Bulls, Bucks, Bears, Birds and Bourbon!!
Contributors to this thread:Elk
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
2018 was a incredible year . Filled with adventure, great hunts and even better friendship! Most of these hunt include Bowsite friends and would not have happen with out them. Lots of photos. Hope you enjoy the ride. Hunt
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Winter held on a little longer than normal this past year . First hunt of the year was out in the back pasture. Ground squirrels with the boy.
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Soon it was time to point the Toyota east. Nebraska turkey with some of the best people I have ever been around. I took my brother in law Cam. It was his first archery turkey hunt and it wouldn’t disappoint .
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Winter was hanging on in Nebraska also. Harlin was worried the birds hadn’t broke up yet. Well it didn’t take long to find one that wanted to work. Cam with his first archery bird .
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
It was a great start to the trip. Harlin had another spot in mind for the evening. So we set up shop on a ranch road. 4 guys , 2 blinds and 6 dsds!
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Wasn’t long and we had some action.
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Life is all about balance
Life is all about balance
Blind shenagins
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Beav and Matt are innone blind and me and Cam in another . We work lots of birds but can’t seem to get on to commit. Late in the day a few hens filter in and soon a gobbler follows. He want close . So with a little shuffling in the blind and Cam calling out some ranges. I am able to make a great shot and bird number one for the year is down.
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
We had one big tom hang up through the fence at over 40 yards. Hunt said "I can kill him right there!" I was skeptical but what did we have to lose.
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
That night we had a large time. But the next morning we discovered winter was not ready to give it up .
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
We bundled up and headed out anyways. Harlin and Arron have to snuggle to keep warm!
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
Wind was blowing 30 mph and single digit temps, we had a heater and were dressed for late season deer hunting and it was still fricken cold!
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Matt and Cam are about a mile to the south of us. We didn’t have much action. But by the time we got to those guys . Cam was almost out of arrows
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Cam was tagged out now. We loaded up shop and head to the cabin to warm up. Harlin showing off his lucky shirt he stole from Roger
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
After some breakfast and cleaning some birds we head to the money spot. It didn’t take long and 3 gobblers and 8 hens are in the decoys. 4 of us in the blind . I hit a little low. But the snow helped the tracking.
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
This bird was a tough one. A few arrows later and one of the best shots of my life on a running bird at 40 yards and I am tagged out. Zak’s turn!! Harlin where’s your bow???
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
We head to the cabin to clean birds and have a whiskey or two and Zach and Matt take off to go setup on some birds. They return at dark and Zach had filled his first tag!
From: ElkNut1
06-Dec-18
Good stuff sir! Love seeing the younguns involved, it doesn't get much better than that!!
ElkNut/Paul
From: orionsbrother
06-Dec-18
I’m in Hunt. Always enjoy your threads.
Merry Christmas to you and yours a little early.
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
That night we don' hold back and at some point I realize I don't have my bow! I must have left it where Hunt killed his last bird. I blame it on 8 concussions, Matt blames it on the whiskey. The next morning I feel like death has a hold on me but Zach drags me out of bed and we head out. Glad I did as we had a great hunt and he fills tag number 2.
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
That evening Zach and Matt go try for a bird we have been after a couple of times. They lure him into the decoys and Zach fills his 3rd tag on the "pitbull tom". I also found my bow so all in all a great day!
From: Medicinemann
06-Dec-18
Nice!
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
Did we mention it was still winter?
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
That night we have a shoot off in the cabin with the little longbow we were sending home for Hunt's boy! Guess who won?
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
Not Cam!
From: Treeline
06-Dec-18
Definitely having fun!
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Soon we would have to say our goodbyes. But soon the boys would be heading my way. But not before a few more turkey hunts.
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Idaho turkey was up next. I always mentor a youth . Robert is Rogers nephew. A great kid and becoming a great hunter. Ridge always loves this hunt
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Heading in to set up shop. The boys . Life is good and spring is here
From: t-roy
06-Dec-18
So many different ways to go with that snuggling pic! ;-)
Great start to the thread, guys! Keep it coming.
From: APauls
06-Dec-18
Too much fun being had here! Awesome as usual
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
We had a great afternoon . Ridge was able to see his first turkey kill. X 3
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Fun to watch Ridge learning ! I think he has it
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Hammertime
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
We continue to have a great Spring in Nebraska and arrowed some more birds!
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
My daughter had to get in on the action!
From: Brotsky
06-Dec-18
Awesome stuff guys! Nothing better than good friends, good times, and good hunting!
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Montana spring was slow coming. We had to park the truck over a mile from the regular parking spot
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
Spring also means bowfishing for bigheads in Nebraska. Long story short I almost drowned on this day but like I said it is a long story! Damn glad to still be here as I was seconds away from giving up the ghost!
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
After a few hours of hiking and calling we here a bird down the mountain . No blind. Just decoys and bows. Takes a bit but soon they commit. Double down for me and cam !
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
Now back to Montana!
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Snow melt means cold beer at the truck.
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Time for some work. Summer and bears coming up next!! Hunt
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
Hard to beat bigheads! My buddy Jade with his best one of the Spring!
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
But paddlefish are close!
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
Look forward to going back to see Hunt and chase bears but just a couple more bigheads!
From: Paul@thefort
06-Dec-18
What a great way to spend this morning. Keep it coming . Thanks guys. Paul
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
Sage and Nick are excited and ready to go!
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
We make it to Hunt's by evening and we brought along a bunch of bighead for a fish fry with Hunt's friends and family. We didn't half ass it either!
