CA LATE SEASON

[highsierra]

In 2023 I was fortunate enough to finally draw a coveted late season mule deer hunt in my home state of California. Having hunted this unit several times with other friends, I knew the potential for this zone to produce nice mature bucks… and that’s exactly what we found. I was prepared to hunt for most of the season, but found a real slammer only several hours into our first day.

Here’s a little video slideshow of our short adventure…enjoy.

 

[JNDEER]

Great buck!

 

[Justin_Tree]

Thanks for sharing and great buck.

 

[RockAndSage]

What a cool buck, thanks for sharing

 

[Deer&Ducks527]

In 2023 I was fortunate enough to finally draw a coveted late season mule deer hunt in my home state of California. Having hunted this unit several times with other friends, I knew the potential for this zone to produce nice mature bucks… and that’s exactly what we found. I was prepared to hunt for most of the season, but found a real slammer only several hours into our first day.

Here’s a little video slideshow of our short adventure…enjoy.

How many years did you take to draw?

 

[highsierra]

How many years did you take to draw?

I had max points...but had been putting in for that hunt since well before the preference point system was initiated. So...to answer your question….probably close to 30 years or so.

 

[Solowhunter]

AW MAN!!! THAT'S F'N AWSOME!!!

I've concentrated my X-Zone efforts further North closer to the Marine base, we get tags +- every 7 years. Spotted for a buddy 2022 and had a great hunt and saw a ton of bucks. I love the east side even if its just to spot bucks for friends or fish the Owens or Twin Lakes for a trophy Brown!

Your buck is a wall hanger bud, I'll bet you stare at his shoulder mount every day with a smile on your face, I know I would! Share a pic of the shoulder mount if you have any.

 

[highsierra]

AW MAN!!! THAT'S F'N AWSOME!!!

I've concentrated my X-Zone efforts further North closer to the Marine base, we get tags +- every 7 years. Spotted for a buddy 2022 and had a great hunt and saw a ton of bucks. I love the east side even if its just to spot bucks for friends or fish the Owens or Twin Lakes for a trophy Brown!

Your buck is a wall hanger bud, I'll bet you stare at his shoulder mount every day with a smile on your face, I know I would! Share a pic of the shoulder mount if you have any.

I grew up chasing bucks on the east slope of the Sierra Nevada… Mostly in the area you describe it as I live just over the hill near Twain Harte. Helped a friend’s daughter kill a buck up there last year.

As for my buck, the shoulder mount is not done yet… Should be finished up in the next week or two. Here’s a couple “in-progress” photos that my taxidermist sent …

 

[Solowhunter]

I grew up chasing bucks on the east slope of the Sierra Nevada… Mostly in the area you describe it as I live just over the hill near Twain Harte. Helped a friend’s daughter kill a buck up there last year.

As for my buck, the shoulder mount is not done yet… Should be finished up in the next week or two. Here’s a couple “in-progress” photos that my taxidermist sent …

Cheaters and long tines.......... he'll do!

 

[Hoghead]

Awesome buck!

 

[Brimel]

That's a gorgeous buck! So proud of you.

 

[COelk89]

Great buck and slideshow thanks for sharing and congrats!

 

[ReddingArcher]

That’s a great buck! Congratulations on a stud!!

 

[highsierra]

The final product…Thanks to Stewart, Dave, and the rest of the team at Animal Artistry in Reno, NV

 

[jzeblaz]

Great buck! I hunted that zone earlier in the year and didn't see anything like that. My buddies tagged out, but I never did. Congrats! That's a lifetime buck here for sure!

 

[jgross424]

Fun stuff. I wonder if those deer live below or over the crest during the summer..?

 

[Solowhunter]

View attachment 715120
The final product…Thanks to Stewart, Dave, and the rest of the team at Animal Artistry in Reno, NV

AWSOME SHOULDER MOUNT!!!!! WALL HANGER FOR SURE!!!!!

 

[Bcoonce117]

You have patience to save enough points for that hunt! Great buck though

 

[digger]

Sweet

 

[Solowhunter]

I grew up chasing bucks on the east slope of the Sierra Nevada… Mostly in the area you describe it as I live just over the hill near Twain Harte. Helped a friend’s daughter kill a buck up there last year.

As for my buck, the shoulder mount is not done yet… Should be finished up in the next week or two. Here’s a couple “in-progress” photos that my taxidermist sent

East side of the Sierras is awesome, that Inyo herd goes through a lot, your buck and the details of your hunt testified that it's still strong. I believe it was 2017 when the mass mortality of the migrating herd was documented. Most don't realize what the east side X-Zones have to offer........................... that's fine with me.