The Badlands Buck

[IronNoggin]

Well Folks, home and finally caught up enough to try and do this Epic Adventure a little Justice. This will be a lengthy write-up, including a pile of pictures, so bear with me as I get down to it...

The idea of a Southern Alberta Mule Deer Bow Hunt originated a few years back now. Before even then I had worked the area in question, and well understood just what it has to offer in terms of Quality Bucks. Time wandered on as it does, and this year it seemed the stars were finally aligning to make it so. Alberta F&W granted my crossbow permit, the work schedule suggested I would have the time, and my Alberta Partner was heavily encouraging me to get over there (by of course sending me pictures of some of the Giant Bucks he was seeing!).

At the last minute I was presented the opportunity to dress my Matrix 380 with the Dr. Stirrup assembly, so did so, and put in enough practice to know the bow was shooting as well as it ever has. Ordered broadheads into a town down-Island, and paced until they showed up. When they landed there, the decision was made to roll, pick up the broadheads on the way, and hit the mid-morning ferry.

So, as many of my adventures do, this one started off once again in the line up for the boat...

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Ferry.jpg

The run to Calgary was pretty much uneventful - dry roads and good weather right through. Landed in Cow Town at 1:30 am, and needed to pick up my tags and permits. So, I simply crawled into the back of my truck and slept a spell. Awoke literally FREEZING my butt off as the temperatures plunged well below zero that night!

Shook that off, collected the required paperwork, then set off for Medicine Hat further south. Met up with my Partner, and it was a Warm Reunion! A little too warm in fact! It had been a spell since we had the opportunity to sit down to a BS & Brew session, and as a consequence we did that up Right! http://www.excaliburcrossbow.com/phpBB2/images/smilies/icon_lol.gif

Those shenanigans put us a day behind schedule, but we eventually swallowed the pain and made our way down towards the mighty South Saskatchewan River. For those that have never been there, that area of Alberta is indeed considered "Badlands" and well fits the description! It can range from Blistering HOT to Incredible Deepfreeze. Often it it the driest, dustiest, windiest place on the planet - damn tough on men & equipment. If it weren't for the over-sized mule deer & elk it harbors, one would have to seriously question your sanity for ever going there!!

And, the ONLY way to access that hell-hole reasonably is via jetboat. Vehicle access is all but impossible, and if going in on foot you better pack more than your own weight in water, and a huge pack to haul anything you might harvest out with! My partner runs a 24 foot custom jet rig, currently sporting a raced up 427 custom engine. The chariot of the day.

Here a shot from the top of the hill as my buddy hauls the rig down towards the water:

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Approach.jpg

Upon arriving bank-side, we loaded up the gear:

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Launch_2.jpg

And officially launched our latest Adventure:

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Launch_3.jpg

[IronNoggin]

The River is a rough but gorgeous place to wander, and we rolled by miles upon miles of great scenery:

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/River_1.jpg

Along the way we saw a few whitetails & many mule deer, including a couple either of us would consider "Shooters". But the target of the day was to get down to our chosen camp site, and get set up properly before engaging in hunting.

Here's the views from the site we chose - One of the almost non-existent trees to provide a little protection from the elements.

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Camp_View.jpg

And a great canyon and flat across the river to watch when in camp.

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Camp_View_2.jpg

We struck the 10 x 12 tent, and set a spare 45 gallon drum of fuel on the beach in front of the camp (these boats EAT fuel like nothing else!)

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Camp_1.jpg

The tent is behind that lonely tree, and you can see the white fuel drum on the beach. Kind of puts it in perspective to understand there is a full sized wall tent behind that tree. BIG Country!!

A little closer look:

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Camp_2.jpg

[IronNoggin]

My Partner is the area's local Trapper and Outfitter, never traveling anywhere without his trusty fur-kid along. That pooch Knows exactly what your up to, and spends his travel time scouring the countryside for game:

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Rosco_1.jpg

And when he spots something, he does not hesitate to let you know!

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Rosco_2.jpg

[The Dawg]

Been waiting for this story!!!

Thanks for sending me the pic of it yesterday too!


Its a STOMPER for those waiting!

