2022 Meat Pole

Took this big Tom a few days ago on my property in north Idaho.
He's been eating everything on my mountain for the past 8 weeks. I had to wait for season to start.
I recognized a pattern he developed and he became complacent. He also wasn't afraid of me or my dogs.
I was waiting for him. 110 yards with a Armalite AR-10 (T) .308, 168 gr. He still ran 50 yards with no heart or lungs.
121 pounds of killing machine. I am 5'-10", 175 pounds for reference.

Great job Wardog!! Nice cat
 
I was blessed to have been drawn for a bull moose permit in Zone 2 of Maine this year after six years of applying. Our permit was good for the second week of moose hunting (October 10 - 15). Guide costs and the short window between draw date and hunt date to come up with funds ultimately pushed us in the DIY direction. Plus, it seemed exciting to push ourselves to learn, research, and trust in our dedication.

It was the first time either of us had been to Maine and our first time hunting moose. There was a lot of e-scouting, research, and time dedicated (+ some luck). Some cow calls at our first set of the hunt pulled this bull out of his bed on opening morning. A 15 minute calling session ended with one offhand shot to the center of the chest from less than 75 yards. The 200gr TSX from the 8mm Rem Mag handload hit him hard. He didn't make it 15 yards before getting wrapped up in some small pines. Our hunt was over (but not the work) just 47 minutes into our six day hunt.

If I were to have to pick only one rifle to own for big game - the Big 8 would be it. The cartridge continues to amaze me.

A surreal experience that has us craving more. I can't wait to go back.







 
I shot this 8 point a couple days ago. Poor guy had been hit with a muzzleloader about a week ago and he limped real bad
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Finished out the last of my tags today with a nice whitetail. First signs I've seen of any bucks checking does yet in North Idaho. This guy stepped out in a clearing to check a doe at 570 yards and was his last mistake.
My 300ss with 208 eldm has been stacking my freezer this year.

Sorry about the first picture.... had to slip in a little rifle porn :)

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Finished out the last of my tags today with a nice whitetail. First signs I've seen of any bucks checking does yet in North Idaho. This guy stepped out in a clearing to check a doe at 570 yards and was his last mistake.
My 300ss with 208 eldm has been stacking my freezer this year.

Sorry about the first picture.... had to slip in a little rifle porn :)

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Great Buck! Definately unique to have both brows uniformly split. If you take the time to score that buck Inwould be interested in hearing what he scores. Got to be over 145!
 
Great thread. Enjoyed seeing all the great memories. Here is my contribution.

Colorado August archery ram, 23 years after my first one. Shot distance 38 yards.

October roundball CO buck, shot distance 20 yards.

Kansas archery buck, early Nov. shot distance 14 yards.


Very blessed on a great fall. Got to enjoy all 3 hunts with my son. My daughter actually was able to come assist on the ram pack out.
 
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