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
It was great seeing everyone again and the next morning was definitely a four aspirin one! Hunt's sister is getting married that coming weekend so his time in the mountains with us would be limited. He had worked his butt off getting a couple of baits set and we looked forward to getting there. Soon after arrival we have camp made and a muley buck came to make friends with us!
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
Happy to be in the mountains!
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
From: T Mac
06-Dec-18
Looks a blast and great memories made! Well done so far.
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
The first evening Sage and Nick each saw a small bear and they loved the experience! Matt and I held down camp and had a couple of Coronas and some Makers Mark. We were loving life!
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
The second day they each return to their baits. Nick returns a couple of hours later and in the mean time Hunt had arrived at camp. Nick reports that he released an arrow and thought he made a good shot! We go track and short blood trail led us to Nick's first bear! We were pumped for Nick!
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
The next day we go check Nick's bear in and the old men let the young guys know who was boss when it came to horseshoes! We tried to get Sage to take a young hot Slovakian woman from the bar to cabin 7 but he wasn't having it! Couple of beers and we were headed back to camp!
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
After turkey season it was family time. Little beach time
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Good times had by all
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
Nick had purchased a second tag and since we had had so much activity around the bait he had killed his bear we decided to have him go back there and Sage would go back once again to where he had been. Wouldn't you know that when they returned Sage had saw one real small one and Nick had videoed three nice bears bigger than the one he had killed. He figured if Sage didn't have luck that evening he could come back and sit this stand the next hunt.
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
Our last evening Sage walks in and a bear is under his tree. He almost gets a shot but no dice. The boys sit till dark and Sage sees one little bear and Nick sees a big one but doesn't come in. Matt and I hung out at camp and started getting stuff organized and when the boys return we break camp and head home. Can't thank Hunt enough for the opportunity and we head back to Nebraska with smiles on our faces.
From: Mark Watkins
06-Dec-18
Fun times!
Keep this thread rolling!!!
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
After the beach it was bear time. Had lots of help and fun setting up the baits
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
My son Zach wins a photo contest and gets a free bowfishing trip to South Texas for alligator gar! He is so lucky! He and Matt's son Kale fly down and start their adventure. We have bears on our mind when we get the call they each scored on nice ones. The guide was impressed with their shooting!
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Want be long and this boy will be killing bears
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
Zach flies from their to Maryland to stay a few days with some good friends. He sends me pics of big rays and I am jealous. At the time I didn't think he could be any luckier but little did I know just how much more luck was coming his way!
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Over the past few years I have played the game with a big bear on my baits . I planned to kill him this year. He didn’t like that plan. I passed a few bears and had the big one at full draw a few times . Never a shot!
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
My baiting partner. Keeping the baits fresh for the boys.
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
From: BigOk
06-Dec-18
Great read!!!!!
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
When the boys got here we had a big time. Real big
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Harlin has to stay a extra hour the next day to get a ringer on ring toss! Fun fun fun
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Last weekend in June my sister and Cam got married . Another big time
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
I was able to get in one more bear hunt before June was over . It was a slow night but the boys left me a treat on the mountain .
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Rest of the summer was spent doing family stuff. Old faithful didn’t disappoint Ridge.
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Ran into this dude in Wyoming somewhere
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Fishing was good this summer and ridge is getting the hang of it.
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
August 1-12 . Alaska time. Little meal prep
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Can’t thank Nick and Stef enough . We had a large time.
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Stef was first to strike. It was awesome to stand beside her and coach her . She made good on her shot and we had broke the ice.
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
My buddy Eric first trip up north.
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
First encounters with these guys. I want one in a bad way
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
The caribou came in waves. Lots the first few days. Then it slowed to a trickle. On day 6 . 5 bulls crossed the river and headed our way. After a miss from Eric I made good on this bou!!
From: kota-man
06-Dec-18
As always hunt...Great re-cap. I wonder if Stafford knows he has any "other" fingers. Seems to always be holding that one up! :)
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
We chased bou for a few more days and had some ups and downs.
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Nick is always a good sport
Nick is always a good sport
Eric with a 35 dollar pizza. Smile says it all
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Last nigh on the tundra for this trip.
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Bonus of shooting a small bull. You can take it home in a tote!!
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Photo credit goes to Stef. The brooks are amazing
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Some fine table fare.
Some fine table fare.
Ridge helping me and Rog cut up bou back at the house
From: IdyllwildArcher
06-Dec-18
Great thread so far.
Nice atikluk Nick. I bet you a bottle of Maker's that you can't kill something in it ;)
From: Scar Finga
06-Dec-18
Looks like you guys had an amazing year! Congratulations, and thank you for sharing!
Scar
From: Grunter
06-Dec-18
You've had a amazing year as always! Thanks for sharing your adventures! Good luck on your next!
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
We are just getting started boys . September is next
From: Marty
06-Dec-18
Very Nice! Was good visiting with you guys while you were up here. It is finally good to see someone that can actually hold their liquor as well as Harlin!
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
Late summer we got the call that out of 1573 applicants Zach drew the Nebraska Super Tag!! We would be adjusting our Fall hunting schedule and concentrate on elk come Sept 1.
From: Mt. man
06-Dec-18
Love it HUNT MAN~!
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
When Harlin called me about Zak’s tag. I was super excited for Zak. He is a awesome young man that will go far in life . And he has a little bit of his old man in him. Making him a stone cold bow hunting killer. August means antelope in Montana . I headed out for a long weekend to some new country . 3 days 3 guys 3 tags.
