Time is up and I left him on the mountain.

MntHunter

FNG
Joined
Jan 18, 2024
Messages
44
Guys, this story may not be over just yet… I’m hopeful I can get Friday off work. IF I can make that happen I’m giving this buck 1 more run for his money. Would leave Thursday afternoon & drive through the night to hunt Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning.
Good luck!! Great hunt so far and really hoping part 2 happens!
 
Joined
Jan 9, 2023
Messages
408
Location
NV
Guys, this story may not be over just yet… I’m hopeful I can get Friday off work. IF I can make that happen I’m giving this buck 1 more run for his money. Would leave Thursday afternoon & drive through the night to hunt Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning.
Get after it!
 
Joined
Nov 4, 2019
Messages
44
The deer is incredible for 2024 in most states/areas. I liked the bear pic, just a really good pic. I agree that was a cool experience even tho u didn't punch a tag. You'll always remember that trip forever and you learned more than u know or think you learned.
That snake looked pretty good size and not fun. I don't kill them but I don't like them one bit. The elk was a amazing pic as well. Unguided hunts are great for so many reasons. Even if I was rich and money was nothing I would still be taking unguided trips to unfamiliar places.
 
OP
O

Okie-hunter

Lil-Rokslider
Classified Approved
Joined
May 9, 2024
Messages
122
The deer is incredible for 2024 in most states/areas. I liked the bear pic, just a really good pic. I agree that was a cool experience even tho u didn't punch a tag. You'll always remember that trip forever and you learned more than u know or think you learned.
That snake looked pretty good size and not fun. I don't kill them but I don't like them one bit. The elk was a amazing pic as well. Unguided hunts are great for so many reasons. Even if I was rich and money was nothing I would still be taking unguided trips to unfamiliar places.
Im glad you enjoyed the read. I agree 100%. It’s looking like I’m going to get a bonus 3 days to hunt that deer and be in some beautiful country this weekend. A long drive but I’ll sleep better at night knowing I gave it everything I could to get the job done.
I don’t kill snakes either… they don’t bother anything and I bet that rattler will never see another human in its lifetime. I’ve never hunted with a guide but my personal preference is to earn things the hard way (not that there’s anything easy about hunting with a guide). Even if I came out with nothing I learned a hell of a lot and have had a great time during the process. Hunting solo means one thing… all the failures and successes are on you and nobody else.
 
OP
O

Okie-hunter

Lil-Rokslider
Classified Approved
Joined
May 9, 2024
Messages
122
Did you have a bear tag? That looks like a nice one!
I did not… Looks like a big sow to me but if we are being honest that’s the first wild bear I’ve ever seen so still have plenty to learn about them.
 

awcopeland

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Apr 29, 2022
Messages
109
It is! Still hanging on in the velvet. Thought that was pretty cool.
I believe he was the only ram with an ear tag out of 7. There’s no sheep hunts in this unit & Im sure the DNR keeps a close eye on these rams.
I’d be careful throwing this kind of information around if you want to hunt this buck again. There’s a lot of folks out there between the pictures and these clues that will start to put together where this buck is hanging out. Just my two cents.
 
OP
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Okie-hunter

Lil-Rokslider
Classified Approved
Joined
May 9, 2024
Messages
122
Thanks for following along guys!
Looks like tag soup for me this year but it wasn’t due to a lack of trying! I’m excited for future seasons chasing these awesome bucks in some beautiful country. Saw the big buck Friday morning but was unable to make a move on him. That “Hunting not killing” saying has proven true once more.

Now it’s time to get my whitetail season kicked off as I have some studs located that I’m excited to hunt!
Forever blessed and thankful for these opportunities to do what I love.
 

Snowb1rd

FNG
Joined
Sep 6, 2024
Messages
10
Love the pics and the story. Shame you didn't get the buck, but definitely sounds like a great experience. Hoping to get myself out there next year
 
Joined
Nov 7, 2012
Messages
8,205
Location
S. UTAH
Be proud. I have yet to see a bear or sheep out on the mountain, and I live out here. As far as the buck, I've spend 5 days this month on a premium UT limited entry unit and not seen a buck that big. You did well.
 
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