Big or Bust

Took a few years to figure out this unit. Not a good unit. Scouted a big buck this summer. Saw him 2 days before season but not again for 3 days during season. Crafty old sucker. Bears like flies. Not for the faint of heart unit. It sucks. Big buck scouted. Caught this buck stretching at 130 PM, 20 minutes after my nap, Day 2 of 5 of hunt but day 5 for me as NM has 5 day seasons and I got there early. Thought he was my big guy and he was in a good spot for an open sighted muzzleloader with very few deer in this unit. Gotta go get there in case I said. Got setup at 75 yards after a sporty stalk. Great setup with some rocks in front, perfect. I still couldn't tell exactly what he was as he was tight in the trees with 83 degree highs. But I was hoping he was my guy as this area was smack in the middle of the big guys home range. Opportunities are not many in NM for sure.... Sat on him for 4 hours at 75 yards and still couldn't ID what exactly he was other than a good buck. Finally, he got up to feed a bit and I realized he wasn't the big guy but dang with a big wind storm coming in and at 75 yards I assessed him fast and said he's pretty good. He wouldnt turn so I shot him hard, hard quarter to. Shot him at 75 with a 275 grain Barnes. Heart shot him but I didn't know with the BH 209 smoke . He went a full 100 yards and it was a bloodbath. No idea how he went that far. He's got ear and brisket wrinkles and his teeth match that. He's at least 6 I think if not older. Maybe older. He's likely as good as he's gonna get, likely. I'm happy with him even though the big boy is a class above. Inspired by Kev...

I figured this would be a great thread as there appears to be some foodies here. I'll start. Chime in... Homemade pizza from start to finish, spinach pesto is the sauce...

Major congrats...

Jay doesn't do podcasts anymore....

That's the irony. The deer that lived are now fat and happy. There's just 15 to 20% of normal.

I honestly can't believe more people aren't talking about this at least us below the rim. I am fortunate that I average a lot of days with a bow in hand. Honestly, Southern AZ and SW mule deer numbers IMO are about 15 to 20 % of what they were about 3 years ago. This is likely generous. This is an example of what the does looked like in the 37s in May 2025. Likely days from death. This pic was taken for drought documentation, not taking of game. Numbers were already waaaay down before last years drought. That was just the nail in the coffin.

Our desert deer are cooked. Best thing that could be done for the good of the herd is to shut it down for 5 years then make it all a draw....

Got lucky and killed a good buck in NM this year with the drought. Was a very physical hunt and it was a true cat and mouse game with an old solo living stinky old troll buck. Very difficult country but was rewarded.

Yeah it's bad. Along with mule deer numbers....

I looked at specs but can a bow fit inside the case with the quiver attached?

The milquad also might be my favorite hunting reticle...

Pork loin, mango salsa, and cucumber salad...

Freaking A man....

Thanks fellas. Can't ask for much more than being 1 on 1 with a big smart buck....

Buck was 114 and change Kev. That curvy beam was a hair shy of 20". Mostly visual as the other beam was over 19" too.

Stuffed ports are the bomb....... not really stuffed but topped....

Its in the middle. Texture is all about the initial roux. This is medium darkness which takes about 30 minutes to do. Do the roux for 10 more minutes and thickness doubles. I like it medium like this.

Mesquite grilled stuffed portabellas with all the toppings....

I made homemade shrimp gumbo for Thanksgiving this year from scratch including broth. Very, very good....

What are you guys doing to host your pics these days? Imgur doesn't even work anymore mostly....

Very cool. I know of a mountain lion den in 37a that has likely been in use for decades. I first found it due to the 50+ desert tortoise shells and at least a foot of bleached white crap at the entry and then I investigated further. I use that glassing point a bit more sparingly now....grin...

Adam is the man for skulls and Euros and bear rugs. Got a detailed tour just today. Doesn't get any better.....

In my camp, far and away prefer the E-tip performance-wise to any Barnes offering. The hard way was learned....

Great job!

That's not gonna happen, at least on the refuge, unfortunately.