Recently in Hunting Category

After picking up the kids and Dave's wife, we re-arranged the tent, squeezed in Dave's extra, extra, extra, extra, extra, extra large extra cot, and put the kids on the bunks. Not too bad. I think we still had more room than last year. Just as I got settled in, Dawn (Dave's wife) asks Mathew (sleeping in the bunk above me) something like, "Are you going to be a good boy and not pee the bed?" Umm, excuse me? Luckily, I stayed dry the whole weekend.

Having seen the bulls and does earlier that day, we felt going back to that ridge would be a good place for us and Breanna in the morning. And, at dark thirty in the morning, we quietly climbed in the jeep and drove out to the ridge. Had a little trouble on one hill, but got a running second start and pulled through. At the first hint of sunrise we arrived at the highest point of our forest roads allowing us to look briefly over the entire valley. The entire valley was covered in fog. We were just above the fog. Made for a beautiful view.

We got to our ridge several minutes later. The fog was still below us. Down the narrow forest road we parked the jeep and continued on foot farther down the trail. It was still early, but the sun had risen. We hiked to where Dave had first spotted the bulls from his binoculars. The area was clearly used as an elk highway, and soon we found a fairly recent elk kill. Probably taken during first season. We kind of doubled back, but off the trail, and made our way up a steep incline. At the top we found some decent look out points and got comfortable. Unfortunately, the fog was still hanging around just below us, making it very difficult to spot anything. Sometimes the fog would slowly get higher, completely engulfing us, making the spot and stalk method useless.

During a moment of clarity, at least upward, I was able to spot the does. The group were already above us making their way to the saddle, just as they had yesterday. Apparently does don't really care about fog. Since we couldn't see anything coming up anyway, we packed up and hiked back to the jeep. After some time looking for the deer, we chose to split up. Dave and Breanna continued up the trail towards the saddle hoping to intercept while I waited and spotted. If I were to see them again, I would drive the jeep and meet up with Dave. Soon after we split up, the fog rolled in again and completely surrounded me. So much for spotting. I waited for quite some time in hopes the fog would lift, but no such luck. It was definitely late morning by now, so I jumped in the jeep and drove up to the saddle. I found Dave and Breanna's foot prints in the snow leading across the saddle, but not coming back. This spot was now above the fog, so I sat and watched for anything. Not too much longer and Dave came walking back across the saddle with Breanna. They saw nothing. Fed up with the fog, we got in the jeep and headed toward our backup area - doeland.

Taking an alternate forest road to get down, we eventually made it back to the valley. The cattle drive along the road held us up very briefly, but we quickly found our turn off and went back upward into doeland. We ate MRE (military rations) crackers and peanut butter as our lunch so we didn't have to stop. Ever see the Volkswagen commercial where the passenger was serving the driver fries upon demand? Kinda like that...only dry crackers with peanut butter, and Dave was eating them all :) Anyway, we found the deer to be relatively sparse. It was early afternoon, not the optimum hunting time. Eventually, we spotted some does just off the road. We whistled and sang songs as we passed them so they wouldn't know we were going to kill one of them. Up the road a little, Dave and Breanna hopped out and I drove up further. I turned the jeep around and had a good view of the area. I soon spotted the deer slowly moving upward towards Dave and Breanna. It was clear that Dave and Breanna did not see the deer. I watched while the deer moved into better and better positions, but never heard any shots. Dave and Breanna moved across the road for a better view, and off went the deer. As the deer bounded away, I walked to Dave and Breanna to tell them the bad news.

Those deer wouldn't have gone far, and their direction should take them around the hill. Hoping to intercept farther up the road we jumped in the jeep and cruised along the trails. We never saw those deer. We cruised around the back area for a while, then headed back the way we came. Down a side trail we found our friends truck parked. He had been hunting bucks up high and was not having much luck. Although he was being picky and looking for a good trophy. It seems he changed his tactics a little and was now trying lower. We drove back and forth on the trail since we couldn't get up a very muddy hill to get out. I've gotta mention how muddy this day was. The weather was getting warm and all the snow and frost from the past week was really soaking in. Coming down the forest roads earlier had been interesting, especially since you don't get much traction when your mud terrain tires are complely filled up with mud. It's kind of like having race slicks, but at 3mph. The wrong press of the brake, or turn of the wheel and off the mountain we would go! Of course, it makes for a very dirty - and cool - jeep!