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
35 pounds of sweet breakfast sausage
35 pounds of sweet breakfast sausage
I wasn’t going to be picky this year with lopes. When I saw this buck bed in the perfect spot. I slipped in and killed him at 25 yards.
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Later that day. Jace was able to get this buck. His best archery goat. Double down. It would be the theme for the rest of the year.
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
This coyote should have never stopped to look back at me.
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Sunday morning found Roger 27 yards from this buck. Antelope check.
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Montana big game opened this on September 1. The earliest we ever open. On Friday Me, Cam and Roger load up our packs for a 3 day bivy hunt
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Couple hours later and we have the tepee set up and do Some fishing . Love the colors on fall brookies!
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Sleep did not come easy that night . As my good buddy Will would say bugles over bourbon it was! The next morning was magic in the elk woods. Non stop bugles from a dozen bulls. After the dust settled there was only 10 left :)
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Best hunting partner a man could
Ask for.
Best hunting partner a man could
Ask for.
This hunt was special. Me and Roger had killed our first bulls in here over 17 years ago. On this day we doubled. My elk season lasted 23 mins. 6 mins longer than Rogers.
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
The rest of the day we shuffled meat down to camp.
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
Zach had made a bunch of phone calls to landowners that several friends had recommended. Zach and I and Matt head out the day before opener. We see a bull at last light walk out of a cornfield and walks across some CRP towards another field. We are pumped for morning!
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
The rest of weekend we worked hard to get Cam a bull. Close so close. He is loving this bow hunting thing. Sometimes
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
We pack meat for the whole day Monday. 20 miles of heavy packs in 2 trips.
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
Opening morning we are setting behind glass along the edge of the cornfield where we aw the bull the evening before. We are overlooking the big CRP field and at first light we here the first bugle. Over the horizon a bunch of elk appear and the herd bull is chasing satellite bulls all over. The wind is shifty so we stay still and watch and hope something makes their way to us. No such luck and no sooner had it started it ended. They all walked into the cornfield across the CRP except for one young 6x5 that came within 150 yards of us and then also went into the corn.
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
This kind of hunting early season pretty much consist of early mornings and then late evenings as the elk spend 99 percent of their time in the standing corn. Mid morning I get a text from Hunt and he says he and Uncle Rog have two bulls down! Are you shitting me! We then get the pics that prove it! We are jacked for them and we hope we have our own story to tell before the end of our weekend.
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
That evening the wind is wrong to set up where we wanted so we find a fence crossing and throw a stand in a cedar and put Zach there and Matt and I return to our glassing spot. Hour before dark we see our first elk and it is a stud 6x6 and it is walking right towards Zach 3/4 of mile from us. Later Zach would tell us the wind shifted when the bull was about 120 yards away coming right towards him. At last light the herd bull and about 20 cows and calves come out of the corn and we watch them till pitch dark.
From: Willieboat
06-Dec-18
Stellar thread !!!
From: Bowboy
06-Dec-18
Great thread thanks for sharing!
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
Next morning we are up super early and Matt drops Zach and I off to go setup on the edge of the CRP and he return to the glassing spot. First light we hear bugles and soon the herd appears about 300 yards away. The herd bull is chasing two smaller bulls away from the herd and also trying to keep straying cows in line. Soon we have cows within 40 yards in the 6 foot tall weeds. We try to get the wind and get in front of them but the lead cow has us pinned. I decide to let out a bugle and as soon as I do the bull bugles back and we could hear him running towards us. We could see the top of his rack at 20 yards coming fast and when he popped just his head out of the weeds at 10 yards Zach was at full draw but no shot to his vitals. He whirls and runs back into the tall stuff and I tell Zach we are going in there. We cow call has we jog an weave through the weeds. I give another bugle and the same thing happens. I could have shot him at 10 yards but Zach was slightly to my right and he had no shot. We follow the herd and when they popped out of the tall stuff we see the bull and I give Zach the range 48 yds.
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
Zach shoots and I don't see the arrow but hear a solid thud and Zach says "liver". The bull runs 50 yards and stands with his head down. He soon angles back towards the tall stuff but is hurting too bad and lays down in the short grass. Matt has watched the whole thing through the spotting scope. We leave him for 25 min and watch him and it was apparent he got the back of the lungs. We decide to sneak in and finish the job. We make it to 25 yards and Zach makes a perfect shot and he just rolls over and dies. Zach and I can't believe it and we hug and enjoy the moment. Soon Matt joins us in the celebration.
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
Second morning and we were done with our elk hunt! It took us an hour but the three of us loaded him whole in the back of the pickup and went and showed the land owner. He was super happy for Zach!
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
I took to the hills for the next couple of weeks and despite walking miles and miles I had not had any luck finding a muley buck or an antelope. Zach came home three weeks after the elk hunt to sit for a whitetail. An early season cool front was moving in but it brought a rare Northeast wind and we have very few stands for that particular wind. He decided on one of two spots that would work and it is a stand he has never hunted. I was helping our neighbors setup for their wedding in their backyard that evening when I get a text from Zach. "I just killed one! Come help!" I couldn't get their fast enough and when I did I saw this! We had never had a picture of this buck. Zach was super pumped as he should be!
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
When we are packing meat on our death march. Harlin calls and says what you doing? Packing the last load. He says we loaded Zak’s up whole in the truck. I said F you and hung up!! That a boy Zak!
From: Marty
06-Dec-18
lol..keep it coming!
From: GhostBird
06-Dec-18
Love the "hammertime" photo. Good stuff.
