Middle Fork Salmon River Deer Hunt 2012

My best man Jacob Reinecker and his father, my friend and coworker Scott, returned to the Middle Fork Salmon River-Mormon Ranch for our annual mule deer hunt.

Even before we reached camp, Jacob spotted a deer legal to harvest and so success followed his stock. While Scott and Jacob took care of the deer, I finished shuttling gear from the airstrip, 1.5 miles away, to camp. 

Day 2

Jacob learned his deer spotting skills from his father.

There, somewhere is a deer that Jacob and Scott spot.

But I miss!

 They are very patient with me. 

 This ram never seemed bothered by us. He must have known we only have deer tags. 

 And so day two we returned to camp empty. 

Day 2

 Day 3 starts a little whiter and a little cooler

but we climbed and climbed and walked and walked and kept warm

 After some more fine scouting by the team of Scott-Jacob, I was finally able to hit my target. 

 Day 4 begins

clear and cool

 Now it is Scott's turn and he thinks he knows where he can find his deer. 

 He patiently searches the hillside

There, a deer...more deer. and they are big! 

 Proud son and happy dad. 

 Taking a needed break after retrieving the deer and before the 5 mile hike back to camp. 

 Jacob and Scott load half a deer each on their backs for the trek home. 

 Hiking the main Middle Fork trail.

 A much needed break 1/2 way there. 

Day four's travels.

 Our three deer, and meat for the freezers. 

Day 5

We pack our gear back to the landing strip....and wait. 

All that gear and the three of us have to fit in one Cessna 206!

 Jacob giving dad some advice. 

 Like father, like son. 

And finally our plane turns base for final....

landing upstream.

 Walt is our pilot...one of the best and assures us we can make it home, but we have to hurry. 

A last look at the Mormon Ranch.

 Walt says the weather is closing in, but the flight back to Cascade is far less exciting than the bumpy flight in last Thursday. 

And Jacob looks much better as we prepare to land in Cascade than he did landing in the backcountry...and there is actually a little more color to him than before. 

Another great year with great friends, providing more great memories.