Gaucher's 2008 Reg3 Mulie

[WoodOx]

UPDATED WITH STORY:

For starters thanks for all the congratulations - much appericiated.

I guess I should start the storyby saying that the area I was hunting has been hunted by my hunting partner and myself extensively over the past 4 or 5 years. It started as an area in which I taught him to hunt, and which we took several small(er) bucks from.

It has been logged and accordingly the 20 or os other hunters I have seen in there over the years tend to stick to the roads - all the better for us.

Anyhow over the years there have been the off 'big buck' sighting but never has there been one killed. We talk to other hunters whenever we run into them and believe it or not most of them have hunted the area and never taken anything at all.

Anyway - so the day started by me hiking into some old back cuts and glassing travel corridors which cannot be seen from road ways. After spending some time in this area thats one of the biggest things that these, and likely most deer, realize... like us hunting them, they pattern humans. They know what time and where we travel to get into areas, and the key to spotting, stalking, and ultimatley taking a slightly larger deer is just to break the norm.

Glassed my first area only to find that the buck/doe group that I often watch and have spolied stalks on many times (as have a cow and calf moose who live on that hillside) are already heading into the timber at the early time of 6:40. Only about 20 minutes after visible light - I was somewhat surprised. After glassing two more small groups of does and satisfying myself that there were no bucks on them, I carried on to spot #2 (of about 8 spots worth hiking into).

A relatively short hike back to the truck, short drive, and another short hike put me onto a plateau of older growth cuts which, again, can be seen from no roads.

Sat myself down and started glassing - after hearing some sticks breaking I decided to slowly turn and in my periphery I quickly caught movement. The group of deer had not yet noticed me so I slowly moved into a better position to see them.

Off to my left just under 200 yards were two four points, both around the 155-165" class. Both tall, very typical and neither wide. Respectable deer but not what I was looking for. To their right by about 75 yards was another group of four deer. Two does, one of which I believe was getting hot. A small three point and a basket 120" 4 point. Damnit - nothing I really want right now.

Upon watching them further however I saw some movement in the grass at their feet.

One head turn...

Another head turn....

Sure enough I saw the relative wall of horn bedded down. I put my glass up and counted at least 5 on each side - all with decent length. Shouldering my 7mm-08 I shot one right at the base of his neck.... nothing.

Shit, was my scope off? I did slip over the past few days in the snow...

Bettter try one more - *bang* - and his head face planted. Hes down...

Other deer scattered.

Upon walking up to him I did only ever find one hole - taxi last night did find a second however, so both were solid shots but the second put him down.

He is a 7x8 (only one brow tine) for scoring. Hes 27" widest outside spread and 17" shortest inside spread.

Most of his extra tines are 6"+ and although he doesnt have overly heavy bases he does have some very good mass out on the horn.

Overall a great hunt. What did I learn? I learned that even after years of seeing smaller bucks - the sheer quantity of deer, the fact that no one gets out of their truck, and the quality and quantity of food all make this spot one to return to and believe in. Spend time in most areas, and I bet itll reveal a similar finding...

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/agaucher/IMG_0813.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/agaucher/IMG_0814.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/agaucher/IMG_0816.jpg

[Shermdog]

nice buck, what a beauty

[3kills]

very nice buck how many on each side

[WoodOx]

7X8

no tape on em yet

[ruger#1]

Wow that rack is cool . Good job.

[gameslayer]

That's a Pig nice mass Congrats agaucher. Good Luck on the bowhunting trip.

[husky30-06]

nice one man, congrats!!!!!!!!

[Rattler]

Beauty buck! You should be happy with that one....

Did you rattle him in?

[sawmill]

Nice one,love the trash on him!

[Mulie_Hunter]

Beauty buck, Kinda looks like the country around Salmon Arm....

[phearless]

That is sweet!
I love the non-typicals.

[mark]

very nice buck andrew, looks like your personal best! Congrads

[Jelvis]

That my hunting friend is a true dominant mule deer buck with a neck as big as your going to get, that neck is massive and he bred lots from Oct 23 to the day he dropped so his genes will be carried on. Thats one heck of a trophy and I say Taxi on the dermy--You got a fantastic buck there---You know your stuff-brah.
Jelly-taxi-on -the dermy.

[Vansmasher]

beauty buck!!!!

