Live Hunt: Idaho Archery Buck Hunt

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That’s right, it’s time again.  Idaho archery opens August 30th.  Lord willin’, as dawn breaks sky, I’ll be looking over some of my favorite deer country where I just happen to have seen a great buck a mere two days ago.  I’ve put in no less than 14 days scouting time since mid-July and it was looking like I was going to have to settle hunting a less-than great buck.  That all changed at daylight, Wednesday morning.  I only got a quick look at him, but he looked really good with a heavy basket-shaped frame and twin cheaters on each G-2.  I’d put him in the 190’s gross and outside spread around 30″ (I reserve the right for ground shrinkage!).  No matter, he’s is plenty good enough for this deer hunter.  I only see about one deer a year on the hoof in this class.  He’s a sagebrush buck living in some rough country that is fairly open.  There are patches of aspen and maple and I’m sure this is where he’s spending his days.  I’ve hunted the area before, and the bucks tend to travel pretty far between feeding and bedding, so they are hard to keep track of.  Beats working, though.

So follow the entire hunt here on the Blog.  Just like on the forums, you’ll be able to comment, so join in.  If you’d like automatic updates, make sure you “subscribe to this entry” at the top or bottom of the blog (depends on browser).  According to the fine folks who program our blog, you should receive live updates as a subscriber to this blog entry.  You should also subsribe to the blog at the “subscribe to blog” at the top right under Fitness/Other.  That will subscribe you to the entire blog and you’ll recieve an email when we post a new entry.

Just this morning, I put the final touches on my bow along with my little boy, Cash.  He’s seven and has shown a real interest in bows this year.  He’s more into killing dragons and and evil wizards, but he might get an itch to hunt mule deer.  Hope so.

8/30  This is Jodi, Robby’s wife. Robby called:  on top at daylight.  Had to sit out a lightning storm.  Started glassing at sunrise.  At least three other hunters in the area.  Never spotted any deer-the other hunters seem to have pulled out. Glassed until 10 and heading back to base camp.

8/30

Coop, wish you could’ve been here, too.  Maybe next year?  Hi Cindy!  Hope you’re out chasing bucks.

Everyone, I made it back to camp around noon.  Hotter than my wife up here.  Got camp set up last night and bed by 11, up at 4:30, on top by 6:10. Just those three hunters.  No indication they saw the buck, nor did I.  I hope they didn’t spook him as they were walking all over in the wide open.  One guy used the other guy’s shoulder for his spotting scope tripod all morning.  Don’t know how well that works,.  As it usually is, it’s so hard to get work and family settled and get out of town, I was exhausted by the time I got done hunting.  Took a nap and got caught up on some work. This is a working hunt.  Only way I can be gone this long.  Plus I need to update you guys.  As I said, it can be pretty boring on these early season hunts with long days and bucks only up for a little bit of the day.  I put this short video together to pass the time.  As the title says, be warned!  

I’ll be back out tonight glassing.  I hope I can show you guys this buck.  He’s awesome.

Ryan Avery, I made that just for you.

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 8/31 7am- This is Jodi, Robby just let me know that he just spotted the buck!  There are three hunters above where he is-hoping they don’t see him.  Robby is going to try to sneak closer now.  

7:45am.  He is 1/2 mile from the buck-almost stepped on a baby bobcat kitten while looking for the buck.  The other hunters still there.  Hope they don’t see the buck!

 8:20am.  “I’m in the draws he fed into.  Unless these other hunters spooked him, I should be seeing him soon.”

“8:30 and already have shirt off.  Hot! I mean the weather.  cant see any deer in these draws.  I got below the hunters…”

10am “two new hunters with blue jeans and but camo shirts that just showed up.  Still no sign of Horny Head”

Hunters seem to have pulled out.  Saw five hunters, pretty busy.  Buck got away.  Feels like an oven out here.”

Back to Missy. A sight for sore feet.

Buck Bedroom-seems to be 10 old beds here.

8/31 update: 

Recap to what Jodi posted.  About 10 days ago, I sprained my ankle pretty bad while building a horse fence.  I was doing fine until this hunt started and have been pretty sore.  Glad I brought the horses.  From base camp, I rode to top and was glassing by first light.  Three hunters showed up.  The buck has moved and is way down the mountain.  Probably from all the hunters (two more showed up around 10, so plenty of pressure.)  I spotted him before sunrise moving into some coulee country.  I got my best look at him yet.  He’s around 28-30” wide and forks low in the back so he should score well.  Still think he’s in the 190’s but until I get a solid look, who knows.  I worked my way down the mountain pretty quick as the other hunters were just a few hundred yards above him.  I think the curve of the hill kept them from seeing him.  I hunted till around 11 and couldn’t find him.  I backed out and rode back down the mountain.  I packed a spike camp and loaded it on the horses.  I need to be closer to him at first and last lights now that he’s moved.  Too far from base camp.  Heading up now.

