Unsuccessful yet happy

[NMHawken]

Was blessed to have the opportunity to take the TC Hawken afield after mule deer this fall. Season is 5 days, I got to hunt 4, and they were all good days afield seeing deer. Last 3 days have been spent chasing a nice 3x3 at much lower elevation, 2 days running I was able to put a stalk on him, but just couldn't get close enough to confidently seal the deal. Hunting the pinon and juniper brings much more open country, and starting yesterday the rancher who holds the grazing lease for where I hunt started moving cows down from the high country. I was able to get within 130 yards, but I just didn't feel confident in my ability to place the ball on target at that range, I shot quite a bit leading up to the season, literally setting aside all of my centerfire guns, even my Sharps, in an effort to get my muzzleloader proficiency back. Weather today was brutal, 15 degrees warmer with blustery winds at 20 to 30. I enjoyed myself, my tubby butt still made it up and down the hills, and I thank God for each and every hour I got to spend in the field. I have a barbary sheep tag that is good until March 31st, same with the 2 cougar tags, so this wanna-be mountain man isn't finished just yet. Also waiting on a Kibler Fowler Kit, so I'm feeling pretty blessed!

 

[NMHawken]

Cruddy picture I got with my phone, I spooked him on this particular evening, but he didn't make haste, just meandered off the rim.

 

[Stykbow]

Some of my most memorable trips didn’t end with a shot. Glad you enjoyed yourself.

 

[NMHawken]

Over the years, my passion for hunting has mostly been for small game, upland game, and waterfowl. I ordered a Kibler Fowler Kit in hopes of taking my muzzleloading experience to the smaller game, where I have much more time to be afield. A 5 day hunt is wonderful, but 3 months is fantastic.

 

[Spikebuck]

If a person is going to hunt with traditional bows and guns, they need to be happy, like you are, with coming home empty handed much of the time after a perfect day afield. In 50 years I only hunted big game one year with a "modern" gun and that was with a Ruger .44 mag. Making it more about the hunt is what has always tripped my trigger, so bows and traditional MLs have been my choice.

Get yourself that Kibler and have a blast!

 

[NMHawken]

Traditional bows were always my choice! I'm stoked about the fowler, and I look forward to hours afield with it! Thank you for the words of encouragement!