I had decided to take one of the young ladies from the trap team I coach, and her guardian of course, on a western deer hunt. A terrific couple I know in Montana were gracious enough to open the ranch to her.
This little gal came to watch her brother shoot about 6 years ago and the year after showed up wanting to learn. She has blossomed into an excellent shooter and great leader. I feel many young guys get the chance at hunts, it’s natural but young ladies not so much. Broken homes and financial concerns seem to make it even more difficult for gals. I plan to take a young lady every year from here on out if can put the pieces together. On to the hunt…
The weather was terrific in central Montana, temps in the 60’s, light winds, blue sky’s all of last week. We looked at a lot of deer as the rut had them moving hard. The second evening we had a nice buck on the skyline and watched it for nearly an hour but the shot was 400 yards and she held off. The next morning before dark we were back up there higher, where the buck had been, watching the sun come up and looking at deer. About 9:00 am a string of does headed our way with the buck in the middle.
The lead doe got suspicious and they looped around us heading west. We kept a low butte between us and hoofed it west as well. We topped a rise and spotted the group dead ahead going up a steep hill and thru a deep V cut saddle. Once they cleared over we were off on another 500 yard trot and climbed to that saddle. She climbed it actually I nearly died keeping up. We creeped over the saddle and the group was milling about 150 yards down on the gentle sloping sage flat. I got her onto one knee and we waited nearly 15 minutes for the buck to be broadside and clear during which time she shook like a leaf but it gave me time to keep whispering things to relax and steady her.
Finally the buck cleared the does and broadsided to us and she made a perfect lung shot. The buck went 30 yards and cartwheeled.
Maggy moved onto both knees and handed me the rifle, then she cried her eyes out. She finally looked up at the old guide and said “ I didn’t know I could be so happy” 54 years of helping/guiding good people, I’ve never heard anything better.l
Maggy’s deer…


She found this up on a ridge top, looked to be a lion kill from early last winter.

We saw a boat load of deer with the rut in full swing. We also pounded on some prairie dogs which was fun to watch as she rarely missed, I was truly impressed. We could have dumped a good bunch of coyotes but we always spotted them when deer needed to be addressed first. The highlite may have been the last day when we topped over and watched a group of 4 bull elk for half an hour down below us. 3 of note, two being in the 340-350 class and one that was into the 400 class. The overall size of that beast amazed both Maggy and myself.
Details:
Tikka T-3 with a Zeiss on top.
.243 caliber.
Hornady 95gr SST. I’m not sold on that bullet. Two lung shot deer with wide damage on the entry side, broken rib in and broken rib far side with the bullets in both staying against the inside skin far side. If we’d had to track there would not have been much if any blood trail.

Again I cannot say enough good about the ranch couple who made this happen. Special to have those who can and will offer to the youth. Maggy and I also happened on a couple of members here as well. Super actually meeting you guys, I look forward to more with you.

Thanks for reading all, and don’t forget to help a kid.

Osky

Great work;
By ALL.involved!!!

Awesome !!!

Great story and photos. Congratulations to Maggy!

Well done Osky! I tip my hat to you sir.


If I dress up like a young girl will you take ME next year?

Well hey now!

Osky

Congratulations to Maggy and you too Osky! That is a fantastic buck and I'm certain neither of you will ever forget that hunt.

If this is something you try to do annually, we should talk about it the next time you are down. I have extra "gear" that should get used rather than collecting dust.

Awesome, great story.

Thank you Rob, I will stop in. I do hope to find some more folks out west who will help a kid out, I do not want to overeach on any good folks and what they offer.
I will do it as long as my legs hold out. Time and money well spent. Zero cost to these youth or their family.
Lord almighty when your climbing and wheezing and thinking your helping give someone else with a break ( excuse ) as well when you stop, turn, they are right there on your shoulder not even cracking a sigh. Just smiling and wondering why you’re stopping. Yikes.
Youthful eyes were on parade as well.


Osky

Don't tease us, what is the rifle you are carrying? It is mostly covered with a nylon sling (2 demerits for that) but that front sight screams old Remington 721.

Sweet deal

Outstanding!

Well done Osky

If I dress up like a young girl will you take ME next year? [/quote]


You should be used to doing that

You should be used to doing that
[/quote]


That's what I like about you Maury, nothing.

Nice buck. Good mulies are hard to come by today.

Congrats!

Great story and buck!