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The
Quest For The Big Buck
Story
and Pictures Sent In by Shawn
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The
quest for a dream buck began in 1986. As year after year went by, the
thought would cross my mind that I may never get a crack at a quality
buck. As Autumn would fade to winter the snow would slowly creep into the
valleys, driving the deer from there high summer home and onto the
benches, where they would be much more visible.
Some
of these bucks were what I would call magnum. There were not just one or
two but 20 or 30 nice bucks every single year! I would slip deeper and
deeper into post hunt depression, realizing that those big deer had
succeeded once again by putting the October slip on me! I started asking
myself every imaginable question concerning the failure of my quest. Am I
hunting the wrong area? Do I need to apply for some out of state hunt
areas? Do I need to hunt a little higher or maybe lower? Do I need better
gear? Nine thousand dollars later I had a new ATV, a Sako 25-06, outfitted
with a Ziess scope and the finest apparel a deer hunter could ask
for.
As
a couple of more years of disappointment would pass, my respect for
"the Old Muley" would deepen. 2001 would land me in Southern
Utah, the most fascinating, beautiful, but God awful terrain a hunter
could ever face. The keys to success would prove to be a good vantage
point, (which is more difficult than it may sound) a lot of patience, and
very good eyes. The terrain in Southern Utah plays very much into the
hands of the deer. When you get to see them, it is for only a step or two
then they are gone. The second key to success is don't be late! Like I
said vantage points are a premium, and like Vultures soaring over a
carcass, are your competition over your spot. The third key to my success
wasn't all the money I spent on gear or all the long hours I spent
scouting, it was 100% pure luck!
I
caught a glimpse of the buck just as he was going behind a Juniper, As I
studied the tree waiting for the buck to show himself, I noticed antlers
protruding up out of the tree. I immediately shouldered "Old
Lucifer". If the buck continued on the same course he would have
about four steps before reaching the next tree, and be another contributor
to my post hunt depression. But this day was my day. Three steps into his
four-step journey there was a 117 gr, Boatail soft point in route, which
would redefine the path of his journey. After years and years of let down,
I had finally succeeded in taking a good buck and the icing on the cake,
it was taken on public land! Had I not been following my gut instinct that
day a 29" wide four point, 24 inches tall could have slipped away.
The truth is I didn't know whether I was taking a crack at a magnum two
point or a wall hanger. There was barely enough time to pull the trigger.
2002
and 2003 were also very good years. Having the opportunity to take
two more respectable and unique bucks. One being a 24" 4x6 and the
other a 25" 4x5. All in all the last three bucks have had a total
width of 78" and a total height of 55". Three bucks that I 'am
very proud of. What is really the key to my success?. . . . . .
Luck!
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