that he's getting 2 weeks off. I'll probably go look at this a bit more later, as well. Some of you need think a bit more before posting.

[MB_Boy]

I don't really know what just happened here, but personally I'm not ready to let coach go without a fight. .


I agree as to "wha' happened"??? I am guessing there is more going on behind the scenes than simple 'flat top' whitetail talk??

Good on ya Gate.....coach is one of the really good guys on here.

[IronNoggin]

Missed the BS too, not sorry I did though. Seen enough of that here (and elsewhere) that I am beyond tired of it. :cry:

I will be sorry if Coach doesn't return. He is one of a handful who I consider to be the Best Contributors to this site, and has generously offered a LOT of himself here to aid others. Truly a Great Fellow IMHO.

Coach: I hope you find the Big Boy you are looking for in the next little while. http://bigshotsbc.ca/images/smilies/Pozitive.gif
And I Truly Hope you reconsider your presence here...

Sincerely,
Matt

[kayjayess]

Hopefully people enjoyed this thread. My time on hbc is now done. Best of luck to everyone in the future. Enjoy the awesome threads from spy Aggie and tozer in the future.,

A huge loss to this forum. In fact it may be the beginning of the end.

Sorry to see it

[frenchbar]

The good old days here are gone...pretty sad..

[Salty]

Have a good break coach but make it short you're one of the if not the most positive contributor here, always sharing always helping. Not to mention what you did for us all in March. Come back soon bud
Dan

[Bugle M In]

I don't really know what just happened here, but personally I'm not ready to let coach go without a fight. I hope he will reconsider.

I also noticed Spy engaging in some pretty rude behaviour and for that he's getting 2 weeks off. I'll probably go look at this a bit more later, as well. Some of you need think a bit more before posting.

I know it's very hard to stay on top of every post by every member...I understand that!!
Even made harder that it is "Hunting Season", and all moderators have less time.
But, I do have to say as of late, there seems to be a lot more strife in the threads.
Every member can have a different point of view, and argue that point to their death.
But, it's the lack of respect, and the choice of words used, or a "phrase" in a sentence that is just
not conducive to good conversation or debate.
It's hard to know where the line should be drawn at times.
Basically, if you are not able to talk to your wife/husband in that manner,
than you shouldn't type it and hit send and think who ever it is directed to, should be happy with that.
If your divorced, you might want to ask yourself if that in a nutshell is your issue??
Talk/type with out any consideration to others, regardless of your disagreement or points of
view.
Hope it gets worked out, as I think this forum/website could loose it's best contributors.
It's rarely the other way around...
It just comes down to "Respect" folks.
It's not about who has got the biggest balls.

[doubled]

Hey Sean, come back with a vengeance. I want to see a big old whitey down with pics galore. Good luck and enjoy your time away. The key is come back though.

[Husky7mm]

A huge loss to this forum. In fact it may be the beginning of the end.

Sorry to see it

The sky is not falling, Coach said he was giving himself a time out, not leaving permanently. He is a great guy and will be back, he has passion to share.
Much to be learned from him as far has how to conduct oneself, and be a positive member of HBC. Perhaps many should try harder.

[coach]

Relax, everyone.. I'm doing fine. Got my head in a better space and soon I'll be back.. Got some great pics and vids of a moose with a spike on one side and big palm on the other that I really have nowhere else to share.

Thanks for the kind comments and pm's. Got a little pissed with my own behaviour and needed to step away for a few days.

[Rob Chipman]

Can't wait to see the spike/palm combo. I get a kick out of weird racks (chew on that a while guys). Also coach, thanks for all your great pics. Really appreciate them.