It is also a great time of the year because we get to meet with some of our sponsors and also see what is new for the upcoming season. Trying out this new gear and giving my feed back is also an important part of working with our sponsors at Outback Outdoors. I take pride in the team that we have assembled and I feel we are a valuable asset to them.

One thing that most people fail to do throughout the year is practice on their game. Whether it is shooting your bow or gun, using your equipment or practicing your elk calling we tend to slack off over the cold winter months. By traveling to these show I get to practice my elk calling. I feel this is very important and helps me be more comfortable when crunch time arrives. Also by using your equipment during the year you can weed out the stuff that does not work. You can also try new products or shooting styles and make sure when the fall arrives you will be more confident and ready. Eliminating the excuses is what this time of year provides.

The off season is also the best time to get your self in shape. No more saying next year or what if. Make this year the time where you will work harder and go farther to work out, run or just hike. Fitness is the most important aspect in your hunt and the one that you can control. There is no reason to not be in some what good shape during the winter.

So as you can see the “off season” is not really a correct term. There really is no “off” time. Make it happen this year and I promise that you will have the best year possible. The team at Outback Outdoors follows these guide lines and I feel that it is no coincidence that we are punching tags every fall and enjoying back straps for dinner.

Born and raised in  Nevada my passion is spotting and stalking in the sagebrush country the Great Basin provides. This Eastern Colorado plains hunt would be a little different than what I’m used to and I definitely was up for the challenge.

My first look at the country was on opening day. With the first rays of the golden sun hitting the landscape the thermometer bottomed out at 15 degrees. All I could see around me was wide open cut wheat stubble, cut corn, and CRP fields. With such little cover we could spot deer for many miles but getting to them would be the true challenge. This late season archery hunt was taking place after three gun seasons, making the animals very much on edge. Anytime they would see a vehicle moving they became very skittish and if the vehicle stopped they were high tailing it out of the country with ears pinned in the back position.

The first morning out on the plains, a day before Adam could get away to join us, Trevon and I spent most of the chilly morning in his truck moving from one vantage point (more like a slight rise in the road) to another where we would fix ourselves to our window mounted Nikon spotting scopes picking out every detail that was out of place.  We would have to spot deer from a long way away and make a plan to get in close on foot.

Mid day found us pinned to the side of the road watching a large main frame 4 point muley moving through the cut wheat with another buck and a whitetail doe.  The only reason we saw this bruiser buck was his mid day stretch got him to stand and reposition  When the deer bed in this cut wheat little is left in the way of landmarks to follow except for the tips of their tines peaking out from the tan stalks.  We only had the antler tips as a landmark above the rolling wheat stubble.

While we watched this four pointer, another group of deer rose from their beds at the report of a phesant hunters shotgun.  This herd was about 400 yards away from the big four and bedded under the sprinkler lines in the middle of the pivot.  We marked their position so as not to blow them out of the country when we went after the big four.

Trevon and I parked the truck downwind about a half mile from the deer and out of sight, and the stalk was on. With a rise in the landscape we were able to reach the edge of the pivot without being seen, but from then on it was on hands and knees belly crawling the rest of the way.

The wheat in this particular field is topped off at about 18″ and is extremely loud and crunchy. Although we didn’t have any wind that was steady but the occasional gust of wind would cover the sound of our approach and prevent being detected by the radar ears of the deer.

With bow in hand I was followed by Trevon running camera and getting everything on film.  It was extremely slow going but we were steadily closing the distance.  Keeping our eyes on the buck’s antler tips we weaved our way closer, occasionally having to sit still and wait in one spot for the breeze to pick up before moving again.  One of these silent waiting periods was interrupted by another pheasant hunters’ shotgun report a couple miles away.  Again this alerted the closer herd of deer and they stood to investigate. The biggest buck in the group stood for just a few seconds, giving us a quick look before repositioning to bed back down. Soon he was followed by the others as a calm came over the herd.

