With Covid derailing our plans for a sheep hunt in the youth season for Renee we decided to return to Prince of Wales Island to chase blacktail and see the sights. The plan was to get Renee her first buck and for dad to celebrate his birthday with a big Sitka blacktail. We failed on both counts but this was still the best hunt of my life.

We again stayed at Thorne Bay Lodge. I can't say enough about this place. Brent and his son run a hell of an outfit and we absolutely love it there. It feels like a second home. The cabins are well appointed and comfortable, the hunting is great and the area is stunning. It doesn't hurt that his rates are so reasonable that even a cheapskate like me almost feels guilty getting such a bargain.

We stayed Thanksgiving week and figured to catch the tail end of the rut. We weren't disappointed. We got our feet wet Sunday but didn't see the buck we wanted. Monday was a different story. Seeing as it was my birthday Renee said that I should have first crack at any big buck we saw. And boy did we see some bucks.

Twice before noon we surprised really big bucks who were following does. Both times I should have gotten a shot but I simply wasn't quick enough. And they were beauties! Even so nothing could get our spirits down.

The weather was wet and cold but we were both wearing new Kuiu gear and it made the hunt so much more enjoyable. Hunting in light rain without having to bother with raingear was a new experience for both of us. The price is steep but it is worth every penny. We did bring raingear but it was seldom needed even though we experienced a lot of light rain.

Tuesday I decided that I would focus on getting Renee a buck. I told myself that I would only carry my rifle to back her up or to possibly take a shot if the distance was too long for her. We headed down to some older clearcuts and bumped a deer on the trail. It stepped behind a bush and paused.

I told motioned for Renee to freeze and said, "there is a doe". She hissed, "I see horns!"

I cycled the bolt thinking that she saw a buck following the doe. I asked her "where?" and she replied, "right there in the bush!"

Through the scope I could see that she was right, it was a buck. Whether by greed or reflex I am not sure, but my rifle went off and the buck fell. Renee yelled, "you got him!" just as I realized that I had killed what should have been her first deer.

My shame was short lived as Renee's excitement was infectious. It had all happened so fast, and from very close range. And the buck was a beauty. Not in the trophy sense, but in the way that only a late November deer taken in such a beautiful place can be.




The best photo showing my beautiful daughter.



This is the best photo showing the little bucks dual eyeguards and those deep red antlers. Quite a bit of character for such a young buck.



We witnessed some postcard sunrises.

[I have helped a lot of youngsters get a start hunting.

None ever have had the experience that Renee is getting.

Great job.

You and Miss Renee are living in paradise and making great memories. Thanks for being such a good daddy to her. Most people give no outdoor experiences to their kids anymore.

Always nice to get out of Barrow and see something that isn't frozen.

Great job!

Outstanding story.

Went fishing in August on Prince of Wales island. Beautiful place!

We are going back September 2020!

.

congrats what way to make a life long memory

With as much sunshine and rain as we had we saw some spectacular rainbows.



In the days after we got the buck the rut ended. It was like the deer vanished. On one of these down days we had a magical encounter with a young doe. Driving down a logging road we spotted a doe feeding. I shut the truck down and we sat and watched her feed. Renee blew softly on her doe call and the doe's ears perked up but she continued to feed. Renee again blew softly and the doe turned our direction and headed straight down the road towards us. I joked that she was charging and I would have to shoot her before she could ram us off the road. Renee laughed and then we both went silent as the doe walked right up to the truck and then turned and walked around Renee's side. She was so close that I couldn't see her from the driver's seat. She stopped beside Renee's door and stood looking at Renee. Renee snapped a few photos and then reached her hand out to pet her. The doe took a few steps and continued to feed, finally disappearing into the forest. This was probably the highlight of our trip.







The population of bald eagles in the area is so dense that after a few days you hardly take notice of them. We were able to watch them feeding several times and even got a bit too close to a young eagle on one occasion. I'm not sure that an eagle will attack a human but I almost got to find out first hand.



The deer weren't moving much the rest of the trip but we great time. I'm not sure when we will be back but we are already talking about returning for spring bear. And Renee still need to get her POW Island buck.

Well done!!!!!

Zeke

Glad both of y'all had great time!

Renee is a real cutie. You can tell she is having a great time with you. Lucky Dad!

Time spent with children in the great outdoors is the best way to use it wisely. Well done Jason and Renee!

Thrill for the girl, glad you took her.
Great pictures, thanks for sharing.

George

.

Great times! Thanks for sharing.


.

That Alaska Panhandle country is beyond beautiful. Renee's smile just lit up my day. Thanks!

Well done one more time.

Mark

Very nice Jason. One just can't beat quality time afield with one's child(ren).

This is the island featured in Meateater, I think. I was quite fascinated by it and so it is great to read your post.
I live in a semi-desert, though, and the thought of all that cold rain gives me the shivers!

Great memories!