[IronNoggin]

The week previous to my arrival, my Partner has guided a fellow to a Monstrous Bull Elk (390" B&C!). In that pursuit, he had seen a most excellent Non-Typical Mule Deer, and wanted me to get a crack at him. So off we went to that area to have a boo...

The trails descending to the water there looked like someone had been running cattle down them for a century!! Seriously Impressive! As this area is classed as a "Desert" (and truly is) when it is warm the critters will come down to the river to drink a couple times a day. Form the looks of things they certainly Liked this spot to do so!

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Trails_2.jpg

And the spot offered a few trees adjacent to the trail to perhaps hide a blind in...
The bush on the right was our decided spot for doing just that:

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Blind_1.jpg

My Buddy dropped me off with a wave, and wandered off to scope another area as I situated my gear and self in the blind

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Dropoff.jpg

The view to my left was a 60 yard kill zone littered with elk and mule deer tracks:

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Blind_View_1.jpg

And to my right was where the major confluence of trails hit the water - at 55 yards:

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Blind_View_2.jpg

As the hours droned by, my enthusiasm never swayed - I simply FELT something was sure to wander by. Thus I found it quite surprising when my Partner radioed in for pick-up at dusk, and me with nothing to report...

A quick run back to camp, and settled in for the eve...

[IronNoggin]

That night the wind ROARED up to 40 miles and hour (good damn thing we REALLY secured that tent!) and in the morning increased to near 50. It trapped us for the day, and did not drop off until late evening. So we sat around catching up on old time, hunts of the past, and the whereabouts of our many mutual Buddies.

After the stint in the blind, I wanted to investigate the country a little more rather than sitting the following day. So off we went to burn some fuel and boot leather checking the surroundings out:

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/River_Breaks.jpg

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/River_Breaks_2.jpg

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/River_Breaks_3.jpg

Like I said BIG Country! Easily capable of swallowing up whole towns, let alone a Big Buck or two! But we both are "practiced eyes" and we did indeed scout out many many deer. As I was in Hunt Mode, I took no pictures of those, but may eventually have some video footage we took of several Book Bucks that simply were not approachable.

Not approachable in the sense that alongside our area sits one of the largest military bases in Canada. Hunting, and in fact trespassing of any kind is strictly Verboten, so all we could do was look at those we encountered in that direction. Their signs say it all:

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Warning.jpg

That protection however grows some of the biggest Mule Deer & Elk on the planet, and they often spill over onto the other side of the river. As a consequence that offers some of the very best (albeit Tough!) hunting for these species in the world.

[IronNoggin]

The day after that I decided to sit the blind again. And again to my amazement nothing showed through a nine hour vigil! Deciding that our Target there had moved, I pulled the blind at the end of that sit.

The first week was nearing an end, and with it the HOT, Dry & Dusty weather decided to depart as well. Temperatures now dropped from day time highs of 75, to less than 40, and night times literally froze our water supplies solid.

With that change, the critters started to move a lot more, and our sightings soared! Over the next couple of days we had a boo at ~ 300 elk (including one Massive Prime Bull we put at over 400"!!) and many many deer both whitetails and mulies.

Opportunities came and went, but ether he wasn't the "Right One" or circumstances conspired to keep me out of bow range. Then the starter in the boat calved. Problem! The back-up stater kicked her over painfully, obviously not well, so we withdrew for a day to re-supply and gather the required parts.

A few more scenery shots on our run out:

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Canyon.jpg

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Formation.jpg

[IronNoggin]

While we were out, my Partner's next clients called, confirming their arrival date a few days hence. So we scrambled back to the river to make the best of the time we had left.

Along our run back to our camp, we stopped and set up a larger tent & camp for the incoming hunters:

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Camp_Two.jpg

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Camp_Two_2.jpg

Again saw several elk and two BIG mulies that eve on the way to our camp, but alas there was no getting close to latter as they were both in the big wide open.

The next day we awoke to freezing conditions, and decided to once again have a look for the non-typical I noted above. This time we shut down the engine and drifted through the area he was last known to be in. Not seeing him (but several other bucks) we kept the drift going further downstream a spell.