We went across the main road and down another short spur. This spur ends at a good vantage point, so we climbed out to look for deer. The deer from earlier had gone along a hillside that went past our parking spot. It didn't take long and Dave spotted the deer still hanging around several yards away. Dave and Breanna got into shooting position while the deer made their way half way up the hill. I was watching two deer standing there completely broadside for some time before I realized that Dave and Breanna were watching different deer. I told them about the two deer and they swiveled and shot. BANG! Pssssssssssssssew... Miss! The deer moved quickly along the hillside, out of clear view. Breanna was slow to react while the now dozen or so does quickly got into single file and started to travel out of view around the hill. They crossed one open area where Breanna had another shot. BANG! Psssssssssew... Miss! Bummer. After the deer went around the hill, Dave and Breanna went up to where the deer had been. They thought Breanna may have wounded one and went to investigate. This is when our friend, Chris, came strolling up to me. He caught me by surprise. He had heard the shots and, when he realized who's jeep was parked there, he came over to congratulate Breanna. Maybe next time.

It was now getting to be late afternoon and we were getting tired. We piled back in the jeep and cruised around a little longer. On yet another forest road that took us to another area we came across some more does on a hillside. I had spotted something strange on the hillside from quite a ways off. After verifying through binoculars that indeed there were deer there, we took a moment to conceive a plan. The deer were, again, not far from the road ahead and were in a pretty clear area. It would be hard to sneak up close. Dave came up with a good idea. He and Breanna climbed out and walked behind the jeep while I drove closer. At the last place that could give concealment, Dave and Breanna dove into the brush. Okay, they didn't dive, but the whole thing was like Ghost Recon, so if I want to remember them diving into the brush and sniping the enemy, just let me, okay? I cruised on by the deer whistling and rounded a hill. I couldn't see anything, but eventually I heard the crack of a rifle shot. I found a place to turn around and made my way to where I could see something. I saw Dave and Breanna standing a ways off on the road and no deer on the hillside. A few confusing hand signals later and I drove towards them. This wasn't what Dave meant. At the closest place to where the deer had been I realized Dave wanted me to stay back. It was too late now. There, on the hillside, a few dozen yards up was the deer Breanna shot at. Unfortunately, she was not dead. She was laying in the brush clearly not able to move. Dave and Breanna came up to the jeep hoping the doe would die soon. No such luck. The doe started to limp across the hill. Breanna had to do what hunters don't like doing. Take another shot. BANG! The doe crumpled on the ground. Turns out that the first shot was high and took out the vertebrae above the front shoulders. Clearly enough to keep her from running, but wasn't going to kill her for some time. The second shot hit the top of her head killing her instantly. Although the shots weren't optimal for the animal, they turned out to be great for field dressing. Absolutely no damage to the organs or meat. Field dressing was the cleanest I've ever seen.

Since we were so close to the jeep, we field dressed the deer normally to take back to camp. When we had gotten Dave's doe a couple days earlier, we had quartered the animal and were able to easily put the quarters in the back seat. This time we had another passenger, and we didn't quarter the doe. Being in camouflage, carrying guns, and, well, hunting, we chose to strap the animal to the hood for the return trip. Not the best choice for cruising through town, but for getting back to camp, it worked quite well. At least after the first few yards, where a bump forced a congealed glob of blood to spurt out of the body cavity onto the heater intake vent in front of the windshield. We ran without heat the rest of the way to camp.

It got dark by the time we got back to camp. We were really hoping to be back around lunch time, instead of dinner. The rest of the night was spent skinning and quartering Dave's daughters' deer. We just skinned mine so that Jenn and I could practice butchering it. Another card game and back to bed. I was beat!

All of us got up slowly in the morning. After breakfast we broke camp. Turns out we brought way too much firewood, so we packed up most of it for next year. We left a little for third season hunters. The last tough part was leaving. Although a teary and emotional departure from camp may have happened, I actually mean it was tough driving down an extremely muddy, slippery and steep forest road with a tow barred jeep. A very slow 1mph or less was necessary for most of the 5 miles to the main road. Only once or twice did I feel the jeep start pushing the back of the truck into a jackknife. The last time was the worst. On the left of the road is an extremely steep hillside with a few small trees. The truck and jeep started sliding towards the edge with absolutely no control from me. At the last possible moment I felt a little traction and gave the truck some gas. The truck start pulling. A moment later I stole a glance at the jeep in the side mirror. As I started pulling back to the center of the trail I watched the jeep slide along the edge and then start to follow the truck back towards the center. Whew! That was close. There were enough trees to keep me from going far, but it would have been very annoying. One more turn later and we were out of the worst part.