From: Treeline
06-Dec-18
Best damn HUNTING thread of the year! Awesomeness! Thanks for putting this one all together guys!
From: ElkNut1
06-Dec-18
No way to accuse you guys of not having a great time!! Way to live life to its full! Great job with awesome friends!
ElkNut/Paul
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
The rest of September was spent trying to get Cam a bull!
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
We did two different long weekend bivy hunts. Both in new spots. Cam was a trooper and followed me around scouting new spots. We had some great action. He told me Last night he counted up the bulls under 40 yards. 11 he said . Lots of ups and downs.
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
The second trip was sept21-24. On the way into a new spot we get a bugle with about 30 mins of light left. Cam and the bull ran into each other face to face.
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
The next day we are in them. Bulls are going nuts with a hot cow in the drainage. It what we live for. That morning will call in 4 bulls. No shots for Cam but of course I could have kill 3 of the 4 at under 30 yards.
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
That night we enjoy a fire and some bourbon over bugles. Good times
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Cams feet where not holding up well to the miles! We fixed him up that night with some glacier gel. Next day was the day.
From: ElkNut1
06-Dec-18
"Bourbon over bugles" Classic!
ElkNut/Paul
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
The next morning is quiet . Almost to quiet. We keep doing our thing. Soon we close in on a high bench . I told Cam there is a bull on this bench and you are going to kill him! Cam is out front . I here some noise above us and tell Cam get ready. Soon I see a bull coming in fast. Cam is at full draw and I see the string drop and here the arrow hit!
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
I head up to Cam but he waves me off. Soon he is full draw again . He shoots again. What is happening. I get to Cam and he says he hit him twice. That’s good.
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
More to come tomorrow . The best is yet to come. Deer season!! Thanks for Looking. Hunt
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
I had made six trips the hills and had logged over 40 miles and glassed way more without finding one shooter muley and had yet to even locate one antelope buck. This particular day I was on the biggest hill in the valley as the sun peaked from the east. After a half hour of glassing I had not spotted a thing and was considering walking to the next range of hills to the west when I spotted a "glow dot"! Soon there were 6 of them and I could hardly believe I had finally found some goats. I could tell one was a buck and although they were a ways away I was encouraged because they were in some big rough hills. I made my way there as quick as I could and soon spotted the herd about 250 yards away. I worked through some low spots and soon was 60 yards from two does. I determined the rest of them had to be on the backside of the hill so I dropped back down and slid around the opposite side of the ridge. I slowly worked around the hill and soon saw the butt of a feeding antelope. It was the buck and he had no clue. I ranged him at 43 yards and I came to full draw and held for only a few seconds when he turned broadside and started towards his does. The shot felt good but in only a second he was out of sight. I ran to the crest of the hill and saw the does departing up the big valley and looked to my right and there he was dead on the side hill only 50 yards away. I felt so blessed to have finally had the opportunity I had been waiting for and I had made good on it! I sat there on the hillside with my buck and just soaked it all in while the rain fell. This was Sept 28th and I was already looking forward to the following weekend when Zach would be coming back home.
From: Beav
06-Dec-18
More tomorrow! One bourbon before bed!
From: HUNT MAN
06-Dec-18
Or two !
From: bowhunter24
06-Dec-18
Another great night at work! Thanks guys really enjoying this keep it coming!
From: jordanathome
06-Dec-18
Damn HUNT.....just damn....what a year! Thx
From: svrelk
06-Dec-18
Solid!
From: Ermine
06-Dec-18
Living the life! Congrats!!
From: yooper89
07-Dec-18
Beauty! Congrats guys. What a year!
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
The blood is good at first. But I can’t find either arrow. After 100 yards the is nothing. I return to the spot of the shot and find his second arrow. It’s clean. We replay the shot and Cam still feels like it was good. After hours of looking and gridding the mountain the next day we turn up nothing. I think he hit him low. But we will never know. We have a prep talk and keep hammering . Hunt
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
September end and October brings deer season. Me and Roger find this buck up and feeding one morning and Put him to bed. Roger and I get in close maybe to close and after a hour the buck blows out . No shot
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
The next morning we find a group of 3 bucks . We make a plan.
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
This time we plan to hang back and not get in so tight . At 35 yards we set up and wait. After a hour the buck stands and Roger shoots just over his back. Dang it
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
The next weekend is back to Idaho for Roberts deer hunt. Of course Ridge was coming!
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
We look over tons of deer. Ridge says he sees a shooter
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
Nothing that first night in range . The next morning we hit the tree stand.
From: Charlie Rehor
07-Dec-18
Take a trip of a lifetime every year.
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
Slow morning but we keep Ridge entertain with a fire .
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
Later that day with me and Ridge sitting beside Robert he makes a great shot on this buck.
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
Take a youth hunting. Please
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
Next up was a mission to get Cam his first mule deer. We leave the truck in the dark . We found a burn on the map and head that way.
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
We look over lots of deer and a few moose. It’s hot for October here. About noon I find a buck bedded. We make a plan. Cam gets close and his first mule deer is in the books
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
We return to the truck in the dark. Happy and sore all in one.
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
Nebraska deer was up next. Nov2-11. But not before a little pumpkin carving
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
Friday Nov 2 I head out solo. 950 miles later I am Back at the clapper with the boys.