Rounding one bend I immediately identified yet another band of mulie does (the bucks were just barely starting to show interest in them at this point)) scattered along a long line of brush adjacent to the bank. As we floated towards them, we both studied their movements intensely. At exactly the same moment, we both saw a flash of white INSIDE the brush that appeared to be far to big to be a doe. With heavy willow screening, it was tough to make out just what he was... Until he lifted his head! WOW!! http://www.excaliburcrossbow.com/phpBB2/images/smilies/icon_eek.gif
At 75 yards the headgear was startling, and the look he gave us was downright PO'd!!

The Buck gave three huge bounds, and disappeared into the heavy brush. Our reaction was to fire the engine, and idle to the other side of the river. There we set up the optics, and watched for his possible departure. Nine does and bambi's drifted away to the right of the brush, eleven to the left. No Buck.

50 minutes later I spotted "something" moving behind the brush, headed towards a valley centered behind the heaviest brush. Spotting scope confirmed it was the Buck, and that he was playing it smart, using the cover to disguise his withdrawal. A slow change in our position, and we watched as he bedded up a fair ways up the coulee... Within 20 more minutes, his eyes dropped, and he slid into slumber...

[IronNoggin]

Fortunately he was on the side of the river we could action.
Well my Partner queried, what do you think?

I hard studied the terrain surrounding the Buck's sleeping spot. From our position it appeared the closest we might be able to get was a possible 100 yards. Ah, but things can change a lot on the ground there, and so I began to systematically pick out an approach along the 3/4 of a mile we would have to stalk.

Mind made up, my Partner asked if I wanted to go it alone. My reply was "Bring the video camera, and step lightly".

The approach was long, winding in around and over the many obstacles along our approach. At 200 yards I saw that we could likely get much closer than first thought if The Goddess were on our side. At 100 yards and hidden from the Buck's last known location, I paused to calm myself. Had to. Something inside said that Buck was still THERE, and my heart and hands were shaking like a leaf!
Five minutes of controlled breathing and looking back towards the river, my Partner finally whispered You OK?

Stone Cold was my reply. And I was.

The last yards were painstakingly slow. I had well studied the rocks the Old Fellow had bedded near, and recognized them as we carefully approached over the ridge. Stopping to range frequently, I knew the Moment Of Truth was close at hand, and there might not be enough time to range the Buck himself.

The last yards took forever, but my calm grew even more. Suddenly I spotted an antler tip in the canyon below the ridge were were sidling along. It moved. He's AWAKE! 60 yards to the rock beside him. Looked quickly at my Partner and flashed "camera on" with my eyes. Understood.

I crawled to the very edge of the ridge, then peered over. The Buck caught the movement, and his eyes flashed open WIDE with surprise! Immediately he jumped to his feet, 3/4ing away from me, and then made his final mistake. He swung his head to look at me. Wrong Answer. 60 yard pin centered on the offside shoulder, the Big John Zombie streaked towards it's target, the Luminok marking it's sure path. DIRECT Boiler Room Hit!!

The Buck kicked it into high gear, and streaked up the canyon floor. My Partner cried What a Shot! and I turned to give him and the camera a Grin and a Fist Pump!

Backing out, we went all the way back to the river to give the Old Boy an hour. Second longest hour of my life!! The internal questioning of the sureness of the shot was un-nerving. Something that will often set in on me under such conditions. Finally the hour passed, and we stole back into the scene of the crime.

No arrow? No hair? No blood? OH NO?

Carefully tracking in the dry sandy soil, 30 yards later... Blood.
Heart Blood. And LOTS of it!
Grin. He ain't far.

At one little hummock my partner rounded on the right, myself on the left. HEY he cried loudly? What? Camera up he said I want your first impression on tape.
First Impression on topping that little hill - OMG! He is a Great Old Boy! NO "ground shrinkage" here!

High Fives all round, then a few pictures...

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Alberta_Buck_1.jpg

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Alberta_Buck_3.jpg

Easily my Best Bow Buck to date, his antlers were a reflection of a body that weighed over 400 pounds! The drag back to the boat (3/4 mile) took everything we had in us, and the final reserves were spent hauling him up onto the front deck:

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Alberta_Buck_4.jpg

Back at the boat, my Partner and I ran a tape over his headgear. Even though he is "only" a 3 x 4 with brow tines, he grossed 186" B&C! If he had not gotten to old to grow that fourth point, he would have pushed well over 190!