The wind started shifting and the herd was now down wind of the big four point buck we were originally stalking.  We knew there was a decent buck in this closer group and if we kept going straight for the big four we would surely blow them out of the country and eliminate any opportunity to hunt them in the coming days.  Sometimes, as a bow hunter, you have to except the gift you are given.

Being 150 yards from the herd and 300 yards from the big four, my strategy changed.  I turned to Trevon and told him we were going to go after the big group bedded under the sprinkler pivot.  They were in prime position and if we could get through the wheat and close the distance we would have an opportunity to fill a tag and have the first kill on film for the Outback Outdoors show.  His nod in agreement changed the game.

Trev stayed on my heels as we closed the distance.  The buck I wanted bedded near the 5th tire on the pivot sprinkler line, all I had to do was get to the 4th tire and I would have a 60 yard shot.  Those last 100 yards was utterly nerve racking. Wheat stubble cracked under my hands and knees with every shift of my body.  Seventy yards away and I was on my own as Trev stayed back with the camera to capture the events as they unfolded.  There was 30 yards left to cover while avoiding the eyes and ears of the deer on the perimeter of the herd.  I could see bodies and ears through the thin openings in the wheat stubble which forced me to slow my pace further.  Finally making it to my goal and the 4th tire up line from the buck, my nerves calmed as now the waiting game began and I was in prime position.

Our timing on the stalk was perfect, almost scary perfect.  Within three minutes of setting up, the smaller bucks and some doe started to stand and mill around.  Surely he would rise at any time and join them for an evening feed.  I could hear my heart pounding in my ears. As though it was a choreographed dance, I came to full draw as he stood and he gave me the two steps forward that I needed for a clear shot behind the shoulder.  The small window of opportunity was all that was needed as a clean release sent the arrow 60 yards to its mark.

First day, first stalk, first shot and we had a buck down.  There was no need to track the crimson sprayed wheat as we watched the buck fall less than 30 yards from his bed.  With my 2011 Colorado deer tag filled I the next 4 days found me returning the favor and running camera for Trevon and Adam.

What a great experience, having the opportunity to stalk mule deer in the flat wide open country of Eastern Colorado.  I will take the many lessons learned and strategies acquired and apply them to all my future hunts in the hope to become a better bow hunter.  I believe, both in hunting and in life, no matter how successful or accomplished you are, you can always learn and better your future performance.

Dave Beronio – team Outback Outdoors

Alaska found me Guiding for Dall sheep and Mountain Grizzly bears. You have to be in prime physical shape and have all the right gear to walk many miles in a day. Glassing from long distances and making a game plan for a stalk are the name of the game. Everything that you harvest has to be packed out on your back and you are at the mercy of Mother Nature. The travel and scenery are memories that will live with you forever. It takes a certain person to be dropped off in the middle of nowhere and be comfortable and confident knowing that you will be OK. You get to see some of the most beautiful places on the entire planet in Alaska.

Each animal has to be hunted totally different too. The sheep make a living in the highest of mountain peaks using their eye sight to protect them from danger. You have to get high above them and close the gap from above. The bears are generally  looking for meals in the creek bottoms and side hills of the valley floors. They rely on their noses primarily to alert them of food or danger. You have to be very careful with the wind and if a bear smells a human intruder he might run for a mile or more and wont return to that area again.

Once back in Montana it was time to chase my favorite animal, the elk. Nothing beats the month of September out West. The weather is changing and the bulls are screaming. I hunt them in the semi open country of central Montana. You can see a lot of country and setting your hunters up for an up close and personal encounter with 700 pounds of  jealous bull and calling them in is what I live for. Now we have to get very close and interact with our quarry. A little different from the month before. Learning to call correctly and using the terrain to your advantage is a must. Nothing beats tricking a mature animal into your love sick set up for a clean harvest. Elk rely also on their noses but you can fool their ears and eyes.

These animals were made for archery hunting and I enjoy chasing them year after year and take pride in being a pretty good elk hunter. For years I hunted elk but over the last 8 years I have become an elk hunter. There is a big difference. They are huge animals so make sure you have a good plan and back to get them off the mountain. Watching an arrow bounce off your hunters rest or yours when a bull is screaming at less than 10 yards in fact is a priceless thing for sure.

