RosinBag's Arizona Semi Live Mule Deer Hunt

[Slim Jim]

I hope you find him Doug

 

[RosinBag]

So after about 45 minutes of grassing him, he didn't look hurt and actually started feeding.

So I took off after him. Couldn't find my arrow, so off I went. I knew where I had last seen him so I went there.

Amazingly, still blood about 500 yards out, but not much. I trailed, glassed and trailed and I came up empty.

The worst feeling I ever have is hitting an animal and not finding him. I am hoping he lives through it, but I will be back to look again in the morning.

Ugly side of bowhunting.

I had packed a great lunch and realized I forgot to bring it.

 

[RosinBag]

I started making my way back, but classing none the less.

And as hunting goes, I spot about 6 javelina about 400 yards ahead of me.

The winds still blowing, I walked right at them keeping some brush in between us. Again it didn't take long and I was 80 yards out.

I was going to get close as I don't want any history repeating itself. These javelina didn't move much at all while feeding.

I picked out a bush to try and sneak to and moves when the wind blew steadiest.

About 20 minutes later I was at 33 yards and couldn't get any closer. 3 of them broadside so it was time again to cut one loose.

The angle was pretty severe up the hill and the arrow was in the air. To close to track it, but I heard it smack into the boiler room.

All the others bolted and started huffing and snapping. The one I shot went about ten yards and folded up.

 

[RosinBag]

So after about 3 hours of the ups and downs of hunting. One tag was filled.



From the angle I shot, perfect heart shot and blew out the other side. I always wonder why this worked out so easily, but hours earlier it is anything but easy.

So I gutted it, skinned it and caped the skull out and int my Kifaru DT2. I got back to my truck about an hour later and headed for town.

I went straight to the butcher and on Monday I will pick up about 20 pounds of chorizo.

 

[RosinBag]

I need to finish eating and then I am going to drive out to a new area to check things out.

I only have four arrows left, so I better not screw $hit up anymore.

Until later this evening....

 

[Slim Jim]

Sorry to hear that about the deer but congrats on the Jav!

 

[Travis Bertrand]

Congrats!!! Ulmers did the trick huh?

 

[RosinBag]

Ulmers are wicked, but I still have to do my part and put them where they belong.

 

[bowuntr]

Right on... bigger deer ahead, I know it. Congrats. Ed F

 

[Yeti]

Man this is making want to take a vacation and get down there.

 

[Craig Van Arsdale]

Congrats on the Javelina RosinBag! Sorry about the buck but it sounds like he will be ok being that he didn't even appear to bed. Sucks but its part of hunting in general. Rifle or Bow sh*t happens.

Sounds like a great hunt im enjoying the live hunt.

Good luck on the next buck.

 

[armyjoe]

Congrats on the Javelina man. I grew up in AZ hunting those and its a damn good time!

 

[JNDEER]

Nice job on the rodent!

Sure that deer will live with a battle scar, stick with them and best of luck at the next spot.

 

[robby denning]

Sorry to hear Doug, but you did all you could. If it is the rut, you might see him right back in the does again- I have!

 

[MTnsheds]

Next buck? All you could? Spend your time looking for the buck you hit or at least having an opportunity by hunting the same area.

 

[Shrek]

I would move on. With the distance the deer traveled and the health of the deer at last sighting the chance of finding the deer are very low . If it dies the coyotes and buzzards will be done with it before you have any chance at retrieving it. Pay no mind to the holier than you bunch and get on with the hunt.

 

[RosinBag]

MTnsheds, I know you are perfect and never lost an animal. So thanks for the wonderful advice since I haven't thought of that.

On a side note, before MTnsheds posted, I headed back out to same area to poke around and glass. I don't think any hunter wants to lose an animal, so I went back out.

About 30 does in several groups, but only two small bucks. Never turned up any sign of the wounded deer.

So tomorrow I am going to look for the "next buck" since I am not going to spend the rest of my hunt looking for an animal I think is doing fine.

 

[MTnsheds]

RosinBag - was not trying to get under your skin. I have had similar experiences and they suck. Sorry about the delivery of the first post. Just was thinking that since your description of the hit and wound sound substantial, it wouldn't hurt to stick to it and hunt the same area. If the description of hit is accurate, that deer is certainly not up and about. Who knows, sticking to the same area, you may turn him up. Good luck.

 

[RosinBag]

Always trying MTnsheds, maybe I took your first post wrong. I was already pissed about the morning events, so I may have taken it out of context.

 

[robby denning]

Mtnsheds,

Yes, "all you could" at least for the day.

Did you read what else I said "you might see him again".

Keep at it Doug, this buck or another if the first doesn't show up. When the blood and tracks are gone, not much you can do. I've tried.