First weekend out/Archery Mule Deer.

[H&Hhunter]

Not much to report. I put one stalk on three bucks. We spotted them at about 900 yards and closed to 300 where I could get a better look. I’d forgot my spotting scope at home.

After having a good view at 300 yards I left him alone. He was a big mature 3x3 that’d probably score about 150”. He was with two yearling bucks. I’m looking for something a lot better than that 3x3 this year.

We got a tip from some other hunters about a HUGE buck that they saw the day before. I was there waiting for him the next morning. He was a mature 3x4 but was seriously lacking in mass and tine length. In defense of the hunters who told us about him. He was one of those bucks that looks “huge” if you’re not an experienced mule deer trophy hunter.

We did see some cool stuff! The tarantula migration is in full swing and we stopped to play with multiple big fuzzy fellows. Some of which would crawl over you shoe if you held still.

My shooting is as good as it’s ever been, I’ve practiced all year long and taken some online classes. Here is a 40 yard group, I’m able to hold very tight groups out to 60 yards and am holding about a 4” group at 70 yards.

 

[wankerjake]

That’s some good shooting! Hope you find a monster this year

 

[LoonWulf]

Looks like you're all set, and having a good time!!
Good luck on finding the big one!

 

[H&Hhunter]

Thanks guys! The only rub is that I’m hunting on an army maneuver area. If .Gov shuts down on the 15th of November so does my unit!

 

[LoonWulf]

..... BOOOOOOO!

 

[H&Hhunter]

..... BOOOOOOO!

Seems like there’s always something….

 

[earlthegoat2]

That’s a cool tarantula. I have always wanted to see one in the wild.

I was at the Jacksonville Zoo last week and I asked the zookeeper if I could play with one of the tarantulas they had on display. (Jokingly of course). She of course said no but then commented that they were fun to be around during cleaning an and such.

 

[H&Hhunter]

They seem quite docile. But I’m not brave enough to try and touch a wild one. If you block their path they’ll walk up to you and gently touch your shoe with a “foot” then simply move around you. If you persist some will walk over your shoe and proceed on their journey. Others will simply wait for you to move away.

 

[H&Hhunter]

More craziness from the hunting gods yesterday. I went to my local bow shop to get some more fun sticks (arrows). And I took my bow with me to have the pro shop look it over.

He immediately found an issue with the new string I had installed less than 6 months ago. It needs a replacement. So my arrow launching device is out of service until the new string gets in and installed!!

I was mighty tempted to drop plastic on a new bow right then and there! But I’ll wait to see if the new string comes in early next week as promised.

I think these are all good omens. The hunting gods will test your resolve with these little road blocks and frustrations. I won’t be stopped by mere technicalities!!

 

[LoonWulf]

Seems like there’s always something….

Yeah, yeah there is.....this round I'm mostly dealing with my own stupidity lol.

More craziness from the hunting gods yesterday. I went to my local bow shop to get some more fun sticks (arrows). And I took my bow with me to have the pro shop look it over.

He immediately found an issue with the new string I had installed less than 6 months ago. It needs a replacement. So my arrow launching device is out of service until the new string gets in and installed!!

I was mighty tempted to drop plastic on a new bow right then and there! But I’ll wait to see if the new string comes in early next week as promised.

I think these are all good omens. The hunting gods will test your resolve with these little road blocks and frustrations. I won’t be stopped by mere technicalities!!

Hopefully your new strings here early and the bow re-tunes easily!

 

[earlthegoat2]

Whaaat!!! No spare bow?

I have 2 or 7 left handers I could lend you.

 

[H&Hhunter]

Whaaat!!! No spare bow?

I have 2 or 7 left handers I could lend you.

Yeah my bad on the no spare. I gave my spare bow to a kid last year who went out and shot a 190” Whitetail on his families place in KS then his dad took him to Wyoming where he scored on a gynormous black bear. Now he won’t give it back.

And I don’t blame him!! That bow is pure magic in his hands.

 

[ms6852]

Good luck on tracking a big one.