2008 Idaho Deer Hunt

This year we hunted again in Idaho up between Preston and Montpelier in Franklin County. The first 5 days hunting we watched about 8 bucks that were smaller bucks and Bryce ended up taking a large 2point that he shot at 611 yards on his second shot, it was amazing. Josh and I decided to head back out for a few more days this weekend to the same area. Josh Dyches is my neighbor and one of my best friends. After a few more days of hunting we decided to hunt one last day in the same bowl that you see above, it is a beautiful area that is a heck of a hike to get to. Sunday morning I spotted this buck at around 600 yards walking the tree line down the mountian. I immediately knew it was a buck cause I could see the antlers without binoculars. I wanted to shoot him but knew it was a far shot so I watched him go into some trees to bed down. I kept my eye on that area for an hour and half and decided to go after him. Josh stayed behind at a vantage point and watched the area in case the buck decided to move. I hiked an hour down the one mountain and back up the other side and watched the trees where he bedded down from around 150 yards. Most bucks get up around 1pm to get a quick bite to eat, once that time hit I decided to go into his bedding area to get him. Sure enough as I went crashing through, the buck came out the other end. I heard about 5 shots ring out from across the canyon, Josh obviously was shooting at the buck and I couldn't see the deer. I finally saw him after literally running up the mountain to get to a better veiw point. Josh wounded him and had also shot through his ear and blew off his antler. I made the kill at 40 yards, so we harvested this deer on a joint effort between Josh and I. This sucker weighed 199 lbs and had a huge head and neck. It took us 4 hours to haul him out of that area and boy did it suck. Never had I wanted a drink of water more in my life. He doesn't have the biggest antlers but a good tall 3x3 with good eye guards and a big body. The game processor we took him too said he was the 2nd largest body he has seen this season. All in all I would say it was a successful year with lots of memories and fun. Thanks for all the fun this season Bryce, Josh and Dad a day of hunting even without success is better than almost any other day.