Bridger mule deer

[FAIR CHASE]

When I moved to Bozeman in 1999, I had a guy show me some of his bucks from the Bridger's from the yester-years, WOW.

 

[Spedray]

Years ago there was an article in the Livingston Enterprise hunting paper that comes out just before hunting season where they were talking about game migration. They interviewed a biologist with MTFWP who said that they had collars on 5 generations of does that wintered in the foothills of the Bridgers and returned to Yellowstone Park in the spring.
I think that there is a good chance that some of the big bucks killed in the Bridgers actually came from the Park.

Those days are long gone I would guess since there are very few deer in the park and they probably couldn't cross I90 anyway.

I also have heard that some of the deer that winter in the bridgers come from the crazy mountains.

 

[bucdoego]

The storytelling is great - so is the photography. Thanks for sharing.

Even without filling the muley tag, you had a great adventure. You both will be telling this story for decades.

 

[Irrelevant]

I was betting on a last minute buck, dang. Way to put in the effort

 

[Huntmt28]

Hell of an effort, thank you for not just filling your tag on a young deer. Had the tag in 2018 and didn't kill 1, ended up seeing 1 that I wanted and for me it was that buck or no buck, just didn't work out with him. Thanks for taking us along.

 

[rtraverdavis]

Really enjoyed this thread, the updates, the photos and storytelling, and the effort you put into this tag. Sorry it didn’t pan out, but it was a cool ride.

 

[Frequently Banned Troll]

I ventured into the Bridgers yesterday on the west face of the most extreme rugged peaks. Found an old troll of a freak nasty warrior that hopefully made it through the season to spread his genes.

I belly crawled within range and as luck would have it (I didn’t have a permit) the old mossy horn gave me the slip, ruining my chances for an Eastman’s Journal cover shot. His ever-aware companions stood long enough for an epic photo capture by @SilentButDeadlyOutdoorImaging.

 

[antlerradar]

If the camera panned out there are probably some neighbors looking just like those does.

I am wondering how long it took for the cops to show up?

 

[Deleted member 16864]

I ventured into the Bridgers yesterday on the west face of the most extreme rugged peaks. Found an old troll of a freak nasty warrior that hopefully made it through the season to spread his genes.
View attachment 303453
I belly crawled within range and as luck would have it (I didn’t have a permit) the old mossy horn gave me the slip, ruining my chances for an Eastman’s Journal cover shot. His ever-aware companions stood long enough for an epic photo capture by @SilentButDeadlyOutdoorImaging.
View attachment 303454

It was “The year of the yard deer” up here in Helena too.

 

[OverlordBear]

Thanks for the trip report! Great story and congrats on the five animals. That is hell of a season for two hunters.

 

[bullkillintime]

I also have heard that some of the deer that winter in the bridgers come from the crazy mountains.

It was a lot of fun to follow this thread! My 13 y/o son has the Bridger tag this year so here we go!

 

[Spedray]

Pray for snow. I know some decent deer migrate in from the surrounding areas but we didn't get any real snow last year during the season. We skipped some popular hiking areas and I think that hurt our chances. We talked to some people that saw good bucks but it's hard to say what they think a good bucks is. Be prepared to see people anywhere. Hope you are a nice one and good luck.

 

[hunter93]

Thanks for a great story. Was a good read

 

[drmt]

Caught up on this a few years later as I trudge around in search each weekend. Awesome story and fuel for the fire!

 

[BAKPAKR]

I have grown up in the gallatin valley. My hunting partner and I have decided to go all in on the Bridgers this year. We usually hunt in SE Montana for deer. With the harsh winter and dwindling numbers, we decided to take a break and hunt close to home. I know this isn’t the tag it was growing up in the 90’s. I have hunted off and on for elk in the area in November. I have seen some ok bucks during the rut. I have never bow hunted this area though. Do the buck tend to hang out in the head wall areas during bow season? Went scouting last weekend, and while the area looked amazing, we saw very few deer tracks. Am I out of line thinking we can hold out for a 170” buck? Going to be going out almost every weekend during season and not afraid to hike. Just looking for some general guidance in elevation I should be looking at. Thanks to all that help.
Jon

For some reason, I initially thought @Frequently Banned Troll was the hunting partner.