From: Beav
07-Dec-18
Zach makes it back the next weekend and we head back out to see if we can find a muley as we know our chances of finding another antelope buck are slim. First light we see the big mule deer I had saw prior to the season when I was looking for goats. He was huge for our area and also smart and he gave us the slip. No sooner had we lost him we see another damn nice 5x5 that would Pope. We watch for an hour and put him to bed. We make our stalk and eventually work into 25 yards and Zach is ready. We are going to lay here and wait for him to stand. A few minutes later the buck stands and turns broadside. Zach shoots and this is where his luck left him in a hurry. He shot 3 inches over the biggest muley he had ever had a crack at. He is bummed and admits he just "lost". We follow the buck but like the first one he loses us. We soon find some antelope and we camn't believe there is a big buck with three does. We follow them for four hours and Zach finally gets his 60 yard shot and the buck jumps the string and he narrowly misses. It is a quiet ride home.
From: Beav
07-Dec-18
Oct 10th was a perfect day and I head for the cabin to go sit a tree stand. I don't see a deer the first two hours and hour before dark the flood gates open and little bucks are chasing does all over. I have one two year old walk by and I hear a deer approaching from behind me. The two year old skirts out and around and keeps looking behind me. I see a three year old approaching and he is bristled up and headed towards the two year old but his problem was his path took him five yards from my stand!
From: Beav
07-Dec-18
Zach makes it back the following weekend and wants to go back to the hills. First glassing point I can't believe it but we have found another antelope buck with 15 does. He is a long ways and we take off at a sprint. We have a strong wind and they are in a slight bowl and we know our chances of him getting a shot are good. We belly crawl the last 100 yards and take cover behind a big soapweed. I range the buck at 53 but we have a 30 mph crosswind. Zach holds 18 inches of drift and strikes the buck low right behind the shoulder. Goats scatter everywhere but the buck only runs 3o yards and beds. We sneak around and Zach puts another one in him. He can't believe he has just filled all three of his big game tags on his super tag with the bow. It is a special moment and we take it all in!
From: Beav
07-Dec-18
Hunt would be here the first of November and I had 11 days off so now I would be looking forward to that.
From: Beav
07-Dec-18
My buddy and his son show on Halloween from Marylan and we meet at the cabin. He has a 1000 acre lease right across the river form our cabin. The next morning Aaron goes with them to the lease. Aaron text and says he has filled his last tag. That evening Black kills a nice 5x5! I test Hunt and say "get your ass here".
From: Beav
07-Dec-18
Black's buck!
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
We had a big time that first night. 5:30 came early. But I wasn’t missing my first morning in the tree. Zak took me to my and stand and we wished each other good luck. I passed two bucks under 15 yards . The hunt was off to a good start
From: Beav
07-Dec-18
Hunt arrives on the evening of the 2nd and by the time he got there we were well on our way. It was great to see him and we were pumped for what the next week would bring!
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
That night me and Zak head south . It was a great night and I passed a good buck. Just not the one on the first day. Zak had a even better sit!
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
Zak comes and gets me at dark. He says I have a blood trail for us to follow. Hell yes. After a few lefts and right things are looking good . Then the blood thins out. Zak is sick. But soon I see a white belly in my head lamp. Zak’s dream season just keeps getting better. Congrats again !
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
That night we cut loose. Some more than others. Harlin is in sad shape when the alarms goes off at 5
From: Beav
07-Dec-18
Hunt and Zach show up at the cabin with big smiles and Zach is thrilled with his buck! Hunt and I are leaving early in the morning to go to my buddy Jade's ranch. This place is like a piece of heaven. I get to bed at 2:00 since I stayed up and played darts and celebrated with Zach (deer camp can kill a guy). We leave at 4:30 and make it Jade's just as the sun is coming up.
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
We head south 2 hours to his buddy Jades place. Dream land i call it.
From: Beav
07-Dec-18
Hunt you forgot the time change. It was now 4.
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
We find a great mule deer buck solo in a rye field. I get the wind and wait him out in a cedar fence line. He makes a rub for 10 mins under 60 yards . You got this Hunt. He jumps the fence with a thud . I range him 3 times in the tall grass. At the shot he bolts as fast as any deer I have ever seen. My arrow told the story. Brisket!! Bummed we head out glassing.
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
Huge bodied old buck
Huge bodied old buck
We find a buck in a perfect spot for a stalk. Jades turn. Me and Harlin watch as Jade slides into 8 yards of the bedded buck. It was a awesome show.
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
Happy boys
From: Beav
07-Dec-18
Matt was on a hunt of his own and said he would come join us after he killed the big one. He did! He said I’m on my way!
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
Soon Matt shows up with a big buck he killed a few hours south of us. Matt is by far one of the best ground hunters I have ever had the privlage of hunting with.
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
That night we skin bucks and maybe had a bourbon or 2
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
Good times and only the second day!!
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
The next morning deer are all over . Soon Beav can’t take it and is off to the hills. Me and Matt head north. We find a solo buck bedded . I get close but he sees me and stands . I rush the shot and miss. Not my best performance . Sad we regroup
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
We find a group of deer with a nice buck. After getting to 22 yards and watching the buck stand. I decide to pass and back out
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
That night I sit a windmill. Saw a few but nothing but a coyote close.
From: Beav
07-Dec-18
I bailed out and took off after a rut crazed 4X5 with good mass. I follow him for a few hours and have two close calls but no shots. He finally makes a circle and heads back to where we started. He ends up bedding in a cedar grove and I make move. I get into 50 yards and run out of cover but I am comfortable with this. I sit there ready and wait. I hawk screeches and the buck stands and is on edge. He takes a step and turns broadside and went I release he comes unwound. He is gone before my arrow gets there (thank God). I walk the 5 miles back to Jades house as I have no clue where Matt and Hunt are for sure.
