No outfitter needed for hunt of a lifetime ending ‘just over the border in Nevada’
BY SETH BLACKAMORE
On the seventh day of our hunt, camping off our backs, I glassed this guy up from 1,000 yards away on a parallel ridge just below the treeline. I wrapped around to the next ridge about a mile away then started my stalk downhill to him. I dropped my pack 75 yards out, then some yards later my boots.
He was bedded, alone, under some mahogany trees and sleeping at around 1 p.m. As I stalked in, I was surprised by three other deer 85 yards below me feeding in the sagebrush working uphill and easily in view to ruin my stalk. I froze, then crouched. Somehow they hadn’t detected me.
An hour and 45 minutes later, I was at 35 yards on this bedded buck but there was too much thick sagebrush for a clean shot. I waited and waited for him to stand. Finally, he calmly stood up as if he was awakening from a nap.
I went to full draw: 35 yards with a 45-degree angle downhill, wind gusting left to right fairly strong. His head and front shoulder were covered from tree branches and his left side was quartering away from me.
Exhaled. Released the arrow. Direct hit.
I saw his side ripple as the arrow punctured. Immediately he mule kicked twice and ran downhill 50 yards into thick cover. I waited. Surely this shot was fatal, but I didn’t want to push him too soon.
An hour later we started in and quickly found him 50 yards away from my shot.
The hike out was beyond grueling but totally worth it. Two miles back to camp where we spend the night, and then a hard five miles back to the truck. All my pack weight added up to about 100 pounds on my back (camp gear, optics and deer).
For the 8-day hunt, we covered 40-plus miles, saw minimal bucks but remained hopeful. For this hunt, holding out for a bigger buck paid off. Truly a buck of a lifetime that will be mounted on my wall for many years of enjoyment. All the meat was properly harvested and butchered up to enjoy this next year with my family and friends.
A mega thanks to my hunting buddy, James Ferrell, who was with me on this entire trip. Thanks to many other great people who helped me get to this point, gear-wise, advice, support or inspiration. You know how you all are. Thanks to God for this amazing adventure!
And best of luck to all the hunters out there working hard to fill their tags this season! Happy hunting!
