2009 Alberta Mule Deer Hunt.

[Deehntr56]

It’s finally started this week.

The preparation for the hunt in Alberta this coming November. I am about 5 weeks out before we leave, and it finally started to hit me that it’s about to happen.

The hunt was secured last November and the plans finalized. Ray Sharp, our Host has 4 tags available and we secured two of the four.

Airline tickets were secured in June, and some ideas on what to bring and what to wear have been discussed.

Shipping of anything we get back to the states has been discussed and what/how to use. I talked to my taxidermist of over 25 years and discussed the preparation and the specifics of what we need to do, to get everything home in one piece, if we are fortunate enough to have a good hunt.

I already have been to the gun range a few times, and I am getting close to being happy with the way the guns are shooting. I will be taking my 1st rifle that I ever owned with me, a Winchester Model 70 in 30-06, shooting 150 Grain Sierra Boat Tail soft points. My “Back up” rifle will be a fairly new Browning Medallion in 30-06, and that gun, if used, will be shooting 168 Grain Winchester Silver Tip Exp Bullets.

This will be my 1st Hunt in Alberta for Mule Deer. Previously, the Mule Deer I have hunted have been out West. We will be hunting at the peak of the rut during the week of November 16th.

My friend has hunted there a few times, and has really liked it. He has taken 2 very nice Mule Deer, and he will be hunting the same with me. He also has the “option” of getting a whitetail during the rut, and has secured a tag “in case” we run across a rut crazed whitetail. The Mule Deer will be the focus, but if a nice Whitetail presents an opportunity, he will exercise it. So, if it all works out, 3 Deer "may" come back home with us. That is the "best" case scenario, and we all know, that is shooting for the "stars". We both would be happy with a good overall hunt.

For those that don’t know too much about Mule Deer, I will describe the best I can the differences;

The mule deer habitat is in the western half of the United States It gets its name from its large Mule-like ears. Unlike its cousin, the White Tailed Deer, mule deer are generally more associated with the land west of the Missouri River. The most noticeable differences between whitetails and muleys are the color of their tails and configuration of their antlers. The mule deer's tail is black tipped. Mule deer antlers are bifurcated, or "fork" as they grow rather than branching from a single main beam (as with white-tails). Mule deer bucks have somewhat more prominent ears than females. Instead of running, mule deer move with a bounding leap (stotting) with all four feet coming down together.

The mule deer is the largest of the Odocoileus genus, standing, on the average, 40 to 42 inches at the shoulders and stretching 80 inches or so nose to tail. An adult buck will weigh from 200 to 350 pounds on the hoof, with does averaging 100 to 175 pounds. The occasional trophy-sized mule deer bucks may weigh in around 400 pounds. The Mule Deer does not show marked size variation across its range as does the White-tailed Deer.
So as I write this, I asked myself, what is the weather like in Alberta Canada right now?

So, I do a search, and it’s >>0<< right now…..OUCH!:yikes: Wind chill -6!!! Thursday -9(-22) wind chill… and Friday -13 … Saturday -13…my god what did I get myself into???:confused:;):biggrin:

Normally I start running through all the scenarios in August to prepare for a hunt far away from home. I am somewhat behind this year, but as the month progresses, I will update some of the preparation so you get a “flavor’ of what it's all about for those that have not experienced it.

Maybe even get to join me in some success photos after the hunt.

Stayed tuned, and feel free to ask any questions or provide any input!!!

[Cap't Ernie]

Cool. I can't wait to follow your stories just like 1023's season or Thunderflight's trips. Except don't tease us too much ;)

Let's see some groups from your rifle...

Sounds like keeping warm is going to be a challenge moreso than hunting here. What will be the strategy there?

[GMbuck]

When I grow up, I want to be Deerhntr56. :bouncy: Sounds like a great experience. Do keep us posted.

[deerhunt45]

Hey 56, get a facebook and twitter account so you can update us minute by minute :rolleyes: ;) :D

Sounds like a challenging hunt. Wish you much success and can't wait to see some photos, hopefully with some nice muleys in them :coolgleamA:

[Deehntr56]

Capt; I will post some of the groups. There won't be too much of the teasing, and the weather will be a factor. As we get older our tolerance is dimished, but I have learned over the years how to handle it the best i can. It may not be enough, and only time will tell. :biggrin:

GM....Your there already, just do it. With two in college, I can't do this every year like I use to, so I squirrel away what I can, and help a friend in his business to earn the funds needed. Lots of hours go in to make something like this happen. You can also "stop in" if were successful and see them personally...looks like you live 20 minutes from me!

45..No problem, no way on the twitter or facebook account and thanks for the "good luck".

I was just at Gander looking over any "needed" items to take along.:biggrin:

[Thunderflight]

Are you hunting with an outfitter or friend?

An Alberta muley hunt is very high on my list of hunts I want to do.

BTW semi live hunts let everyone enjoy the adventure!