From: Beav
07-Dec-18
They show up and we swap stories and have a beer. We decide they will stay and hunt until dark and Jade and I are heading back to the cabin and will meet them there after dark. On my way back I go by my buddies place and see a nice muley. My plan is to return and hunt there in the next day or two.
From: Treeline
07-Dec-18
Congratulations again the Zach and his dream season!
Lots of good times, great critters, and bourbon going down!
Love that prairie hunting!
I know there’s more coming... Carry on!
From: Beav
07-Dec-18
We meet at the cabin and Matt and Hunt said their evening hunt was pretty dead. We hunt at the cabin the next day and don't see anything good. The next morning Hunt and I head south to look for the muley buck I had saw.
From: Beav
07-Dec-18
We walked the entire range of hills without seeing a deer! We head back to the pickup to regroup. We drive out onto the road and look up into the hills we had just walked and see a nice buck. We head out again and soon Hunt spots him but he is busted. We head to the ranchers house and it is about noon. We head to the groves where I have treestands set and decide to sit till dark. Hunt heads one way I go the other.
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
That next morning I sit at the cabin. I get to see a hell of a buck fight and pass both bucks at under 5 yards . That afternoon we hang out at the cabin . Shoot and tune bows laugh and shoot some more. It reminded me of being a kid at deer camp again. Loving every minute of this trip.
From: Beav
07-Dec-18
I sit for about an hour when I see a doe and a fawn. Nothing for a while then I see a buck making his way towards me. At 40 yards through the trees I see him make a scrape. He walks away and when I grunt he snaps his head up and trots away. An hour later all hell breaks loose. I hear branches breaking and here comes a hot doe with three bucks in tow. The lead buck is a heavy dark horned 4x4 then a thin horned 5x5 and behind him was the 4x4 I had grunted at earlier. They came by full bore and I tried stopping them but no luck. Five minutes later here they come back but now there are only two but they are out of range. A few minutes later here she comes again and the only buck on her now is the 4x4. I bleat as he runs by at 10 yards but no dice. Dead silence for almost a half hour and I figured she had left the grove and took the buck with her. Soon I hear branches breaking and it's getting closer. This time it is a different buck on her and she has about a 30 yard lead and she makes a U-turn around my tree and heads back. This buck is struggling to weave his rack through the cedars and on my second attempt of stopping him I pretty much yelled at him and he locks up at 15 yards.
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
Sandhills sun rise
From: Beav
07-Dec-18
I make a perfect shot and I hear him crash 40 yards away. I stay sitting as long as I can stand it and pick up the blood trail. I find him and I am shocked. He was my biggest buck of my career and I couldn't have been happier! I go to my buddy's shop ad tell him to get the whisky. Hunt arrives after dark and I tell him I caved and shot a smaller 4x4. He is still jacked we get to track again!
From: Brotsky
07-Dec-18
What a way to spend a Friday at work! Loving this guys!
From: Beav
07-Dec-18
We return to the blood trail and when we get close Hunt says "I smell him!" When he shined his light on his rack he threw out a few expletives and gave me a hug! We decide to stay at my rancher buddy's house and he breaks out the bourbon and ribeyes! We are meeting Jade back at his place at first light to see if Hunt can get some revenge.
From: SBH
07-Dec-18
Great Thread! Looks like too much fun
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
After a morning in the hills and a close call we head to the stands. Harlin begs my to sit the south stand. But I decide on the north . In by noon and ready for some action. It was slow and I only saw a buck for a second after i grunted him in. After dark Harlin said he shot the 4/4 I passed early in the week. Awesome . Let’s go get him. This is what I walk up on!!
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
The rancher broke out some whiskey. He said we can’t go to bed until this is gone. Harlin smiles and says have you ever drank with Hunt!! Good time and thanks George for the best ribeye I have had in a long time
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
Some time during the night I remember waking Harlin up and reminding him he killed a giant. We wake up to this !
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
The ride to Jade’s was a slip and slide one. In the ditch once but we pulled it out . It was snowing hard when we arrived . Bucks are on their feet
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
A nice mature 5/5 mule deer. Happy man
A nice mature 5/5 mule deer. Happy man
Soon I find a solo buck but he ghost me in the snow and hills. Then I find him again and follow. It’s snowing so hard my sight is full of snow and the rangefinder want work. He moves into another group of deer. I back up clean my sight and rangefinder. The buck Is bedded . I run out of cover but well within range. He stands and I send one into his heart. Buck down finally !
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
I really wanted to kill a whitetail also. So I did some scouting and found a spot to hang my stand .
From: Beav
07-Dec-18
I watched it all go down from a distance and when he mule kicked I knew he was toast!
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
Harlin said he watched a group of deer this morning. They headed up a draw behind the cattle Pen. I head up There and find them. 3 bucks on a hot doe. It’s snowing hard. I am under 125 yards. But there is a doe between us. She joins the group. I make a move . Soon I am close. There is a 5/6 that would score great but there is also a old mature buck running the show. On my fourt attempt I am at 15 yards. I make good on my shot. And head to find Beav
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
We give it a hour and then head out to find him. He was dead in his first bed.
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
A beast of a deer
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
Another double. Bring on the whiskey.
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
Trailer full of Bucks
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
Whiskey was going down easy
From: Beav
07-Dec-18
Forky the Pig was a buck that Jade has been trying to kill for years and he said he was the king of the hills. Forky the Pig was going to get a free ride to Montana! We were jacked! Did someone say whiskey!