We later determined the deer was 13 or 14 years old. Right near the end of his span, and likely the last decent rack he would have produced. A Most Impressive Trophy!!

Surprisingly he actually not only tasted good, he is downright tender! Very Surprising for sure on a Buck that size & age! But given just how much of him there is, I'll Take It!! http://www.excaliburcrossbow.com/phpBB2/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif

[IronNoggin]

The shot: 62 yards freehand. Matrix 380 with Big John Zombie Slayers right on 400 grains when tipped with 125 Spitfires. Arrow broke 2 ribs on entry, hit the liver, right lung, all arteries into heart, left lung, two ribs on the way out of the chest cavity, then hit the heavy bone of the shoulder (just below the socket) breaking it and stopping the arrow. The arrow itself snapped off three inches below the broadhead from impact. Both ends of the arrow remained inside the Buck, thus the slow start to the blood trail. Could not have asked for better placement.

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Damage_1.jpg

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Damage_2.jpg

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Damage_3.jpg

We extracted the next day, after I had de-boned most of the Buck and prepped him for travel. HUGE amount of meat on this Old Boy!

The run back home was BRUTAL! Winter decided to SMOKE the mountains I had to pass through, creating many many many hours of white-knuckled 4x4 action at 20 miles an hour in axle deep snow & ice. Never been so damn happy to see the ferry in my life! Woosh! Made It!

We did indeed get some of the stalk, and the shot itself on video. I hope to able to share it in the not to distant future, but for now that is headed towards an editing room and TV production. Let you know as that develops...

This was one of The Toughest hunts I have engaged in a very long time. A LOT of Effort, Sightings, Stalkings, Freezings, Sunstrokes and more. And of course I'd do it all again in a heartbeat. In fact... I will be as I've been invited back next season! http://www.excaliburcrossbow.com/phpBB2/images/smilies/icon_twisted.gif

[IronNoggin]

In Closing I would like to Thank Mike McKenzie of Impact Adventures. A True Great Friend and a Man I admire deeply.

I'd also like to Thank Excalibur for producing my Fine Bow, Gaston for the equipment I added in the last moment, Boo for his Great Strings, and of course Big John for providing me with the Best Arrows Known to Man!!

Together you Fine Folks made it all possible, and I simply cannot express my Thanks for that enough!

One last look at the Buck, his last view of the great river valley he once ruled...

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Alberta_Buck_6.jpg

Cheers!
Nog

[monasheemountainman]

Wow so far amazing thread! Can't wait for the rest of it!

[monasheemountainman]

Ok now it's over! Beautiful buck huge congrats!

[Rackmastr]

Congrats man!! Great buck!!

That's pretty cool that AB got you a crossbow permit, as I know it can be a struggle for a lot of residents there with shoulder injuries, etc.

Congrats again on a cool buck in some sweet country. Thanks for sharing the pics!!

[adriaticum]

Nice work Nog, it's amazing that anything would live in that desert.

[wideopenthrottle]

epic....thanks very much for sharing ...well told story

[IronNoggin]

Thanks Folks! Appreciated!

Quick note here for anyone wondering what broadhead to shoot out of these quick bows...
The 125 grain Spitfire that did all that damage looked NEW when extracted. Even after smashing that bruiser's main shoulder bone! Incredible performance!
I could simply sharpen it and use it again. Won't though, it will be incorporated into the Euro-mount.
I won't be switching heads any time soon! :twisted:

Cheers,
Nog

[Knute]

Congrats Matt, another well crafted recount of one of your adventures!

An adventure that won't soon be forgotten. Go get one of his kids next year.

[muleychaser]

Damn Great Adventure!!!!!!

[Riverbc]

Great story and pics Matt. I've driven all around that country, and one can definitely say, it is the Canadian Badlands. Congrats on a great animal. Alberta Mule Deer, hold a special spot in my heart.

ps....thanks for the preview. :smile:

[rocksteady]

Great story, beautiful scenery shots and a bruiser to boot.