Back in town, we aired up the tires, picked up Dawn's minivan and headed to Vail for our McDonald's dinner. After dinner, Dawn sped off like she had to pee. Dave diligently followed. When I got home I kissed Jenn and got the yearly welcome home cry, "Go take a shower!"

I can't wait for next year!

Click here to see where the doe was for the answer to the Part 2 challenge.

The next day, Dave drove Ally back home and to take care of some business. He planned on coming back Monday night, or, more likely, Tuesday morning. Our other buddies got up early to fill the other two does tags they had and were out and about. Eventually I decided to break the jeep out and try and find the other guys. I crossed paths with them as they were heading back to camp. They got one more doe that morning. I cruised on and explored several trails the rest of the day. I was excited how well the jeep was performing. My jeep has a little 4 cylinder and no lockers and was concerned that it would have problems if there was too much snow. As long as I stayed in the ATV tracks in the snowy areas I was fine. I always have a blast cruising around in the jeep. I did find fresh elk tracks, the real purpose for being out. Back at camp I enjoyed a long game of cards with the other guys.

The next morning I took my time getting up, hooked the jeep back up to the truck and went down to town. I found that my headlamp was malfunctioning, needed gas for the jeep, and wanted to find a place that would refill propane tanks in case the propane furnace used more fuel than expected. On my way back to camp I passed the other guys, all packed up and on their way back home.

While I was monkeying with my new headlamp, I heard, "Hello? Anyone home?" "Yup. Come on in!" I answered. In comes a Forest Service agent. He was going around to the camps checking ATV licenses and giving shpeals about forest impact and such. I was glad to see them making the rounds. The past three years we never encountered any Forest Service or DOW personnel. Being a law abiding hunter, I like to see checks going on. Another friend of ours, who was hunting in the area as well, mentioned that he was checked by DOW agents multiple times throughout the week.

Enough rest. I got up in the morning and saddled up for a long hike. There is a bowl type area about a mile hike away that we've seen sign of elk every year. During my hike I passed very large cat tracks, most likely mountain lion. Having snowed a day or so earlier, they were obviously fairly fresh. Up at the bowl I found fresh sign of elk. Up on the ridge were the bull tracks. I was guessing that it had passed through earlier that morning. I chose, however, to continue on my plan and went the direction that the tracks came from. We had found that the elk routinely circled the mountain, often ending up within shooting distance of where they started. My objective was to find the end of a road that was a couple miles away. I was able to get near the end of the road in the jeep, but wanted to get to know the area by hiking to it from camp. On my way I passed some tracks that made me do a double take. At first I thought they were some other hunter's tracks. After a second I realized that they were bear tracks. Claws and all. These were from sometime earlier today as well. Eventually I found my road and took a lunch break. The mountain lion seemed to have passed here as well. I went back up to the ridge and followed my tracks back to camp. I was a little early getting back so I stopped at a good vantage point in hopes that some elk would pass through again in the evening. No such luck, and back to camp.

Dave's truck was parked at camp, indicating he was around somewhere. Seeing as how I couldn't find him, I assumed he was hiking around. He came out late that afternoon and stumbled onto our friend's camp. Luckily our friend just got back to his camp and gave Dave a ride up to ours.

