Texas Mule Deer

[Heavy C]

I was able to go on a Mule Deer hunt SE of Marfa, Tx down around the Big Bend this past weekend with my youngest brother. I had a permit for a management buck.

We went out Friday morning early and hunted hard all day. It was tough seeing great bucks that were too good to shoot. It is such a challenge when you are looking for specific deer.

Late Friday morning we spotted a buck about 165 yard with a very tall rack. He had 8 points and the rack was narrow...we named him Basket. Anyway, the guide called it in and the outfitter said no because he had 8 points. Needless to say we were pissed and never saw him again.

Saturday was warm and windy. We saw over 30 doe's, and only 3 bucks. Again, none were what we were looking for.

Sunday morning arrived. It was the last day of our hunt and the last day of the season. We were definitely feeling the pressure. It was a heck of a lot colder and the deer were moving. We went up our first mountain on to a mesa. As we scanned the horizon we spotted some bucks. "There he is!", said the guide. He was the strangest buck I had ever seen, but he was the one they wanted off the reservation. As we stalked in for the shot he trotted to our right where we spotted another buck. He was a young 8 pointer. Anyway these two went at it. The rut was finally kicking in. The buck we were stalking prevailed in the fight. He stood there broadside a mere 65 yards away. I settled the crosshairs of my .308 Encore pistol and squeezed the trigger. That bullet went right through the pump station. he took off running and after 10 yards went down. The young buck came back for round two and would not leave. What a great morning. He aged at 5 1/2 years old and nine points.



That .308 liquified the heart and lungs. I wished I had taken one of my revolvers with a shot that close, but didn't trust the airlines. I hope to go Whitetail hunting before Christmas in south Texas. Maybe I can use one of my revolvers there. If not, I know my Encore and I are up to the task.

[mitch1352]

Now that is a rack! What kind of shoulder holster is that? I have 2 G2 Contenders and normally hunt from a stand, so I just carry one in the pistol rug that my wife made. I was thinking about a rig like that.

[turbo]

Congrats!

[Heavy C]

Thanks guys. Mitch, the rig is made by Quiet Hide. Dave made mine to accomodate my Encore as well as my G2. It is the absolute best way to carry these pistols out in the field. Googlle Quiet Hide.

[mt]

That's a nice management deer. Did you notice any old injuries to the animal that would cause the odd antler growth? Usually an injury will cause the opposite side antler to be deformed in that animal but I've never heard anything regarding whether it would have any affect on subsequent generations.

Management hunting will make you a better hunter for sure.

mt

[Heavy C]

Yep, he was a bit gimpy on his left front leg and he's missing a chunk from his left ear. No telling how he got those injuries; could have been a coyote or a glancing blow from a truck...who knows.

He was a challenge to be sure, but it was one of the best hunting experiences I've had in a long time.

[mt]

That's some pretty country you were hunting. Now that you mention it, that is quite a chunk out of his ear.

mt

[Markbo]

Congratulations. Sounds like a fun trip

[Heavy C]

Thanks Mark, it was a great trip. I just got a call yesterday that the shoulder mount I had done for that deer is ready. I have to pick out the wall I want to put it on in my office.