Opening Day 'Mulw' Deer

[Stone Sheep Steve]

One of the highlights of my year the past few years has been spending quality time in deer camp with my daughter (SsS) hunting the youth season. In her first three years she has been able to connect on opening days bucks....however, this year we didn't see the deer numbers as previous years. She passed on a few little yearlings as they were just a tad scrawny for her liking(she likes lots of meat).

Well, only after a day and a half into the season, SsS says that she has to head back to town for her newspapers duties and some much needed back to school shopping. Normally shopping has been taken care of by this point but life sometimes gets in the way.

Needless to say that I was a bit disappointed as she has been a solid 'provider' for the family...but I begrudgingly whipped her home and headed right back to deer camp to continue my quest for an archery buck.

The next morning I snuck back into the same area we had been concentrating on but I hiked in from a different direction as it's hard to approach via the road and still remain hidden.
The plan worked well and I immediately spotted some does and a big bodied buck approximately 200 yards out feeding unaware of my presence . Where was my little sniper??

As most know a bow hunt begins when most rifle hunts end. I made a loop through the timber to head off the feeding buck but I ended up going too far and they (he had big buddy with him that I was unaware of) blew out of there never to be seen again.

I continued to hunt the next two days but the weather turned for the worse and I had a bunch of stuff to catch up on before the fall harvest lockdown at work took place. I figured we would have to count on late season whitetails to (hopefully) fill our freezer.

Even though I was asked to work OT on Saturday and Sunday I decided to blow off Saturday in hopes of heading out for the rifle opener....but then my wife reminded me that SsS and myself had soccer on Saturday afternoon. My muley season came down just one morning.:icon_frow

After 3 hours sleep, I headed out the door at 4:30am revved up for my small window of hunting. I arrived at my destination before daylight and got myself ready to hike back into the same spot where I had bumped the pair of 4 pts even though I figured they wouldn't be there.

cont'd

[Stone Sheep Steve]

After silently sneaking in the back door, I found the area devoid of deer whereas there are normally at least does scattered throughout the cutblock. I sat for a couple hours waiting for things to start to move but I ended up seeing only three flattops and a bunch of cows.

I decided to work my way through the timber and peek out into a cut where I haven't really seen that many deer over the years but I didn't have many other options with my window of time coming to a close.
As I approached the clearcut, the wind was good and I almost immediately saw a large and dark deer feeding 300 yards in the top corner of the grown up cutblock. I could easily see head gear so I took off my pack and set up the spotter to count points....but my the time I got set up the buck had disappeared. I got my rifle all set up on my pack on a large boulder just in case the buck reappeared. I glassed and glassed but nothing. There was a small alder filled draw that he must have fed into. I waited and waited...and waited...and waited. Nothing.

I decided to make a loop behind me to see of I could see up the draw from a different direction. By this time the wind direction had turned for the worse and was blowing directly towards the buck's last known location. I thought the jig was up but figured I had do my best to find him as time in my season was running out.....

I dropped into the cut, looped around and popped over a knob to look up the draw. Still nothing but I didn't have the best angle. I dropped lower into the cut, snuck up a ditch and plopped myself down for a glassing session.
After a solid 45mins I was about to get up and head back to my vehicle when there he was......bedded in the upper corner of the cut in the thick stuff.

https://i.imgur.com/D4HsxYD.jpg
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14344925_341086239561264_2381306744284247277_n.jpg ?oh=eb24f78e338d6229d7603b8d0e391e26&oe=59DBDC21

[Stone Sheep Steve]

I pulled out the spotter and made a quick point count, packed up and dropped into the timber in the bottom of the cut. I thought I could remain hidden but when I peaked back there he was locked onto my location. Being that he was 600 yards away I figured he may not spook and carried on with my plan.

When I popped back into the cut the wind was good and I had enough cover to get closer. Once I got to within 300 yards or so I took off my boots to sneak in as quietly as possible. I eased my way along and finally made a visual on him but I had run out of cover. Backtracking I decided to work my way through some tall alders and ended up falling into a small wet area as I tried to cross a log. As I looked up I saw a doe with a broken ear staring at me from 50 yards away. Attempting to get back to my feet I found myself back in the mud only to see another doe staring at me. I figured that I had blown it as the does bounded away in a direction where the buck could easily see them. Immediately, I started mooing like a cow.

