Guy Miner
Master Loader
- Apr 6, 2006
- 17,789
- 6,036
With a couple of days left before my tag expired, I filled my late-season doe tag this morning. Here are a few photos from shortly after today's hunt. I didn't take a photo of the downed doe, just didn't seem necessary.
The hunt was very easy, which was kind of nice for a change. Usually it seems that I'm hiking up some unforgiving ridge or climbing a mountain. This time I drove out onto the ranch, checked in with the rancher/wheat farmer. Sat down in the snow, and in time, glassed a few does from about 100 yards out to over 300 yards. The close one lacked a suitable backstop. The far mule deer were a little close to the skyline. The middle group was at 217 yards, sort of bunched up and facing mostly away from me. This hunt was specifically for meat, so I wanted a broadside shot.
I waited until one turned broadside, and there were no more behind her. Took my shot from sitting, with the sling wrapped around my left arm. The doe collapsed instantly. Once again the .25-06 & 115 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip came through.
Entrance wound was just behind the fore-leg. Heart was torn up pretty bad. One lung was destroyed. Exit wound was considerably larger. Backstraps & tenderloins were untouched!
Home now. I need to wipe down the rifle and clean up the Jeep a little. All's well.
Oh Bill - yes, I managed to cut myself once while skinning the deer. Cut my left hand, but had prepared for that and had bandages with me. Didn't bleed out - which I suppose is good.
Regards, Guy
The hunt was very easy, which was kind of nice for a change. Usually it seems that I'm hiking up some unforgiving ridge or climbing a mountain. This time I drove out onto the ranch, checked in with the rancher/wheat farmer. Sat down in the snow, and in time, glassed a few does from about 100 yards out to over 300 yards. The close one lacked a suitable backstop. The far mule deer were a little close to the skyline. The middle group was at 217 yards, sort of bunched up and facing mostly away from me. This hunt was specifically for meat, so I wanted a broadside shot.
I waited until one turned broadside, and there were no more behind her. Took my shot from sitting, with the sling wrapped around my left arm. The doe collapsed instantly. Once again the .25-06 & 115 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip came through.
Entrance wound was just behind the fore-leg. Heart was torn up pretty bad. One lung was destroyed. Exit wound was considerably larger. Backstraps & tenderloins were untouched!
Home now. I need to wipe down the rifle and clean up the Jeep a little. All's well.
Oh Bill - yes, I managed to cut myself once while skinning the deer. Cut my left hand, but had prepared for that and had bandages with me. Didn't bleed out - which I suppose is good.
Regards, Guy