9:30 pm  “Left base camp at 7 On top by 8. Glassed about 10 minutes-no deer. Set camp up in a maple patch just as dark set in. Camped about 8000 feet. A trillion stars shining down. buck was 1 mile and and a thousand feet below here 14 hours ago. Hope to see him in the morning.”

7:15am Found him right at sunrise.  Feeding in same coulees as yesterday.  400 yards out with 5 other bucks.  Best part is he’s better than I thought.  Looks like a 7×9 , well into 190’s.  Got u some low quality video.  Praise the Lord, eh?

7:45am 150 yards below me.  Wind wrong. Backing out and circling.

8:20am Circled.  Blocked by other bucks.  Spooked 3 small ones. Crap!

9am Saw two different bucks.  One about 26.  Can’t find the big one, so hope I didn’t spook him.

9:10am Backing out.  Just too risky to move around in here.  Can’t spook him.

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9/1 Recap

Got my best look at him yet.  I don’t usually name bucks, but it’s so hot here, I’ve dubbed him Jalapeno.  The video shows everything.  I think he’s a 7×8 and will gross in the 190’s.  Post up in the comments your take on him.  You won’t hurt my feelings.  I’m hunting him no matter the score.

This Live Hunt wouldn’t be happening if it weren’t for my wife.  We farm 32 acres of hay and she’s being farmer, mom, and Live Hunt poster all at once. Incredible lady.  Thanks again Jodi for taking my texts to post at the crack of dawn!  Love you, baby!

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9/2  7:45am  Woke to rain. Probably got 0.15. Found new bucks One about 27″. Pussy footing around looking for Jalapeno.

Robby

 8:45 Fogged in-waiting it out.  Saw my first rattlesnake. 

9:10  fog lifting.  Hunt is on again.

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9/3 After an inch of rain yesterday, it’s like a new planet out here.  More  deer activity and much quieter, cooler conditions.  No Jalapeno.  Saw one medium buck alone and cut some buck tracks.  Glassing that canyon now.  Robby

Just got busted by 5 bucks! amature move.
Robby (notice he’s naked again?-Jodi)

Recap: Back to spike camp.  Not much happening.  Just learning.  Someone asked what kind of spotting scope I was using.  It’s a Swarovski CT 30 x75.  I did a review here http://www.rokslide.com/2012-01-09-05-09-42/optics/182-swarovski-ct-extendable-spotting-scopes

Great scope for the money.  Coryell, I’m using a Sony CX 260.  Pretty good for the weight and size, capacity,  and battery life.

Behind the scenes on a Rokslide Live Hunt.

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9/4  “Eight bucks and he is not with them.  Could be good or bad”

Check out the video, “Still Learnin’…” for last night’s and today’s update.  I’ve learned more about the area and hope I can take advantage of it over the next few days.  I had nine days for this hunt including one for camp set up, so only two more hunting days to go.  Could still happen.  Of all the good bucks I’ve taken with a bow, each one really only took one day if you know what I mean.  Thanks for sticking around.  I know these hunts can be boring at times.

Also, here is an update on the KUIU Bino Harness system and it’s proper set up.

Click here for  KUIU Video instructions

The Nimrod Apex System is working well for me on this hunt

Camp Coffee!  

Finally, a question.  Are any of you receiving and email or PM when we update this Live Hunt?  According to the program we use, you should be.  Let me know in the comments.  Much appreciated.

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9/5  7am  Scattered light showers at sunrise.  Searching for Jalapeno.  Might get really wet today..

8am.  Spotted glimpses of bucks dropping into the canyon I’d spooked bucks in two days ago.  Circling high to see if there’s Jalapeno with them.

9am Found three bucks in their beds-and stalkable.  Only took me a week.One mature buck about 26″.  No Jalapeno…..yet.

10:50am  Still galssing their bedroom.  Only spotted those three bucks in their so far.  Other deer scattered across hill, but all does and fawns.

Recap, here’s a video of today’s events.  Notice at around 2:10 when I’m showing the buck bedded in the dugout that there is another buck bedded straight below his rear leg in the sun in the sage.  I didn’t see that buck until he stood up.  Then when I was posting the video, I noticed he was visible all along.  Can’t get tunnel vision when glassing.

Also, Marshall Carruthers, I saw your comment and answered you in the comment section.  Thanks

6:30pm 

Last evening hunt. Shadows long and a few deer drifting out of their beds.

7pm    Deer getting active. Looks like I missed two small bucks glassing the bedding area today But they’re not shooters. No Jalapeno…yet.

