More Backpack Coues Scouting

Cousin Jimmy and I put in some more time scouting for Jimmy and Darr's upcoming Coues hunt. We had huge winds and a full moon but the deer sightings were still plentiful. No big bucks yet though. Jimmy glassed two mature lions together so I got to see #30 and #31. that was pretty cool. The Outdoorsman pack again was wonderful and it was overall a great time to be in the Arizona high desert. I had the comfort of an REI sleeping pad this trip which was nice!

The Cherington Brothers Bucks

Two of the hardest hunting brothers that I know had an awesome hunt on the Arizona Strip this year, here is the story,"Here's a couple of photos from our Strip hunt. Had a great time and took two great deer. Ronny took the buck they called Heavy at 3:05 Friday afternoon and it's a 6x6 and scores 210. If you would add back in a couple of broken points he would go somewhere around 215. I took Cardiac on Sunday morning at 0930. He's also a 6x6 and he scores 222. Brec Bundy and his group were great to hunt with and had put in a lot of effort to ensure we had a successful hunt." Randy couldn't say enough nice things about Brec Bundy and his crew. Great job Randy and Ronny!!!

Owen Brown's Mule Deer

Owen Brown of Brown and Associates shot a beautiful buck this year. Owen is one of the greatest people in the world!

Casey Brooks Elk

My friend, Casey Brooks, who has shot many giant bulls had another great year! Great job Casey!

Brian Rimsza's Coues Deer

My friend, Brian shot this nice buck, he recalls his story,"Well it has been another great coues deer hunt in southern Arizona. I went down on Monday four days before my hunt opened hoping to find a good buck. I saw a lot of deer and spotted a lion but I really did not find a definate shooter. My friends Jay and Aaron were able to come down and help me spot deer which proved to be very valuable. After a two hour hike we were set up on large peak over looking a lot of country. Jay spotted a bachelor herd of three bucks and this guy was the biggest buck. I had to move down to get close enough for a shot before the deer made it into the mesquite flats. Just as I got set up the deer made it into the trees. Amazingly enough they came back out and presented me with a 600 yard shot. I made the shot and harvested a great buck. Due to the fact we were so far from the truck I was able to call my buddy Andrew who was able to pick us up at a different location saving us a four mile hike. Thanks Drew. Without great friends this hunt would not have been possible." Good job Brian!

Daniel Franco's CO Mule deer

My friend Daniel Franco, aka Boone, shot a nice buck in Colorado. He is having a great year so far with Coues deer season left to go! Nice job Daniel!

Remember our Veterans!

Often times while I am hunting, I reach the top of the ridge or mountain top just as the sun is coming up and my mind often thinks of our soldiers that are waking up to a similar sunrise. Their circumstances though are much different than mine. They are facing the enemy and life and death at every turn. It humbles me to think of their sacrifice. I had the privilege of going to Arlington National Cemetery back in March and it was a moment of my life that I will never forget. I could hardly speak the entire time. Words cannot describe the gratitude that I feel for our troops who so bravely serve our country! God Bless America and God Bless our Troops!

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

Realtree's Midwest Whitetail

I have to say I am a complete eastern whitetail novice and actually hope to harvest my first buck this December in Kansas. I have found a show on Realtree.com that is outstanding. It is hosted by one of my favorite outdoor writers, Bill Winke. If you start watching this series that is updated about every three days you will be completely addicted like I am. From a Coues deer hunter from the west, I say job well done Bill Winke and keep it up! To become a whitetail watching junkie, Go to www.realtree.com or for the direct link go to http://whitetail.realtree.com/tv/

Backpack Scouting

Darr and my cousin Jimmy have a Coues deer hunt in Arizona that starts at the end of the month and we have been diligently scouting for two good bucks. We have found two decent bucks in August but have been craving some more remote country so we decided to dust off the small tent and off we went. Darr couldn't see packing into the remote wilderness without having the 32X80 Kowa Highlanders and the 12lb tripod to accompany them, so he brought them along. His pack weighed 44lbs and mine weighed a mere 30lbs. We had a great time and found some deer but are still in search for some shooter bucks. I glassed up a beautiful lion in the evening. He was my 29th lion spotting. I still have yet to get one of those buggers but it would of helped if I would have brought my rifle!! The new Prototype Outdoorsmans backpack worked unbelievably well and is fast becoming my favorite backpack ever. I will feature it in an upcoming article soon. The search continues for a great buck and if it doesn't work out maybe we can find one in Mexico this year!!