Still licking my wounds after packing out my kid's buck last night.
UNBELIEVABLE.
Seriously.

After making a solid hit with his Bowtech Allegiance, the kid sealed the deal on the last day of archery only season.
He succeeded in taking an above average buck after passing on several lesser bucks at close range.
4x4 Blacktails are fairly scarce in our area and after an incredible hike out, we are able to take pride in his continued success.
Way to go Thomas!
You always make me proud.

Nice buck, Thomas!!!

But why is your Old Man packing it out for you???

Good Job Old Man!

Nice lookin buck. Congrats.

Totally awesome, Thomas. Totally awesome.

Thomas has looked at you guys' successes over the years with wonderment, particularly thise giant native steelhead that you guys get after.
He beams from ear to ear when you guys give him props.


THANK YOU.


I am such a lucky guy.

On last night's hunt. we were stuck down in the bottom of a vertical canyon.
We kept following blood by the light of a mini mag flashlight and the full moon.
We found the buck piled up in the ravine that ran through the canyon.

A glance at Thomas' cell phone said 10:50 PM.

I didn't have a camera which is rare & after finding the buck and pulling the buck about twenty feet straight up, I looked at Thomas & said "the only way we're going to get this buck out is to cut him in half".
He really wanted some good photos and after another miserable twenty foot drag came to the same conclusion.

I am a big believer in boning a buck & puttimg him in a backpack for easier travel, but we didn't have that option last night.

I took the front half & Thomas took the hinds.

We reached the road at midnight.

It was 2:11 am when I finally hit the sack.

One of those packs that you never forget.
The illumination from the moon was surreal.

Though miserable and an enormous challenge for this near fifty year old body, that hunt, though very local will never be forgotten by either of us.


Things like that teach mental toughness, something that I feel exceeds physical toughness and tests your will to survive.

Thank you for letting me share another chapter in my life with you guys.


The alarm went off at 4:10 am for work.... that sucked serious ass.

Until next time......
Sal

I've watched that kid grow over the years on this forum. I wish I only had half the skill and hunting prowess he was endowed with. He is a machine. Nice buck.

Thanks for sharing the story, Sal. And way to go Thomas.

Nice looking Buck !

Awesome buck and hunt!

You two never disappoint!

Congratulations Thomas and Sal!!!!

He's a rather marvelous Buck. Doubly so,given the time of year and the stick/string.

Exceptionally well done.

Another great success story!

Thomas has grown to one heck of a hunter, keep up the great work!!

The memories is what it's all about! To top it off, Thomas shoots a great bow too! I love my Bowtech!

Keith

What a stud. That's awesome, great job guys! Another lifetime memory made.....

A quality blacktail with any weapon is a true trophy, to do it with a bow makes it even more impressive. To have your father, and more than likely your mentor there to share it with you, priceless.... Nicely done to both of you.

Chuck Adams better watch out! Nice job Thomas.

Any blacktail with a stick and string is a trophy.

Great pic and congrats to you and your son.

Thanks guys.
You guys are great!
Rifle season opens Saturday, we'll see about filling a few more tags.

We will keep you posted.

September oughtta rock.

Pretty nice cape for an early Buck and I ASSUME he rates a shoulder mount,as a minmum?!?

I'm 10-ish days away from hard horns and chomping at the bit.

Sal,
Like many others 'round here, I've enjoyed your stories, photos and watching Thomas become a young man--usually one-upping the gracious old man in the process. My congratulations go to Thomas on the "gift" of a fine black tail buck and all the hard work and satisfaction that goes with the ultimate acceptance of same. I'm looking forward to more from the two of you, weaving a rich tapestry of memories together. That is a wondrous gift in itself....

Good luck over the rifle season!

Does that Kid even own a video game? You two are the Benchmark for the whole Father and Son thing. If you ever want another son that loves to fish and hunt let me know and I'll send one down for ya to train. I do need him back up here in October for our hunting season but he would be much better off fallowing Thomas around until then.

You guys have to be very proud of each other.

Great Job guys

thanks for the pics and report, awesome job...you guys always put on a good show....got me all amped up for October...