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Day 4
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Pat Lefemine |
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Parker, Dale, and I headed up to the South Ridge at dawn. Immediately
we spotted two great big mulie bucks heading up from the sagebrush into the
trees. Dale took the stalk and positioned himself to intercept the bucks.
Parker and I headed further up the ridge and spotted two bucks (above photo)
and a lone 4 pt (below photo) however we passed all of these up in search
of a trophy deer.
Dale's stalk did not pan out so we continued to look for more
deer throughout the day. Parker spotted a group of five bucks in the sage
below us. We spent some time glassing them and figured out quickly that these
were the same five I had hunted yesterday - including the big P&Y buck.
It took me an hour to belly crawl and at one point a group of antelope ran
right into me. The large pronghorn buck stood 10 yards away - glaring at me.
I remained motionless until they ran off. Thankfully, they did not spook my
deer. I continued on to where the deer were bedded and eventually picked out
the big buck's antlers among the sage. My problem was I could not find the
other four deer. I knew they were in here somewhere. Instead of pushing the
situation - I opted to hold tight and perhaps the deer would move - giving
away their position. Another hour later three of the deer got up to feed and
then bedded right down. Great! Now I knew where three of the five deer were
bedded. Where were the other two? I ran through my options: wait them out
until they began feeding, or move on them in their beds? The three bucks were
in a great position for a stalk - it was very windy so my movements and sound
would be masked. I was also downwind of the bucks. Everything was ideal. I
chanced it and moved slowly towards the three deer. Suddenly one of the other
two deer that I was unable to locate picked me off. The little rat was facing
me the entire time but because his horns were so small I never noticed him.
He got the other four deer to their feet but they paid little attention to
him and carelessly fed up the hillside and out of sight. My stalk was blown
but at least I hadn't educated them.
We found a few more deer the rest of that day (like these above)
but only one was big enough to stalk and it was Dale's turn. The weather has
turned very cold and the forecast is calling for up to 10" of snow. It's
coming down hard as I write this update here at 10:30 PM and it will be interesting
to see what this weather does to the deer hunting.
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Currently hunting: |
Nothing - done hunting, taking er easy...
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Dale Thurman |
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I saw four large P&Y bucks today. I tried a stalk on two and they quickly explained to me why they were so big! The big bucks are here and I think that there is a pretty good chance of success. I would have several chances at smaller bucks, but I’m holding out for the big boy!!
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Currently hunting: |
Nothing - done hunting, taking er easy...
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Dal Lowrey |
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The forecast for tomorrow (Friday) is up to 10 inches of snow. When I arrived at the Spearhead Ranch Sunday it was 90 degrees. This place is far from boring.
Today Leo, fellow hunter Steve White, and I spent a full day chasing some really huge bucks. We looked at over 20 decent bucks including a couple of P&Y 5X5 bucks. I don’t think my chances are very high of scoring on one of these monsters but hunting them is just a riot.
The problem is the does. You know, the ones that are hidden and blow your stalk just as it looks like you’re going to get a shot. Anyway, it’s bowhunting and even with all the frustration, camp is still full of satisfied hunters.
So, it’s diner time folks and I’m never late for Shirley’s cooking. And, before I say goodnight I want to say hello to my sister Judy. I love ya, Sis. Dal PS: you too, Karen ….8^)
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Currently hunting: |
Nothing - done hunting, taking er easy...
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Steve White |
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No update from Steve - he went to bed early. He had several stalks but no shots today.
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Currently hunting: |
Nothing - done hunting, taking er easy...
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