Thanks for taking us along, we don't see enough of these stories on HBC anymore, I think, cause no matter what anyone posts, there is always a critic post.. Too big, too small, bad shot, wrong broadhead, crossbow versus compound, yards yada yada.

High five and an ass slap for staying the course as to what HBC should really be about.

Well done

[Seeker]

Gotta be one of the best if not the best story of the year so far! Congrats and thanks for taking us along.

[markt308]

that was entertaining! awesome buck congrats on one great adventure

[markomoose]

What a tank!Thanks for taking us on your adventure.

[rifleman]

WOW what a buck... congratulations, and a great write up also..

[kennyj]

Awesome story and photos!! Fantastic old buck. I always look forward to hearing about your adventures.
kenny

[Foxtail]

Awesome pics and story, thanks for posting.

[fuzzybiscuit]

Congrats Matt on an awesome bruiser of a buck and a great write up to boot.

Was there any other boats on the river? Looks like a beautiful spot.

[srupp]

Hmm congrads Matt..as advertised..a *^% $/^^^%..big buck down..these do not come easily..or often..well utilized effort.
Incredible read and photos.
Cheers Bro
Steven

[ydouask]

Well done Matt. Great story telling, really enjoyed it.

[mattmckay]

I wish you had shot one a little bit better so you would have had to mount it and I could add your other buck to my collection of friends heads. It would look good next to hunterdogs island bucks. Congrats again

[Whonnock Boy]

Excellent share Nog. Thanks for taking us along.

[luckofthedraw]

Great job. Nice pics. Thanks for posting, and congrats on that brute! Keeping as euro....or shoulder mount?

[greybark]

Hey Nog , great story and super pictures .... Congratulations on your buck...
Cheers

[HarryToolips]

Wow that's one hell of a buck, congrats!!!

[Cyrus]

quite the adventure and a huge buck! congrats!!

[nazarow]

Awesome story and pics to go with. Thanks for sharing.

[jimzuk]

Awsome story congrats on a fantastick buck

[gunsandhoses]

Thanks for the great story and pics Nogg - that's a fantastic trophy, a true dream buck.

[IronNoggin]

Thanks Folks! Nice to know some appreciate the efforts involved all round! http://bigshotsbc.ca/images/smilies/Pozitive.gif


I wish you had shot one a little bit better so you would have had to mount it and I could add your other buck to my collection of friends heads. It would look good next to hunterdogs island bucks. Congrats again

You ain't the only one Buddy! Had he more than a 1.5" rear point on the left side, he would have pushed 200", and would have HAD to been full shoulder mounted! Given the number of Big Boys we saw over there, and the invite back, that older shoulder mount of mine may be visiting your wall sooner rather than later!! Here's HOPING!!


... Keeping as euro....or shoulder mount?

Although a very fine buck, he is actually not all that much bigger than my current shoulder mount mulie. As a consequence, I'll be Euro-mounting him to hang alongside that one. Gave the cape to my outfitter buddy (his current clients shoot 338 Lapua's!!) and he will likely peddle it soon. Helps pay for the fuel! Hoping, and with good reason for doing so, to take either a clean 190+ typical or 200+ non-typical in the same area in the next few years. Should that come to fruition, I will of course be getting the best mount possible for it. And the older one will likely move to the other Matt's wall... ;)

Cheers,
Nog

[lovemywinchester]

Great share! What a hunt and great buck. As far as the bomb range and left over ordnance, I would figure the deer walking around would blow up any left over bombs. I say go for a wander in there next time and shoot a monster or some epic shed hunting. What could go wrong?:D

[IronNoggin]

... As far as the bomb range and left over ordnance, I would figure the deer walking around would blow up any left over bombs. I say go for a wander in there next time and shoot a monster or some epic shed hunting. What could go wrong?:D

Patrol Vehicles manned with machine guns. Drones that constantly sweep the area (with ALL of the latest electronic methods to find you). The right to Shoot trespassers on sight. Or arrest them and seize equipment.
Combined with left over ordinance - No Thanks!! :shock:

Cheers,
Nog

[Walking Buffalo]

Great story Noggin, glad you had a good hunt.

