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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