[Caveman]

Great Looking buck Andrew!! Congrats Bud!

[kootenayelkslayer]

I'm getting pretty jealous with all these nice bucks getting taken. Way to go!

[moosehunter16]

great looking buck congrats

[BlacktailStalker]

Wow, beauty.

[guest]

Congrats on such a beauty buck.
Wish I could go mulie huntin!!
C/T

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Congats AG!! Beauty buck you got there!!

What are ya doing hunting Reg 3 with Reg 8 about to close??:tongue:

I finally made it out today...but nothing much down low for this time of year...should have headed high....apparently closer to Reg 3 high:smile:.

SSS

[Buckmeister]

Way to go there. One awesome looking deer!!!

[BigfishCanada]

Gauch, all I can say is 411, can I get the number for the closest taxadermist!!!! Sweet walllhanger!

[6 K]

Goodness Graceous, What a bunch of pig stickers on that HOG
congrats

[Brambles]

Dandy buck AG, I love the junk, howz about a photo from the front.

Huge congrats, awesome buck.

[WoodOx]

Hey all - thanks a lot for the congrats.

too tired but i promise ill post the story tomorrow.

Front pic:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/agaucher/IMG_0811.jpg

[Brambles]

Go ahead and get your beauty sleep and get back to us right away in the morning. I'll be up at 4:30 and I look forward to reading your story then:mrgreen:

[doubled]

Awesome story and even better buck. Well done on a buck of a lifetime potentially.

[WoodOx]

Hey all - I updated the beginning with the story...

He grossed in the high 180s netted mid 170s however I am newer at scoring. Gunna get my tax to check my #s...

Thanks again for the congrats - now I have to up him in late mule bow season!

[WoodOx]

Congats AG!! Beauty buck you got there!!

What are ya doing hunting Reg 3 with Reg 8 about to close??:tongue:

I finally made it out today...but nothing much down low for this time of year...should have headed high....apparently closer to Reg 3 high:smile:.

SSS


That is exactly what harley said - wtf you doing in 3 when 8 is about to close!

mulies arent rutting at all yet according to him....

[sneg]

congrats.what great animal you got there..nice job.

[Orangethunder]

Congrats, thats a dandy. Thanks for sharing the story and pics. You just cant beat this time of year. They are just that much more rewarding if you get one when your out hiking:cool:.

Cheers

[WoodOx]

very nice buck andrew, looks like your personal best! Congrads

Probably will end up being my personal best - alberta or BC...

How did today go for you mark? Plans to head to reg 5?

[Caveman]

Good story Andrew!! I love the character of the right side, not to mention over all. And you're right, out the time and faith into a spot and you will reap the rewards. Way to go, Buddy

[porcupine]

Wallhanger!
________
ios games (http://macgame.org)

[WoodOx]

Good story Andrew!! I love the character of the right side, not to mention over all. And you're right, out the time and faith into a spot and you will reap the rewards. Way to go, Buddy

Thanks - his right side is stronger by 7 inches!

hows your kootney bucks this year?

[showtimebc]

that is a whopper of a buck! great stuff!!

[mark]

Probably will end up being my personal best - alberta or BC...

How did today go for you mark? Plans to head to reg 5?

Region 8 deer hunting was the worst Ive ever seen in 10 years for me!!!!!!! :sad:
I hunted all my best places for the past 4 days, saw deer and bucks but nothing legal. I second that there is little to no rut activity going on. Looking forward to bow season!

[Jelvis]

Region 3 hey. Now thats a big area---gauch--you live in Kelowna Reg 8. So you drive up the connector or up the way to ah whats that spot ahhhh----towards Monte- Are we close? ---- lol. We gotta zero in on that big monster non-typical spot that you and the Kelowna boys are heddin in. lol. Just a hint?
Jel-
Good story and background photos---one little one
Oh ya did you drive out for a day hunt?

[WoodOx]

Region 3 hey. Now thats a big area---gauch--you live in Kelowna Reg 8. So you drive up the connector or up the way to ah whats that spot ahhhh----towards Monte- Are we close? ---- lol. We gotta zero in on that big monster non-typical spot that you and the Kelowna boys are heddin in. lol. Just a hint? Maybe a direction from that beautiful town of Kelowna? The local boys won't mind.
Jel---zeroing in on the Kelowna boys's spot. lol.
Good story and background photos---one little one
Oh ya did you drive out for a day hunt?