Unfortunately (thanks to game farming and canned shooting preserves) this area is now under CWD control protocols and will have the population of deer reduced. The number of general season licences have been increased 1000% from just a couple of years ago. The potential for huge bucks in this area is sure to decrease dramatically....

[Salty]

Nog, take a bow bro. The pics, the write up.. that country!! It was about a dozen years ago that I first saw the badlands FIL is from Drumheller and we drove out from Cow town and spent the day. As you know its just one of these things that you have to see for your self to really appreciate it. But where a river runs through it? Un freakin real!! Thanks for taking us along and spending the time to capture it all. just epic.

That's a gorgeous buck cool factor through the roof. If I end up with a decent chunk of spare coin one of these years I think I'll be calling your buddy he's got one hell of a gig going on there. Don't forget us lowly folk here next year keep up with the pics and stories to come :mrgreen:

[IronNoggin]

... Unfortunately (thanks to game farming and canned shooting preserves) this area is now under CWD control protocols and will have the population of deer reduced. The number of general season licences have been increased 1000% from just a couple of years ago. The potential for huge bucks in this area is sure to decrease dramatically....

Actually we had that very same discussion almost every evening in camp. The CWD response has been nothing short of "Draconian" in my opinion, and is much more than a heavy-handed over-reaction. The mindset appears to be "computer projections suggest there is a reasonable possibility that CWD could possibly become prevalent among herds (now largely healthy btw) in the future, so to prevent that possibility we will reduce those (healthy) herds to an absolute minimum number". Warped thinking, especially in light of the low incidences of animals tested that actually had CWD in the massive test areas (range 1.1 to 3.6 % of baseline appx. 5,000 tested animals). While I do not disagree that animals harvested should be tested, I find it downright LUDICROUS that Alberta F&W is issuing multiple doe tags, and increasing the harvest at the extremely excessive rates that they are. The only realistic outcome is not a "control" of the disease in question, rather the eradication (extirpation) of the once incredible deer herds that lived in these areas. Makes one wonder just how long they will survive such a misguided onslaught...

Last time I was down there I was working with Mike (as a guide) and our client was my Father. Then, we saw in one day the same number of Quality Bucks that it took a week plus to see this time around. That is one hell of a change given the the short span of six years between the two hunts. And while one might question the two singular observations' reliability, I found the exact same depreciations noted when talking to many many local sources (both hunters and ranchers) while there this time. Makes me quite concerned for the future health of the herds in question...

Thanks for the kind words Salty, they are indeed Appreciated. The area is indeed magnificent, as is the hunt (for now). Not only do I thoroughly enjoy both, I rather much like the sharing and showing what can and does exist in some special places outside of our own beautiful province. Due to the inane over-reaction of Alberta F&W to the CWD issue, methinks if a fellow wants to enjoy any realistic possibility of a quality hunt in those areas, he'd better move quickly. I'll be going back next year for sure, but the future following that will depend entirely upon the continued health of the herds they seem so damn determined to wipe off the map. :-(

Cheers,
Nog

[Springer]

Matt that was a Great write up !! Thanks for taking us along on the adventure..Hes a great Big Bruiser with Big Brow tines..
Your right about the CWD issue and the government keeps churning up ridiculous reactions that will ruin these great hunts in the future, Saskatchewan did it for awhile and stopped , maybe because of funding for testing ? Not real sure and they are turning out world class deer, just follow the Cody Robbins or Brad fry Hunt shows and see for yourself.
Congrats on your Buck , doing your homework paid off.

cheers.

[nolimits]

This buck will be hard to top Nog. Congrats on amazing animal.

[Salty]

Had no idea about CWD there that's sad to hear Nog as is the reaction. Here's hoping the new govt will give that another look before long.

[IronNoggin]

This buck will be hard to top Nog.

Hard perhaps, but indeed do-able!!

Got the reports and a few pictures in regarding what has transpired since I wandered home. Some Monsters coming down for my Buddy's clients, including this massive 220 inch Bad Boy!!

