How about a deer? Or maybe an Elk?

[HowaHunter]

Well... I have been fairly absent around here for quite a while. It seemed there was not enough time to hunt much at all with life's happenings that keep us plenty busy. So, this year I carved out some time to hit the Idaho hills and figured why not post about it when I have cell service. No guarantee that anything will hit the freezer but it will be fun.

I took a short drive to the unit where I will be deer and elk hunting. My camp does not have cell service so I am writing this from this afternoons spot. My oldest daughter already filled her deer tag on opening day much closer to home, yet in the same unit. The family will be joining me on Friday to pursue their first elk.

I am hunting a difficult to access spot this afternoon in hope of some deer meat. So far I have seen 7 does (on private) and had the seal on my Stokes "Vortex" binos blow out and fog up. Ugh! I have had those for nearly 20 years without a single problem. Good thing there are spares in the truck!

Anyway, here are some snapshots of this afternoon so far. I will try and update daily but make no promises.

 

[duckhunt]

Good luck

 

[HowaHunter]

Yesterday was a day to check a lot of area. I have not hunted this unit much at all so Yesterday was an education session. I did see a few does but nothing overly exciting for sign.

Day 3, today, started with excitement that continued to build on the 1 mile stroll into a decent looking spot. Upon arrival, while looking for a good spot to sit, I notice a small tree shaking back and forth at a rapid pace. Soon I realize it is an "okay" buck. I ready myself, or so I thought and pulled the trigger when he came out and turned broadside. I whiffed big time. Ugh!

I spent the next 40 minutes verifying my swing and a miss. From here I hiked another 10 or so minutes and do some glassing. As soon as I sit down a 5 point bull elk and spike walk out 40 yards in front of me. Bull season opens in 2 days!

No bucks with these two.

 

[HowaHunter]

My week in the hills ended without anything to fill the freezer with. It was an incredible time with plenty of animal sightings while not always in the right place at the right time. A couple of day trips are probably in my future and I will hopefully stumble into one of the bulls I had previously spotted before season. Til next time.