Pressing on I belly crawled towards a big stump and as I peaked over, there he was still bedded 225 yards away and looking blankly off to the side chewing his cud. From my position I could only see a bit of his neck and all of his rack. I eased my pack onto the stump and got my rifle ready to go. I had a shooting lane but it was tight. I planned on waiting for him to stand up but looking at my watch I knew that wasn't an option.

Settling the crosshairs on his neck I squeezed off a shot. The buck jumped up and bounded off behind a clump of trees. I jumped up to gain a visual on him to see if he was hit but by his reaction he either wasn't hit or wasn't hit hard. Thankfully he didn't know where the shot came from and trotted his way towards me and I was able to drop him with a follow up shot.
But all of a sudden I see him bounding off. WAIT! He was now in full velvet??
Then I realized it was his buddy from the week before but I couldn't see him bedded in the thick stuff.

I headed back to get my boots and other gear and when I walked up to the buck I was pleasantly surprised at the size of his body. He should do a pretty good job at filling at least part of the freezer.
https://i.imgur.com/QrIghRf.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/W5rX6O2.jpg
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14316758_341086259561262_6739854449650916692_n.jpg ?oh=431e8f67f5a5a6f0e8c5c40b2d3a3cea&oe=59A5C790
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14390999_341086262894595_784713783259983978_n.jpg? oh=b1e0209c1339506348b02ddea4d05537&oe=59A030D6
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14316698_338421989827689_5067154234729547420_n.jpg ?oh=a049c0152222b83a7be80b7b1dc882f5&oe=59D31096

SSS

[monasheemountainman]

thats a nice buck! congrats! where exactly was this, Ill go take care of his buddy for you:)

[scoutlt1]

Thanks for sharing that story and the pics!

Nice buck....congrats!!!!

[Seeadler]

Congratulation!

[Camp Cook]

WOW that is a beauty...

[Glenny]

Nice to see the proper spelling of "Mulw Deer" Finally come back. Its bin a while. Oh and nice buck there. Steeks o plenty. Nice one.

[300H&H]

Great buck Steve, congratulations

[~T-BONE~]

Great job Brent! Here's hoping you get a chance again with your daughter, enjoy!

[Wrayzer]

Nice spot and stalk SSS. Even kicking the boots off. Love it.

Thanks for posting.

[boxhitch]

Immediately, I started mooing like a cow.That probably saved the day )
Attago

[Boner]

Nice 4 pointer. Congratulations on a great hunt.

[markathome]

Thanks for the story - great buck!

[BCrams]

Pretty sweet wrapping it up in short order!

[scotty30-06]

Awesome story and buck brotha

[35 Whelen]

Great story.....thanks for sharing. Nice buck

[Bugle M In]

Congrats, and good write up.
Something the Newbs should read, and even the unsuccessful seasoned guys.
Good insight on how to hunt.
Thanks for the share, and good job!

[Whonnock Boy]

Quality buck and plenty of good eats there. Awesome. Thanks for sharing.

[warnniklz]

Can't really complain about that! Love the amber antlers.

[Big Lew]

Great and exciting write-up....thanks for sharing.
Nice buck!

[smallfry14]

nice buck! Thanks for the write up and pics

[Rackmastr]

Congrats man! Great buck and nice write up!!

[albravo2]

Awesome buck. Well done!

[.264winmag]

Dandy buck and great story, congrats.

[goatdancer]

Nice buck. Congratulations. Now all you 'Mulw' deer hunters take note - Cow moos are the new call.

[HuntNmemories]

Good job, nice buck!!

[rocksteady]

Nice buck Brotha

[srupp]

Hmmm mm well done Brent..good read great buck..first day or last..thank you...

Oh MOO. .lol..

Can see where you daughter got her proficient hunting skills from...

Steven

[Ltbullken]

Nice buck, congrats!

[JDR]

Great buck, congratz! Considering the limited amount of time you have, you must be tickled pink!

[Rattler]

Nice last minute buck for you Brent! Good luck with your daughter.

[itsy bitsy xj]

Those does must have thought WTF?? This guys really messed up and no problem for us. Carry on

[Cyrus]

thats a nice buck! congrats

[buckshot]

Nice deer. You don't waste any time do you?

