Hot Topics

Mule Deer Buck Spread

mike — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:43:39 +0000

Mule Deer bucks pinch their ears back to listen while walking or running off. They then always look wider. In the judging section of the new book I mention that you need to get a front view. Here is the front view of the buck. He has 21 or 22 inches tip to tip of ears. Now you can get a better look for judging both spread and gross score. And get away from the dreaded "ground shrinkage" Thanks all of you for the response.

Here is a closer look at the buck. I think he is between 24-25" outside and is a 170 gross buck with his 3 inch cheater. Next year he should be pushing 180. A young buck with a baby face. Hopefully the wolves won't get him. I have photos of him in the judging section of the book. Thanks all you for the interest!

Field judging spread on a mule deer buck.

mike — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:09:17 +0000

Picking photos for my new Mule Deer book. In the field judging section I have a section on spread. Using this photo in that section. Any of you want to judge this bucks outside spread with the cheaters?

Ram Tough!

mike — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 18:42:15 +0000

A Big Horn Sheep fight to remember

Let me set this up. I located two mature rams beating up on a single ram. When I showed up I could see the single rams’ horn on the driver side had been chipped extensively. Unfortunately I was a ways away but still got several marginal photos. The two other rams were just hammering him from not only the front but also the side.

After one violent hit from the side and front by both rams suddenly he was missing his horn on the driver side! All that was left was the core which also had its end broken off!

After the battle I walked over to where they had been fighting and found the blown off horn!

50 years of wondering out here in the west this is a first for me. Watching a ram blow off his horn in a fight.

Two days later I found him 4 miles up the creek running other ewes and still butting heads with other rams! This shows the powerful instinct of the sheep rut.

As the sun was going down, I found two more rams battling for dominance of a hot ewe. The sheep rut here in Wyoming is always full of banging-head action!

Merry Christmas everyone!

mike — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:19:42 +0000

Heading for the Big Horn Sheep Rut

mike — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:54:00 +0000

Heading out for a few days to film the Big Horn Sheep rut. Its at the peak and hopefully I can find to old boys banging heads for the girls. Will check back and let you know how I do. Mike

The End of the Mule Deer Rut

mike — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:51:12 +0000

Found that buck who beat up the split ear buck. He had a doe pined up on a cliff. The Mule Deer rut is mostly over up here in Wyoming.

The Ice Box

mike — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:32:45 +0000

Headed out to film a few bucks this morning it seemed a little chilly! This buck walked away with his tail between his hind legs.

Went home and looked at the thermometer -21 below zero! Went out and thru a cup of tea in the air and it turn into vapor! Has anyone else get this ice box morning?

Mule Deer Rumble in the Sagebrush

mike — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:54:43 +0000

Was out filming mule deer and got into this fight during the rut. Go to my Face Book to see all 7 photos of this great fight.

Tactical Knee Pads For Hunting

mike — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:11:44 +0000

Alta Industries Flex Military Tactical Knee Pads:

As most of you know, I have one fake knee and the other is worn out. So when I’m antelope or mule deer hunting, it’s important that I have effective knee padding. This summer, I found a brand of kneepads that works for me out here in the deserts of the West. Alta Industries has been outfitting the U.S. military with kneepads for more then 30 years. Unlike my old kneepads, Alta doesn’t attach with noisy Velcro straps. Alta kneepads are lightweight and the strap attachment is quick, easy and quiet. These pads are extremely comfortable while kneeling, lightweight and easy to take off and on. I consider them a must-have for both bow and rifle hunting gear. MSRP $20.00. www.altaIndustries.com. ~ Mike Eastman

“Holy Humpies” Grizzly comes over for breakfast!

mike — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:45:48 +0000

A close up of the Humpy tracks as he was eating a little green salad for breakfast.

Humpy wondered up to my deck and around the homestead this morning! I got up at 5:00 to start the fire and looked out and no tracks. Looked out again at 7:00 and the grizzly had walked up to the deck and went around to the left and under my bedroom window! He had eaten a little high country salad out in the pasture. Then finished up eating the green stuff next to the foundation under my bedroom window. Where was I? In my office upstairs working on the new mule deer book. The stove was going and the radio was playing but he didn’t care. The small Humpy walked thru camp this morning undetected!