Then you have to switch gears and go from more open country to the thick oak brush country of Colorado and now the rifle is the weapon of choice. Both elk and mule deer are on the menu. Here the big difference is the altitude. Going from 3500 feet to over 9000 feet can wear you down quickly. This is why you try and stay in shape year round so you can handle all types of hunting scenarios. The elk are mostly over the rut and are in large herds. You have to ambush them and try and single out the elk you want which can be a challenge when there is 200 to 300 animals in a group.

Most of the bigger herd bulls have left the cows and the second rut is carried on by the lesser but still good quality animals. The weather can also be a factor as you progress through the seasons so knowing what gear to have is important.

You will also have a combination hunt where you can chase mule deer around as well. Being able to switch gears from elk to deer happens often when they occupy the same country. Temperatures can range from 60 and sunny to a foot of snow and wind and minus zero type weather. Being versatile is a big key in having your hunters or yourself  when trying to punch a tag.

Managing your wild life is also very important for the Outback Outdoors team and we enjoy hunting for cow elk as well. I helped the Rocking Mountain Elk Foundation this past fall on a few cow elk hunts back in Montana. Now you have to switch back to spotting and stalking due to the fact that the elk are back in bunches and there are many eyes, ears, and noses to fool. Most people think that hunting cow elk or doe deer is a walk in the park. I beg to differ, these lead girls are very tough to outsmart. Fellow team member Adam Wells and I have been aggravated more times than I can remember trying to harvest cow elk or white tail doe.

Doing your part to help manage herd numbers is a good way to extend your season as well as fill your freezer with some good quality meat. I live year round on the venison I take and have not bought store bought beef in years. For me it can’t be beat.

Finally November hits and I have to switch gears to white tail deer hunting and also mule deer. Now I usually have my hunters sitting in tree stands so scouting, hanging stands, and putting up ground blinds become the work of the day. The weather is generally colder and the rut is on for deer in our part of the country. I really enjoy trying to out smart a big whitey along the river bottom country where I guide and hunt. Morning and evening hunts take place and most of the time you are stationary. But again out West you can take a great deer by using the spot and stalk method.

As you can see why I love the West and my job. I take pride in having to be a well rounded hunter and what better place to do it. I am proud to be a part of the Outback Outdoors team.

I eventually ended up relocating to a different area in attempt to find some unpressured elk. After my son’s football game I was able to put in a good afternoon hunt. Once I arrived to my new “honey hole” Tthe temperature was starting drop and the conditions were shaping up in a hurry. The elk were close so I decided to hang tight and wait for a bugle in order to play the wind and make a move. Within minutes, a deep screaming bugle echoed a few hundred yards away with two other bugles following. I rushed to the edge of a clearing and quickly set up. I then moved about thirty yards toward the action. I blew a few soft cow calls from my temptress in the opposite direction and waited patiently. The bulls were going crazy, the wind was in my favor, and this was my chance! It was no more than thirty seconds before a bull came crashing off the hillside. He quickly let out a scream and scanned the clearing, looking for cows. The bull saw my decoy, started to lick his lips, and quickly closed the distance. I could tell he was a respectable bull and there was no doubt in my mind that I would take him if an opportunity was provided. He was coming in on a string; I drew back and waited for the bull to walk by broadside. “Meeeeww,” the bull hit the brakes and looked in the dark timber behind me. I settled my 30-yard pin in his armpit and watched my arrow punch its way through his vitals. My Hoyt Rampage Xt that I received for OO performed flawlessly. The bull crashed through the timber and quickly stopped. I made several more cow calls, attempting to ease his emotions. The bull slowly walked through the timber and disappeared.