The next day's plan was to hunt Dave's doe in the morning and return to a particular spot to hunt elk in the afternoon. Based on some weather forecasts, it was suggested the elk would be in that area before the predicted snow came in. Before sunrise we hopped in the jeep and cruised down to doeland. Now in the jeep, we were able to explore some of the more distant and less traveled trails. On our way down one we found some. This was to be the day of round-the-corner-close-up sightings. We suprised this group and Dave jumped out in chase. A while later he came back and we went down to the end of the trail to look for deer on the other ridges. Back up the trail we spotted the same deer again jumping through the sage brush and trees. Dave jumped out again and tried to pursue. He again, came back empty. We cruised around in the jeep again. Down another trail and back. We branched off and started down a lightly traveled trail, around the bend, "DEER!". Again, right in front of us. And again, we spooked 'em. Dave jumped out again in pursute. Some time later I heard a BANG! I waited. BANG! I was about to start the jeep, but waited a little more. BANG! After three he's bound to have hit something. I started slowly down the trail. Dave climbed in the jeep. He didn't hit. The group had bounded down a valley and up the next ridge about 300 yards or so away. He thinks he was aiming too high. The group eventually moved over the ridge. We started back up the trail, spotting for those deer now and then. We moved up the main trail and parked at another branch trail that seemed to lead to where the deer had gone. We hiked down the trail and across the hillside, trying to spot them. I turned back and got the jeep while Dave continued on. I parked the jeep at the end of the branch trail. I wasn't sure exactly where Dave was. While I was standing outside the jeep I heard another BANG! I saw his flourescent orange not too far from me. He signaled me to get his pack. He was confident he hit a doe. As we met back up he was trying to find the doe through his scope. He thought the other deer may still be in the area. And seeing how he couldn't find the deer he hit, it was good to go down quietly. We snooped around for a while and eventually found the spot of impact. Blood had splattered and a trail of spots led us across a gully. Traditionally, a wounded animal should head downhill. It only makes sense. The blood spots weren't completely obvious, but some closer examination revealed that this doe actually headed uphill! A moment later Dave found her. Laying in the sage brush. Woohoo!

We were a few hundred yards away from the jeep, not too bad. However, this spot was very steep. After our experience with my deer, Dave decided to quarter this one. Although this takes a little more time than just field dressing, we learned that this was a very good way to do it. We didn't have to mess with the internals much and we didn't have to mess with the carcass later. Even with only the quarters and backstraps, we were huffing and puffing by the time we got back to the jeep. It didn't help that it was sunny and warm, since I had dressed warmer than necessary. We cruised back to camp and hung the quarters. It was around 2:30pm or something. A little later than we wanted for hunting our elk, but we had to try. After parking the jeep at a single track trail, we hiked down, then up. We found lots of sign of elk. I felt it was pretty recent. But none were here now. As we looked up at the very dark clouds coming towards us, we started crossing the aspens and heading towards the trail. No sooner did we get to the trail and the first flakes started to fall. Leave it to Colorado. Burning near to death in the early afternoon, and getting caught in a heavy snow storm a few hours later. I'm glad I was still dressed warm. On our hike back down, we could barely see in front of us. But, we got back to the jeep, and then back to camp to warm up.

I really don't remember Thursday. I think we played cards all day. Dave had learned a strategy that kicked my butt several games in a row the night before. I had figured out his trick and brought the stakes back in line this time. Oh, wait. Actually, I think we drove around in the jeep for much of the day and played cards later. In any event, we didn't find any elk.

Friday brought a new plan. We went to explore a new area in the jeep. With the snow and cold temperatures, driving the jeep on some of the forest roads was a little hair raising. I think I speak for Dave and myself when I say that the jeep performed flawlessly. Okay, maybe we almost got stuck in some snow -- nothing a shovel didn't help with. And maybe we ran out of oil and nearly blew up the engine while trying to get up a steep and vital spot on the forest road we explored today. None the less, I say flawlessly. For a nearly stock 1980 CJ5 with a puny 4 banger and no lockers -- flawlessly.

Anyway, we explored a powerline road that led us to a nice long ridge. Elk tend to like moving up and down long ridges. We found lots of deer tracks and what we believed were elk tracks. After some hiking lower we came across some fresh bull tracks. We followed them for a while, but we kept going lower and dropping elevation fast. After several days of hiking and driving, I was pooped. So, at a decision point I chose to split up and go back to the jeep. I believed if there were elk, they would be heading upward. We had spotted a group of does already on their way up and I figured elk weren't far behind. Dave continued to follow the bull. After an hour or more (who needs a watch?) Dave finally returned telling me how I should have stayed with him. Less than five minutes after we split, he spotted 4 big bulls! They were on the opposite ridge. He crossed the valley and went up to where he spotted them. He found a very nice buck roaming about. Slowly, he tried getting closer to the bulls by following there tracks. He heard some thumps on the ground and came upon there very recently vacated bedding area. Spooked. He headed back to the jeep. I had been hiking back and forth across a saddle between two ridges. Other than the group of does that had made it up the ridge and were milling around, I saw no elk.