["J"]

56 I hope you have the hunt of a lifetime!! And I will definetly be stopping by to see the results if I'm allowed lol.

[Deehntr56]

TF....Ray is designated as an outfitter, mainly because he has to be, but only does 4 Hunts a year. He runs his own 4 Hunts and stops there. Has thousands of acres, and is just the way we like it. He only harvests Mature Mulies and maybe a whitetail or two and no other hunting is done on the property.

My Friend goes with him every year.

"J"...Thanks for the well wishes....and check your PM.:biggrin:

Keep firing away......

[NateC]

Good luck on your hunt. It is my dream to someday take a trophy mule deer.

[wallydog1]

Sounds like a great hunt John...Been many years since I hunted Mule deer out West ...may the Deer goods be with you guy's :)

[BuckeyeBill]

I know you've been looking forward to this hunt for quite a while, John. I sure hope you have a great hunt and great success. If it's going to be that cold, maybe you better take your Elmer Fudd hat!

[Deehntr56]

Nate: When your ready, just ask away…I can give you any information that I can to help you out.

Thanks Wallydog…..

BB…..In actuality, I am packing it!!:biggrin: Who would have thought I would use it for this reason!!!;)

I’m heading to the range next week again….don’t look like I’ll make it there this weekend, like I planned.

The packing has started….

[Deehntr56]

Got a few hours in at the range before the bowhunt last night....not too bad. Still tweaking. I may have a pic of the results if it comes out, I'll post when I get a chance.

This now becomes in my mind almost a weekly ritual at the range. Daily I am asking myself, what else can I do to get everything ready? I need to commit totally at this point, to make sure I have everything covered.

Every day, the thoughts continue to run around in my head more and more. They get stronger.

What else do I need to do?

I've checked my guns over and over to make sure they function properly,everything tightened down, and cleaned after each exercise in practice.

Are my new Boots broke in enough?

Did I put fresh batteries in my range finder?

What else do I need to pack?

Am I physically ready to handle the conditons?

Can I stay calm when the time comes to close the deal and follow through?

Even though some of us have gone through this time and time again, in whatever we hunt, you always 'walk' through it in your mind, making sure you have all of it ready and can go in auto mode when you need to move quickly and make the shot.

What else is there to do to be ready?

It never stops.......

[coonskinner]

good luck...:D

["J"]

John ifn you take care the little things everything else will
fall into place. Don't forget to smoke up :)

[Hiker]

John,
I hope you are blessed with a great, exciting hunt. Have fun my friend and kill a big one.

[Deehntr56]

Thanks Jeff, George!

"J"...That I know, it seems I am the type that spends way too much time on the "little details", which can be a bit stressful, but over the years, I have learned it pays off.

I had the Nikon Range finder with me the last few days, and it's working very well. New Batteries and tested out to 500 yards. Still working well after a few years off.

I also had the Zeiss 10x30 Binocs being tested with the 10-50 Nikons that I have had for 20 years, and the Zeiss came through with flying colors in low light conditions the last 2 nights.

You can always tell when your looking through good quality glass!!!;)

I'll have some pics of "groups' from the range in the next week. I have some already, but i want to show the comparison.

Friday will be the start of the 30 day countdown! :)

[Deehntr56]

We are now approaching 21 days away.

Packing some items has started. New Boots after a few months of use, are continuing to be comfortable. I'll wear them on a few more Bow Hunts before I leave.

This weekend, in between everything else, I spent some time working on the Browning 30-06, and continuing to tweak.

The gun is shooting 168 Grain Winchester Silvertips pretty well. I have decided this gun is just about ready. Groups are around 1" and staying pretty tight, as long as I don't "pull one" out of the X.:biggrin:

I haven't decided If I'm taking both Guns at this point. I'll spend some time on that thought process the next few weeks.

Weather is still very cold in Alberta. Hunt is going to be challenging with the temps below zero.

The results at the range:

3 shot group dead on the X, Both times they measured just around 1" Groups at 100 yards.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/Deerhntr56/3006Groups102409_3091.jpg

This one, as I honed in at 1" high for the hunt. Shot a very nice group of 3, then I wanted to put the 4th one for good measure in the middle of the 3, and "pulled" it right....always works that way!;):biggrin:

I need to work on my technique some:whistle:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/Deerhntr56/3006Groups102409_3090.jpg

[Cap't Ernie]

Don't make me look through the entire 'show me' thread to see the actual gun...looks like a tight group!

[GMbuck]

We are now approaching 21 days away.

Packing some items has started. New Boots after a few months of use, are continuing to be comfortable. I'll wear them on a few more Bow Hunts before I leave.

This weekend, in between everything else, I spent some time working on the Browning 30-06, and continuing to tweak.

The gun is shooting 168 Grain Winchester Silvertips pretty well. I have decided this gun is just about ready. Groups are around 1" and staying pretty tight, as long as I don't "pull one" out of the X.:biggrin:

I haven't decided If I'm taking both Guns at this point. I'll spend some time on that thought process the next few weeks.

Weather is still very cold in Alberta. Hunt is going to be challenging with the temps below zero.