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/220_Muley_1.jpg

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/220_Muley_3.jpg

After he wrapped up that hunt (they took 2 others over 185") he hosted his Fine Lady on her draw hunt.
Resulting in this great 190 inch Buck:

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Carole_190.jpg

And a few Elk from earlier in the season - same area:

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Alberta_Elk_1.jpg

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Alberta_Elk_2.jpg


I'll be wandering back over there for the late January Bull Elk Hunt, and of course in search of those Big Mulies next fall.
Not too tough to figure why methinks...

Cheers,
Nog

[RustyBrit]

http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=5543&stc=1

[IronNoggin]

Couple more pictures to come soon.
Another of The Lady's Buck, and a Fine 201 taken yesterday!!
Soon... :twisted:

Cheers,
Nog

[srupp]

The photo of the Dear and the Deer..the Lady got a great buck..WOW....surely would like to see another photo.
Thanks Matt.all your hard work planning and efforts have paid off.
Now for you to end the season with a 397 Suffield elk.
Great read, great photos, great adventure, great hunter.
Cheers
Steven

[IronNoggin]

... Now for you to end the season with a 397 Suffield elk.

LOL! Why not a 400 incher Buddy! :lol:
Thanks for the kind words Steven! I ain't all that good a hunter, but simply have some rather Fine Friends who are!
My Hunting Partner over in Alberta is having one hell of a year! Five Book Mulies in but a couple of weeks, and three Book Elk previous to that! Colorado Eat Your Heart Out!!!

Another boo at The Lady's 190:

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/Carole_190_2.jpg

Don't get much taller nor clean a four point than that! We actually ran across this same buck while I was hunting. Due to a heavy screen of willows (damn near the only spot we found those) there was simply no way to get a shot on him. So, we filmed him instead. Rather sweet to have the Lady tag the same one we filmed a couple weeks earlier!!

And another Big Boy - this one runs 201 7/8 gross:

http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album04/201_G.jpg

Honestly think this is quite likely the Last Refuge of the Biggest Mulies on the planet!
And you can bet your butt I am SOOOO Looking Forward to my return there next season!! http://www.excaliburcrossbow.com/phpBB2/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif

Cheers!
Nog

[srupp]

Hmmm Matt great deer..the Ladies buck is one of the finest I have seen.
Pass on congradulations for all the hard work your guide did.outstanding.
Thanks Nog..
Ya 400..
Steven

[IronNoggin]

Pass on congradulations for all the hard work your guide did.outstanding.

Definitely the Lady's Buck is indeed a Fine One!

Will pass along the Congrats.
You will be meeting him when you land in Alberta.
Best source of intel on those Suffield elk I know :wink:

400's all the way around Buddy!!! :twisted:

Cheers,
Nog

[coach]

Outstanding bucks Matt! Congrats on an awesome hunt and thanks for taking the time to post.

It would be interesting to see if there's much change between the "green" scores and the official ones.

[fuzzybiscuit]

Great pics of some fine animals Matt. Thanks for taking the time to post them.

Where they all taken with a bow or is there a rifle season?

[Ourea]

Outstanding bucks Matt! Congrats on an awesome hunt and thanks for taking the time to post.

It would be interesting to see if there's much change between the "green" scores and the official ones.

Nice bucks and congratulations to all involved!!

Be very interested to see the score sheets so others can learn from seeing a field pic and then associate that with an official number. All will learn.
Obvious your field pics don't do these bucks justice.
Look forward to more.

Very unique habitat for MD compared to BC to say the least!!

Side note....and not to derail an awesome thread.
If we are successful in shutting down the current BC guide outfitting model and retooling it... and it's questionable politics ..... Alberta could follow .

Funny how we praise guided hunts If "we" are customers.

Hope only constructive and positive comments follow in support of this great thread ......in recognition of a nice buck killed by a BC hunter.

[fuzzybiscuit]

Still interested to know if there is a rifle season in the area that you were in Matt.

Most the rifle seasons that I've looked at in Southern Alberta all seem to fall in November so just curious if you can get a Muley with a rifle in that area while the ice is off the river of if you have to use a pointy stick.