[livetohunt]

Great story / Buck !! Congrats!

[markt308]

beautiful mulw deer! thanks for sharing

[HarryToolips]

Great buck and writeup Brent...lol the cow moos have never worked for me, but other animal sounds have...

[Rhyno]

Right on! Congrats. Way to make the most of a short window to get'er done.

[kennyj]

Awesome buck, and great story!! Thanks for sharing your adventures.
kenny

[bchunter181]

wow great buck!

[Sitkaspruce]

Nice job SSS!! Good quality buck there!!!

Did you make the soccer game.......:wink:??

Thanks for posting!!

Cheers

SS

[twoSevenO]

I need practice in scoring racks .... what does this buck score?

[180grainer]

Looks like a nice health buck. Congrats.

[fireguy]

Nice little mulw deer. Glad you could get it done before work gets to busy.

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Thanks all.

Forgot to mention that the first shot grazed the top part of his neck. Didn't hit anything vital but left a knife-like slice.




Congrats, and good write up.
Something the Newbs should read, and even the unsuccessful seasoned guys.
Good insight on how to hunt.
Thanks for the share, and good job!

I'm actually a bit of a cluster when it comes to hunting. I'm usually an example of what not to do....but it does make for some entertaining stories especially if you hunt with me.:lol:
But I try not to ever give up.


Nice buck. Congratulations. Now all you 'Mulw' deer hunters take note - Cow moos are the new call.

Hmmm......now you've got me thinking 'Trojan Hereford'...or maybe 'Trojan Dairy'. Might be a great way to get close to deer for archery season. I may have to go dig up an old Halloween costume.
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12011186_188917204778169_7478204003118221026_n.jpg ?oh=dd1d537a09eecb72b4e880d836295ed0&oe=59E18E45


Hmmm mm well done Brent..good read great buck..first day or last..thank you...

Oh MOO. .lol..

Can see where you daughter got her proficient hunting skills from...

Steven

Thanks Steven! Luckily, my daughter doesn't get her marksmanship skills from me:redface:.


Nice job SSS!! Good quality buck there!!!

Did you make the soccer game.......:wink:??

Thanks for posting!!

Cheers

SS

We did make it but were a bit late. Ooops.


I need practice in scoring racks .... what does this buck score?

Not much of a scoring buck at all....unless you are talking pounds on the hook. He has a nice frame and decent mass but small forks all round....and only one eye-guard. Doubt he would gross 160"?? 26 1/2" greatest spread.

SSS

[mrtires24]

thats a cool story... I hope to share my own this year. what region were you in?

[Stone Sheep Steve]

thats a cool story... I hope to share my own this year. what region were you in?

Region 9...

[Bugle M In]

That costume might just work!!
But, I'd remove the testicles....would be awfully funny to hear that you were sneaking up on the next Buck,...But...
Got you Balls caught and stuck trying to climb over a stump on the approach.
But hey....go for it....but if you leave them attached...have someone video it.....could be the funniest video of the season:mrgreen:

[kevan]

This thread has to be the perfect ' first read of the day '.
Thanks for sharing with us..

[ASPEN]

Yup- nice buck and good read thanks

[adriaticum]

Top notch buck, congrats!

[twoSevenO]

Not much of a scoring buck at all....unless you are talking pounds on the hook. He has a nice frame and decent mass but small forks all round....and only one eye-guard. Doubt he would gross 160"?? 26 1/2" greatest spread.

SSS

We obviously have much different standards. 160 is damn fine for me. lol. Thanks!

[Timbow]

Thanks for taking us along. It's great to see the almighty dollar take the back seat. Congratulations.

[grizzly550]

Sweet! Nice job

[coach]

That's a beauty Mulw deer! Congratulations, buddy!

[mulieaddiction]

Thats a nice buck!!! Was his friend bigger?!

[Blainer]

Great share

[Xenomorph]

I can't stop laughing. Thanks man

[caddisguy]

Amazing story! Thanks for taking the time to write it all up. I felt like I was there while reading! The cow mooing was awesome. Great cover sound! :)

[Dash]

Congrats! Loved the write up and I'd be lying if I said I didn't take a couple mental notes. Hopefully you get a chance to get out again with your daughter!

Cow costume literally made me chuckle...haha

[Husky7mm]

Handsome looking buck. Love the face!

