This was taken last winter in the Ketchum, ID area. The snow level was 250% of normal last winter and it really hammered the deer up there. The homeowner had just just shoveled off the garage roof and the deer moved in.

Another reason to this day I have no regrets of not taking the shot at 600+ yards on a beautiful 360 class bull in the Thorofare tending his cows, he just never would get still, who am i but some round bellied flatlander asswipe to go out and wound one of these great mountain warriors? Not a damn Chance!

If I can't crack em hard and right, I'll gladly hold my fire and wish em well.

Sorry to hear of that Gunner. BTDT.

I guess i better get me a Creed

Another reason I like and respect you. Classy in a grumpy take noshit kinda way, much like myself. 😉

That's hunting Jag, sore ass and all, it was 31 miles via mule back to get in there, DAMN!

LOL, Aces, I have heerd iron sharpens iron.

i like that attitude. good for you.

Thanks Keith, i wont lie and say i dont think about that hoss bull at times though, Damn he was a stud, 10 or 11 cows, a few yearlings and him hollering back at a satellite bull another 500 yards back trying to get lucky without getting his ass kicked, that whole rodeo was a blast!

Well said...

I've many times thought about the life a wild animal, either one I took or the ones trying to make it out there right now. Getting past eagles, coyotes, bobcats, lions, bears, and wolves for more than a few years is quite a feat. Not to mention sub-freezing temps, deep snow, drought, parasites, disease, accidents, cars, poachers, and hunters. No wonder its tough for a critter to make it very long. You just gotta appreciate each one you're privileged to take because they would have one heckuva story to tell if they could talk.

Damn right Lonny, and not to sound like a complete wussy, but, I thank the animal and the big cat in the sky upon killing an animal to sustain my, and my families lives through nutrition.

Is there any other way?

There certainly shouldn't be Mr. Shubert, I've always hoped for same should someone start in on me, a crackhead drilling you in the ankles working his way up with a 22LR would suck.

That is "Mark" to you - my friend!
Mr Shubert is still alive - and soon to turn 90!

LOL, 10-4 Mark, and congrats to still having your Pappy.

G 500 & Mr Schubert. Fine examples for hunters to follow. Thank you Gentlemen!

Bucks especially are at a disadvantage. They probably drop 20 to 25% of their body weight during the rut. At their weakest with hard times just ahead.

If one sees deer consuming sagebrush, life is getting extremely hard.

I can argue either side of feeding/supplementation. If truly needed, then ones habitat is overstocked, and they will become totally dependent on man.

locally deer were fed many years back around our community. Since then urban deer have become a pain in the ass year round. One must high fence to grow a garden now. That was not so back in the 80's when our populations were at their highest.