One down and still trying...

Teknys · Dec 4, 2012

Our group of 4 hunters (my Dad, Brother, a Buddy and myself) only have one cow down so far this week with muzzleloaders. We have been seeing more bulls then cows..... go figure.
Brother saw 5pt and a 7pt bulls together and the 7pt again next morn.
My Dad and I saw three 6pts and two 5pts and one spike. I don't get it.

I did have a VERY large Whitetail in my sights and watching him at about 80 yds for about 10 minutes. I just couldn't get a clean shot at his chest. He was either behind a large tree or the brush next to it. The brush was the heavy branched 1" - 2" thick stuff. I could have done the "Texas Heart" shot but that can go bad real quick. This buck was in the 150 " - 160" 6x6 range. I will have him on my mind for quite a while.

I don't feel bad about not taking the iffy shot knowing I have 4 more days but chances are I won't see him again. This could have gone really bad and a lost buck of that size would have haunted me for a long time. Remember in Idaho we can only use open sites.

I went back in there this morn and walked around a herd of elk less than 100yds away in the creek bottom because I was going after this buck. As it turned out I should have shot one of the cows. Oh Well....

Tomorrow I try again!

gerry · Dec 4, 2012

Good luck, hopefully you can find the big buck again.

longwinters · Dec 4, 2012

Hmmm I posted here once and it didn't go through. Anyway glad to read you are seeing game and I'm especially impressed that you were not willing to take a questionable shot just to fill a tag. Some would take it and then brag about the results good or bad....in my book its called being a slob hunter.

I hope you get a big one.

Long

DrMike · Dec 4, 2012

It sounds as if you've had a good hunt, though the harvest is not all that you want at this point. I'm with you on passing on the iffy shot. Because you are ethical, you are prepared to deprive yourself of momentary gratification to respect the game. In the southern US, we used to say, "Don't sacrifice the permanent on the altar of the temporary." Though the context may have been somewhat different, it would appear to apply here. I wishing you every success as you continue the hunt.

pre6422hornet · Dec 4, 2012

Sounds like you are having a blast and in the middle of some pretty sweet action!

Iffy shots never pay off IMO. Keep it up!

sask boy · Dec 4, 2012

Sounds like a good time is being had hopefully it will become more successful in the game area.
Thanks for update hope to hear more good reports with photos.

Blessings,
Dan