[calvin L]

A BIT OF A CLUSTER !!!!!! We adopted a saying years ago hunting with SSS it is . IT'S GOING TO BE A BOONER !!!!

[Stone Sheep Steve]

A BIT OF A CLUSTER !!!!!! We adopted a saying years ago hunting with SSS it is . IT'S GOING TO BE A BOONER !!!!

Haha. It's always been the more that goes wrong, the bigger the critter. Surprised I didn't blow an antler off! Lol!

I hope you realize that the reason that we didn't connect on our sheep goat hunt is that not enough things went sideways?! Although, starting out forgetting my backpack had my hopes pretty high.

[Bugle M In]

Haha. It's always been the more that goes wrong, the bigger the critter. Surprised I didn't blow an antler off! Lol!

I hope you realize that the reason that we didn't connect on our sheep goat hunt is that not enough things went sideways?! Although, starting out forgetting my backpack had my hopes pretty high.

Uhhhhh....ya....have to admit, I have blown an Antler Off.
In my defense, I was only off by 2 inches (high), on a big buck that was on the run.
Originally he was down, and than suddenly got up, to my surprise.....no snow, was worried tracking would be hard,
and it was the last thing I saw (head), before he was gone thru all the evergreens.
I will never live that one down with the gang.:-P

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Uhhhhh....ya....have to admit, I have blown an Antler Off.
In my defense, I was only off by 2 inches (high), on a big buck that was on the run.
Originally he was down, and than suddenly got up, to my surprise.....no snow, was worried tracking would be hard,
and it was the last thing I saw (head), before he was gone thru all the evergreens.
I will never live that one down with the gang.:-P

Haha! That's what I thought happened with this buck when I saw the other buck bound away.

I've come close a couple of times in the past. If you look at my avatar, that's not a big circle to slip a bullet into without causing major damage....but somehow I managed to do that.

[835]

That's a nice one!
looks way wider than in the "before" pic.

[Stone Sheep Steve]

We obviously have much different standards. 160 is damn fine for me. lol. Thanks!

Actually I don't really have high standards. I just don't put much emphasis on score.

Which of these bucks would you choose if they were side by side???
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14264854_339507986385756_3111170839350211810_n.jpg ?oh=ba8872cdc880caad5d8840acee618968&oe=59E43065


Thats a nice buck!!! Was his friend bigger?!

His friend was taller and looked like he had deeper forks. Similar sized body...at least from what I could see when he was bouncing away.
I'm sure he has changed postal codes by now after getting spooked twice in the past week.

[twoSevenO]

Actually I don't really have high standards. I just don't put much emphasis on score.

Which of these bucks would you choose if they were side by side???
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14264854_339507986385756_3111170839350211810_n.jpg ?oh=16c25ec4c5b2741cd12f2667f6a60318&oe=58803B65



His friend was taller and looked like he had deeper forks. Similar sized body...at least from what I could see when he was bouncing away.
I'm sure he has changed postal codes by now after getting spooked twice in the past week.

I would choose the right one every time. Something about the width.

Is this a test? Lol


Edit: maybe not every time. But right now at least.

[Stone Sheep Steve]

I would choose the right one every time. Something about the width.

Is this a test? Lol


Edit: maybe not every time. But right now at least.


I'd choose the right buck as well...and I'd guess that most people would do the same.

The buck on the left is an archery buck from two years ago and grosses ~170" and the buck on the right is the buck in this thread. The left hand buck has 9" of eyeguards alone and deep forks. Not much to look at frame-wise but built to score. Now, I 'guessed' the buck on the right would probably not go 160" but I could be wrong(no plans to ever measure him)...although I have a similar buck that grossed 160" with the same width frame.

Over the years I have really grown un-fond of tape measures as there are some awesome looking character critters out there that don't really score worth beans...but that should never take anything away from the entire hunting experience.
Hunt...enjoy..and be happy!:smile:

SSS

[Ourea]

Great thread SSS
Thanks for posting up

HBC needs more of this..... good on u

[twoSevenO]

I'd choose the right buck as well...and I'd guess that most people would do the same.

