Now mind you, I didn't get a shot off. I went for deer and they were a little bit busy doing important deer things. Only a few surfaced but I had such an awesome time. I had three days off from work and 4400 acres to cruise on. There were five of us total for the whole time. Lots of space. =0)

My buddy just called and I lost my train of thought.....???

Anywhooo...my last time out was this morning. I had found a really nice spot, the wind was in my favor and I had seen deer there the night before. I was looking forward to my first kill. I got in the blind at about 5:45 and after nothing, the sun started to peek out a bit. I remembered the thread here "what keeps you in the stand?" and just closed my eyes and thought for a bit about what a wonderful life I have. I opened my eyes a few minutes later and had a shocker!

Great time.

 

Very cool.

:eek:    :eek:    

That just made me click your name to check your occupation! Can't say I was surprised.  From a fellow professional photographer... "awesome shot"

QuoteOriginally posted by kevin braun:
That just made me click your name to check your occupation! Can't say I was surprised.  From a fellow professional photographer... "awesome shot"

He got a heck of a lot closer and I held the camera in my knees. I opted NOT to click another. This was the second shot. After he heard the first, his lips stopped on the grass and I got this one. I finally got the berries to run him off. Before I did....I drew to full draw on him...hehe. It was a rush.

Amen Fido, there is years of wisdom in your words.

Very cool!

An experience you'll treasure for life, and one most of us will never have.   thanks for sharing

QuoteOriginally posted by Dick in Seattle:
An experience you'll treasure for life, and one most of us will never have.   thanks for sharing

I'm still pumped. This hunt was a Christmas gift from Mom and Dad. They couldn't have gotten me anything better. I'll treasure the memories. That's what it's about right? =0)

Sounds like you had a good time, did you take my bow?

That's a huge spike buck, man!      :D

QuoteOriginally posted by Chester Thompson:
Sounds like you had a good time, did you take my bow?

Had the time of my life Chester. Yes....I took MY bow..LOL!

I have to tell you about the first morning! What a RUSH!

The first morning was the most heart pumping experience. It deserves it's own thread. =0)

Nice Fido Dog, we'll be waiting for the story!

 

QuoteOriginally posted by NorthernCaliforniaHunter:
Nice Fido Dog, we'll be waiting for the story!

     

So this is what happened. Still gives me chills!

My first time out was in the afternoon. After a while I heard some branches cracking and saw cedar trees moving a bit. There he was about 50 yards off. A monster Bull Elk. I snapped one pic and only got his antlers over the Cedar. I was in awe. I left the blind shortly before twilight and saw him in a field.....wow!

I headed to the same spot the next morning about 5:30. Got settled in and shortly after that a small doe came in. I wasn't sure what it was because it was still dark. Then I saw her ears...cute. I sat still hoping some more would come into the pasture when I heard a noise behind me and it sounded bigger than a small doe. You know how you can tell just by the stride?? I was hoping it was a big buck they had been calling "Cotton". My heart started to pump! Then he got closer and closer to me. By now I was hearing the sound of branches breaking. He came right towards me. I thought "Just sit perfectly still and don't look". I'm sure I was shaking though....hehe! Then a few more steps down the hill and he was right on top of me. My eyes must have been the size of bull balls! I heard a sniff....sniff, sniff, His head was over the blind. I didn't move and I was scared and exhilarated at the same time. A few more sniffs and he rubbed against the blind and walked off back up the hill. I could have punched him in the chin he was so close....2 feet!

It was the Bull Elk I had seen the day before! After that I really had to pee. I sat for about a half hour then walked out of the blind to see the hoof prints.....wowsers!

THAT was the true highlight of the trip. I can't even describe the feeling.

thanks for sharing ... good stuff .

WOOOOOO HOWDY, now THAT'S a STORY!!!

 

QuoteOriginally posted by NorthernCaliforniaHunter:
WOOOOOO HOWDY, now THAT'S a STORY!!!

     

Worst of all....it's true! I got busted. LOL!

I was so scared. I about threw up! Then I was like...MAN that was awesome!

I can't wait to get out again. I learned from here and applied in the field and things are coming together on what to do and what NOT to do on a hunt.

The journey has just started.

wOW! WHAT A STORY!  Thanks for shareing.

Great story and love the buffalo pic!!!