We limped the jeep back to town, having now almost burned up the engine. I bought a case of oil, filled up the jeep (both oil and gas), and we went back to camp. Much of Dave's family was driving out this night and was going to spend the weekend with us. Dave's older daughter, Breanna still had a doe tag needing to be filled. Dave's wife and youngest child came along for the fun of it! Did they know we were in an elk camp?

Part 3 will bring the close of the week. But I will leave you with a challenge. Click here to view a high resolution picture that has a doe in it. Try to find her. It was easier to spot her when she started moving, but too bad for you.

My annual hunting trip occured a couple weeks early this year. The first two years I went hunting during third season -- usually the second week of November. This year, my hunting buddy, Dave, and I chose to try second season -- the last week of October. Neither of us drew cow elk or buck tags, so we went hunting for bull elk and does.

Dave bought doe licenses for two of his daughters, as well as himself, so the first weekend of the season he brought his middle daughter, Ally. She got to help set up camp on Thursday. Over the past three years we have been working on the perfect elk camp. Each year we figure out something a little better. The biggest thing this year was bunks. Last year Dave's dad came along and we were able to squeeze three cots in our tent only when we took down the dining table and chairs. Knowing that we would have at least three people again this year, we built some bunks to fit over our cots. This proved to be a great step up, allowing four people to sleep in the tent comfortably without having to re-arrange furniture every night and then again in the morning. Of course, every improvement generally means yet another thing to pack, set up, take down, and pack back. We were able to pack everything in two Ford Super Duty's and one tow barred Jeep. It's quite an extravaganza, but a heck of a lot of fun. Two other notable improvements over the previous year: a propane furnace and an indoor urinal.

Most people probably take their bathrooms for granted. But I have to say, when Dave had the idea to add vestibules to the tent and to use one of those vestibules for our bucket toilets, it was one of the best moments ever. The first year we went hunting together we had dug a pit toilet a few yards from the tent and surrounded it by tarps. But when you have 2 feet of snow that week, and temperatures routinely well below zero, going outside and freezing your ass to the toilet seat while at the same time holding the roof tarp up off your head, its time to figure out something else. And the step up to vestibules with bucket toilets means you can go potty in the middle of the freezing night in your slippers and never leave the tent! It's really a good idea. The added urinal this year made it that much better.

A few other buddies were coming up the next day for the weekend and leaving on Monday. After sleeping in and taking our time with breakfast, the other guys finally made it up to camp and started setting up their tent. Thursday turned out to be a much better day for driving, because the other guys got to the spot around 1pm or so, but left around 4:30am. Its around a 4 hour trip, which is what it took us. Snow had gone through Thursday night and left a few inches of fresh stuff at our camp, but left a lot more closer to Denver, making I-70 a mess.

After chatting and helping the other guys ever so slightly, we took off in the truck to scout for deer. From the previous year, we knew an area that had lots of visibility and lots of deer. Friday night proved that it hasn't changed much. We saw several deer, which got us all excited for opening day Saturday.

Saturday. Ally would be hunting for the first time. Dave chose to try and make it comfy for her, so we hiked up a large hill with a collapsable blind, some camping chairs, a small propane heater, and our hunting packs. We got set up early and had good visibility. Then we waited. My buddy and I have generally hunted by hiking into the woods and tracking the game. This was my first time just sitting and watching. Spot and stalk. After a couple hours Dave finally found some movement. A ways in the distance (a mile?) he found a small group of does milling about 50 yards from the road with his spotting scope. He left it up to Ally whether we were going to pack up and head out or wait for something closer. She chose to move. We quickly packed up and headed back to the truck. As we got to the truck we found that someone had taken their buck a few yards off the road just a few minutes ago! Not discouraged, we cruised up the road and found the does were still in the same spot. Choosing to sneak up from behind, we rolled by them while they just looked at us. On the other side of the small ridge we parked and starting hiking up. Dave and Ally got into a good position not too far away, looking down at them from the ridge. They didn't move. Ally got set up, had one in her sights, and put her finger on the trigger. Boom! Pssssssssssssew... Ally didn't shoot! Boom! Pssssssssssew... The deer are running. We weren't the ones shooting! A glance up and there are a bunch of guys standing on the side of the road nearly opposite of us from the herd, shooting at our deer! As soon as the deer started running we were up and running, trying to get a new position. Bounding away, the deer slowed slightly. Boom! Psssssssssssew... Boom! Pssssssssew... Boom! Psssssssssew.... The guys on the road kept shooting. The deer were now several hundred yards away from them, but they kept shooting. Never hit. We got one last look at the deer through our scopes as they bounded over another ridge. The other morons got in their trucks and raced down the road where we saw them attempt to continue the chase. My buddy and his daughter continued on foot after them, while I went back and got the truck. I met up with them a few minutes later where they gave up the chase. We were pissed!

