I got together with an old college track and field teammate for some scouting and a day of hunting. He drew a tag in an area close to town. We spotted over one hundred and 30 deer and 35-40 bucks. Nothing that would qualify for harvesting from this unit. He is putting the "Big Eye" to the test as we climb the steep mountains.
I spent so many years just chukar hunting that I hadn't been big game hunting mush until four years ago. Even though the stalking and climbing of big game hunting are remind one of the chukar hunt, big game hunting offers the opportunity to scout and just sit and watch. Part of that game is being able to recognize a harvest worthy animal from along distance. I truly enjoy this aspect, even when I don't have rifle in my hand.
Not for the faint of heart. Much of the climb was like this until the very top of the mountains. So many necessary factors for survival exist here. High, steep mountain, abundance of feed, water, and cover make it a successful home to many mule deer.
The top offered spectacular meadows. Looked like Elk country. With the water, feed , and cover I want to check this out in the Summer. Got to hold animals!
Couldn't believe we could see some much from this vantage point. Time to dust off the big fly rods after this pic!
On the way down my mind shifted in "Chukar Gear." Fresh tracks headed up the hill. I decided to turn and follow them up again.
As the party grew , I got more excited to see them. I had almost forgotten what this outing was about!
It just kept getting better and better. I was headed back up the hill when I came to my senses. This is a deer scouting mission. Anyway, I left the tracks to continue looking for deer. I couldn't help but think of my next chukar hunt.
I had to wait awhile for my ride so I decided to warm up.
Mic
No comments:
Post a Comment