Dear hunting 2022
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I'd pass on deer hunting this year even if I was physically capable. The Mule deer population around here is the lowest I've seen in 35+ years. Whitetails aren't faring much better. In irrigated alfalfa fields where the wife and I used to see upwards of 100 deer, we now are thrilled to see a couple of Whitetails. No Mule deer at all in those fields.
The Elk numbers are up in certain parts of the state, usually on private or land leased by outfitters. Pretty sad deal for the DIY guys. Permission is almost impossible to get from the ranchers, the outfitters got to them. I used to have 4 or 5 ranches that I had permission to hunt. All the old ranchers that built the ranches have mostly died off, and their kids aren't interested in giving permission to hunt unless you pony-up some dinero to do so, or the place is sold off because the kids aren't interested in ranching.
The Elk numbers are up in certain parts of the state, usually on private or land leased by outfitters. Pretty sad deal for the DIY guys. Permission is almost impossible to get from the ranchers, the outfitters got to them. I used to have 4 or 5 ranches that I had permission to hunt. All the old ranchers that built the ranches have mostly died off, and their kids aren't interested in giving permission to hunt unless you pony-up some dinero to do so, or the place is sold off because the kids aren't interested in ranching.
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Don't you have a wife or significant other?
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I was just offered a loan of an electric grinder a few minutes ago by @mudman35962 .
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Nice of her to take a nap right below you.
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He looks harmless. I think I'll take a break.
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look at the boxy head on that yearling! give it a year or two and that would not happen. thanks! love to see it.
rick
rick
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It's pretty small I hope it makes it through the winter and coydogs
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Wife's cousin has a ranch in Gonzalez Texas. Wants me to go help him hunt this little doggie. Being that I'll be in Alpine until after Thanksgiving I advised him not to wait and does not have to wait for deer season to open, it's an exotic and he can hunt it any time he chooses. This meat is better tasting than elk, which I love. Has been showing up in his camera for a couple of weeks.
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Did you tell him he had to get his own dang rocking chair?
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Well I can tell yall shooting from a bench you can put a bullet through the same hole. Off hand is a different story and I don't practice that much but I am going to start. Clean kills are what we aim for and sometimes it doesn't happen. I was able to track him down and harvest him so I am grateful for that.
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That's like lettin' a few ducks settle in with your dekes! The best decoys are live ones!
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I managed to take one for the freezer Friday evening with 4 minutes of legal hunting light, on the final day of our regular archery season. 33 yards, double lung shot with my Excalibur Micro Mag 340. She only made it 29 yards.
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that there is a fine young buck! two years old in my opinion. prime eating. you lucky dog. oh and good shooting.
rick
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I don't see bullet holes, did you run him over with your atv? Congratulations! Off hand shooting is a different animal. It is one of the reasons I bought a 513T to practice a ton of off hand shooting all year round or just before deer season starts. Again, great shooting.
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Red Stag?
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Yes.
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