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
That evening I head down to where I was scouting earlier and soak it all in. White tails are going nuts and I see some great bucks
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
That evening I gave Harlin a lesson in billiards .
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
Friday we head back to the cabin after helping Jade with chores. Seafood feast at the cabin tonight. Oh and some whiskey to maybe.
From: Beav
07-Dec-18
While we were down at Jades we got a text from Kel. Nick had taken him out to try and get his first muley. This eastern boy was pumped!
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
Even after the loop I tied for him broke! We got it fixed up quick . Congrats again Kel
From: Beav
07-Dec-18
We made the most of Hunt’s last night in camp!
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
Sat morning I head out early. Long drive . Hunters out all over and was fun to see. I can’t thank Harlin enough how much this trip means to me. It’s what hunting is about . Good friends lots of laughter and a few bloody arrows. Can’t wait for our next adventure . Now back to Montana and Idaho for me. It was worth every mile all 1950 of them!
From: Beav
07-Dec-18
It was a joy to have Hunt in camp and we had an absolute blast! Can't thank him enough for coming out. We will do it again!
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
Idaho was next for me. Me and Ridge and Roger head that way
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
I am able to kill a nice buck with the rifle with Ridge sitting in my lap. Special times
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
Love this photo
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
I wish I could post the video of Ridge finding the deer. It’s classic. Helping drag
From: lewis
07-Dec-18
Thanks for sharing what a year very glad for you all Lewis
From: Brotsky
07-Dec-18
We all know Ridge knocked that buck down with his Red Ryder Hunt! Atta boy Ridge!
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
The next day while elk hunting with Cam I was able to track this bear down. Incredible hair and enough fat for a 200 pies
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
Friday after thanksgiving I get permission on one of my old spots. I scout it earlier in the week and it’s a rut fest . Open country with lots of dips and draws. Me and Cam work that morning and then head out . I drew a extra archery buck tag. So I have 2 tags and Cam has one. First buck of the day
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
Rutted up
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
We saw 3 bucks chasing does . We jog to get ahead of them. It works. Cam misses the biggest one. But he stop and I didn’t miss. Buck 2 down
From: sitO
07-Dec-18
It was a very good year!
From: HUNT MAN
07-Dec-18
Cam made good on this buck at dark and we had a triple on the ground spot and stalk white tails. What a day .
From: Nick Muche
07-Dec-18
One of the best years most anyone could ever ask for and the best part to me is that you make your own luck! Way to go to all and I’m looking forward to our next hunt together, merry Christmas!
From: Marty
07-Dec-18
Must of had to buy a new freezer! Congrats on a heck of a year and thanks for letting Nick bear hunt this year, he had a great time with you guys!
From: Treeline
07-Dec-18
There's plenty of different analogies out there but I am thinking "Kills more $#itt than small pox and malaria combined!"
Love that you guys are getting out there for multiple hunts of a lifetime over and over again and having such a blast doing it!
I know you ain't done yet! Keep 'em rolling!
From: midwest
07-Dec-18
HO. LEE. SHIT.
From: 12yards
07-Dec-18
Wow awesome year!
From: Mark Watkins
07-Dec-18
INCREDIBLE!!! EPIC!!!
Congrats guys!!!
Thanks for taking us along!
Mark
From: muliemad
07-Dec-18
Incredible !!!
From: elkmtngear
07-Dec-18
Man, what a year!
You guys are killing machines!
From: M.Pauls
07-Dec-18
Do you guys need to call ahead into a state to dept. of natural resources if you’re coming? Just asking..:)
From: BigOk
07-Dec-18
EPIC!!!! And Ridge found the buck and dragged it , priceless.
From: Eagle_eye_Andy
07-Dec-18
I was looking forward to this write-up this year after a few hints of you making it back here to Nebraska quite a bit, thanks for taking the time to share! Didn't disappoint!
From: Z Barebow
07-Dec-18
There is a difference between hunters and killers. Your name might be Hunter, but you are definitely a killer! I thought your Kodiak story would be tough to top. Mission accomplished.Thanks for re-capping an epic year.
From: Cazador
07-Dec-18
Think we need to get one of those "highway cleanup" signs installed to ensure all those busted shafts, broadheads, and carnage are cleaned up.
Maybe have county jail inmates double armed interval sweep through the fields so the tractors this spring are safe from tire punctures.
From: midwest
07-Dec-18
So impressed with Zach. Made good on that tag....wow! Huge congrats to all you guys!
From: otcWill
07-Dec-18
Hat's off to you boys! Absolutely loved it. Just doing what y'all do.
From: EmbryOklahoma
07-Dec-18
Congratulations, fellas! Lots of meat in the freezer. Well done!
From: Wv hillbilly
07-Dec-18
Thanks for the great story and pics! You fellas knocked down a pile of good critters. Great year for sure.
From: gobble50
07-Dec-18
Best title for a thread......ever.
From: IdyllwildArcher
07-Dec-18
Incredible. This thread has more dead animals in it than the annual blacktail meatpole.
Good times! Grats guys!
From: Paul@thefort
07-Dec-18
STONE COLD KILLERS, all of you! Just amazing x 10...... my best, Paul
From: T Mac
07-Dec-18
Good gosh! Well done guys!
From: The rookie
07-Dec-18
Couple cold blooded guy's. What a year. Congrats
From: SBH
07-Dec-18
YEEAAA BOOOOOY!!!!
From: WV Mountaineer
08-Dec-18
I am not even surprised. Just doing what you do.
