Bear Paw

1030, Low 40s mid 30s, light showers mixed with snow. Into the wind, I walked a draw up the ridge. Along the ridge I watched 3 does stare at me, then trot up and over the knob. When I arrived to the tree stand, I blew 3-4 fawn bleat calls. After my second round of calling, I watched the does leap frog into the patch of timber where I sat. Two would eat, one would keep watch as the moved along the ridge. They fed within 30 yards before disappearing. They were feeding towards the clear cut (1600). *A few days ago I jumped the trio about 100 yards in the timber from the clear cut, on the W side of the trail (1400).* 28 November 2017 The clear cut is becoming more essential to the hunt each day. I arrived to the AO at 1300. Conditions: Fog & snow. *The same area I bumped the does, except on the E side of the trail, I encountered my first legal buck.* When I entered the timber from the clear cut I decided to nock an arrow. I was no more than 100 yards into the timber when a f...

November 22, 2017. Temperature 45-55F, rain.  First day of late season archery, boots on the ground at 0700. From the E, wind was blowing up the clear cut from the basin, so I had to ascend the ridge from the NW, up a draw to stay up wind of the AOR.  Lots of fresh scat and random rubs were found walking up the draw. On a little bench that let to a saddle, on top of the ridge, I found a hot rub line. I walked the ridge and around 1100 I encountered 2 big mature blackmail does. They were walking down the draw on the W face of the ridge. They didn't spook, but stood there staring awkwardly for at least 5 minutes. I didn't try to alarm them, and they didn't seem worry too much. Both does kept looking down the draw as if there was another deer, but I never saw anything. Before I knew it, both vanished into thin air without a sound. I continued on my way and met the clear cut, then worked my way down its edge about 20 yards in the timber. All the way down...

November 21, 2017. The Late Season. I chose a ridge along the western slope of the Cascades to hunt blacktail deer. Ruthless wind, snow, and NW signature rain gave the AO the name "Mount Sinaloa." The area contains a clear cut that drops down to a basin, bordered by old growth timber. I will park the truck on opposite side of the mountain around 2000 ft elevation, and start my stalk through the dark timber. The peak is a little over 2800 ft. I will conduct my experience through trail cams and boots on the ground. Trail camera location: End of a finger ridge around 2400 ft. November 18 @ 0733, 33 degrees, clear sky. A doe cautiously walking down the finger ridge. 15 minutes later, a herd of elk (10+) were feeding right behind her. @1503, 2+ elk were feeding up the ridge. November 19, 0926, 35 degrees, sunny. Same elk herd feeding up the ridge.

Breaking the guard - 2 on 1 Russian tie. Control opponent with 2 on 1 at his elbow and wrist, and pin him to the ground with it. While driving into him, walk him all the way up to top of his back, and get your hips under his. Move from 2-1 to double cliff hanger, then lift opponent off the ground. Break the guard by stepping back and pushing the knee out. Pinch one of the opponents legs, the side you want to pass. Let go of the arm and move to same side collar. Side hop, forehead driving into sternum and back step over into side control.