The creek bottom was cold that morning as we rode toward the top of the mountain. A lot of time and preparation led up to this August morning and I felt as if our confidence was earned.
Our packs were heavy as we threw them over our shoulders, but we were prepared to sit on this deer all day if necessary. I was joined by my partner Lee with the thermals in our favor we wrapped the back of the hillside. As we crested the top so did the sun in the distance. We could see our other partner, Beau watching our strategy. A two point buck was feeding directly below us, if he were to spook over the front side our plan was destroyed. Quickly and quietly we put some distance between us and the young deer. Almost every
Fueled by Passion
By Cody Cannon
The sun couldn’ t be any hotter as it bounced
off my face in relentless fashion. The heat waves danced in the lens of our spotting scopes. The shade and security of the pine tree was a perfect summer hide out for the deer we had been watching for countless hours. The direction the deer entered and exited their beds on a daily manner was important details for our notes. If you have ever scouted early season mule deer you know as well as I do the mornings are early and the days are long. I was supported by three partners of mine, that weren’ t fueled by a tag in their pocket, rather by extreme passion and desire for these animals. These boys could spot legs under trees from a mile away and would watch all day in the heat to see what the deer looked like. We study areas that keep our options open. Places like waterholes, bow-huntable terrain for spot and stalk opportunities and even trees and brush lines that are good for hiding and stands.
morning a bachelor heard of bucks would feed up this draw and crest the top. Our plan was rather simple, wait for them as the come our way. Luck was on our side because it wasn’ t long and seen tips of velvet antlers in the brush coming our way. A mature buck and doe fed right into the open on the top of the mountain. Over my shoulder I heard a whisper“ 62 yards”. Although a long shot I felt prepared to take it. We watched the arrow sail low under the deer. The deer bounced off unharmed.
Lee picked my arrow up off the shale rocks and said“ As bow hunters we have to learn to accept defeat. Now come on we got more deer to hunt.” The sun was high in the sky by the time we reached our plan B spot. We crept over the skyline on our knees and glassed down towards the bedding trees. We weren’ t surprised when we seen a buck soaking up the shade below the pine
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