Another long thirty minutes passed before I found myself on the huge and always reassuring blood trail. After 100 yards of tracking, the blood trail was tapering out. It was now down to pin drops and I was starting to second guess my shot. I found a fresh broken limb lying on the ground and beyond that some small, thick pines. I analyzed the small pine needles and found some dried blood that had been brushed off the bull. I looked up and there he was, piled up in the middle of the thick pines. I rushed over to lay my hands upon my trophy. A respectable 6×6 with a small sticker between his fourth and fifth points. I found myself lying on the ground overwhelmed with emotions of joy. I finally got my break! After all of the discouraging events, I never would have thought I was going to make that telephone call seeking help to pack out my elk. I could not have been happier with my first public land harvest in Montana. This had been a long time coming . . .

We had a very late spring this year and a late summer followed! I assume this is the reason for the late rut. In reference to Adam Wells, he is spot on with his “herd shadowing” tactics. Every bedded bull that I pursued situated himself in an area that was cool, heavily timbered, and had swirling winds. Adam’s advice was very helpful. I was fortunate Adam was able to harvest his bull before I did, therefore he was able to provide the useful information. Thank you once again Trevon and the rest of the OO team for the bow as well as the useful tips and tactics on the site.

Keep the wind in your face

Andrew Basabe

Sheep hunting can be one of the most exciting hunts you can ever imagine. The remote locations where these animals live, the scenery and just the trip getting into their country. Most sheep hunts start out months if not years before the actual hunt takes place. Booking a guided hunt usually requires being on a waiting list as the outfitters only get a limited number of tags each year. Even a do it yourself type hunt requires a lot of planning and most of all a strict training regiment to get you in shape both physically as well as mentally.

You can expect to walk anywhere from 3-15 miles each day and this country is far from gentle. Many mountain peaks and valleys will have to be crossed in a days hunt. I would give yourself a solid year or so to train so that you are prepared for this type of hunt. Cardio is very important but it must be mixed with a good weight program. On average your pack will weigh close to 30 pounds or more so having strong legs is a must. Try and train with the gear that you will be using during your hunt. It does you very little good to jog all summer in shorts and running shoes and then head on your hunt. Make sure that you wear your boots, clothing and carry your pack and even your weapon with you when training. This sounds funny but if your back and shoulders are not prepared for the 10 day long adventure you will have a miserable hunt.

 You can expect many plane changes when heading into the North country and these planes always get smaller as you go. They have very strict weight limits and you must be able to condense all your gear into just 2 bags and a weapon and have enough to last you up to 2 weeks. Make sure that you buy the best gear you can afford in clothing, optics and foot wear. A solid back pack is also required because you might come out “hopefully” with more in your pack then you went in with. The small planes used to get around do not allow hard gun cases so make sure that you have a quality soft case for your final flights. Also do your research on excess baggage and weight coming back out. These prices can be very high and you want to be prepared.

Make sure that you pack a good quality point and shoot camera with you on these trips. You will see some spectacular scenery and some critters that you might not see anywhere else. It is fun to come back home and share your experiences with friends and family. Be very thorough with your outfitter and ask him how his operation runs and what to expect from start to finish. You do not want any surprises once you are in camp. What kind of hunt to expect, what is and is not covered with the original hunt price. Tips required for guides, packers and cooks. Who is responsible for getting your cape ready for the taxidermist. 

The reason I call this trip the “disaster” is because I endured everything from a not so forthcoming outfitter, 2 plane crashes while in camp, and very upset hunters. On only my third day of guiding but after walking almost 40 miles and one trek lasted 30 hours I tore my lateral meniscus and that ended my sheep season. The rewards are great but just be prepared for some unexpected and usually always occurring changes to your Northern adventure.

There is something awesome about young hunters in the field successfully harvesting trophy bulls, but more so is when a 14 year old gal (Graylen Goff) shows great composure and whacks a great bull on video….well that is just dang COOL!

Keep checking back at Outback Outdoors for Adam’s upcoming archery elk hunt and also for Graylen’s….. and maybe even another surprise archery elk hunt where Dave Beronio switches places with cameraman Chris Callinan and Chris gets it done with his bow!

The 2011 season is ROCKING! Let us hear from you and how your season is going! The rut is just around the corner and team OO is getting ready to head out to Missouri and Kansas for some big whitetails, too! Good luck and shoot straight and fart downwind.

