So, change of plans. I still had a deer tag, and this was the first year I was able to put in for pronghorn and I drew a tag close to home.
Optimistically I grabbed my gear and bow and headed out to make the loop above and around the main drainage. I got some exercise, bumped several pronghorn and made a stalk on a pair of mule deer does so not a complete waste of time. On the way back over the last ridge I saw movement, 4 of the bucks I had been seeing were together. One was better than the others but his little brother wasn’t bad either. I watched them crest the ridge and disappear. Seeing them sparked my interest so for tomorrow, change of plans.
One more scan of the valley and I pick up one of the 4 amigos. I find a place to glass and start finding his 3 buddies either bedded or browsing in the thick bushes on the valley floor. One is better than the others.
I had good wind but until they all bedded It would be impossible to get close. I watched until they were all laying down and devised a plan to come in from above. I remember talking to another Bowsite member about how this plan rarely works, but I had to give it a try. Just about then they all get up and decide to relocate. Being overcast with some light rain they didn’t need to stay bedded in the shade but could be up and feeding around mid-day.
I watched them as they worked around the valley towards another draw that would take them back to the main drainage. I quickly gathered my gear and took off to intercept them if possible. Keeping tabs on them as best they could I came around the north side of the point to see if they were still on the same path… nothing. So, I hurried around the hill as quietly as possible only to find a herd of pronghorn feeding and bedding at the base of the draw. Not wanting to blow them out and take the deer with them I showed them just enough to get them nervous and leave. Now I need find some cover if the md bucks stay on course. I was just about to move below a swell 20 yards in front of me and one of the 4 amigos pops up 80 yards out and I hit the dirt. All good as he didn’t see me. First him then 2 others came into view. Where was their big brother? They were feeding right towards me putting them on a path that would be inside 10 yards with no cover this would not end well. The 4th one comes around the point and catches up, now all are around 40 yards out. I’m eating dirt…
I raise my bow and nock my arrow, everyone comes unglued and time stops as I focus on the velvet buck. He’s looking at the 3 amigos trying to figure out what happened since he was completely blocked from seeing me until he jumped out of his bed. I was already sitting up with my bow drawn, as I was trying to settle my pins the lower cam was caught on some scrub! Shit! I pushed forward and settled my pin, the arrow on the way. It buried just in front of his left shoulder as he was slightly quartering towards me. He jumped and mule kicked and I knew I had him.
I stood up and it was dead quiet. I didn’t even see where the other bucks went. I walked to where he was standing expecting to see him somewhere to the left in the valley below me. Nothing, dang, I even took a pan with my binoculars. So, I turned around to find blood. Which wasn’t hard, about 5 steps to my right was a good trail and just a few yards past that the buck was down. What a rush. I felt very fortunate to pull off a stalk on this mule deer buck with nothing but luck on my side.
Congrats on a beautiful buck!
I was a little concerned on how a mule deer from this area would taste. To a large extent “you are what you eat”. He had a slab of fat on his back and rump that reminded me of an early November buck getting ready for the rut. First I sautéed some of the hind trim and since grilled loin steaks, unbelievably delicious! Like he’s been eating ag all summer. Bonus!
High country deer feed primarily on alpine grass and browse. Plains deer normally have access to ag; corn, wheat, oats, etc which makes up most of their browse and largely accounts for their great table fare. imo
I do agree all that changes to some extent when a mature buck is rutting. All the more reason for the best field care you can achieve but that’s no guarantee.
However I wouldn’t miss a Co. Bowsite get together especially if moose was on the menu! I figure between you and Brad there should be some leftover moose burger ; )
Congratulations on completing your Co. Big 9, well earned and well deserved!
