Have been hunting mule deer off and on for the past couple of weeks as time allows. Hunted a half day on Thanksgiving..saw little movement..was invited to go along with some friends the following day in a new area. Was dropped off on a ridge as it was agreed we would all meet at a set location on the map in about 4 hours. I started into the draw watching for any sign or movement. It as a crisp clear fall morning with a slight breeze in my face and the birds were singing.

I came into an open park and sat down against my pack to glass the meadows ... as I glassed I noticed movement below me..there was a doe coming down the trail along the creek with a buck in tow...the doe stopped and looked directly up at me..not really sure if she caught my movement or scent as she was 350 yards down slope .. the buck stayed hidden in the timber ...as fast as they appeared, the doe decided all was not right and started to bound down into another draw. I assumed they would head up to the saddle and attempt to go to the other drainage. I hurried down the hill and back into the timber attempting to circle to keep the wind in my favor..as I was moving through the timber I noticed two other mule deer bucks trotting up the opposite hill and heading for the saddle on the skyline..figuring they had been spoked by the doe and buck..I ranged the distance at 287 yards and waited ..less than 45 seconds and here come the doe with the buck only a few yards behind her...I picked a spot on his shoulder and sqeezed...he dropped to the shot of a 100 gr Barnes Triple Shock out of a .257 Weathery Caliber rifle...complete penetration..the bullet shattered both shoulders..

Fortunately it was only about an hour to pack back out..and a very good day indeed.

While not being the biggest deer I have ever taken..it was a very exciting hunt..and made me realize at times one looses perspective of what is and is not all that important..Can make one really appreciative of the blessings around us..

Ripp