[Husky7mm]

Very cool looking country, nice looking bucks. Very intriguing..... It must have been utterly amazing before the cwd reduction.
I dont know if you did your buddy any favours with some of the specifics, just saying.

[tomahawk]

AB has hogs for deer and yours is right in there. Nice old timer Nog!!

[M.Dean]

Your incredible story and pictures were far better than most hunting magazines! The body on the one you arrowed has got to be one of biggest Mule Deer I've seen! Unreal country, and Un-Real Bucks and Bull Elk, and you put together a fantastic thread for our enjoyment! Hell, you could sell this article! Thanks for taking us on a Bad Lands Buck Hunt!

[Stormy]

Great read -thanks

[IronNoggin]

Still interested to know if there is a rifle season in the area that you were in Matt.

Most the rifle seasons that I've looked at in Southern Alberta all seem to fall in November so just curious if you can get a Muley with a rifle in that area while the ice is off the river of if you have to use a pointy stick.

That area is indeed open during Rifle Season - by DRAW Only. Limited number of tags.
That or engage the local Outfitter :wink: That's where the subsequent hunts / pictures came from.
Most years the river is ice-free until much later than those rifle seasons run. Of course she will be dropping - creating some of the most hazardous conditions for navigation it can possibly produce.


... I dont know if you did your buddy any favours with some of the specifics, just saying.

LOL! There have been a few who have attempted the challenge of that area, both on foot and by boat.
The former soon learn just how BIG a country it is, and the extreme difficulty of not only getting anywhere close to a Big Buck, but getting him out of there should you manage to do so. :shock:
The latter have left more than a few "carcasses" that used to be boats strewn along the river's banks. While it may look "placid" it is anything but! Even very skilled and well experienced jet pilots end up having their moments, and many a man / boat has been broken there as a consequence. Definitely NOT for the feint of heart, nor for anyone who wishes to keep their boat in "pristine condition". Look at the picture of my Buddy's rig - he Over-Built that one himself specifically for this stretch of river. Even so, it has been WELL beat and requires "surgery" each and every year.

Not too worried about gut-pile chasers in this instance. Btw, the cost of extraction grows exponentially the deeper you get into that area :wink:

Cheers,
Nog

[Husky7mm]

Up here in the peace counrty on the dirty berta side there are litteraly dozens of skinny water boats at every lauch all season long. Lots of ugly spots and they are just lining up to do it. More money than brains, lol! People are starting to take up walking again just so they can have something to themselves lol.
Thanks again for sharing, very beautiful country! Did you fish at all?

[IronNoggin]

Up here in the peace counrty on the dirty berta side there are litteraly dozens of skinny water boats at every lauch all season long. Lots of ugly spots and they are just lining up to do it. More money than brains, lol!

A handful have tried. Extremely few return :wink:


People are starting to take up walking again just so they can have something to themselves lol.

LOL! Well... walking into that area, you certainly would realize THAT!!!


Did you fish at all?

I didn't but my Buddy did (and does). Many species swimming there. We had Burbot one evening that was delicious! He also caught (and released) good numbers of Sturgeon, Walleye and Goldeye. A couple of the Walleye were right up there - well over 15 pounds.
Gave him something to do while I was sitting in the blind...

We only saw one other group of hunters - they were seeking a cow elk (draw). Never did find out how they did, although from what we saw methinks that would not be too difficult a task.

We did see a couple other boats - both within a few miles of the very few launch sites.
They were fishing, and both reported some success.
Also saw the odd Bank Fishermen from time to time, so I guess there is something of a decent fishery being pursued in that river...

Cheers,
Nog

[bckoothunter]

Awesome write up, thanks and congrats on an awesome buck!

[fuzzybiscuit]

He also caught (and released) good numbers of Sturgeon, Walleye and Goldeye. A couple of the Walleye were right up there - well over 15 pounds.



Those are big Walleye. The Alberta record was 15 pounds 8 ounces right up until last year when one over 16 pounds was recorded. Worth going there just for the fishing.

[Getbent]

Very cool Matt, those are some freaking huge bucks...thanks for givin it up
By the way shot a 20lb batch of the double maple breakfasts the other day...yumm