Alpine blacktail bucks from archery opener

[shanevg]

Saturday was the archery opener in Washington state and I was able to make it out for my favorite type of hunting - alpine blacktails.

In total we saw 8 different bucks and I was able to get within 20 yards of 3 of them (12 yards from a 3x3 with eyeguards) and 53 yards of a nice 4x4 with eyeguards. Unfortunately, I was either unable to draw back on on open deer without spooking them, or I was drawn back but had no ethical shot on the deer.

Thought you might enjoy seeing some of the pics we got of the bucks.

I stalked up on this guy while he was bedded. I was within 40 yards but couldn't see him and he ended up spooking. I had him walk through an opening at 53 yards but I wasn't prepared to shoot.

 

[shanevg]

A few more:

 

[2rocky]

Your WA blacktails are some of the Stoutest bodied bucks I've seen. Great Pics.

 

[chiefhoyt]

pot bellies!

 

[DWarcher]

pot bellies!

No doubt!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Looks like a good trip regardless of the outcome.

 

[actionshooter]

Good trip for sure, hard to find that many great bucks in one weekend in Wa.
Did you see any other hunters?

 

[shanevg]

Not one. Preseason scouting really paid off. I had seen every one of these bucks prior to season.

 

[wk93]

Those are some nice bucks. Scouting really does help. Been seeing some nice bucks myself while out scouting.

 

[Justin Crossley]

Nice work Shane! Bummer you couldn't score on one of those bad boys!

 

[tradair1980]

Those are some dandys for sure hopefully it pays off big for ya!

 

[potsie]

Thats one fat buck what a dandy good luck