Josh Helmstetler
Camo | November 24, 2010
I arrived at BMR on Monday November 8th expecting to hunt until Wednesday the 10th. After the first 3 hunts I was about as frustrated as any hunter can get. I had seen numerous pictures and videos that Rick and Tammy had at camp, but the deer did not want to cooperate and cross my path. On my “final” hunt, Rick told me he thought there might be a hot doe down near sandy field. I decided to put all my eggs in that basket. I met Rick a little earlier than normal and he showed me where the tent was. The morning started slow with me expecting the doe to show up in this field. After seeing a young buck early in the morning, I did not have much action. Around 9:30, I was hanging my head and just happened to glance up to see a big mature eight point, named Warrior, about 80 yards out in the field. Although he did not give me a shot, I was rejuvenated with that familiar hunting spirit. Upon returning to camp, I asked Rick if I could stay one more day and see if I couldn’t get him into range. Once again, Rick advised me to hunt sandy field with the hopes of that doe showing up. I entered the tent around 3:00 that evening, and by 4:30 I had already seen 2 young bucks within 20 yards. The two bucks moseyed off into the brush not long after they came in. About 30 minutes passed. I could here something moving from behind me. I glanced out the side window to see the doe I had been praying for about 30 yards away. As she walked into the field, I could see “mac daddy freak nasty” (that is not what they have him named but that’s my name for him) walking right behind her. The doe trotted out into the field with the buck right on her tail, I drew back and grunted to stop the buck. Rather than stopping the deer picked up pace a little. Back to the dumps my hopes went. I just missed the best opportunity I have ever had at a monster buck. Disappointed but full of hope I returned to camp with a story. Again, Rick and I decided the morning hunt would take place at sandy field. With just enough light to see outlines, I noticed deer out in the field. He was there again giving me another chance. However there were 6 younger bucks and 1 mature buck called “Mister” in the field with them. Without enough light to range him, I decided my best opportunity would be to wait until I had enough daylight to get a trustworthy yardage. Again, I watched this monster chase the doe up a trail and out of sight. As about 30 minutes passed I watched every buck in the field walk up that same trail. I then noticed the big mature eight I had seen the morning before, walking into the field and heading straight towards the trail. After he disappeared into the brush, I decided my best opportunity would be to walk the trail the bucks did. I stepped out of the tent to realize the wind was dead in my face and the ground was sand (hints sandy field) aiding my stealth. I began to walk the trail. About 100 yards down the trail, I stepped into a small opening to see two bucks walking back towards me. I crouched next to a cedar watching “Warrior” come down the trail towards me. He stopped at what I call 20 yards (actually proves to be around 30) and turned broadside. He looked at the other buck and I drew. I put my 20 yard pin behind his shoulder and let it fly. My eyes did not see what I had expected. However, I saw the deer crash about 30 yards to my left. I walked to where the deer was standing and found my arrow broken, but with the sign of a hit. I walked back to the field and made the call to Tammy and Rick. When they arrived I explained the story. We went back down the trail and found where the shot was made. With Chili, Tammy’s tracking dog, leading the way we found the blood trail. After following the trail, it looked like Chili had other plans. The tracking dog was leading Tammy away from the blood trail (that’s what Rick and I thought). But, the next thing I heard was Tammy calling Rick. They had jumped the wounded “Warrior”. Tammy could tell he was hit hard and could barely run. We began sneaking through brush, only to hear the buck jump up and run a few yards. After drawing my bow twice on the buck, we finally could see him laying down about 20 yards away under a cedar. Rick told me to try to squeeze a shot through the brush and end the chase. Desperate for redemption of the first shot, I took a couple extra deep breaths stuck the pin on him and let it fly. After letting it go, I heard a few ticks and the thud every bow hunter longs to hear. We could see the buck’s head fall to the ground. Trying very hard not to let out a triumphant yell, I eased up to the deer. Big Buck Down! What a hunt! In three days I felt every emotion possible to a hunter. What a place to hunt. I can’t thank Rick and Tammy enough. Although, the first of my trip did not go as expected, I could see my frustration in Rick’s face. I could tell he was just as dedicated to put me on a trophy as I was to find one. The whole Buffalo Mountain experience is phenomenal. Camp is a great place to share past stories and see many of the trophy bucks that will create future stories. Thank you so much, and I will see you in December.
Josh Helmstetler
