Frank Church Wilderness Mule Deer Hunt
Some hunts test you mentally, some physically, others redefine what you thought of each, this was one of those hunts. Our late October hunt in the Frank Church Wilderness was a mental and physical grind from start to finish.
This hunt started differently than most, no trailhead, no easy access. Dalton, Josh and I loaded into a bush plane and flew into the heart of some of the wildest country left in the lower 48. Touching down on a remote valley floor in Idaho, we knew exactly what we were signing up for. Eight days, heavy packs, big country and a lot of unknowns.
From the moment we landed, it was straight to work. We climbed ridge after ridge, covering miles of country to get to our first camp. This hunt quickly turned into more elevation, more miles and more effort. And still, the bucks were hard to find.
We struggled to turn up mature mule deer bucks, pure and simple. Days of glassing without results, questioning decisions, covering country that should hold bucks, but didn’t. After some days we made the decision to come all the way off the mountain and move up another mountain across the river.
We made the move, over 12 miles in one push. Dropping 4,500 feet and climbing it back in the same day was a good effort for sure. This hunt came down to persistence. Even when the glass was empty, even when things didn’t make sense, we stayed with it. When things finally came together, it was my wife’s 40th birthday (that I was literally missing to be out hunting with the boys – she is special). Instead of being home with her, I was deep in the wilderness, a reminder of the support it takes to chase hunts like this, very grateful to have her. On this day, all came together. Josh and I both capitalized, doubling up on two mountain bucks. Moments earned through days of effort and persistence.
We packed 13 miles back to the airstrip after hunting on this second mountain for a handful of days. Heavy loads, worn bodies, but fulfilled from the experience. We spent one last night at the airstrip, enjoyed a few Coors Banquet beers and some good food. Laughing, reflecting, and soaking in the experience – the older I get the more I self-reflect in the moment, I feel very fortunate and grateful to partake in these types of hunts.
The Frank Church Wilderness demands everything from you. This hunt pushed limits, tested resolve, and delivered unforgettable moments. For the challenge, for the people, for the wild places!