The results at the range:

3 shot group dead on the X, Both times they measured just around 1" Groups at 100 yards.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/Deerhntr56/3006Groups102409_3091.jpg

This one, as I honed in at 1" high for the hunt. Shot a very nice group of 3, then I wanted to put the 4th one for good measure in the middle of the 3, and "pulled" it right....always works that way!;):biggrin:

I need to work on my technique some:whistle:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/Deerhntr56/3006Groups102409_3090.jpg


They're never gonna know what hit 'em. :cool: Good shooting.

[Deehntr56]

16 days and counting, Lots to do yet......:biggrin:

Capt...I am not sure I posted a pic of the BROWNING...Let me know if I didn't :biggrin:

[Cap't Ernie]

Did I mis-speak? Man I do not have three days to go through that entire thread to look for your gun and now I'm going to be all depressed for 'cause it's probably a nice woody gun with shine.... :(

You know not all of us have a lifetime collection of guns that was can just gaze at...my closest gun is a 15 minute walk away. I haven't shot a gun in 8 days....sniff sniff have some pity on the poor college kid that's poor in spirit and poor in dollar and can't buy a gun this year...

:D Come on, show me the gun!

[Deehntr56]

Did I mis-speak? Man I do not have three days to go through that entire thread to look for your gun and now I'm going to be all depressed for 'cause it's probably a nice woody gun with shine.... :(

You know not all of us have a lifetime collection of guns that was can just gaze at...my closest gun is a 15 minute walk away. I haven't shot a gun in 8 days....sniff sniff have some pity on the poor college kid that's poor in spirit and poor in dollar and can't buy a gun this year...

:D Come on, show me the gun!

WOW..Getting a woody there I see.:biggrin:

When I get back at the end of the week, I'll try to put one on for you.....:biggrin:

Have a great week...

[redcloud102]

Good Luck 56 !!!

I want to see lots of pics when you get back :bouncy:.

[cornstalk7]

good luck...

[Shadow]

Good Luck!!

When do you return? Looking forward to some good stories!!

[Deehntr56]

Good Luck!!

When do you return? Looking forward to some good stories!!

We'll be back November 22. We leave early next week(Week of Nov 16). Hopefully there will be some good stories.

Thanks Redcloud, cornstalk.

Capt.....I'll try to get a pic for you...hopefully it will take care of that "woody".:cheeky-smiley-022::biggrin:

[Deehntr56]

9 Days and counting. Have some of the items packed and ready. Will spend the rest of the next week packing the clothes and items needed. Passport, Gun and ammo etc.

Weather report, as of today for when we are there.....a little warmer but snow coming;

Snow much of the time ~Low: 21 °FHigh: 32 °F~
Tuesday, Nov 17 Cloudy with a flurry Low: 13 °FHigh: 31 °F
Wednesday, Nov 18 Cloudy most of the time Low: 22 °FHigh: 30 °Thursday, Nov 19 Warmer; a shower in the p.m.Low: 24 °FHigh: 42 °Friday, Nov 20 Mostly cloudy, a snow showerLow: 17 °FHigh: 36 °Saturday, Nov 21 Snow Low: 17 °F High: 38 °F

And for the capt.....pic of the gun so he has his dose of the "wood":biggrin: It was a debate bewteen the Model 70, which has gone on most of my hunts, or the Browning Medallion shown here. Both shot so well, that I made the decision yesterday, it was going on this hunt with me. I hope it will do as well as my Model 70 has over the years.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/Deerhntr56/Browning11409_4422.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/Deerhntr56/Browning11409_4421.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/Deerhntr56/Browning11409_4423.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/Deerhntr56/Browning11409_4424.jpg

[Cap't Ernie]

That is a fine gun sir, thank you for posting that for me. I hope she shoots well for her and you'd better take good care of her in the airports and the elements!


...:D good think my roommate wasn't in here when I pulled this thread up...

[Deehntr56]

That is a fine gun sir, thank you for posting that for me. I hope she shoots well for her and you'd better take good care of her in the airports and the elements!


...:D good think my roommate wasn't in here when I pulled this thread up...

Now really....you didn't have to go there.......:cheeky-smiley-022::biggrin:

[cjd3]

Sweet wood there 56. !!!

But you of all people know those sort of pictures go on a different thread.:D

[Deehntr56]

I know cjd3, I know...the captain needed some assurance.:biggrin:

1 day to go......finishing packing today, and gettin pretty pumped up.

Yesterday was a treat..almost closed the deal on a target buck 3 different times yesterday...deer movement all day, even with the warm weather, it even was my #1 target buck, but he just wouldn't slow down chasing the does enough for a safe and clear shot....great way to start the week!!!:biggrin:

[deerhunt45]

Have a great trip John! Be safe and will look forward to your successful stories and pictures :coolgleamA:

[Deehntr56]

Have a great trip John! Be safe and will look forward to your successful stories and pictures :coolgleamA:

Thanks 45....:)

[Thunderflight]

I wonder how it's going?

[OhioBoy86]

Good luck! Have a great trip and I hope you bring something back for your taxidermist to work on! I would love to be able to make a trip to Canada someday for a hunt like that!