Not surprised by the results Beav and crew produced either. Stone cold killers too.
I love this stuff. Congrats to you all!!!!!
From: patience2spare
08-Dec-18
10yrs of CT live hunts couldn't pile up as many critters!!! I particularly love the pics with you and Ridge! Congrats on a great year. Pete
From: BULELK1
08-Dec-18
Lots of fun and enjoyment on this thread HUNT !
Happy for y'all.
Good luck, Robb
From: ELKMAN
08-Dec-18
Like a clock. Good job Hunter. We need to go get some beers
From: Medicinemann
08-Dec-18
What a great thread...
From: trkyslr
08-Dec-18
Hunt homie you are the man!!!! Getting it done as usual... congrats to beav as well and everyone else in this thread who was involved in this epic year!
From: ki-ke
08-Dec-18
Epic! Fantastic to see you guys coaching the kids. Good on ya's for that! Love to see that level of terminating while still having a blast and enjoying the company! Great crew.
Thanks for taking us along
From: Grunter
09-Dec-18
Great job fellas! Wow you guys always get it done! Always enjoy your adventures thanks for sharing
From: APauls
09-Dec-18
Well you guys sure make it look and sound easy! Congrats on a whale of a year! Just lining up that many hunts in a season for working men with families is a logistical success. Hats off to you fellas. Thanks for putting that together that looks like a year of prep work!
From: Beav
09-Dec-18
Well Zach’s dream season continued tonight. He could get a 3rd buck tag since the Super Tag didn’t count towards his two archery buck tags. He is one happy kid going into finals week at college.
From: HUNT MAN
09-Dec-18
That a boy Zak!!
From: HUNT MAN
09-Dec-18
That a boy Zak!!
From: elkstabber
10-Dec-18
This thread is a true inspiration.
From: iceman
10-Dec-18
Busy year! epic stuff!
From: SBH
10-Dec-18
Dang! What a great deer Zach!!! Helluva season. Make sure you take some time to reflect and enjoy the memories during the holidays this year. Thats pretty cool.
From: Treeline
10-Dec-18
Great job, Zach! Way to finish strong!
Now buckle down and hit those finals as hard as you hit those critters!
After this last hunting season, might take some doubling down!
Good luck on the finals and hoping to hear that you pulled all A’s!
From: Nogutsnostory
10-Dec-18
Nice job, awesome season and alot of hard work!!!
From: Beav
10-Dec-18
Zach was granted an interview for Physical Therapy school on Friday and his last final is on Thursday. I hope those go as well as his bow season did.
From: Nick Muche
10-Dec-18
Nice work!!
From: OFFHNTN
11-Dec-18
GREAT stories and thread guys!!! Congrats to all on a great year!
From: Mt. man
11-Dec-18
HUNT I will be very honest with you. I would much rather read this thread and stories all day long than any "Look at Me" elk tours. Proud of you getting those kids out hunting buddy. As you well know that holds a special spot in my heart and I cannot wait to see Ridge's stories down the road. Have a Merry Christmas Friend!
From: midlandmartin
11-Dec-18
Awesome year! Thanks for letting me come up and experience bear hunting! It was a great time seeing you in Nebraska for a while! Always fun at Beav's cabin! Wonder how many ounces of water are consumed at the cabin!?
From: HUNT MAN
11-Dec-18
Very very Little . What ever ice is in the whiskey!! Thanks for coming out Nick. I enjoyed it. Hope all is well with you and the family. Hunt
From: TEmbry
12-Dec-18
Glad to hit the mtns for a few days with you last week, wish we had better weather/luck but it may have ran out for the year. Incredible run you had! Already looking forward to next fall, see ya soon buddy!
From: pav
12-Dec-18
Amazing recap guys....congrats to all! Thanks for sharing!
From: brooktrout59
12-Dec-18
Wow/ made my head spin. AWESOME year! Congrats all.
From: HUNT MAN
12-Dec-18
Thanks Trevor. Good luck to you this week. I am pulling for you! Thanks guys happy holidays to you all and best of luck in 2019!! 4 for 40 coming soon!!
From: HUNT MAN
16-Dec-18
Uncle Roger didn’t want to be left out. So we set up the double bull . I could see these deer most days from my house. Feeding heavy on south face slope. Well it worked out and Ridge got to see Roger shoot a nice late season buck.
From: HUNT MAN
16-Dec-18
Good times
From: HUNT MAN
16-Dec-18
This makes me happy!!
From: HUNT MAN
16-Dec-18
From: Shug
16-Dec-18
Great stuff..., thanks for sharing
From: t-roy
16-Dec-18
Sweet!
From: Beav
18-Dec-18
Congrats Uncle Roger!!
From: Beav
19-Dec-18
Zach scored at the cabin on this gobbler! One turkey away from filling his Super Tag all in one season with the BOW!
From: Beav
19-Dec-18
Also some herd management!
From: SBH
24-Dec-18
Someone needs to go back and count up all the dead animals on this thread!!
From: Beav
24-Dec-18
Zach filled his last tag on the Super Tag. All with the bow!
From: HUNT MAN
24-Dec-18
50 dead critters . Not including fish and gophers!! Not a bad year. Merry Christmas !!
From: Treeline
25-Dec-18
Way to go, Zach! Very impressed by your successes both in the hunting and at school this year!
Keep up the Great Work!
Definitely NOT a bad year, guys! Spectacular!
From: HUNT MAN
27-Feb-19
TTT . Here you go James. What a fun year. Hurry up spring time!! Hunt
