I've been looking forward to my mule deer hunt is 151 for a few years after helping my brother get his in 2015 and seeing that if you get far enough away from the road hunters you have a good chance at seeing a nice buck.
Opening day I was out on my own. My hunting partners had to work but I was to excited to wait for them.
http://i.imgur.com/A5nfTkE.jpg
I snuck up on this deer opening day. Got within 150 yards to get a close look. Maybe I was being to picky but I thought his antlers looked a bit thin and I was a long way from the truck. I knew if I shot him it would be an all night job by myself. So I left him alone.
I hunted hard the rest of the week but didn't see any deer that were worth shooting. I had to go back to work and couldn't get back out for 2 weeks. In that time I really started to regret my decision especially when both my hunting partners today me they would have shot the deer I passed on.
Back out hunting and determined. I saw a few nice bucks that I would love to shoot but the problem with the prairies is if you see them they can see you. Finally had a chance at a beautiful buck. I laid down by pod out and took the shot... And then shot again.... my Buddy then tells my he saw the bullet hit the ground at the bucks feet. I guess I didn't judge the distance very well. Adjust for another shot and I hit the bank as the buck runs off.
Depression sets in. Desperation. I looked for blood for way to long and nothing.
That was discouraging we had been walking all day and I had missed my shot.
"That was the biggest buck I've ever seen" said my buddy.
"Shut up James"
We had to go home that night so we kept hunting.
About 45 min later I spot a nice buck coming out of a drainage at about 350 yards. I take the shot... Thump! A solid shot. He's down! We cheer!
" And you shot him at the top of the hill!!" Said my buddy
Then with the deers last moment before death he roles himself down the drainage.
"Shut up James"
http://i.imgur.com/r3fJ2f4.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/cA8D0s6.jpg
Success!!
And that's when the real work began.
Highs and lows of my mule deer hunt.
Linear Mode