9pm    Saw 14 deer come out of that bedding area half of them bucks but only 2 mature bucks and still no Jalapeno.  Tomorrow is last day but as my friend Jason Carter says, “The last day is the best day.”  He’s right.  By the last day, you know your area the best you’re gonna and can apply all you know.  Hunting is learning.  My strategy will be a little different than previous days.  I’ll still be in the feeding area at first light but I’ll make sure I’m glassing the bedding area earlier, like shortly after sunrise rather than 9 or 9:30 like I usually do.  Maybe I’ll see him and maybe I’ll get a stalk.  No matter, I still praise God for these hunts, successful or not.  He knows if I really need this deer.  Stay tuned…

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9/6 6:30 am  Last day and only a rattlesnake so far.

6:45am  4 bucks coming up mountain.  One is the buck I videoed in the rimrock that was with Jalapeno

7am  Did anyone order Mexican food?  ’cause I have Jalapeno spotted.  YeeHaw and Praise the Lord!  Jodi, I could be late for dinner.

7:30am  He’s on the move for cover.  Trying to keep up.

8:45am  Seem to have lost him.  Dropping down to see if I can find his track and get back on him.  Low odds way to hunt but only option now.

  9am  On some tracks.  Trying to confirm if they are his.

9:25am.  On HIS tracks.

10:10 am  Tracked him to one of the maple pockets. I’m betting on the upper one as they usually bed above their tracks. Going in.

11:35 am.  Looks like he got into heavy cover without me seeing him.  Sorry I couldn’t get it done.  I’ll post a video recap of today’s events sometime this weekend, so check back.  Thanks for following a Rokslide Live Hunt.  Robby

12:30pm   From Jodi…..

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Here’s a wrap-up of the last day’s events.  I’m planning on going back.  I have a little interruption (that will involve you all) coming up, so as soon as that’s out of the way, I hope to be back on the hunt for Jalapeno.  He was still in full velvet that last day, but I’d imagine he’ll be rubbing soon as about half the bucks were by the time I left.

Also, I think I figured out the notification process.  As long as I (or anyone) post a comment in the comment section, anyone subscribed to this entry will receive notification.  I’ll make sure I post a comment when I’m heading back after him.  I’ll be posting new blog posts, so this one will drop down a bit, but if you’re subscribed to this entry, you should get notified.  Thanks everyone!

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Robby took another day to chase Jalapeno.  Here is what he’s been texting me- Jodi.

9/12 Up at 3:45 for long hike in.  I didn’t bring the horses as I only have one day to hunt.

7am  I see Jalapeno!  I’m starting to stalk him.

7:30am  He’s feeding around 20-30 other deer right now.  No chance for stalk if he stays with them.  He’s still in full velvet and lookin’ great.

7:57am He bedded with one other medium buck.  450 yards out.  I can’t do anything but wait right now.

Medium buck just stood up.  Hope they stay in the canyon I’m in.  If they cross top, I’ll lose track of them.  Latest I’ve see Jalapeno out.

8:45am  Still bedded.  I’m stuck on an open hillside straight across from him.

9:10am  He’s been in his bed 2plus hours now.  He’s on a South face slope, so I’m guessing he’ll move to shade soon.  Still no chance at stalk.

9:30am  Jalapeno stood up.  I’m ready to move when he is.  Might get a little quiet for a bit.

9:45am  He’s feeding on a giant bitterbush in bright daylight.  Small maple patch close by.  Hope he beds there.  Much cooler than last week.

9:57am He bedded in that maple patch.  Top side.  I can see him in bed.  Stalk is on!!

10:11am  I’m 150 yards straight across on same hillside now.  Closin’ in slowly.  C’mon LORD!

10:30am 80 yards

11:04am 29 yards

11:30am Anyone watching this is going to be mad at me.  Unless Robby contacts me in the next three minutes, you won’t get an update for awhile. Our daughter has a doctor’s appt.  I’ll do my best to post asap.

9pm  As you may be aware, the Rokslide site was down for quite some time today, and I’m afraid I don’t have the best news to report for Robby.  Here is what he sent in a text at about noon today.  “Got to 18 yds Had to as he was under a cut bank. Sat down It clouded up and wind eventually changed. He winded me and is gone now. Another heartbreak but thanks to God for the chance and praise Him. BTW at 18 yards, Jalapeno is a sight to behold. Anyone ever hear the line in the Tom T. Hall song “We love winners when they cry, losers when they cry.”? Robby

Hey everyone, Robby here.  Finally had some time to post the video of the 9/12 hunt.  It was an emotionally taxing experience.   This video gives a rough breakdown of that day’s events.  Hope to be after him, soon.  Thanks for watching.

Also, I took some quick video in HD so you could see him as I have.  When I compress the normal videos, the quality declines.  Hopefully your computer will play this HD version.

I’m gonna let him heal up from that experience for a few days while I’m off on another buck hunt.  Stay tuned, you’re coming on that one, too.