Up the connector, so yes, East-South East Jelvis, and no I wasnt out for another hunt in region 3...only have one mulie tag there and im not gunna do that drive for 'yotes...

[WoodOx]

Region 8 deer hunting was the worst Ive ever seen in 10 years for me!!!!!!! :sad:
I hunted all my best places for the past 4 days, saw deer and bucks but nothing legal. I second that there is little to no rut activity going on. Looking forward to bow season!

This was a tough year for the spots in 8 Ihunted as well...

Mulies and whitetail with bow? Good luck...

[Jelvis]

Don't get me wrong I know your not going their for deer. Cheesh man. Just joshin ya cuz it's got genetics I seen before. Beauty buck tho it's a brute.. Good for you.
The best and get that thing stuffed and hangin on zee wall.
Jel-just nosey brah.

[WoodOx]

Thanks Jelvis - take a look at this one in alberta:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/agaucher/IMG_0018.jpg

Then the region 3 one:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/agaucher/IMG_0811.jpg


Focus on the left sides - very similar growth pattern. "Coat rack" style; definatley not same genetics however.

Where do you think you recognize the genetics from?

[Jelvis]

Yah I see what your saying nice heavy sturdy antlers for sure and nice colour---
Jel---you did good --- check the one on mainland--
Kamloops non-typical and see if one side is a little similar.

[WoodOx]

possibly similar Jelvis, however I think its just a typical way to NT to grow.

My buck was aged at only 4-5 years... imagine him at 8...

[Jelvis]

They say 4 and a half years old the body structure like bones and vertabrae are built totally mature then at 5 and a half the bucks system puts more into antlers and thats why at five and a half years old it becomes record size antlers at 5 and a half years old. If you would have got that buck next year it would have been high in the records, at 8 years it would have been the world record brah. Wow if you keep getting better at hunting every year, you will have a world record. Whoa a WORLD RECORD brah
Jel-I can't wait til next season to see what you get.

[LeverActionJunkie]

A damn fine buck agaucher congratulations.

[frenchbar]

Ass kicker buck gaucher.Congrats!

[Blainer]

Some insane looking bucks.
All wallhangers.

[swampdonkey]

nice buck congrats :razz:

[trigger]

great storey and beautiful deer. great looking country. i only dream of such deer

[WoodOx]

Thanks guys - interesting regarding age versus horn growth Jelvis. Think ive heard that somewhere, but forgot.

I assume the biggest challenge for a muley buck is to get past winter of year 2.5. Fall 1 they are often fawns and possibly have spikes. Year 2 theyre stupid and get shot/cougar'ed down. Year three and up they can get some growth and I suppose if they make 5+ they can be cranks.

[Jelvis]

Like you said before which was wise---Go back a ridge or two where the bucks feel safe and very few hunters are going to go, cuz of the drag out---and yes there are the pockets where the deer are---just beyond where no man has gone before---POW!

[Mik]

Awesome Buck, Congrats.

[ElectricDyck]

Sweat buck, will be a head turner on the wall!

[BiG Boar]

Why did you shoot him in the neck if he was a wall hanger? Wouldnt that wreck the cape? What was the exit hole like?

[In4TheHunt]

Your deer is OFF THE HOOK man.. Kudos
Cheers

[WoodOx]

Why did you shoot him in the neck if he was a wall hanger? Wouldnt that wreck the cape? What was the exit hole like?


no other shot as he was bedded - exit holes werent bad. I actually sold the cape as I have no where to put him up right now. will mount him once ive got some more room for sure!

[BiG Boar]

what does a cape sell for?

[WoodOx]

$50 for shoulder mount. if your taxi will buy it I think its $150 for a full mount cape

[Jelvis]

I want to know what MU at least cuz it would clear up my mind a bit. Region is huge and even an MU is huge so if an MU is ok I would be satisfied at that if you don't mind big shooter. Just the MU no other details required cuz curiosity killed the cat and only satisfaction can maybe bring it back---> gauch <--- it's up to you alone--MU?
Jelly-Cat

[shantz]

Awesome buck and great story.
Congrats

[Stone Sheep Steve]

I want to know what MU at least cuz it would clear up my mind a bit. Region is huge and even an MU is huge so if an MU is ok I would be satisfied at that if you don't mind big shooter. Just the MU no other details required cuz curiosity killed the cat and only satisfaction can maybe bring it back---> gauch <--- it's up to you alone--MU?
Jelly-Cat


3-46....right AG??:wink:

SSS

[WoodOx]

3-46....right AG??:wink:

SSS


Arent all big bucks from clearwater?

