Been trying to kill one of the bucks behind my house, but after a big rain and wind storm blew through the northwest Monday I decided to go up in the higher country and look at some new real estate.

I'd cut timber in this area a few years ago, and remember when the snow came it was like a funnel for deer baling out of the high country. The roadside willows had been getting thrashed by the bucks, which is always a good sign!

I finally located some big timber that I wanted to hunt, grabbed my bow, rattlers, and worked my way up a ridge.  I'd worked the antlers in two areas without a response, but the third spot I stopped to rattle I could see a deer working it's way toward me through the timber. I could see it was a small buck, which was good enough for me!

After a few minutes the buck had come to within 30 yds, but stopped and seemed nervous. Then the buck began moving around to my left staying just out of my effective range. I was wondering if he had caught wind of me, but he stopped and looked back and seemed to be looking through me. As i turned my head I spotted this bigger buck which had come in behind and to my right.

The bigger buck saw me move, but seemed more occupied with what the little buck was doing. He started to circle out in front of me and when he came out from behind a big doug fir at a little over 15 yds I drew and released. The buck took off toward the small buck, then made a U turn and ran back the direction he had come from. After a 50 yd sprint he stopped, staggered a little and tipped over.

I chose to drag him back to the truck instead of retrieving my packboard, a big mistake! The drag out just about kicked my butt!    

After not filling my elk tag this year I was really happy to get this buck.    

Very nice deer sir! Congrats!      

Congrats, that's one I want to get a chance at some day!

Wow .  Beautiful buck.

BUT...that picture should be on a magazine cover.  I am sure you know as it is an exceptional shot.  I just wanted you to know I appreciated the artwork of the photo effort too.

Well done. And Well done...thanks for sharing...

That is a very nice buck.  Thanks for taking us along on your hunt.

Awesome buck, congrats!

Nice deer...

Nice buck!      

awesome buck and a great photo!!!

Very nice buck    

I was thinking of you the other day after a different Blacktail thread here.
Great looking buck and bow. Second the great pic comment. What colors!

Awesome, congrats.  They're on my bucket list.

Great buck!  

Great Buck.......Congrats

That's awesome! Shooting douglas fir arrows with a Blacktail bow and killing a dandy blacktail buck...perfect!
Thanks for posting it here Ron. I'm laid up with a bum leg. Haven't been able to get out...it's killing me. But seeing this helps.

Awsome buck.  Congrats!

Congratulations!

Great photo, not a bad looking bow either...      

Great photo! I'm jealous of the light clothes your wearing and leaves on the ground . (Winter conditions here. )Good job on taking the deer. Maxx

Great job!

Nice buck Ron.        

We have gotta hook up one of these days and do some shooting or hunting together. I'm not far from you at all in Mulino.

On Saturday when the late season opened, my daughter and i were up at the snow line above Ripple Brook ranger station when that storm started blowing in... Not much moving up top.