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9/19.  I got Jalapeno on my mind. Tomorrow morning I’m back after him.   It will just be a one day hunt as I gotta Colorado buck quartered in a cooler in the back of the truck and the ice is melting. I’ll see if Jalapeno is out and huntable. If so, it’s game on for him. If not, I’ll have to get back before the archery season closes 9/30

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9/20 6:20 am  Left the truck at 5:15am.  Hiked in under a stunning full moon.  Sitting above “Jalapeno” canyon waiting for daybreak.  Brought my pack frame and Rokslide Kill Kit.

6:55 am Glassing at first light 

9:00 am, never spotted Jalapeno.  Did see a new buck I hadn’t seen before.  About a 24″ wide and very tall buck still in full velvet.  Funny how they just show up.  I think Jalapeno is still mad at me.  I’ll get back next week, so don’t give up on me yet.

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9/23, I’m camped at the bottom of the mountain ready to put in day 12 tomorrow for Jalapeno.  We’ll see what tomorrow brings.  Even if I don’t see him again, I can’t rest until I give it all I’ve got.  God bless us everyone!  Besides, the view from the back of my pickup is of a billion stars- what is that worth?  Watch for posts from Jodi tomorrow.

9/24 7am  “On Top glassing all the familiar rocks, ravines and knobs.  He should be here.”

7:30am  “Sun is up. Haven’t seen him.  That’s usually a bad sign….”

10:00 Hunted till 9:30 but only saw a lot of other deer.  Here’s a recap.  Can you say BORING.  Oh well, sleeping under a moonlight night, coyotes yipping and howling, and the hope of a good buck are all better than working!

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Friday September 27- Day 13 begins.  Cold night.  Camped at bottom of mountain.  C’mon Jalapeno.

7:30am Jalapeno is home today.  300 Yards.

7:50am  He is really on the move.  Lost sight of him 20 minutes ago in some high sage.

8:50am  Seem to have slipped away.  Looking for tracks now.

10:00 got on his track.  This buck is amazing.  He actually dropped off the opposite side of the hill when he was about 250 yards from me, dropped a few hundred feet then turned back toward me and came up canyon below me where the curve of the hill kept him out of sight.  He made it up the canyon into the cover without me seeing him bed.  He didn’t know I was there, just used all the terrain to his advantage so he didn’t have to stay in the wide open.  He looks great now.  Here’s a rub

And here is what he left for me when I was tracking him:

Do you think he’s trying to tell me something?

This is like what? the fourth or fifth day I’ve found him at daylight and he’s got to his bed without me seeing him?  I’ve got tomorrow morning, (Saturday) then have to be home for my son’s football game, teach Sunday School, then back on Monday for the last day.  This is exciting and bitter all at once. My poor wife.  We had a date tonight, but she’s sweet about these things and knows how rare these opportunities are.  Here’s a wrap up video.

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9/28 Day 14 Begins, cloudy and dark, going to be hard to glass.  I did not hunt last night, had to catch up on work (that’s the problem with bringing this laptop!)

It’s 9:00 and I haven’t seen him. Usually hunt another hour but I got a football game to get to.  That means this is coming down to the last day.  Jalapeno is probably preparing my butt so he can hand it to me on a plate Monday.  Oh well, Been great and sometimes the last day really is the best day.  I did find the water this morning after a month of hunting here.  It’s just a seep on steep hillside with some brush to obscure it.  I’ve seen Jalapeno on that hillside before, but never at the water during shooting hours.  That is why I don’t worry about water too much (unless I’m hunting the desert) but rather just look for the bucks.  In much of the country I hunt, I find the bucks easier than I find the water.  Also ran into another bowhunter this morning who knows this buck is here.  He said about a month ago he had him at 40 yards and some yahoo on a horse came riding by.  Wonder who that was? Ha!

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9/29 Ok Roksliders, it’s Sunday evening- tomorrow is the last day. I’m headed out for Jalapeno country in the next hour. Camp at the bottom of the mountain tonight and hike in before daylight for the 15th day of chasing him. It’s my last chance at him, maybe forever. I only say that because I have only ever found a few bucks the next year for whatever reason. Seems like if you don’t get them the year you see them, they are tough to find again. I have had it happen a few times, though.
Anyway, follow the Rok Blog tomorrow and see how it pans out. I’m thankful to God for this chance to hunt a rare and great buck, whether I get him or not…

Thanks for all the encouraging comments and PMs this last month.  You’re all great.

9/30 Up about 5:15.  Very windy during the night with some light rain.  It’s a little calmer now, but high wind forecast today.  He’ll be skittish.  Just hoping I can bed him before I lose him in the cover.  Get some coffee, eat light breakfast and start the hike.  I’m thinking of one of my favorite Bible verses “With man it is impossible, but with God, all things are possible,” Mathew 19:26. That is what keeps me going after this buck.

Thanks for following the Live Hunt.