Close SSS - border of 46 and 45 :shock:

[Jelvis]

Ok, so the Kelowna boys club ain't going to be open and transparent with others who try to. We have to make a game out of it to get a truthful answer for a change? Is that what your saying? Ok I'll play along.
gaucher---this will be a one on one, other members of the Okanagan Oceans reg 11 club can play later.
Lets call it, Truth and/or Consequences. Or,
"Name the Baby" so lets get stearted brah---1 on 1
Chucky---says Wanna play?

[WoodOx]

I dont get the game?

Honestly, its way north in region 3. I dont know what truth or consequences could infer... It was not a day drive in drive out spot

[Jelvis]

Oh I thought you drove out of Kelowna that morning and back at night----my dum assumption---Sorry for assuming---truth or conequences was a tv show way before you were born? lol. Your a good sport anyway brah.
I was going to guess three MU's and see if I could get close. lol. Just jokin anyways. If you were way north in three thats good enough brah. lol. Keep up the good hunting your doin great--
Jel-I'm being waaaay to nozeeee--lol---

[BIGHUNTERFISH]

Sweet buck ,congrats.Passing up smaller bucks during the season pays dividends when the rut kicks in.Good for you. :razz:

[dana]

Lets see a pic of you holding him so we can get a idea of how big he is. Close camera shots don't work well for judging how big a buck really is. I see you posted a pic of you holding your Alberta buck so we know you ain't camera shy. :)

[kennyj]

Thats an awesome buck!Congrat.
kenny

[WoodOx]

I would but I dont have one, dont know how to work the timer on my camera.

Since I am not mounting him right now, I will get the rack back very quick after the taxi has the cape. Ill take a pic then. You can however see my hand in the one shot where I held his head up? You can see his head relative to the size of the truck box?

[todbartell]

you have to push the tiny self timer button





:mrgreen:

[Brambles]

Lets see a pic of you holding him so we can get a idea of how big he is. Close camera shots don't work well for judging how big a buck really is. I see you posted a pic of you holding your Alberta buck so we know you ain't camera shy. :)


Way to congratulate a guy Dana.:roll:

[okanagan]

awsome buck , congrats ;o)

[bruin]

That's a sweet buck, real messy, beauty!

[Mr. Dean]

Augy's at it again!

Congrats, Bro.

[hunter1947]

That is a whopper humdinger of a buck you got there agaucher.

That buck will make a very nice head mount ,will look very impressive on your wall ,congrats on finding one of the caliber.

[WoodOx]

double checked scores tonight:

190 7/8 Gross
177 5/8 Net

Skull mount sitting in office. nice dark horns.

should see the wide cranks JJensen downed in alberta!!!

[one-shot-wonder]

Lets see a pic of you holding him so we can get a idea of how big he is. Close camera shots don't work well for judging how big a buck really is. I see you posted a pic of you holding your Alberta buck so we know you ain't camera shy. :)

A little testy about an out of regioner shooter a 3'er.......or maybe woke up on the wrong side of the bed......or maybe it's the state of the forest industry.......or maybe having a bad hunting season......or who knows with this guy??

BTW congrats AG, that is a cool buck!

[mijinkal]

congrats. that's a beauty!!

[WoodOx]

thanks guys

there are pics of me holding it now im the gallery

[muley kid]

congrats on the nice buck man!

[1/2 slam]

Sweet buck. Well done. :smile:

[Jelvis]

That's one nice buck there and looks great did you get it $tuffed ?
Jel

[WoodOx]

no, not stuffed. just have it euro style jelvis.
time to start looking for a bigger one....

[Jelvis]

That's the spirit hunter, I would love to see a bigger one then that myself whoa good one anyways -- keep up the good hunting --
jElvis

[WoodOx]

lets see one of your trophies for once bud

[Jelvis]

check out my thread under Kamloops non typical mule deer and you will see my non-typical mule deer same kinda formations as yourz I'll bring it up now