As many of you know I have started my own business this year and true to form it was difficult to get out and hunt this year.The season started off with my son and I heading out to western Nebraska for Mule Deer. 2009 was the second time I had taken my son hunting, and we both had hopes of him getting his first deer. We hunted on a good friends ranch along with two other guys that had come from Minnesota to hunt mule deer as well. Our trip began seeing a nice 4 x 4 white tail buck chasing a doe we watched this buck (tongue haning out) stumbling but oblivious to our presence. It was nice to see as he caught up with her. It was obvious that the rut was in full swing.
True to form for most ranches in western Nebraska the deer were plentiful, and we had several opportunities to see them at all times of the day. My son and I had the good fortune to see two white tail buks lock horns and wrestle for a few minutes but it was great to see it and spend some time watching them. The day before season opened we were headed to Chadron Nebraska to pick up some groceries for how stay, along the way we saw many deer, turkeys, and Elk. Doug's Ranch has some of the best grass I have seen in that area of the state and he enjoys having elk on his property most of the year. During the stay one of the guys found a shed from a bull Elk that was huge. Amazing animals to see and more enjooyable to eat for sure.
Opening day Doug had a plan for everyone, I chose a knob not far from our lodging, my plan was simple set for an hour then move east and work up through some breaks and hopefully move some deer past Duce, and Kevin the Minnesota hunters. As I worked my way through the breaks I could see that the deer had been using them very hard and it was a great place to set and wait. I completed my turn and knew that I needed to get back to my starting point, as I came up from the last break I could see the knob hill about 180yards away. I then saw about 6 doe come boucing into plain view upwind from me. I droped to one knee and then out came another 6 and finally a nice 5 x 5 buck. I estimated his width to be about 25" wide. I scoped him and wanted to shoot, it would have been so easy but in the back of my mind I could hear my buddy asking me to let bucks go for his paying customers so I did. I moved my scope over the bucks back and focused on a doe behind him, slowly squeezed my trigger of my .223 and let the bullet fly. As I squeezed the round off I saw my doe move foward ready to take off. I moved my scope back to the buck who had now turned to show me his other side, it looked as good as the side previously seen. All of the doe took off and the buck continued to look down toward me for another 3 to 4 minutes.
the Buck then took off and that was the last I had seen of him, I began my trek up to where I had shot my doe and found no sign of blood, I began to questsion my shot at this point and the use of my .223 over my 7mm. I walked up over the saddle where the deer had disappeared and looked around, no deer. At this point I was feeling pretty bad about not having a dead deer right there, but then after a few steps I noticed a yucca plant that just did not look right, and there was my doe piled up into the yucca plant not 25 yards from where I had shot her. I field dressed my kill, and then hooked up with my son and Doug to get my deer and hang it. My son elected to take my four wheeler and go back out hunting while Doug and I took my deer to the barn for hanging. Once done we came back into the ranch from the back side, while opening a gate we both heard a single shot. Sure sounded like the 30.06 that my son was carrying. We both grinned and agreed John had killed his first deer. We moved quickly trying to locate him and provide some assistance. When we first saw him he was headed back to camp for help.
John and I went back found his deeer field dressed it and then left it in the truck for the evening as it as getting pretty dark. We all cleaned up and went to town for a charity dinner where we got to listen to several people discussing their hunting experience of the day. It was a great time and it is always nice to be around the western Nebrask folks with their friendly ways. The next day John and I both agreed that we would head home, work was calling me and we had a long drive.
Doug has been a good friend for many years, his and his families hospitality knows no bounds, as they welcome everyone the same. They treat you like family, I for one have enjoyed them very much and the time Doug and I got to spend together this year was a blessing for sure. I do believe that we both needed some time off and for me at least it was time well spent.
I look forward to rifle season next year and spending some more time wtih Doug at his place or somewhere else.
Nebraska Bow Hunting Season 2009
Well once again the season opened and I was working non stop, I got my bow out for the first time December 6th only to find myself on a project that kept me busy until I went back out December 26th. Thanks to my oldest brother who has for my entire life inspired me to enjoy the outdoors. Even when work gets hectic he manages to get me out hunting or fishing. I enjoy his time and appreciate all that he has done for me. He makes it easy for me by knowing where the deer are and helping me to maximize my time while I am hunting.
My season started out with two shots at does that I flat out missed, very disappointing but I saw many deer and I had shots. Currently we are still hunting and are getting closer to getting our last deer of the year. I am looking forward to the last few days and hope to be reporting the harvest in the next few days.
