Big Sky
Well-known member
So my 14 year old daughter tells me that after killing a really big whitetail her first year (two years ago), that this year she would like a mule deer buck. She had to pick the year when deer numbers are the lowest they've been in probably 20 years in Montana. I told her I'd see what we could do, but wasn't going to make any promises. I am kind'a lucky though. Out my classroom window where I teach I have a good view of a hillside. It is common to see deer on the hill. Today I noted quite a few deer were moving. So I asked my daughter if she wanted to go for a quick hike after school in and area where I'd heard there was a really freaky looking muley buck. She gave me that typical teenage look like "DUH!" Then replied she would be ready right after school. So we rushed home from school/work, changed clothes, and put the pedal to the metal to get to the trail head. We had about 1 1/2 hours of light to work with so we hiked quickly and glassed often along the way. First off we saw a couple mule deer does. Then a little further on I spotted an average 3x3 mule deer that my daughter passed on. Then another forkhorn, which she had no trouble passing either. We spotted a few more mule deer does and a pair of whitetail does. We were encouraged by all the deer sightings. I had a specific canyon I was trying to reach before dark. We made it with a little time to spare. We slowed as we neared the edge. I crept forward and told my daughter to be ready as there were often deer in this particular canyon. I had no sooner said that when I spotted the freaky buck standing majestically on a point, broadside, 200 yards away. He did not see us. I had my daughter put the bi-pod down on her 7mm08 Rem Mt. Rifle. I told her to hold right on his shoulder and when she was crazy steady to squeeze the trigger. I assured her she had time, and the buck didn't have a clue we were there. She got dogged in. Found the buck in her scope, caressed the trigger just right, and sent a 140gr. Federal Fusion bullet on its way. The buck leaped in the air, and catapulted downhill off the point. He made it 50 yards before piling up in a brushy hell-hole. The hugs and high 5's ensued! Not a bad shot considering the 30mph wind and 28 degree temperature without windchill figured in. We had a heckuva time reaching the buck, but finally did. I had to really grunt to get him up and out of the mess he was in so we could get some good photos. Now he isn't a mega-monster, but he's super cool and unique. He's a 6x5 with a 1 7/8" spread.
In this photo below you can see he's got a body like a horse. Felt like a draft horse trying to pull him uphill by myself.
Last but not least here's the best part about being a dad for a guide.
In this photo below you can see he's got a body like a horse. Felt like a draft horse trying to pull him uphill by myself.
Last but not least here's the best part about being a dad for a guide.
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