Team Outback Outdoors

Most hunters dream at some point in their life about chasing one or all of the four species we have in the sheep family. The Grand Slam of sheep is a high light that very few hunters achieve but most aspire to do. For those that are not familiar with the names of all four species in North America they are the Rocky Mountain, Dall, Stone and Desert sheep.

Just the adventure alone to travel to the places these animals call home is amazing. A hunter has to be prepared physically as well as mentally before ever attempting to hunt sheep. I want to share just a few lessons learned in my experience chasing these animals.

I mentioned earlier about the travel to areas where these sheep call home. I was recently in Alaska and in this country the planes get smaller as you travel farther North. The standard jet that you fly in shrinks considerably with every plane change.

Usually you are flown by a plane similar to this into a pick up area where all of the hunters are dropped off. Here you will wait for your outfitter to shuttle you to your hunting area. This does not seem like much of a problem but remember that once the plane leaves it could be hours before you land in camp. Make sure you have some food and gear at the ready in case of bad weather or delays which are more the norm rather than the exception in Alaska.

A plane such as this is capable of carrying a pilot and two hunters along with your hunting gear. It is capable of landing on rather short run ways and is very popular for mountain flying.

Some of the areas have landing areas that are very small and you will have to fly in an even smaller plane. It is the work horse of the North and is the sole means of flying into these remote areas. I hate these little planes and if you are not very comfortable in planes sheep hunting might not be for you. Be honest with yourself because this type of travel can be very dangerous. Talk with your outfitter and make sure you are prepared.

This plane is called a Super Cub and only carries the pilot and one hunter and minimal gear. You are limited to the amount of stuff you can bring along and the average weight limit is about 60 pounds plus yourself. This plane can land and take off in a span of less than 100 yards. It is basically made of wood, some metal and fabric. They only weigh in at about 1200 pounds and are the main stay in wild country. Again did I mention that I HATE to fly in these.

Usually just a short flight of less than an hour and you are in camp. You can stay in lodges or wall tent camps or even back packing style tents. I can’t stress enough to be prepared well before you touch down in this unforgiving country.

This is all the gear I need to handle a sheep hunt. I have enough clothing and survival gear in my pack to withstand the rigors of sheep hunting. The total weight of my load is about 60 pounds plus my rifle. You have to be in the best shape of your life to hike long miles in rough terrain and carry a full pack like this everyday. Notice I have my rain gear handy and on top of my pack ready in case a storm were to roll in. On this particular hunt I was the last one picked up and sat on the runway for close to 4 hours before flying into camp.

Keep a camera handy for the flight into your area and take tons of pictures so you can share your memories with all your friends.

These sheep live on the most unstable ground you will ever walk on. Loose shale slides, rocky slopes and steep mountain passes are where they call home. They live at or near the top of all the peaks. They want to have the high ground so they can see danger. In this country they have wolves, grizzly bears and of course hunters to hide from. They also have the best eye sight in the animal kingdom. 8 power vision enables them to pick off danger at great distances and their escape route is usually to just climb up and over any mountain near them. Proper boots are critical when hunting sheep so do not go cheap. I do not care how expensive your rifle is or how many power your optics are if you can’t get to them it does not make a difference.

  In part two of the blog I will cover some gear and fitness required to partake in a sheep adventure. Until then stay down wind!!

Opening weekend came around and we hit the mountains hard. I spent hours pinned behind the glass of my Nikons searching every nook and cranny only turn up sows and cubs. This was special in its own right as it allowed us opportunity to watch nature at work and kept us on our toes. One situation in particular put us 12 yards from a sow, with her two cubs under 10 yards, her bluff charge raised the hair on the back of our necks and as Fred Bear said, “it is a feeling that will cleanse the soul”.

Heading back to work for a couple days, I gave Chris a couple days off from running camera.  He used this time for scouting, but with bow in hand he found himself 18 yards and at full draw.  Chris took advantage of this gift and filled his tag with a nice California bear.

