NW OREGON BLACKTAIL By Sitka Ambassador, Jeff Dunn

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NW OREGON BLACKTAIL By Sitka Ambassador, Jeff Dunn

Author: David

Oct 13, 2009
(0 comments)

I hoof it to the top of the ridge, eager to begin my sneak. I know my landmark, but not exactly where he lay. The boots come off some 100 yards shy of my goal. Silent steps slow as I approach an open edge along the tree covered and brush choked ridge top, knowing the deer are CLOSE. The wind gusts aren’t in my favor, and avoiding the crunch of a leaf with each step becomes my focus as I close the distance. Safety off, scope dialed down, heart beat quickening, unable to sniff the snot rolling down my upper lip, eyeballs scanning intensely without moving my head, expecting the buck to bolt at any moment after catching my movement or scent, or hearing the sound of a misstep. As I reach the edge I SEE ANTLERS ONLY 35 YARDS AWAY.............the spork. My heart pounds faster...I know HE'S CLOSE! Frozen in place, looking...looking...I can’t find him. The smaller buck is bedded facing away...one more sloooow step and I can see more...but not him. Trying to place my size 12’s between leaves, my next step makes a faint crunch as my foot settles, and I freeze. Five yards beyond the spork, through the bush, an ol' white face SNAPS my way…IT'S HIM...HE'S RIGHT THERE! In the next three seconds, five minutes worth of thoughts rush through my head...I weigh the option of waiting for him to stand or shoot him as he lay. A split second later the rifle hits my cheek and he’s down! YEEEEESSSSSSS...exhale.

deer3

You can't describe the feeling when a plan works to perfection! It's not about the kill or the size of the antlers for me, but the adventure...time spent in God's country...the perspective gained from every trip out...and sharing it with others. Every day truly is successful, but I won't lie, putting meat on the table is as good as it gets.

Gear used: Core Bottoms, Ascent Pants, Core Zip T, Traverse Zip T, Jetstream Jacket, Jetstream Gloves, Traverse Beanie, Bivy 45

The wind chill on a cold morning this time of year can bring uncontrollable shivers, and make it near impossible to find your quarry through even the finest glass…but the Jetstream jacket and gloves did just what I needed them to, keeping the cold out and the hunt on.

deer5

The Bivy 45 was AWESOME! I used nearly every feature and needed nothing more. The rifle sling was great and just when I thought I was running out of space while loading gear and quarters after dark, the blaze orange meat shelf folded out to secure the rest of my load with room to spare.

deer6

Optifade kept me stealth no doubt, but the comfort Sitka gear provides in any hunting situation is what I love most. While the latest craze is “The Science of Nothing,” let’s not forget it’s more than the best camo pattern…it’s the best gear.

deer 7

The sun set on another blessed day in God's country...looking forward to the next day out...

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