My 2 boys, 14 and 16, drew the youth ML hunt for mule deer in unit 15 here in NM, got lucky since there were only 50 yags for that hunt. The hunt starts this Sat. and goes for 5 days. There aren't a lot of deer in that area but they can be fairly big from what some have told me. I've only seen does out there but I've been pointed to a few choice places that I haven't tried before so hopes are high.
My oldest boy shoots a Win. Apex and he is trying the Barnes 285 expander MZ's this year over 100gr of Pyro P. Velocity is averaging right around 1780fps and grouping about 1" at 100 yards. The younger one shoots a CVA Optima loaded with 100gr of Pyro P and a 250 Shockwave. It also is going around 1780fps and groups good with me shooting it, he is a little less accurate but can keep all his shots within a 10" circle with most within 5 inches at 100 yards. I need to get the trigger smoothed out a bit but wanted to let him learn the gun better before lowering the trigger weight, I also think it is safer with a little heavier trigger for now in the hands of a young teenager.
Now if the weather would just cool off before the hunt starts so the bucks will be moving I'll be happy.
Good luck to all who are out there looking to fill a freezer.
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David
Only one man in a thousand is a leader of men -- the other 999 follow women.
Groucho Marx
Good luck to your boys... I hope they get the opportunity to see and hunt a nice deer. I will be looking for good field reports from you.
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"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, a total wreck, screaming Yahoo, with a big smile on your face."
Don't forget to bring the camera, and don't forget to take pictures - not only of the kill (hopefully)but of routine activities.
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My wife says I'm totally nuts, but I think I'm Semisane.
Things I've Learned: (1) It's not possible to please everyone, but quite easy to piss everyone off. (2) If you love animals as I do, then you're not a vegetarian. (3) There's no need to act stupid, even if you're very good at it. (4) If you eat right and exercise, don't smoke or drink, you're going to die anyway.
My 2 boys, 14 and 16, drew the youth ML hunt for mule deer in unit 15 here in NM, got lucky since there were only 50 yags for that hunt. The hunt starts this Sat. and goes for 5 days. There aren't a lot of deer in that area but they can be fairly big from what some have told me. I've only seen does out there but I've been pointed to a few choice places that I haven't tried before so hopes are high.
My oldest boy shoots a Win. Apex and he is trying the Barnes 285 expander MZ's this year over 100gr of Pyro P. Velocity is averaging right around 1780fps and grouping about 1" at 100 yards. The younger one shoots a CVA Optima loaded with 100gr of Pyro P and a 250 Shockwave. It also is going around 1780fps and groups good with me shooting it, he is a little less accurate but can keep all his shots within a 10" circle with most within 5 inches at 100 yards. I need to get the trigger smoothed out a bit but wanted to let him learn the gun better before lowering the trigger weight, I also think it is safer with a little heavier trigger for now in the hands of a young teenager.
Now if the weather would just cool off before the hunt starts so the bucks will be moving I'll be happy.
Good luck to all who are out there looking to fill a freezer.
Best wishes to you and your boys. No matter what you get or don't get, your building a lifetime of good times, which will be remembered forever. Chap Gleason
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Chapman Gleason
Purcellville Va
http://www.the-gleasons.com
As Semisane said, make sure to take your camera. Now that my dad has passed on, I cherish those pics of us in the woods more than anything else. Have fun and I look forward to seeing the outcome.
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"Yes, well, I’m polymerized tree sap and you’re an inorganic adhesive, so whatever verbal projectile you launch in my direction is reflected off of me, returns to its original trajectory and adheres to you." - Sheldon Cooper
dmurphy -I suspect you'll havea great time with or without bringing home the bacon. At the same time you're out stalking deer with your sons, I'll be on theAlberta prairies hunting ducks and geese with my father and uncle. We're a generation ahead of you. IMO, there is no greater gift a father can give a son than an appreciation ofwild things and wild places. Good luck on the hunt!
Thanks for the replies and the encouragement. Some of my first hunting memories were huntingtree ratswith my Grandfather and whitetails with one of my uncles. They have long passed but I still remember those times and I look forward to building more with my own kids. It's nice to get them away from the gameboys and playstations and get out into the real world. We will be sleeping in a tent and cooking outside, not new to them but not something we do very often (unfortunately). I will be taking a camera and will try to get as many picture as I can, maybe even a video if I can.
Thanks again and good luck to all.
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David
Only one man in a thousand is a leader of men -- the other 999 follow women.
Groucho Marx
Taking the boys hunting