I was still with an unpunched tag when the hard work and dedication finally paid off.  Spotting a great bear with the first rays of light our stalk would be fast and the final seconds even faster. Forty yards of berries and steep High Sierra country kept us from the bear, but only clean mountain air separated my Goldtip arrow from his thick chocolate coat . With camera rolling, my first shot hit the mark. The bear hit the deck, regained his footing and sprinted uphill only to realize there would be no more up. This is when the real fun begins. Without giving away too much, I leave you with this; My first shot was at 40 yards, the second was at 7 yards and I never moved my feet.

With Chris Callinan running camera and me behind my Hoyt CRX 32 we have gained memories that will last a lifetime. We hope you enjoy watching this hunt as much as we had bringing it to you.

We will see you where the white rocks and the green trees meet the blue sky.

The first morning of the hunt Adam and I both went (with our camera crew, Sarah with me and Kyle with Adam) to our blinds set up on water holes with excited anticipation. In our blind Sarah and I had some excitement at around 8am as a doe and a fawn followed by a small buck came into drink. After sizing him up I made the decision to pass on him and instead just shot him with my camera. Throughout the day a few more does came to drink as the squelching Wyoming heat set in. A group of 4 bucks circled but never committed to the water hole or offered a shot, and that was the last of the excitement for us in our blind for day 1.

Adam and Kyle, on the other hand, had a little more action. Mid morning some domestic sheep payed them a visit and soon a few doe antelope. That started the party and soon they had a group of four smaller bucks getting hydrated in the heat. Adam wisely passed on the smaller bucks, and not 10 seconds after those bucks finished drinking and headed back out on the prairie, Adam spotted a good buck coming at a steady pace right to the water hole.

Adam got ready and when the buck dropped his head to drink he gave Adam a great 20 yard broadside shot. Adam’s arrow flew true and the buck went down 30 yards away on video. The footage was great and Adam was tickled, as this was his first Pronghorn buck with a bow since he was in high school.

The next morning Scott Denny, Sarah, and I jumped in the truck ready for another scorching hot day in the blind (AKA. the sweatbox) and hoping that some big bucks would be thirsty. On the way to the blind we drove by a lone antelope that was feeding by the two track road we were on and was paying us no mind. As we rolled by him I mentioned to Scott what a great buck he was and how I would love to have a shot at him. Scott smiled and said, “These antelope are so use to seeing the gas and oil field trucks they sometimes ignore them, watch this!” He circled around out of sight and we got out of the truck. Slowly we worked our way angling toward the buck’s slow line of travel cutting down the distance. Soon we were out of cover but since we wearing our Hecs (Human Energy Concealment) suits we decided to try and push our luck. As we continued we were in plain sight. The buck just looked at us, apparently feeling no threat, he went back to slowly feeding. We cut the distance down further until we were in bow range and I was able to slowly draw, settle my pin and drop him with an arrow. It was amazing! I had never seen anything like it. We basically angled toward the buck (all 3 of us) until we were in bow range. If you haven’t seen how the Hecs Technology works you owe it to yourself to check it out. (www.hecsllc.com)

The trip was a huge success and a great way to kickoff Outback Outdoors fall hunting season! For me it was extra special as this was the first big game animal with my Hoyt Carbon Element after my shoulder injury and surgery.

Check back we have more exciting hunts lined up as Dave Beronio spots and stalks bears in California, Jim Brennan tries to get back to the lower 48 states from a disastrous guiding experience in Alaska (he will have to fill you in on those details) and for Adam and I bowhunting Bugling bull elk is just around the corner!

Thanks

Trev

Outback Outdoors

Outback Outdoors Nikon Monarch Binos – Gear Giveaway Winner from Outback Outdoors on Vimeo.

Outback Outdoors Nikon Monarch Binos Gear Giveaway – Winner Announced!

The winner for the latest Outback Outdoors Gear Giveaway, a new pair of Nikon Monarch Binoculars is Joseph Petty from Virginia. Congratulations Joseph and thanks for watching Outback Outdoors, stay tuned for more exciting hunting gear giveaways along with exciting footage of the Outback Outdoor crew as we start the 2011 hunting season.

Trev

Outback Outdoors