When we calmed down a bit, we cruised over to a new area and started looking again. Darn hunters! Get your own deer! Ooo! Deer! Dave saw a deer head just down a slope. We drove up a little, parked and started our hunt again! The deer was in some trees when we sighted it again. We couldn't get a clear view of the head, or a good clear shot. We split up again, and Dave and Ally stalked while I went back to the road as distraction. Dave says they were getting really close when he poked his upper body through some trees and found a nice buck stairing right at him a few yards ahead. After a stare down, the buck went on with his business and eventually started off. Not a doe. Dave and Ally came back up to the road where we found a spot on a cliff overlooking the valley and had some lunch.

Alright, we were a little discouraged now. But at least we were seeing deer. We cruised down the forest road, then started around a corner and found a group of deer trying to cross the road! We backed up, got out, found a good position, and watched. Several deer, mostly does, and a couple young bucks were trying to cross the road and head up the hill. There were lots of trees, but several clearings that we knew they would have to go through on their way up. Ally was ready as we spotted them moving through the clearing. After a few opportunities, Ally didn't take a shot. Okay, over the hill. We moved down the road to try and get another view of them. A hundred yards down the road and we got another view. Three does stood broadside about 60 or so yards up the hill. Quickly getting into position, Ally had them in her sights. "Take the shot," Dave says. "Take the shot," he says again. The does are starting to move. "Ally?" "Which one?" Ally asks. "Which one!? Just pick one!" The does moved on. I think that moment will live in all three of our heads for eternity. Which one! We all laughed as we headed back to the truck. Ally was clearly a little nervous.

Okay, we knew those deer didn't go far, and the road borders three of the four sides to the hill they were on. In the truck, we circled back around, parked and started up the back side of the hill. Dave spotted a different herd a few hundred yards in the distance. Excited to try again, Ally got set up and got one in her sights. After a few moments she settled on one and Bang! Pssssssssssew... Missed! The deer trotted off out of view. The deer up the hill were probably still there. We stalked them for a little while, but didn't find them, and got back in the truck. We were starting to get a little tired now. We cruised a couples miles away and looked around for a while. One small buck was feeding on the side of a hill. If nothing else, this was definitely the most deer we have gotten within range of ever! Very exciting. But the day's not over yet.

We ended up driving back to where Ally attempted her shot and Dave spotted some does a few hundred yards in the opposite direction as before. We moved onto a small ridge near a bush for cover. I set up on one side of the bush while Dave and Ally set up on the other. After several moments Ally had one in her sights and pulled the trigger. Bang! Pssssssssssew... Miss. I had the does in my sights this time and watched them trot to the right a few yards. I can't remember if Ally shot again or not, but I eventually felt steady enough that I pulled the trigger. BOOM! Pssssssssssssssss... WOMP! I saw the doe buck through the scope, then watched as the three other does started bounding away. All four does were close together and I wasn't positive if I hit her. Dave was looking through the spotting scope. We both heard the telltale WOMP that indicates a hit. After a few moments of chatter amongst us, Dave told me to look through his spotting scope. Sure enough, there was the white rear of a doe on the ground. Woohoo! Now for the real work. I carefully noted some landmarks and started hiking down to my doe. GPS later indicates that it was about 300 yards downhill. Dave and Ally took off in the truck to get Ally another attempt, so I was on my own for the messy part. Sure enough, when I got to my landmarks, my doe was laying there.

After a couple hours (maybe less, maybe more), I saw Dave and Ally park up on the road. Ally jumped out, raised her hands straight in the air and yelled at the top of her lungs, "YEAHHH!!!!" They were successful! At the moment, I was about half way back to the road (150yds). I had 125lbs of deer dragging behind me, so it was taking a little longer. Dave came down and together we pulled the deer the rest of the way to the road. That was not an easy task, even for the both of us. Sunset had occured at about the time Dave and I got to the road with my deer. We lifted my doe next to Ally's and started our ride back to camp. At camp we found that the other guys had gotten two of their does as well. We celebrated a good opening day that night, and slept in the next morning!