The buck on the left is an archery buck from two years ago and grosses ~170" and the buck on the right is the buck in this thread. The left hand buck has 9" of eyeguards alone and deep forks. Not much to look at frame-wise but built to score. Now, I 'guessed' the buck on the right would probably not go 160" but I could be wrong(no plans to ever measure him)...although I have a similar buck that grossed 160" with the same width frame.

Over the years I have really grown un-fond of tape measures as there are some awesome looking character critters out there that don't really score worth beans...but that should never take anything away from the entire hunting experience.
Hunt...enjoy..and be happy!:smile:

SSS

Very well put. Agree with all of your points there. Cheers!

[guest]

Dandy Brent ...... Congrats to you. Again your hard work and homework pay off.

For or those that don't know, guys like SSS lead by example !

CT

[nicktrehearne]

Great buck - congrats!

[Bugle M In]

Actually I don't really have high standards. I just don't put much emphasis on score.

Which of these bucks would you choose if they were side by side???
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14264854_339507986385756_3111170839350211810_n.jpg ?oh=16c25ec4c5b2741cd12f2667f6a60318&oe=58803B65



His friend was taller and looked like he had deeper forks. Similar sized body...at least from what I could see when he was bouncing away.
I'm sure he has changed postal codes by now after getting spooked twice in the past week.

Antlers are like women, they come in all "shapes and sizes".......it's a personal preference.
I'd of taken the one on the left....but I like them "tighter", and with "larger points" off the Main Frame:wink:

[Shikari300WSM]

Great buck buddy. Getting real amped for the end of the month! Seeing all these big bucks down Isa freaking tease!

[frenchbar]

Exellent Brent...

[Hale]

Of the two. Who was the better tasting?

[adamgarbett]

great buck Brent!!!! congrats man!

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Of the two. Who was the better tasting?

ill let you know when I finally get to eat the recent one. 'Pinot noir' fed vs 'bush' fed....hmmmmm. We shall see.

[Brambles]

Fantastic Brent, I know you work like a slave at your job during hunting season and only have limited time to get er done, I'm happy for you man, great buck regardless of your time crunch.

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Fantastic Brent, I know you work like a slave at your job during hunting season and only have limited time to get er done, I'm happy for you man, great buck regardless of your time crunch.

Thanks Jeff!
Hoping things will be better for me starting next fall. Taking a new position at the winery starting in November. Worst case scenario is that I get my weekends back in the fall. Don't think I'll end up with 54 straight days off like some people I know but ya just never know....

[Stone Sheep Steve]

couple follow up shots.
Another picture-perfect 100% weight retention TTSX. The bullet performed better than I did.
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14359179_342415596094995_4072050864206124877_n.jpg ?oh=37a1f24afcbcfa5a4ccbdb7d9d54fc96&oe=59A5C844
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14390834_342415602761661_7513600470662370995_n.jpg ?oh=cc03c27c58bcb7593073ad34bf6fefc5&oe=59E8F357
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14292308_341075036229051_7411725004804069955_n.jpg ?oh=00077cd18ea99e95d989038a15b69310&oe=59D2A00F
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14291912_341086332894588_1685009788152044772_n.jpg ?oh=48e9e33c1eac9967f939a11a115b1d79&oe=599C64F8

[adriaticum]

Nice work Brent!

[nazarow]

Great story and pics. Inspires me to get back out there...maybe in a few weeks. Thanks for that!

[nature girl]

Very nice story and pictures. I bet your daughter wishes she was right beside you.

[todbartell]

nice deer Brent and I like the meat pics - the work starts when you pull the trigger!

[Arctic Lake]

Nice buck you have there ! Looks like a nice job you did on the processing !
Arctic Lake

[Stone Sheep Steve]

nice deer Brent and I like the meat pics - the work starts when you pull the trigger!

I figured that since you posted pics of your meat I should post pics of
my meat.....although your meat is a lot bigger than my meat��

[todbartell]

:mrgreen: ..

[HarryToolips]

Looks delicious......

[butcher]

That grinder is a little sad though. I have a nice 3hp for sale. rated for 30 lbs/minute.

[Stone Sheep Steve]

That grinder is a little sad though. I have a nice 3hp for sale. rated for 30 lbs/minute.

That's fast enough to do an average family of four in just over half an hour.
Quick! Hide the evidence. Eeeeek!

[rifleman]

great story, great buck, great pictures... great job...