back from local deer hunting

[el Toro]

Well I'm back with my filled tag. After hunting super hard pretty much all day, up and down, up and down, I was pretty discouraged and sore. I saw very little sign and only a bobcat for my efforts. I was getting very tired due to the 3:45 am alarm and all day walking, so I decided to call it quits about 5:30 pm. I pack it up and there is about a 3 or 4 mile dirt road drive before pavement. I totally thought I was done with this spot and was already thinking of other areas to hunt. 15 minutes later, about a mile before the pavement starts, I just happened to look over and 50 yds off the side of the road are two deer looking at me, one doe and one small fork. Now I have hunted this area for the last 3 years with a D16 tag and only seen does. So this year I figure that with a few out-of-state hunts planned, I'll just see if I can get a doe tag locally. So sure enough I have a doe tag and here is a buck looking right at me. I jump out, uncase my gun as I had packed it up already. Find where I put my ammo, pop one in and down she goes. They stood there looking at me though all this racket. In the few years I have been hunting this area I have only seen one other hunter so these deer are not really pressured at all. I guess that is why they just stood there. Now I hate road hunting so please don't think this is what I was doing. I was going home and just happened to see the dumb deer standing there. So I dress her out, a 10 foot drag into a small wash, and I backed the truck up right to her. I'd rather be lucky than good any day. Just pure dumb luck.

[Kurt]

Way to go man. I really miss that so it's really cool to read about your outing.

[KC Kevin]

Not complete luck man, you had to still be on the watch or you wouldn't have seen her. Congrats on the doe, and not having to pack it out!

[how2fish]

Nice job Nate...I completely understand; this sounds like my trip to Colorado minus the killing part

[Stanley]

Thanks for the cool report.

Not sure about the "luck" thing, though. You got out there, made an effort, and filled your tag. Sounds like the way I find kelp patties, search, search, search and then practically run the damned things over.

BTW, I know you said D16, whereabouts is that?

[Sluester]

Right on Nate! Glad ya got one!

[Vermonster]

Nate,


Congrats Man!!!! That's cool.... Shoulda bought a D-16 tag too....



Spooker.... It's all of San Diego County, plus some of Imperial over to the Hwy 111........

[el Toro]

Thanks guys. Sean my second tag is an A22, so I will still have several weeks to get one with my bow. I had two other buddy's who bailed on my at the last minute. I loved calling them right afterwards and telling them how easy it could have been. My little bro was with me, but he did not have any tag. He was just along for the ride. I tried to talk him into going to the DFG office and picking one up but he lagged. I doubt he'll make that mistake again.

[GRADSTEIN]

Great job Nate. She's gonna eat good. Now we have to get Anello a deer out here in MI next week!!!

[RGrycki]

Good job dude. I had something similar happen to me a couple days ago. but it was nearly dark and she just walked right out on the logging road in front of me as I was walking out. She just stood there and stared at my flashlight while I decided not to shoot her. It was right at the edge of legal light and I don't know if it was legal to shoot her with a flashlight in my hand. It turned out to be a good decision because for the first time in 6 years hunting this spot there was a game warden waiting for me at my truck.

[Vermonster]

Nate,


I got Monday off and a D-16 tag... Wanna tell me where it is????

[el Toro]

Sean, check your PM.